Thanks for sharing your insights.

I couldn't agree more. Especially in my business (also massage) I am shocked by how many MTs go on about everything from their athleticism, their shortcomings, even their pets. I often joke that I should advertise my SAT scores. I am in the middle of updating my website and describe what I do in terms of WHO I help (lawyers, moms, athletes, teachers, regular people) and then I avoid a laundry list of technical terms by describing how they benefit.

I then had my sister (a regular person) read over all the text. You always need a pair of consumer eyes looking at your site.

I recently spoke to the owner of one of my favorite sites. She is a florist and let her employee write everything because she realized that customers don't know technical floral terms (yeah, it was news to me too).

Lastly, I took a cue from another site that I admire by rearranging the navigation. If what I most want is for people to make appointments, I need for that action to be super easy and omni-available.

When this all gets done maybe I'll make you look at it...just kidding :D

I love your advice! I have been practicing this skill a lot this week. It is so important to be true to myself, and finding a way to ALSO be diplomatic has been a challenge. My main ally has been "the pause". I find that when I wait until the other person actually asks a specific question (and it can take a long and winding road time, let me tell you!) I have a much easier time addressing their needs. I am often hesitant to share too much information with strangers, and these techniques allow me (and all business people) the space and time to actually DECIDE what it is that we want or need to share.

My sister taught me this: Don't volunteer ANY information. Not because I have anything to hide, but oversharing just confuses both parties, and solves nothing.

Well put! Consumers are sophisticated these days. We are bombarded with assinine questions, and when we know that the person asking doesn't really care, and is "just doing my job", we have very little incentive to return our dollar vote to that company.

Consumers don't want gimmicks, they don't have time for a sales pitch. When someone calls my business line and asks to speak to the manager or owner, I just say no.

When I go for a service or purchase a product, I am not intersted in helping your company improve it's efficiency. I just want my product or service. If I LOVE it, I will voluntarily recommend it to friends.

I have never asked new clients how they found us on our intake form. I think it is tacky. If they return a second time, and I develop an actual rapport, I will find out in a natural way. That is the information I use to narrow my promotional techniques.

I read in a magazine when I was a child that before the invention of the electric bulb, the AVERAGE person (it may have been the average American) got 10 hours of sleep! I have always slept about this long when I have the luxury of sleeping 'till I wake naturally. People have tried to accuse me of being depressed because I sleep so long. I always tell them about the pre-bulb statistic.

I find that between 2-4pm each day I have trouble doing anything. So, I allow myself a little rest. My days often begin at 5am and end around 8 or 9, so I think it reasonable to take a break and lay down in the middle of the day.

I think sleep, rest, and rejuvenation in general are underrated in my culture. I can't speak for the rest of the world, but too many people here feel guilty for taking care of themselves.

I try to encourage people by reminding them that it is actually MORE efficient to take care of oneself.

I can't wait!

Thank you! Succinct and well put!

Here is an example of a ...promotion I've done:

At solaris massage last week we helped:

A lawyer run again An artist finish her project A cancer survivor feel centered again

I think giving concrete exapmles is a great idea. Especially in my industry, it is a big no no to overstate what you do. You're right, nobody wants to hear a laundry list of techniques.

I also find this illustration valuable, as it gives new clients a feel for what kind of environment my shop is. It is not JUST for sick people, or women or pampering folks.

I just think of some of my favorite clients, and essentially ask the universe for more like them!

Debbie Leonard, I think they call themseleves Thill & Leonard. That may be more direct and concrete than you were looking for.