Have a question?
Email your benefit questions to marketing@amtamassage.org! You might just see the answer to your question in our next blog post.
Helping build the AMTA Community! Refer a Friend–be rewarded.
After doing a little homework, we found that many of our new members join AMTA based on a friend’s recommendation. So, we decided to examine our referral program to make sure it was beneficial to our members. Hence our enhanced Refer a Friend program. The updated program is simple and super easy to use—with lots of ways to tell your friends why you love your AMTA membership. Once you spread the word and your friends join, you will receive a $20 gift card for each person that joins—no joke. We sat down with two of our favorites from AMTA’s member experience team (Adam & Ed) to find out all the particulars.
Q: So, any member that refers a new member to AMTA will receive a $20 gift card?
Adam: Yes, it really is that easy. Just spread the word, and we will reward you for doing so! We appreciate each referral we receive and look forward to welcoming each new member.
Q: In what ways does this program benefit the new Member?
Ed: Tons! Peace of mind knowing they are practicing with comprehensive insurance, plenty of optional insurance plan options, expert marketing and practice advice, networking, continuing education opportunities and much more. Check out our many benefits!
Q: Are you sure there aren’t any catches or strings attached—it seems too easy.
Adam: Try it out. Submit your friends’ names online and we can do the rest. Once a referral joins, you will receive your $20 gift card and your friend will receive an AMTA branded gift welcome gift—a win-win all around.
Q: What about members who have friends that are MT’s but aren’t sure where to start?
Ed: Let us help you! On the Refer a friend webpage we have added a tips and tools section where you can find some language to include in your talking points for emails, social media and more.
Want to get started? Simply fill out the form and we’ll take it from there! Thanks for referring your friends and helping us grow the AMTA community. www.amtamassage.org/referafriend
Still haven’t registered for Convention? You already know about the world-class education, expansive exhibit hall and a multitude of social and networking events. Now learn more from your local North Carolina AMTA friends! Take it from your host Chapter peer and AMTA Member Sara Toogood. She wants you to help us Elevate the profession in Raleigh in October! And here, she will tell you why!
“Hello fellow Massage Therapists!
When I was approached to write a blog about AMTA’s National Convention in Raleigh, I was slightly overwhelmed as to “where to begin??” If you have never been to Convention, it is a necessity. I hope my blog post will inspire you to travel to Raleigh this fall! I have been an AMTA member since 1989. Then, mid-career, I moved from one coast to the other. AMTA was my lifeline to successfully relocating. I wrote letters and AMTA responded. I had instantaneous friends and resources, which helped in opening and establishing my practice in North Carolina. Just to share some statistics about the research triangle; Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are the cities that make up this area of high tech, pharmaceutical R&D, communication networking, and software engineering companies. Raleigh has 9,477 acres of parks and greenways. There are endless activities in the area; walking hiking, biking, museums, gardens, but, in my opinion, the biggest draw will be on October 3rd-6th this year at AMTA’s National Convention–when a large number of massage therapists from across the country will be gathering in Raleigh.
The National Convention is all about the people! North Carolina (AMTA-NC) can hardly wait to greet you and exemplify our Southern Hospitality at the 2012 National Convention in Raleigh. We want to welcome EVERYONE to our great city! One of the great expectations of the AMTA National convention is the fabulous educational opportunities, which never fail.
Teachers, presenters, researchers, and vendors are all in attendance to share their latest information, knowledge and profession enhancing products.
Massage Therapists attending classes grow their own personal skills and encourage others, all while earning necessary CEs. In addition, Convention offers a ton of networking opportunities:
- Think of the National Convention as a CAMP: a Concentrated Area of Massage Practitioners” in which to meet mass numbers of Massage Therapists from around the country.
- There is a lot of “pin” exchanging. Each year AMTA gives attendees an AMTA convention lapel pin—people collect them from year to year. In addition, Chapters trade state pins. This is a great ice breaker in meeting people and learning from whence they reside and how they practice.
- As we know, in our business, word of mouth is the best advertising, so actually knowing a therapist from another state is the best referral for our clients that may be traveling or relocating.
- There is a First Timers luncheon for first-time Convention attendees where you will be welcomed and given the ‘ins and outs’ of convention and how to make the MOST of the weekend.
- STUDENTS: Friday is a day just for you; professional development, networking fun and more….register today!
In addition to all these great reasons, Convention is a ton of fun! Come meet me and the AMTA-NC Chapter, we are waiting for you! Be sure to stop by the Norht Carolina chapter’s welcome tables in the convention center to say hello. Also, make sure to add our Friday night Southern-style Barbeque Buffet at the Raleigh Convention Center to your registration. Now….what are you waiting for—Register today!
See you in Raleigh,
Sara
Summer Spotlight on YOUR AMTA benefits!
AMTA is taking this opportunity to highlight a few of our most supportive benefits! Read on to make sure you are taking advantage of all that AMTA has to offer …and hopefully answer any questions you may have in the meantime!
We chatted with Peter Brennan, AMTA’s Product Development Program Manager, to find out more about a few of our favorite benefits and share more about AMTA’s latest Membership offerings.
Q: Peter, which benefits do you think are the most overlooked yet extremely useful to AMTA members?
A: Well, I’m going to name three – Vistaprint, Square and AMTA Logo products.
Q: What is the value of each to AMTA members?
A: Vistaprint is a great way for members to customize print materials and while I know Vistaprint has daily specials, AMTA members can save up to 30%. Square is my favorite benefit. It allows members to easily process credits cards on an iPhone, iPad or Android device. The fee is a simple 2.75%, no contract, no monthly fees and the card reader is free. Now that we have a partnership with Massage Warehouse, I think members forget they can still order AMTA logo products such as the Power of Touch brochure series and AMTA logo gift certificates. Members can find all these great products by visiting the AMTA store on the AMTA website.
Q: How can members better access these benefits?
A: To receive your member discounts, please access these products and services through the AMTA website by logging in with your member id and password. If you’re a member and need assistance logging in to the AMTA website, please call our member experience team toll-free at 1.877.905.2700 and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Q: Recently we rolled out a bunch of new member benefits—any you want to highlight so members are aware?
A: Members have expressed a lot of interest in Massage Office Professional V2. It’s a client database created just for Massage Therapists. It retails for $399 but AMTA members can get it for $319. OR they can try a free 30-day trial if they just want to test it out.
Q: Are there any other recent benefits AMTA members should know about?
A: Yes, and we just rolled out LegalZoom and want to make members aware of the travel site Priceline.com.
LegalZoom is an easy-to-use online service that gives members access to legal services at an affordable price. For instance, members can incorporate, or name their business (DBA), with a one-time fee. Additionally, there is a legal plan service if members want to talk to a legal representative or anticipate having ongoing legal needs. AMTA members save 5% on LegalZoom’s core services.
We also want to make members aware of Priceline.com, an online savings travel service. Members can easily find discounts on hotels, airline tickets, rental cars and vacation packages. While members do not receive any further discounts, Priceline.com offers some of the deepest discounts online. For instance, members can “name their own price®” – by blindly bidding on brand name flights, hotels and cars to get deep discounts. Priceline.com guarantees the lowest hotel rates or they’ll refund the difference, 100%.
Great information Peter, thank you! I am sure our members are happy to hear of all the exciting developments to their AMTA benefits! Access your benefits now!
Bolster Your Practice with AMTA live online courses!
There has been a lot of good buzz about AMTA’s new live online course series Bolster Your Practice. We kicked off our first course in May with participants learning how to brand their way to success presented by Laura Allen (the archive is now accessible online!) and we are ready for our next course “Putting Your Best Digital Foot Forward” with Felicia Brown and Christopher Marx on June 20th. We sat down with Alyssa Jaksa, AMTA’s Market Research and Development Program Manager, to find out more about this exciting continuing education interactive series!
Q: What is the new “Bolster Your Practice” Continuing Education Series?
A: “Bolster” courses consist of live online sessions where instructors present the topic and answer your questions. Course materials and the exam are available through AMTA’s online course system immediately after the live session. A recording of the online course will be available one week after the live session. We close registration for the live session 24 hours before it takes place, so be sure to register early!
Q: How can Bolster courses help me with my practice?
A: Bolster courses offer practical and easy to apply takeaways that you can use to build, grow and manage your practice. The series is perfect for those new to the massage profession or anyone wanting to revitalize their massage practice.
Q: What do I need to access the live courses?
A: You’ll need a high speed internet connection and speakers plus a phone if you want to call into the session. We recommend using just your computer though- you’ll save yourself a long-distance phone call and a neck cramp! We use GoToWebinar for our online sessions. You should check to make sure your computer is compatible here before you purchase the course.
Q: Can I get CE credit from the video recording or do I have to participate in the live session?
A: You can get CE credit from the video recording! Each Bolster Course is worth 1 CE.
Q: Can I stop and start the video recording if I don’t have a full hour to complete it?
A: Absolutely! You can access the video recording at your convenience for up to a year after you purchase the course.
Q: Are there handouts for the course?
A: You’ll be able to download the powerpoint presentation through AMTA‘s online course system.
Q: How did you choose the Bolster topics and speakers?
A: We conducted extensive research with our members to determine what issues were the most current and pressing for their massage practices. We selected six relevant topics and offer them in this new format for CE credit. Five of our seven presenters are massage therapists and all have extensive experience in the topic they’re presenting.
Upcoming Bolster Your Practice courses include:
- Putting Your Best Digital Foot Forward: Felicia Brown and Christopher Marx: June 20
- Wait a Minute, Let Me Google You!: Christopher Marx: July 26
- Resolving Conflict in Your Massage Office: Nathan Nordstrom: August 23
- What’s the Big Deal? Daily Deals and Your Practice: Gregg Gonzales and Kevin Kelly: September 2012
- Planning for Tomorrow to Help You Today: Ruth Cox: October 2012
Thanks Alyssa! Learn more about this exciting AMTA series by visiting www.amtamassage.org/bolster or contact bolster@amtamassage.org with questions.
NEW AMTA Membership Benefits Update!
AMTA has been busy coming up with some great new affinity programs to help support your practice! We sat down to talk with Peter Brennan, program manager, product development and management, to learn about all the new products and services available to amta members!
Q: What are the new products members need to know about?
A: Intuit Small Business including QuickBooks, GoPayment and Payroll
TurboTax
Massage Office Professional V2
iContact
Q: For those who are not familiar, can you give us a quick description of each and how they can benefit a member’s business?
A: Intuit Small Business – Quickbooks, GoPayment, Payroll
Intuit has a variety of software programs to help massage therapists run their business. QuickBooks is the top rated small business accounting software. GoPayment allows you to process credit cards on your mobile phone and payroll allows you to easily pay your employees anywhere anytime. Learn more here: www.amtamassage.org/intuit
Intuit has everything you need to start and run a successful business, with products that save you time as you grow.
TurboTax
Turbotax is the top rated tax software programs. Members are eligible for FREE One-on-One consultations to insure they get their best tax return guaranteed. Learn more here: www.amtamassage.org/turbotax
Massage Office Professional V2
Massage Office Professional V2 is a client database software members can use to manage and grow their client list. Massage Office Professional V2 was created specifically for massage therapists by a massage therapist, so the features are intuitive and the program include tools such as SOAP notes, a scheduler and financial reporting. Learn more here: www.amtamassage.org/mop
iContact—Email and social media made easy
iContact allows AMTA members to easily create, send and track mass email communications to all their clients. It’s a great way for members to stay in touch and strengthen their relationship with their clients. There’s also social media integration that allows members to maximize their reach. Learn more here: www.amtamassage.org/icontact
Q: What are the important aspects to know about them individually?
A: Intuit Small Business
Members save 20% on QuickBooks Software Programs plus access to the free online edition. Members can get free card reader from GoPayment. GoPayments credit card processing fees are only 2.7% per swipe. AMTA members save 20% on Payroll software.
TurboTax
There’s a free federal edition and members receive free One-on-One tax advice.
iContact
AMTA members can try a free 30-day trial. The free trial includes support of 500 clients and all the features of the paid iContact service including iContact’s award winning phone support. There’s also a free edition which supports up to 100 clients but with limited templates and support. This is a good choice for members new to email marketing.
Q: How easy are they to use?
A: Easy. We know members are busy, so when we decide to offer an affinity program, we strive to offer the most professional programs that are also intuitive to all users.
Q: Do all members have access to each of the products?
A: All members have access to each and every one of these products. Simply sign in to the AMTA website with your member id and go to the discounted products section of the website. A reminder to members, to receive your AMTA member discount, you must access these programs through the weblinks on our site, not directly from the vendor’s website.
Q: Does GoPayment offer the same customized support that Square does? What is the difference between the two products?
A: GoPayment does not offer customized support to AMTA members at this time. GoPayment’s card swipe rate is 2.7% compared to 2.75% for Square.
Q: Anything else members need to know?
A: In conclusion, I just want to say that we are excited to offer AMTA members these new products and services. By offering these programs, we hope we can assist members to better build, grow and manage their businesses so they have more time to do massages and do laundry!
Student Focus—What AMTA is doing for you!
New Student & Graduate Member initiatives: An interview with Amanda Elston Mirus, Marketing Program Manager
This past September AMTA unveiled new membership opportunities for massage therapy students and recent graduates of massage therapy programs. As a result, AMTA has introduced several new student and graduate focused benefits and resources… including a student blog! Recently we sat down with Amanda Elston Mirus, one of our Marketing Program Managers, to find out more about all the wonderful new benefits for students and graduates!
Q: I am a current student member, what are the greatest resources available to me right now?
A: Definitely the new AMTA Anatomy Coloring Book! This customized book lets you learn the body’s anatomy in a fun and educational way. And you’ll be sure to reference the book throughout your massage career!
Also included with Student Membership is our online career guidance, mentoring program, Student Day at AMTA’s National Convention, AMTA e-publications, discounted supplies from Massage Warehouse, and of course, liability insurance for school-sponsored activities. Check out our website for a whole list of great student benefits!
Q: How about AMTA’s student blog—what’s it all about? Can I submit questions / articles to the blog?
A: We want students to be able to communicate freely with each other in an easy format, hence the student blog! We encourage you to ask questions, share stories or articles and connect with your peers across the country.
Q: How much does Student memberships cost?
A: Student Membership is only $45 and covers you while you are in school. Upon graduation, you will need to upgrade to Graduate Membership (only $89!*) to continue receiving AMTA benefits. *plus applicable chapter fee
Q: I would like to attend National Convention. What are my options as a student or graduate member?
A: AMTA offers Student Day at our annual National Convention. This year’s Student Day will be Friday, October 5th, 2012 in Raleigh, NC.
AMTA’s Student Day offers a full day of career building tips for students and graduates including:
• Preparing for the licensure exam • Building a resume that will get you noticed • Learning how to prepare for job interviews • Finding your perfect work place.
You’ll also be able to network with potential employers and professionals in the industry plus tour the largest exhibit marketplace in the profession. Check back for more Student Day information as it becomes available! www.amtamassage.org/2012convention
Q:How can I find out about massage therapy events and networking opportunities locally? There are several great options!
A: Your Local State Chapter
Q: I am about to graduate and enter the workforce. What tools does AMTA provide to help me find the right job after graduating?
A: AMTA supports recently graduated students with our new Graduate Membership category. This membership includes several tools to get your career started including a free website to customize and build your clientele, AMTA’s job bank, practice-building resources, and discounted supplies from Massage Warehouse. It offers additional career guidance tools including AMTA’s Career Success Series, online career guidance and our Career Path Assessment Quiz. In addition Graduate Members are covered with AMTA’s professional and general liability insurance pending qualification.
Both our Student and Graduate members are encouraged to get involved with our successful Mentoring Program to build connections with experienced AMTA members. A mentor can help guide you through massage school and get your career started on the right foot.
Questions about AMTA Student or Graduate Membership? Check out our website or contact us info@amtamassage.org 877.905.2700!
AMTA’s Mentoring Program–Mentor of the Year Award Recipient
Recently we sat down with Mentor of the Year Charlotte Phillips. Charlotte is a practicing LMT in Chicago and the receipient of our inaugural Mentor of the Year Award. She specializes in working with people who are recovering from surgery or injury as well as pregnant women. Certified in Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, she also uses myofascial release, breathing education and other techniques to address these populations. Charlotte was nominated by mentee Nancy Paul who writes, “Charlotte Phillips has modeled professionalism in and dedication to our profession in many ways. One of the ways is by being an excellent mentor!”
How long have you been practicing Massage Therapy?
Since June of 2005.
Why did you become a Massage Therapist?
In college I had a health scare that got me started thinking about health care. Everything about my experience seemed so fast and impersonal, I spent a lot of time trying to reconnect to myself physically and emotionally. By the time I finished college with a degree in Technical Theater, I knew I wanted to participate in helping people who were in health crises and be a personalizing part of the healing process. I looked into both massage schools and nutrition schools, but I wasn’t ready for another four years of school right after finishing my B.A. I decided to go to massage school first to get the anatomy and physiology background and then go on to nutrition, but instead I fell in love with massage.
When did you become an AMTA Member? Why was this important to you?
AMTA was recommended by a teacher at massage school, and I joined just after graduation. It is so important to me to be a member and a participant in my profession, and I value the liability insurance. Joining the AMTA made sense to begin my professional career.
Why did you sign up to participate in the mentoring program?
I realized that I have been so lucky to recruit mentors throughout my massage practice, people who have been patient with my many questions and unfailingly generous. I stayed in contact with many of my instructors at massage school and have gathered other mentors along the way from my advanced education and my experience on the exam committee for the FSMTB. I believe that there is something we can learn from everyone we meet if we choose to look at the interaction as a learning experience. I’m so grateful for the people I have met along the way! It seemed only fair to try to repay the experiences I have had by signing up to be available for other new therapists.
What have you learned most from participating in the amta mentoring program?
One of my favorite things about the massage profession is the variety of personalities, modalities, and benefits. I am realizing I can be much more helpful as a mentor as well as a therapist by honoring that variety with my communication and listening skills. I also appreciate that every time I meet with my mentee, I find myself clarifying my beliefs and goals about the massage profession.
What’s the most important piece of advice you think you can give MT’s starting out today?
Find a way to serve and honor each individual client while maintaining your boundaries. Focus on your responsibility to your clients’ safety and education, and communicate with them your passion for what you do. Keep learning, there’s an opportunity in every situation.
Sign up today to participate in AMTA’s Mentoring program! www.amtamassage.org/mentoring
