Doing Well by Doing Good
Posted:Wednesday, May 22, 2019
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Doing Well by Doing Good
Douglas Nelson, LMT, BCTMB, Massage Therapy Foundation President
A client was just seen for a massage therapy session at our practice and was checking out at the front desk. After taking payment, I handed him a certificate (see below) stating that proceeds from his session that day were donated to the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). I told him about the work that MTF does, in particular the community service grants which provide massage therapy to underserved populations.
He was a little surprised and took a moment to look at the certificate; a broad smile appeared on his face. “Wow, that’s really cool,” he exclaimed. “Thank you. I’m happy to support your business because I know how much you do for others. I knew that you gave a lot of donations for this community, but I didn’t know about the Massage Therapy Foundation or what it does on a national level. I’ll look it up online. Thank you again, this is really kind.”
There is so much richness in his response and on so many levels.
First, his donation will make a difference in the lives of many people whom he will never meet. He didn’t just pay my business a fee; he got to experience the deep satisfaction that comes from helping others without having to orchestrate it.
Second, it provides gratification for me as a business owner and massage therapist. Massage therapists are a giving and generous group of people who relish the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. I feel good knowing that donations to MTF help people in need and also support scientific research which moves the profession forward and enables therapists to provide quality care.
Third, it deepens my client’s relationship to my practice and makes it more likely that he will be not just a long-term customer but a true advocate for my small business. In a 2017 study of corporate social responsibility, 87% of respondents said they would support a company that supported issues they care about. It is important that clients know that by supporting my business they support the broader field as well.
The person randomly chosen to receive this certificate experiences the joy of philanthropy. Publicizing this program on our website, social media, and in monthly newsletters spreads awareness to clients that by supporting us they are doing good in the world. Doing good, by our donations to MTF, also helps my business do well. The clients benefit, the Foundation is better able to serve its mission, and my business prospers. Moreover, the better my clinic does financially, the more we can give to make an even greater difference.
Please consider the possibility of implementing this program in your practice. You will feel great about supporting the profession you love and your clients will respect your passion and commitment to service. Click below for a copy of the certificate. Together, we can make a difference in the world that needs what massage has to offer.
Download Client Certificate of Appreciation
View MTF’s Past Community Service Grants
Let us know if your clinic participates in this program and we will mail you a window cling and a table tent for your reception area. Contact Marla Gamze at mgamze@massagetherapyfoundation.org.