Working On Location

One of the joys of working in a big city is you never know who you are going to meet. I've worked on CEO's lawyers, students, housewives, construction workers and detectives. When the big city is Los Angeles, the client mix can be actors, directors, writers, producers, Foley artists, grips, cameramen, publicists, production accountants, wardrobe assistants, make-up chiefs, hairstylists, .... well, you get the idea.

ART Massage is based in he San Fernando Valley and can easily reach the Warner Bros, Universal, CBS Radford, and Disney studios within 15-20 minutes. I can also quickly reach the Hollywood and Culver City studios.

I mention this because one of my television director clients offered me a 2-day job on his show. This is a great networking opportunity for me. I've worked with some of the cast and crew members before, so it will be a nice chance to remind them what they liked about me. (I see a lot of reflexology and trigger point therapy in the immediate future.)

Since this blog is supposed to help other therapists (not just brag about what I get to do) here is a simple list of supplies that I think are good to have for any location work:

• Massage Chair and/or Table (varies by job)
• Business Cards and Guestbook (Every person you work on should get your card. How will they contact you for another massage without your number? Try to get the name and contact info of everyone you work on as well. This is your proof that they agreed to let you work on them and it builds your marketing database for future massage events and services.)
• UN-scented, hypoallergenic lotion (oil can stain clothes or leave an "icky" feeling, plus, you might not have a washroom available for washing up - lotion can add glide if you are working on exposed skin but generally isn't needed for chair massage)
• Spray Cleaner and Hand Sanitizer (Even though you will use face cradle covers, it is reassuring to customers and more sanitary to clean the equipment between each client. Also, to prevent the spread of germs, ALWAYS have a way to clean your hands.)
• Paper Towels (to clean with between clients and can be used as face cradle covers)
• Clock (small enough to be discreet but big enough for you to read while working)
• Tip Jar and/or Money Box (I use a Rosie the Riveter lunch box because you can hear it if someone tries to open it, it's a unique conversation starter for those waiting their turn, and it hides the money if the job requires discretion - example: client is paying and tipping me so no need to ask for tips but can still accept them)
• Face Cradle Covers (disposable, fabric, really depends on your set-up and how much you are willing to carry)
• Baby-Wipes (optional yet self-explanatory)
• Rolling Luggage - Small (I use the kind that airline attendants use to carry all of my optional items and to store my purse, clipboard and extra supplies. I can fit my needed supplies for most chair massage jobs of 20 people or less in the massage chair bag. For full body massage jobs of 3 or more people, the suitcase keeps everything from being unwieldy and helps maintain a professional appearance.)

And of course, the most important things to bring to any location are a warm smile and your positive, healing energy! The list above is for working a more formal massage set-up. This week, I'll be working freestyle: just a discreet bag to hold my smartphone, business cards, and hand sanitizer. I can massage people for 2-5 minutes each while they are standing or sitting in a regular folding chair using my shiatsu, reflexology, and trigger point training. Anyone interested in a longer massage can trade contact info with me and I will follow up in a couple of days. I can't wait.