Hello Everyone!

Brrrrr!  As I am typing this, a cool front has come in and, even though I am a warm weather girl, I am enjoying the change!  I love having the windows and doors open to breathe in the fresh air...even if it involves a goosebump or two!  I also welcome this time of year as a great time to shake things up alittle in my practice.  I try to keep a set of hot stones ready and warm in my treatment room to encourage last minute upgrades or free samples to anyone willing.  I love using the table warmer, hot packs, and offering tea or hot apple cider to clients when they come in to help chase the chill from our thin Southern blood!  What are you doing to celebrate the change? 

Last month we enjoyed our 3rd Annual Swap Meet -- and it was great!  The food -- fabulous!  The people -- wonderful!  The bodywork -- much needed!  We each received 5 mini treatments and then in turn gave 5 mini treatments.  I enjoyed experiencing the differences between each therapist!  Funny how you might imagine someone's treatment feeling a certain way...but once they touch you, it is completely different than you imagined!  People that I assumed might only do energy work did some very deep work, and vice versa.  Just goes to show that you can never judge a book by it's cover!  And don't get me started on the Mango Key Lime pie (thank you, thank you, thank you, Jack)!  I loved ALL of the food and I do believe I tried all of it!  I had a very happy belly! 

I am really looking forward to this month's presenter, Cary Bayer.  He is a business coach and he has found a wonderful niche with us massage therapists.  You have most likely read his articles in "Massage Message" as well as other publications.  He is funny and entertaining, and puts an unusual spin on things you may find intimidating or mundane.  I have personally used Cary's services several years ago and attribute my practice where it is today as a result of the path he put me on back then.  Where could your path lead you?  Come to the next meeting and get inspired! 

My time as President is coming closer and closer to an end.  Brian George will be a vibrant replacement, and meetings will continue to offer you pizza, soda, CEUs, and countless opportunities for Brian to dress up!  Our chapter is only as good as you want it to be.  The more volunteers we have, the better we get.  If you don't like the pizza, help get some members together to organize a Pot Luck every now and then.  Do you enjoy politics?  We really need a Legislative Chairperson!  How about chair massage events?  We need someone to step up and get involved to get that program off the ground.  We volunteer because we love this Association, and we love our profession and we want to see it thrive -- now more than ever!  But, we can't do it alone.  We need your help to make our chapter better and better.  It could be as simple as a greeter at the front door to welcome the members or as complex as starting and running a committee.  Our chapter is whatever you want it to be. 

Are you interested in working a shift or two at EFest on November 15th or 16th?  It is a great venue to market yourself and your practice, and at the same time promote licensure to the public and recruit new members.  Win-Win for everyone!  If you have not signed up yet, call me to get on the list at 941-726-2698. 

Make sure you stay posted for the upcoming 2008 Holiday Party -- last year was SO MUCH FUN!  If you did not make it last time, please consider it this year! 

Wishing you health and happiness,

Nicole