First tel. call from male wanting a "bit extra"!

[lalahoop]

I had a telephone call from a "gentleman" this evening wanting more information on IHM. When I asked what he would like to know, he asked if I offered "any other types of massage" No, just IHM and reflexology. "So you don't offer any other body massage?" No, like I said, just IHM and reflexology, and I gave a brief description of IHM. He didn't stay on the phone long......

Am I a bit naive? I can understand this kind of enquiry with body massage, but wasn't expecting it in reply to a IHM advert. I think my advert is quite clear on what I offer and the benefits (helps with anxiety, stress, insomnia, sinusitis. No reference to stress relief.....)

My husband is now a bit worried that if this is the type of call you get, that I will get nuisance calls, text messages, etc. I have accepted a male client for IHM, bu I think I sensed straight away that this call wasn't right, and believe that they go with the territory and that you need to politely and firmly explain what you DO offer!

Has anyone else advertising non full body massage had this type of enquiry, and if so, is it a frequent occurrence? Any tips on dealing with these calls, or avoiding them in the first place?!

Thanks!

 

[Mughal]

It is nearly impossible to avoid these calls ... get a group of therapists together and I'm sure that before long everyone starts comparing notes on dodgy calls.

Most people just try it on to try and find someone to satisfy them, once you clearly state your position you don't hear from them again. Warning signs are witheld numbers, and an urgency to the appointment is often a clue - if they can't wait a day or two for an appointment then that can set of alarm bells. I get these quite regularly now, never really bothered by them - just state the case and move on to the next real client. The first few can be a bit un-nerving I know.

The only thing I would ask is that you don't tarnish all male clients with the same brush. Be careful, be aware but remember this is a tiny percentage of men and why run the risk of cutting your potential client base in half.

Mat xx

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi ya Sparkie

As a male massage/bodywork practitioner who talks often to my female colleagues about such matters, I would say be careful but don't be put off by the occasional pervert. They are the minority! Unfortunately some men can't tell the difference between therapeuticmassage and prostitution. This is partly a cultural problem. I also think that some men get confused between sensuality and sexuality, another cultural problem.

Go with your intuition and recommendations from people you know. I feel that the more complementary therapies get recognised, the more situations like you mentioned won't occur so much.

Best Wishes

Dave the Reiki Pixie

P.S. In 10 years of practice I have had 2 dodgey phone calls from men. It not just female practitioners perverts ring! It just life and we have to deal with it. I had a mad person chasingafter me the last week on a tricycle and I had to call the police. After I calmed down, I just got onwith the day.Looking back in hindsight it was quite funny.

P.P.S. Thinking about it, a crazy womenin aTai Chi class I was teaching a few years ago behind my back was accusing me of "heavy breathing and lude language"on the phone to her. My other students (all women) were so concerned they had to tell me, as they know me as a man of integrity. Luckily she never came back and I didn't have to chuck herout as a trouble maker.Not so funny, situations like that can ruin careers!

 

[t (2)]

I receive quite a few calls like this and when I first started advertising upto 4/5 per week! However, you do soon tell which are genuine enquiries by asking a few questions and also as someone else mentioned, these callers usually want an appointment straight away and only have a mobile number.


Ellie x

 

[xbeztuhliddiqiemp]

scary! what on earth made her say that?

 

[ko628]

Hi ya Darren

She wasn't quite all there (a sandwich short of a picnic or if you are scientific, a electron short of a full outer shell). I found out later she had been disruptive in other classes at the same centre. I don't think it was to do with me. I never had that problem before or after. Contri to popular new age thinking,LIFE isn't always fluffy bunny with angelic vibrations looking after us, nevertheless I enjoy every moment of it. (That's a joke about angels, please no comments, don't send send me to hell for not being a non-believer).

Cheers

Dave

 

[Bad_Girl_Good_Girl]

hiya,

we have another active thread regarding this at the moment,
think its called massage wording, check it out as we are discussing the same problem.

 

[Cynthia Lyoni]

look for:

advice on wording in the massage category.

 

[ygbwbrgm]

Thanks Daisychain for the link in massage. I have had a read and it seems to be quite a common problem. There were some good tips there on wording on posters and websites. I will recheck mine, but didn't think there was anything misleading..............

Thank you to everyone else for their input too. Some good advice!

To Dave, I'm sure I shouldn't have, but I did have a giggle as I pictured you running down a road with a tricyle in hot pursuit!

Best wishes

 

[Bridgette]

[sm=wave.gif]Hi, here's the direct link to that thread

[link=http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=462813&mpage=1&key=&#462813]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=462813&mpage=1&key=&#462813[/link]
Love
Amy
xx

 

[Goodnatured]

Hi, i a reflexologist and i also do indian head massage and am mobile.
I had a call from a male inqiring then he boked me, it was nerve racking as you are always thinking about safty and my husband worries about me.
I have my second male client in a couple of weeks, i have not had any funny calls, but i do find male clients nerve racking but i think with experence i will get better at handerling them.

 

[Kami y]

I wonder if it would be a good idea to say up front when they book that no other services are offered. If they are a genuinely interested client, then they would understand. You could even say that you have to mention this as some potential clients have asked in the past.

 

[bbjfxswj]

This sounds like a sensible idea! I may be tempted to clarify this in a polite and non offensive way in future.

Also, to avoid any misinterpretation on arrival, I would pay particular attention to appearance (as you do anyway, but even more important with males), ie. uniform with not a lot of chest area on show, membership badge, hair tied back, very little make up. Try not to be over-familiar etc. Also,someone know where I am and expect my call or text afterwards.

Having said this, I only did my first male client this morning! I did all these things, and also had a panic alarm close to hand in my bag. When I turned up, he was in a dressing gown! Rather loose and short too!I said I assumed he had some shorts underneath and he said no! I politely suggested he would be best attired in some shorts or trousers. He asked if pants were ok, and Iinsisted on shorts or trousers.He did oblige (phew!). I remained, calm, polite, in control, and left no room for misinterpretation.

I was rather unnerved and would have been prepared to leave, but it went brilliantly, he wanted the IHM for all the right reasons, and I'm glad I did it.