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Tumwater WA 98512

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Open a Massage School

How Valerie Smothers Fulfilled her Dream to Open a Massage School

7 April 2023
Shari Aldrich
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Categories: How do I open a massage school, Open a Massage School

Opening your own massage school is a daunting task. It takes time, money, planning, and a thorough understanding of the subject at hand. But anything worthwhile is worth the sacrifice. When I asked Valerie Smothers, LMT, why she decided to open a massage school, there was a heaviness about her answer – she wanted to give back to the profession that had given her so much and teach others to see massage therapy as a respectful profession. 

Open a Massage School

Val knew she wanted to open a massage school – but had no idea of where or how to start.  She came across Bodymechanics Institute and had a conversation on the phone with owner Shari Aldrich. That followed with an in person meeting at the 2019 AMTA National Convention. Val decided that having a team help her launch her school so she didn’t have to do it alone just made sense.

Bodymechanics Institute walked her through the process – from curriculum to licensure. Her onboarding included a visit to the Tumwater campus of Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage and seeing the school in action helped her visualize how she wanted her school to operate.

“I made sacrifices to make this dream happen. There is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that you put into starting a school. I was fortunate to start out with a great foundation and have since blossomed and made it my own.” 

When Valerie decided to take that leap of faith and open a massage school, there was only one other school in the area, and it did not live up to the standards that the massage therapy profession deserved. 

Valerie had been practicing as a massage therapist for 20 years before she decided to open her massage school at the age of 47. 

“I had been told my entire massage career that I should open a massage school. I really did have a love for teaching, so it just made sense.” 

Before Valerie took that leap, she started volunteering at the American Massage Therapy Association, so that she could gain more education about the massage profession. Valerie knew that if she was ever going to make it as a teacher and a massage school owner, she needed to surround herself with people who have a lot of experience and expertise in that area.

Being a part of the AMTA also helped Val understand how massage therapy is taught in other parts of the country, especially in the bigger cities. The more time Valerie spent with others in the massage profession, the more she was called to open a school in her hometown in rural Kentucky. 

“There are still problems with massage therapy having a bad reputation and not being looked at as a respectful profession. The downfall has always started with the schools because they are the foundation of the industry. If I wanted to ensure that the industry continues to produce excellent massage therapists, I had to do something about it.” 

Val’s lightbulb moment to open a massage school

Valerie had been ruminating over opening a massage school for a while now, but her lightbulb moment really happened when she was working on a client. While she was in her massage session, she asked herself “what if someone who was not properly educated wants to open up a massage school, because they see it as a profit-making machine rather than a respectful profession?” Valerie also noticed some red flags going on in the profession in her area. 

“When people in the industry would say that they give a great back rub, I knew something needed to change. How are we going to be respected as a health care professional if we do not use the same terminology as other health care professionals? When we speak the same language as doctors, physical therapist, nurses, and other healthcare professionals and stay current with the profession, we will be seen and given the respect we deserve as a profession worthy of the title. Saying that we give a great back rub is looking down on the profession.” 

Valerie also noticed that the schools in the area were not living up to the standards that should be set by the industry. That is why Valerie decided that she did not want to buy a school from someone but wanted to create her own from scratch.

“I am a one-man band; I teach all the classes and do all the marketing myself. I was 47 when I started the school in August 2019. I felt excitement, stress, anxiety, relief.”

Her school launched with two students in the day class and one student in the evening class, but Val brought ingenuity to the classroom and involved the community by creating her “Palpation Peeps” program. In March 2020 the pandemic started and she had to make some major pivots. Palpation Prep closed to in person education but she was able to continue with classes online.

16 weeks of zoom school ensued until they were able to resume normal classes. Curing the shut-down, Val and her students would meet in person on occasion to review the stuff missed while online. “It was a process, but we made it work.”

Val says: “I was proud of my accomplishments but stressed about all the time and money I had put into it. However, I did not want to give up. It is my goal to have excellent, well-educated massage therapists in every community. They need to be accessible to people when they need them. I want my school to become the hub of the community; a place where people in the industry can come to take CE classes and learn and grow as a profession.”

Three years later, Valerie has expanded her class size and has students interested in becoming teachers. 

Shari Aldrich says this “Val is incredibly determined and resourceful as a massage school owner. During the pandemic, Val and her students joined with Bodymechanics School on a couple of occasions on Zoom for ethics classes to take part in a larger discussion. I’ve seen her attend several national conventions – she’s always interested in growing and learning, which makes her the ideal leader.”

We are beyond proud of Val and what she is building in Kentucky!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can open a massage school, just reach out and we can discuss our full program. Call 360-350-0015 for more information, or click here to read more.

By Melissa Robbins, LMT

Your Massage School – Gateway To Your Bigger Future

25 November 2019
Shari Aldrich
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Categories: Franchise massage school, How do I open a massage school, Open a Massage School

Every week, I talk to numerous massage therapists who dream of opening a massage school. They want to step up and make a change in their community, but are afraid to take the steps necessary to make it happen. If your dream is to open your massage school – a gateway to your bigger future, read on.

I’ve talked with hundreds of massage therapists and chiropractors over the years, who dream of opening their own massage school. Many talk about a burning desire to open their school; to help their community by educating top massage therapists. Yet, they don’t do it…

Many stop short of reaching for their dreams. They stop for a number of reasons: financial, capabilities, confidence, imposter syndrome, lack of clarity, lack of a plan, fear of failure and fear of success. I’m sure there are more reasons…

But what if there was a way to overcome this and open your massage school and create the gateway to your bigger future?

How to Open a Massage School

Somewhere, someone is waiting for you to be their hero. Seriously, someone is waiting. They’ve researched schools in their area – and maybe they are too far away, have a poor reputation, are too expensive, etc.

They themselves let their dreams die.

Think about it – if you opened a massage school, you’d be their hero because your school would enable them to reach their dreams.
Not all heroes wear capes. You might not think of yourself as a hero, but every time you help someone (by opening your massage school), you’re benefitting people and making their lives better in some way. You’re enabling them to reach their dreams.

Ask yourself: “Who do you want to be a hero to?”

Right now, in your city, county and state, someone is waiting for you to be their hero by opening your massage school.

The “how to open a massage school” begins with you committing to do it – to open your massage school and create your bigger future. From there, it’s creating the roadmap to where you want to go.

Where you want to go starts with thinking about who you want to be a hero to – students, community, family, clients and so on.
From there, there’s a lot of things to consider:

  • Research your state regulations
  • Begin your state application process
  • Create standard operating procedures
  • Create policies and procedures
  • Create your curriculum
  • Research equipment, books, training instructors, branding and marketing
  • Create all school forms, marketing material, and so on
  • Submit application to your state
  • Complete any deficiencies to application
  • Do it all while managing your life / work balance

What is the Bodymechanics System?

That list above is intimidating. It should be. Owning and operating a vocational school is a BIG DEAL. That’s why we created the Bodymechanics business-in-a-box system – to help cut the time drastically to opening a massage school. Our goal is to guide and support others through the process and help them grow their capabilities as a massage school owner.

We look at this from 5 pillars:

  • Confidence – gained while helping others begin their journey as a massage therapist.
  • Growth – gained while understanding the steps necessary for you to step into your dreams and making them a reality
  • Success – their career success is your career success
  • Clarity – gained from knowing that you are enabling other people’s improvement and growth.
  • Achievement – gained through community support by referring students to your school, receiving compliments on the quality of your program and realizing you’ve reached the gateway to your bigger future.

You’re not alone

Your Massage School
Your massage school awaits – imagine helping students learn and help your community.

Our business-in-a-box system is designed to help you launch your massage school with a team, not by yourself. Most are unsure of HOW TO START to open their massage school. We’ve done it now multiple times, and have a system to help and train you so that you’re not alone.

Working on this dream for 1 year, 5 years, or even 10 years is too long. And the people in your community won’t reach their dreams either. Being a hero is going to require you take a leap and just get started. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone.

Next steps?
Let’s talk and see how we can help you be someone’s hero by creating more excitement, growth opportunities, creativity, and motivation.

You can also check out our school at www.bodymechanics-school.com. Owned at operated by Shari Aldrich, LMT since 2010

Requirements to Open a Massage School

13 November 2019
Shari Aldrich
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Categories: Open a Massage School

Understanding the requirements to open a massage school can be difficult to figure out. I speak with massage therapists weekly who are frustrated with navigating their state licensing boards to figure out all of the requirements to open a massage school.

I think it’s exciting that there are so many massage therapists who are interested in opening a massage school! The way I look at it is that in the years between 2011 and today, hundreds of massage schools have closed – yet still hundreds of massage therapists have reached out in the last year asking for information on how to open a massage school.

We are definitely a profession filled with passionate people who care about improving the quality of massage education!

Anti Franchise Massage School
AMTA National Convention 2019 – Indianapolis

In 2019, my team attended the AMTA National Convention in Indianapolis where we had over 60 people sign up for information on how to open a massage school using our done-for-you system. That is encouraging.

** UPDATE ***

COVID-19 has created a greater burden to the massage industry. Massage schools closed around the country. Those that stayed open saw decreased admissions for several years. This slow-down created an increase in demand for massage therapists in nearly every city in the US.

Quite frankly, we cannot currently keep up with the demand for massage therapists.

Perhaps you have felt the pinch yourself. From franchise owners to small clinics, the demand is there from clients seeking massage yet there aren’t enough LMTs to keep up with the demand. I am talking to LMTs daily who realize their city needs a massage school.

I can certainly understand! After I graduated from massage school in 2006, I began traveling the country helping teach CE classes. I saw firsthand the lack of knowledge by LMTs around pathologies, and how to treat conditions that we commonly face as a massage therapist – such as whiplash and shoulder pain and dysfunction.
These are conditions I learned to treat while still a student in school!

What I saw around the country is precisely why I bought my massage school in 2010 and why I am committed today to help solve this problem by helping passionate massage therapists open their own massage school.

Challenges to opening a massage school

There are challenges to opening a massage school that may stop many therapists from moving forward on their dreams.

  • Financial
  • Obtaining state approval
  • Curriculum
  • Hiring / training instructors
  • Finding a school location
  • Recruiting students
  • Building the schedule
  • Doing it all while working

For many massage therapists, these challenges are enough to have them set their goals aside for years – silently dreaming of opening their own massage school.

I spoke with a massage therapist in Mississippi recently who has dreamt of opening a massage school for more than 10 years! That’s a long time to hold on to a dream…. Her challenges included many of the bullet points above.

Franchise massage school

We are NOT a franchise massage school. In fact, I call us the “anti-franchise massage school.” Many of my entrepreneur friends and mentors have pressured me to create a franchise massage school – but I am 100% against a franchise program.

Primarily, my goal is to HELP massage therapists reach their goals with their own school, that we help them open and then step back into a mentorship role. (See more of my story here –> http://bit.ly/ShariAldrich)

The problem I see with the franchise school model is that it doesn’t allow the owner the flexibility to create a program that they feel is needed in their area. Franchisees are required to “follow the program.” And that is precisely the problem with many massage programs in the US that were designed with a corporate feel and mass producing mediocre massage therapists.

The Bodymechanics System will help with requirements to open a massage school

The Bodymechanics business-in-a-box system is designed to help massage therapists build their program – with a jump start using our system. We start with a base 700-hour program that incorporates the requirements of each state licensing programs. We train owners how to operate their school (see more here), and then over time, owners feel confident to begin tweaking the program as they see fit.

This is NOT a one-size fits all approach.

Take Valerie Smothers, LMT as an example. Val lives in Benton, Kentucky where there is another massage school in her community. Over the years, Val has felt a need to have another school to give her community options. She has also felt that her school would be based on a medical approach to massage, where the other school does not.

This fills a need in her community to meet the needs of interested students.

Val used the Bodymechanics system to do/help with the following:

  • complete the application to the 2 state organizations in Kentucky
  • build school documents (operating manuals, catalogs)
  • recruit students
  • design her school
  • implement school curriculum and schedule
  • purchase school equipment
  • hire and train staff
  • design school marketing material
  • and more

Now that she has opened her doors, our relationship has changed to mentoring. We have weekly check in phone calls. We spent a day together at the AMTA National Convention masterminding growth strategies for her school.

How to afford a massage school

There are certainly expenses to cover when you choose to open a massage school – and it’s not cheap. Yet the rewards are worth every penny spent when you realize the value you are bringing to your community with each class you graduate.

There is a lot to consider financially with opening a massage school, such as purchasing massage equipment; office equipment and supplies; leasing a space; hiring and training staff; state fees; and so on.

The intangible expense is going to come with lost time and earnings while you do everything on your own – creating the curriculum, applying to the state, developing school collateral (such as catalogs, contracts, employee handbook and so on) – all while navigating state requirements.

Our program is designed to ease the burden, and cut the process time exponentially. It’s done for you – and we manage the process which allows you to focus on YOU.

Our fees are all inclusive – and we walk you through the process and mentor you using our 12+ years of experience as owning a massage school.

If you are interested in more information on the requirements to open a massage school, let’s hop on a zoom. My mission is to help you launch your school and I am committed to your goals. Call 360-350-0015 to schedule your zoom call.

Shari Aldrich, LMT
Bodymechanics Institute

WANTED: Dedicated Massage School Owners

30 October 2019
Shari Aldrich
No comments
Categories: Open a Massage School

We are looking for dedicated massage school owners who are ready to bring excellence back to massage school education by opening a massage school.

Last week, my team was at the AMTA National Convention in Indianapolis and we met with countless massage therapists who all had the SAME concerns: the quality of education for massage therapists has slipped over the years and their city is in desperate need of a quality massage school. The need is so high that we are putting out the call to find dedicated massage school owners who are ready to get started and improve the quality of massage education in their city.

In fact, there were so many concerns that we were approached my twice as many people as the convention last year in Washington DC.

Our done-for-you massage school system makes opening a massage school easy. Nearly everything is completely done for those who move forward, and it’s provided by a massage therapist with 10 years of experience owning not just 1 but 2 massage school campuses.

I’ve been a massage therapist since 2006, graduating from Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage in Olympia Washington.

I didn’t know it at the time, but Washington State is considered a leader in the massage industry. What I did know was that I needed to make a change in my life, that I never wanted another boss and I needed a salary that would allow my family to continue living at the level we were accustomed to…
I trusted Bodymechanics School to provide me with the tools I needed to meet my goals.

I’ve experienced a lot of difficulties over the years, and making a change to massage therapy was the BEST thing I could have ever done. I graduated in 2006 and bought Bodymechanics School in 2010 when the owner closed the school due to the economy.

Today, students enrolled in massage schools have been let down on the same promise for excellence I received in 2006. They feel unprepared for the demands of the career and dissatisfaction with the profession has grown.

It’s time to change the system. My done-for-you program is designed to help LMTs succeed as massage school owners and raise the quality of education.

Shari Aldrich, LMT –
President Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage

Shari has experienced moments where she HAD to push through some very hard stuff and grow personally and professionally.

This program was created by a massage therapist, for massage therapists to help them open their own massage school to bring excellence back to massage education.

Demand for high-quality massage therapists has never been higher in this country. Massage school owners have an opportunity to be part of one of the fastest growing professions, year after year, in the US. As the need grows, the demand for qualified massage therapists will continue to grow. At Bodymechanics Institute, we recognize this important need – and we’ve developed a done-for-you system that will help you quickly open your own massage school using a tried and true program offering full support through the process with our team of experts.

This is NOT a franchise

In fact, I call it the “anti-franchise” program. It’s a program for you to utilize that will help you quickly start your own massage school. Why is this important? The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the growing need for massage therapists:

Bureau of Labor Statistics says:
Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to new opportunities for school ownership.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Massage Therapist

Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in the number of massage schools over the past decade.  Many small, proprietary schools closed during the recession in the US between 2008-2011 unable to finance student tuition payments.  Larger for-profit schools swooped in and began offering financial aid programs, further contributing to the smaller school closures who couldn’t offer the same programs due to high cost.  

Most massage therapists know the challenges that the large for-profit schools brought to the massage industry.  

Relationships were built with the larger massage chains due to the demands of the federal financial aid programs that demanded schools show job placement.  This scenario created a massage school mill, graduating therapists who were not well prepared for the demands of the career.  Further complicating the problem was the promise of salary earnings fell short.  LMTs were working many hours and not earning a livable wage.

Dissatisfaction over the past few years has grown.

This model has further proven to be a challenge as the larger, for-profit schools has largely fallen on the promise to graduate therapists who could pass national certification exams and who then defaulted on student loans.  Today, we are witnessing the Department of Education closing several of the large, for-profit schools for these reasons.

But…. there has been a positive outcome in that the public is asking (demanding) massage therapy to be included in their healthcare.  They are beginning to understand the benefits.

According to the AMTA, approximately 18% of the US population has discussed massage therapy with their physicians, and of those nearly 60% were referred out to a massage therapist.  

This has led to the perfect scenario for YOU to share your passion for massage by opening your massage school.  A decrease in the number of massage schools, large for-profit schools folding and an increasing amount of the US population asking their healthcare provider for massage therapy.  
Frankly put, we cannot keep up with demand.

WANTED: Dedicated Massage School Owners

We want to work with dedicated massage therapists who are ready to fill a need in their community by opening a massage school.

Is this you?

Let’s hop on a call and discuss options and see if our program is a good fit for you. Simply fill out this form and include your phone number to get started.

    Shari Aldrich, LMT
    President
    Bodymechanics
    360-350-0015

    Open a Massage School with Confidence

    14 October 2019
    Shari Aldrich
    No comments
    Categories: Open a Massage School

    I talk to people every day who express an interest in opening their own massage school – but they are held back by fear. Their reasons for wanting their own massage school are many: passion for teaching; their city needs a new/better massage school; they are ready for the next career progression; they need a better retirement plan and so on. All good reasons. I want to help dispel the fear – and help you open a massage school with confidence.

    When I came up with the idea to help massage therapists open their own massage school, I knew it was a great idea. However, I was also led by fear and let others opinions of me and my program sway my thinking and I held off on launching a great program.

    Overcoming Fear of Failure

    Over the years, I’ve been able to let go of the fear which I now understood to be Imposter Syndrome –> I wasn’t good enough and my program wasn’t worthy. Oh boy, those thoughts can just stop you in your tracks!

    After I healed from my traumatic finger amputation which virtually ended my massage career, I knew my plan WAS worthy and that I did have a pathway to helping massage therapists open their own massage school.

    So what changed?

    Simply put, ME.

    Over the years, I’ve participated in many high level mastermind groups. I’ve surrounded myself with top level entrepreneurs and I’ve learned from the best. As I shared my plans, I realized that what I am offering IS worthy and that I am not an imposter. I am creating an army of people who can help 1 million people get out of pain – and I’m doing this through many programs I’ve developed over the years.

    Gene and Roy from California. Our first massage massage school owners helped during their on-site training in Olympia WA.

    California, Kentucky and Washington States on board

    I’ve since signed on massage school owners in California, Kentucky and Washington State. It’s exciting to help them launch their dream massage school to help people in their communities learn massage therapy. We were able to help them open a massage school with confidence.

    Our done-for-you program includes EVERYTHING needed to open a massage school. We complete the application to your state, we provide curriculum (lecture notes, power points, lesson plans, quizzes and exams), we create policies and procedures based on your state requirements, we help create Standard Operating Procedures for your school.

    The best part is that this is NOT A FRANCHISE. Not even close. It’s also NOT a license program. It’s a business-in-a-box program that after you are up and running and feel comfortable, we back away and let you run your school as you see fit. AND we are there for you as a resource as you need over the years. We’ve been at this school ownership thing for 10 years now, and have great tips and advice for a wide variety of situations that arise from owning a school.

    You are never alone.

    As I considered the fear factor, I came up with the following thoughts:

    ON TAKING THE LEAP (CHANCE)

    There are 2 scenarios – where do you fall?

    1) Watching the altimeter as you leap with FEAR clogging the brain

    2) Free falling, enjoying the thrill of the ride and the beauty on the horizon.

    Here’s the thing, the more leaps we take, we become conditioned the the risk and our tolerance increases. We become accustomed to the uncomfortable feelings.

    When you decide to Take the Leap – even though you are afraid, think back to a time in your life when you had a victory and tap into the emotions you felt when you succeeded.

    Small successes flame the fire for future inspiration and help you push through the pain and misery all the way to SUCCESS.

    If you’ve considered owning your own massage school, there has NEVER been a better time. The conditions are ripe and your community needs you.

    All of these have created an certain need for more quality massage therapists who graduate from passionate school owners. The demand is there – it’s up to us to share the need and the career possibilities with our students.

    Bodymechanics Institute launched to fill a need in the market

    When I launched Bodymechanics Institute, I wanted to be clear that this is NOT A FRANCHISE or License Model. Primarily, I want LMTs to know that I want to help them open their school, get comfortable running their own school and then we step back and become a mentor as needed.

    Our done-for-you model helps you do the hard part of opening your own massage school so you can focus on what’s important to you – your professional practice and your family.

    If you want more information, send me a message or call 360.350.0015. I can’t wait to help you!

    Committed to your success-

    Shari Aldrich, LMT

    Anti-Franchise Massage School

    28 November 2017
    Shari Aldrich
    No comments
    Categories: Open a Massage School, Uncategorized

    Bodymechanics Institute is the Anti-Franchise Massage School.

    What does Anti-Franchise Massage School mean exactly?

    During the American Massage Therapy Association convention in California in September, 2017 our booth hadAnti Franchise Massage School a huge display saying “Anti Franchise.”  It was interesting to see the reaction of some people who either loved it or hated it.  At the very least, saying “Anti Franchise” opened the door for conversation.

    One gentleman thought I was against all franchise businesses.  He owned a Massage Envy.  He wouldn’t stop and talk with me at all.

    Several people stopped and saw the message and said “now you have to tell me more” because they didn’t like franchise massage businesses.

    My motive for saying Anti Franchise Massage School was not to antagonize franchise businesses.  Quite the opposite.  It is truly born out of a desire to sell a product that is NOT franchise based.  That’s it.

    I am not selling a franchise business.

    As the convention continued over three days, people who walked by the booth earlier heard the message and finally stopped to ask questions about what our booth was about and what we were proposing.  Finally, a door was cracked and our message began to get out to participants.

    The large franchise schools have taken over most markets in the United States.  They are mass producing an ill-prepared massage therapist who struggles to pass the MBLEX, and who (if they are able to pass the exam) is encouraged to work for the large franchise chains.  Again, I have nothing against the franchise model.

    I look more at the franchise school model and at how they are failing those who have a strong desire to help people.  Large class sizes make it difficult for most students to learn.  Teacher to student ratio is not optimum for garnering skills necessary to excel in massage therapy.  Business classes that barely cover the basics of running a successful massage therapy practice leaves graduates with little choice but to seek employment where they can.

    My desire to develop a massage school program was born out of a wish to change the status quo.  You see, I love massage therapy and I love helping people feel better.  When Massage therapist hand injuryI suffered a traumatic finger amputation in 2013 it forced me to change how I worked.  I already owned a very successful massage therapy school in Olympia, WA.  At the time, I was focused on the school and my successful private practice.  I was massaging between 25-30 clients each week, while running the school.

    After the injury, I was forced to change my focus.  I decided to help more people learn massage (so that more people can be helped) by creating a program that would help massage therapists around the country open their own massage school.

    So, that’s just what I did.  I created a program that walks people just like you (if you’re reading this far, you are interested) open their own massage school.  I offer the curriculum, the policies and procedures, the manuals, the lecture notes, handouts, and general operating procedures to you.  Then I walk you through the process to get your school approved in your state.

    After it is approved, I’m there for you as a mentor.  Here to help you when you need it.  After all, my 10+ years experience as a school owner with 2 school campuses will help guide you.  I’ll share what has worked and what hasn’t as I’ve built a very successful massage school program.

    And because it is an Anti-Franchise Massage School, after the initial investment is paid, you keep your money, you operate your school as you see fit, and you decide everything – colors, logo, equipment, and school layout.

    Read on to see what we can do to help guide you…

    Our Unique School Opportunity Helps You Get Started

    Massage therapy is a service based industry so it’s important to us that our school owners get the support they need as they open their massage school.

    Bodymechanics Institute will guide you through the process of getting approved in your State to provide massage therapy education.  The curriculum is flexible and as such we can develop a program to meet your State needs – whether it is 700 hours up to 1000 hours.

    We offer done-for-you curriculum. This includes lecture notes, power point presentations, student handouts, quizzes and exams that you can use to educate students attending your school.  We offer customizable student handbooks, course catalog, operations manual and policies and procedures.

    Rest easy knowing that your school will be set up with students success in mind.

    With Bodymechanics Institute offering a complete package of services, you now have the ability of getting started in a quick and cost effective way.  Your due diligence on the offering will support this claim.

    Massage school owners have several common passions: massage, being their own boss, desire to help others realize their goals for massage therapy and helping others to feel better.

    The Bodymechanics Institute offers a system to help you attain all you want from your business and to help you live the life you’ve dreamed about. This opportunity is available for anyone from the first-time entrepreneur looking for a great opportunity to the experienced massage therapist. Our system will empower you to own and operate your own school and be part of the next generation massage therapists’ success. 

    We believe with a basic owner operated facility, you can realize a substantial yearly profit, but live a life style that is rich in community spirit and life changing .  Of course this all depends on YOU!
    Our old saying: “He who does, gets” will apply here.
    Hard work pays off.  This is not a get rich quick scheme.
    You should be willing to put in the effort to reap the rewards.

    If you are interested in more information, simply fill in the form below and let’s talk!
    I’m honored to help you get started.

      Speed to Success

      13 September 2017
      Shari Aldrich
      No comments
      Categories: Latest, Open a Massage School

      Speed to Success

      One of my life rules is “Speed of Implementation.” 

      I first heard this term a few years ago from a mentor, and it has stuck with me ever since.  In fact, Speed of Implementation has led to some of my biggest business wins.

      To me, speed of implementation says “get Version 1.0 done and then work to fix that version and release 2.0 when it’s ready.”  Unfortunately, I’ve known many people over the years that have an idea or concept they want to develop but who get caught up in making it perfect.  They work on the idea as time allows, but never seem to finish and bring it to fruition.

      The first time I heard “perfection” was the reason for not finishing a special project that has the potential to earning someone thousands of dollars over the years, the coach said it this way:

      There are 2 Business Commandments

      1. If you have a dream, just do it. Get Version 1.0 done and launch it.  It’s scary – putting yourself out there, and sharing your dreams with the world.  But if you know of a better way to do something, or a widget you want to create, just do it.  When you have the idea and you don’t act on it, someone else might have the same idea and be first to market and you will spend your life wishing you had acted first.
      2. If in doubt, refer to the 1st

      I’ve never operated from a place of fear.  I’ve always been what I would call an “action taker.”  From jumping into Information Speed to Success with Shari AldrichTechnology (with no training) to buying my massage school when the founder closed it in 2009 during a recession.  I’m never at a shortage for ideas, and I tend to act on them fairly quickly.

      The truth is, perfection is unattainable and therefore most people don’t reach for their dream.  Perfection is a pipe dream.  As you learn more and grow, you will always be reaching for perfection – it will always be in the distance and will always be unattainable.

      As I thought about what I’m offering with our done-for-you massage school product that will help you open your own massage school, speed to success came to mind.  The Bodymechanics Institute system will quickly help those interested in opening their own massage school a system to quickly launch using the Speed of Implementation model and realize success much faster than someone waiting to make their system perfect.

      My most recent school that I opened was in Vancouver, WA – a community rocked by the closing of one of the larger national franchise schools that was closed by the Department of Education.  When I learned of the school closing, I ready to launch my program quickly – 100 miles south of my main school campus.  So, I know a little bit about getting a new project going = quickly and efficiently.

      3 months passed from the first information meeting, to opening day for the school.  In the three months I hired and trained staff, located the school campus, negotiated the lease, marketed to and interviewed students and I also took 2 international business trips and 1 in-state business trip.

      My goal was to be first in the market in Vancouver – before other schools decided to open so that I built a reputation quickly as a great school.

      We reached our goals for the first year with 2 morning and 2 evening classes starting bringing in over 30 students.

      Put another way, the recent launch in Vancouver brought an additional $222,000 in revenue to the school.

      So, how did I get my Speed to Success?

       It started for me with a dream to own more than one massage school.  I had been thinking of moving in a different direction, but when I heard of the opportunity in Vancouver I knew I had to act quickly.

      My Speed to Success Plan

      • Right team in place
      • Solid plan to launch
      • Strong marketing plan that didn’t break the bank
      • Structured curriculum that set students and the school up for success

      Right Team in Place

      Immediately, I began searching for the right mix of people and hired quality instructors.  I knew 2 local massage therapists already who helped recommend the other core instructors.  1 of the instructors previously taught at my main campus and another instructor went to the school 8 years prior (under previous ownership) – so there was some base knowledge about the program in place.    The other instructors were educated on school philosophy, lesson plans and lecture notes and school policy quickly.

      Solid Plan to Launch

      From the first meeting in December, I knew I wanted to be first in the market (get Version 1.0 done…)  I actually made the decision to launch in January, 2016.  I researched potential school locations on Craig’s List.  I also had 1 of my instructors who knew the area better than I did give me ideas on where it would be best to have the school.

      I found the space, and in early February, my realtor and I made the 100-mile trip to Vancouver and met with the landlord.  I loved the space immediately and knew it was the perfect fit for a massage school.  Centrally located to the major freeways in the area and a large, wide-open professional building.
      We negotiated and came up with the plan that would be mutually beneficial.

      The landlord allowed us to use the space earlier than the lease so that we could hold information sessions to prospective students and tell the community about our program.  Since they didn’t know about Bodymechanics School, I had to talk about our philosophy and our successful program.  They needed to hear from me – so I spent a lot of time in the community over the first few months getting the word out.

      We officially took the space on March 1, and opened our first class on March 22, 2016 with 5 students.  This was impressive for the fact that I wasn’t known in the community as a massage therapist, and my school was unknown as well.

      In July of the same year, we launched our first evening class with 10 students and we continue to grow at a fast rate.  (** The second campus is growing at a faster rate than my first school.)

      Strong marketing plan that didn’t break the bank

      The main marketing plan used was Facebook.  I did several targeted ads to the Vancouver area with a 100-mile radius and began generating interest in the program.  I spent $200 on advertising as I was on a budget from the startup expenses that included the lease, equipment, supplies, and so on.  $200 generated over $50,000 in income immediately.

      Beyond that, we held information sessions and invited the community – including massage therapists.

      I built an e-mail autoresponder series so anyone who asked for information received it quickly and then they called in with further questions.

      We answered all calls for information.
      We invited the local community to learn about us through different community events.
      We encouraged social media sharing from the students to engage a larger audience.
      We exceeded expectations with our program and the quality massages our graduates offer.

      Structured curriculum that set students and the school up for success

      Our program is designed as a layered curriculum where each class builds off the information learned the day before.  We look at our curriculum further than the state requires, but more towards student success.  This logical approach makes teaching easier and comprehension from students increased.

      Students will be massaging twice a week, APP once a week, Kinesiology once a week and business classes peppered throughout the program so that they can begin planning for their future on the first day of school.

      I had an RN graduate from my program and her words were “I was able to think of my business in nursing terms and “discharge plan” my business from day 1.”

      Successful students share their love for the program with their friends, family and social media network which helps grow the reputation of the program exponentially.

       

      Speed to Success is our goal with every school we are able to help open.  Using a formula that has been proven successful, we can facilitate the growth for those who are passionate about opening their own massage school.

      My goal is to help as many as I can open their own massage school quickly.  If you enjoy teaching others to love massage as much as I do, then I can’t wait to help you open your own school.

      Let’s talk soon

      Shari Aldrich, LMT
      President

      Open a Massage School

      10 August 2017
      Mike Whitlatch
      No comments
      Categories: Latest, Open a Massage School

      Open a Massage School

      If you’ve ever asked yourself “how do I open my own massage school?” this is for you. Running your own massage school might sound too good to be true but I’m going to show you how you can see less clients, work less hours, but earn more –a whole lot more.

      There are many reasons for massage therapists or chiropractors to want to open a massage school.
      Some reasons may include:

      • Working too many hours, feeling burned out
      • Earning a less than desired income
      • Injury that is affecting your career
      • You don’t have a retirement plan
      • You want to teach and share your passion for massage
      • You want to help others find their passion
      • Considering a hands-on approach to retirement
      • Looking for financial freedom & success
      • You want to be the boss
      • Looking for a good return on investment
      • Looking for the next career move

      Ready to leave the office and enjoy life.

      Being a massage therapist or chiropractor is tough. Keeping your office full of clients is hard work! Add in the elements of your practice – such as billing insurances, scheduling conflicts, staffing problems, follow-up with insurance companies, phone calls to return, marketing – the list goes on and on.Managing your private practice presents all kinds of challenges – and if you’re injured, stressed, broke or bored with your current situation – you might be at the end of your rope. Or, perhaps you’re an employee not getting a say in the number of hours you work, the clients scheduled with you, competitive co-workers, low paying jobs, or you’re ready to move on to the next level.

      There’s got to be a better way.

      If you’re reading this, you’ve considered how to open your own massage school.  I’m excited to tell you about the Bodymechanics Institute and how we can help you, but before I explain the system, allow me to introduce myself first.

      My name is Shari Aldrich and I’m a massage therapist and owner of two massage schools in Western Washington, as well as owner of a Personal Trainer school.

      I’m a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and a Board Member for the Visiting Nurse Foundation which is a charity that helps hospice patients.  I graduated from massage school in 2006.

      I opened my own private practice right away and knew two things about what my future goals were:
      – I didn’t want to work for anyone ever again, and
      – Earn as much money as I did in my former career as an IT  Director.

      I was hired on as an Assistant Instructor from the massage school I graduated from, Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy & Massage about 3 months after graduation.

      I started massaging as many clients as I could – often working on current students in the school and their family members. Fast forward a few years. I was now a lead instructor at the school and traveling around the country with the owner of the school and had a successful massage practice that met my requirements (earning more money that I did as an IT Director, and I was my own boss.)

      In 2009, the economy was deep in recession. The school owner decided to close the school as students were unable to get loans for tuition. As soon as he made that decision, I started asking what I could do to keep the school open. I loved teaching.

      I also knew one very important element.
      Bodymechanics graduates could stand up to seasoned massage professionals right out of school. The curriculum was good and the proof was in graduate success. I took over management of the school 6 months after he closed it and became the official owner in July, 2010.

      I started out much smaller than the previous owner. Since the school was officially closed, I had to work very hard to gain recognition again. I worked hard in those early days – figuring out systems to get the word out about the school, negotiating a cash based tuition system all while maintaining my private massage practice and teaching at the school.

      When I purchased the school, I gained 4 things:
      1. Curriculum
      2. Website
      3. Phone number
      4. State trust fund fee had already been paid (a 10 year process in Washington State)

      The rest I had to figure out on my own.

      Things like marketing the school, updating the website, hiring and training staff, managing the school, managing students, tweaking the curriculum that didn’t match the direction I wanted the school to go, outdated curriculum, new testing system nationally, and so much more.

      I also had a commitment to pay off the purchase price of the school within 24 months and this amounted to what people pay to buy a house and take 30 years to pay!
      Just a little pressure to do it all.
      My first class had 6 students. The next class 7. Then we hit 9 students. It was exhilarating. I was offering a 600-hour program in 8 months for $9571 tuition.

      Paying the purchase price came out of tuition so it really became imperative that I bring in the students to make it happen. More importantly, I was living my dream. I was massaging clients every day, I was teaching, I was learning how to manage the school, and I was developing systems to continue to grow the program. Over the period of 5 years, I’ve polished the curriculum and format to perfection. I’ve ironed out kinks.

      Most importantly, I replicated the program 100 miles away from me with my second campus and the growth has been much faster than my first school. Our first class in the second location had 5 students. Second class 10 students. Third class 10 students. This is more impressive in that the name of the school had never been heard of before in the community.

      Why this is absolutely the Perfect Passive Income Business For Massage Therapists and Chiropractors

      When I started out in massage therapy, I never considered that I would someday own my own massage school. But, without a doubt it has unquestionably been the biggest thing I’ve ever done. Being part of the future of massage therapy is exhilarating. I’ve gone through every kind of personal and professional challenges from 2013-2015 and owning the massage school really saved me – and truly is a gift that allows me to continue to grow.

      You see, in 2013, I suffered a traumatic finger amputation, (which tore the tendon out of my arm along with blood vessels and nerves) while participating in one of the biggest mud run obstacle courses in the world. I was also going through a divorce at the time and in my late 40’s. I was unable to massage my clients for about 18 months as I healed. The school tuition income allowed my business to continue. I didn’t need to go out and seek a second job as I healed.

      I understand injury and its effect on your massage practice.
      I understand the financial implications of not being able to massage.
      I understand the fear of personal stress.
      I understand the fear of the future.

      The injury became the greatest catalyst for change in my professional career. It’s freed me up to focus on my bigger vision. Opening the second campus was directly related to having time to manage a growing business. Offering a system to help YOU open your own massage school that is based on success is directly related to my bigger mission to help take 1 million people out of pain by 2025.

      The Bodymechanics Institute System

      Our tried and true system makes opening your own massage school as painless as possible. Of course, you have to put in the work, and learn just as I did – the difference is that I am offering you a done-for- you-system and will guide you through the process of opening your school. And the purchase price is 50% less than what I paid for the program in 2010!
      Our system includes:

      • Full curriculum
        • Lecture notes
        • Student handouts
        • Quizzes
        • Exams
      • Policies and Procedures
      • Standard Operating Procedures
      • Student Handbook
      • Instructor Training
      • 3-5 day on-site Training with our team
      • Best practices for marketing, e-mail, newsletters and website
      • Guidance through the approval process with your state
      • Plus more

      Every point is covered, cutting your time down to open your own massage school to mere months rather than years to develop your own curriculum. Students who enroll in our program love our program. To date, Bodymechanics has graduated close to 1000 students and the results have been fantastic.

      Best yet, our system is a one-time purchase price. After the initial investment, you keep the profit and grow your school. I offer in-house financing for those who want to work directly with me to pay the school purchase price. But don’t worry, after you are up and running, I am here to advise you and offer 2 tickets to our annual Massage Business Success Summit.

      We offer the anti-franchise massage school system that gets you up and running quickly, trains you and your staff thoroughly and then steps back, unless you call us.

      As I’m sure you are aware, massage therapy is a growing field, and projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is projected to grow 22% faster than average and the demand for massage services is growing. If you’ve experienced the frustration of hiring quality massage therapists, when you open your own massage school you will be the first option for most of your students and you get to pick the best that you want to hire based on how they were as a student: professional, attendance, aptitude, client feedback, and more.Don’t wait another day.

      If you’ve considered opening your own massage school, our system will get you running quickly. Perhaps you’re wondering if you should do your own system. You could try – but trust me, it will take years to finesse and build the financial security you desire. The good news is that I have already blazed the trail for you.

      Pain Points solved – our system includes
      The Bodymechanics system will help guide you through the process by:
      A roadmap to get you from beginning to end – DONE for you
      Standard Operating Procedures – DONE for you
      Policies and Procedures – DONE for you
      Curriculum – DONE for you
      o Lecture notes
      o Lesson Plans
      o Student Handouts
      o Exams
      o Quizzes
      o Etc.
      Contracts – DONE for you
      Equipment Research – DONE for you
      Book Research – DONE for you
      Research through your state process to open a vocational school – DONE for you
      Red tape through the school credentialing process – DONE for you
      Instructor training – DONE for you
      Marketing guidance
      Doing it alone while managing your current business or job – WE ARE HERE WITH YOU

      Your will have a point of contact person to help guide you through the process

      One of the points that makes this program work so well is that I have been coached by the best marketing minds around. I’ve mentored with Dan Sullivan, Craig Ballantyne, Bedros Keuilian, Yanik Silver, and Sara Blakely. I put their advice to use in structuring your Massage School marketing best practices plan. I spend a lot of money of my education, and I pass that knowledge on to those people I work with.

      Sincerely,
      Shari Aldrich, LMT
      President
      Bodymechanics Institute

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