Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
outcall service and safety Dress professionally, comfortably, and conservatively. Avoid having too much skin showing, since this may send a mixed message. You may want to carry a change of clothing if you have more than one appointment. Be prepared for unexpected changes in the weather. Office On Wheels If your situation allows, look for a vehicle that will allow you to easily transport your table and other supplies. Your vehicle will, in essence, become your office. Keep it in good running condition, and join an auto club just in case. Magnetic signs on the doors will provide advertising and clear identification of your service, but are easily removed when you are off duty. Most mileage is tax deductible, so take the time to track it accurately. Office supply stores sell a nice little notebook specifically for this task. Once you've finished and been paid, leave. Many clients will want to chat or fix you coffee or a light meal. Clients sometimes forget you have provided a service (albeit, a wonderful service) and are not a guest. They have free time, so why not visit for a while? This visiting costs you time and distorts the client/professional relationship. Be courteous and explain to the client you have to leave for your next session. SPH Sandra Gill, NCTMB, MA, operates her massage and bodywork practice, The Right Touch, in Thornton, Colorado. Outcall Safety Checklist Taking your massage services on the road is a great way to build your business. Here are a few tips for making this endeavor safe, as well as profitable. • creen the first phone call. Create a phone S screening checklist for all outcall inquiries. Document calls and use a logbook to record conversations. Get first and last names, phone numbers (home and work), and occupation. Questions to ask include: Are you calling on a referral? Where did you hear about me? What are your expectations for the session? Have you had previous experience with therapeutic massage? Where? When? Will anyone else be at the location? If you don't like any of the answers you get, keep questioning, or courteously inform the caller that you won't be able to take the appointment. • ouble-check. Telephone the client before arriving. This allows you to D verify the phone number and name you were given. Make sure your cell phone is charged. • et everyone know. Create a check-in system with a family member or L colleague, informing him or her of the start and finish time of your outcall appointment and where, specifically, it is located. Call again to inform them when you are in your vehicle and leaving the location. If providing service at a hotel, check-in with the front desk and hotel security. Verify the client's room registration and inform front desk staff as to your expected departure time. • isten to intuition. Survey the area when you arrive at your appointment. L If something doesn't feel right, listen to your intuition. Call the client and cancel. • ake no chances. If something makes you feel uncomfortable or in any T way threatened during a session, leave. Leave your supplies, drive someplace safe, and call the authorities. It's important you keep your keys and your phone (set to vibrate) with you at all times during these sessions, in case you're in this situation.