Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
personal safety Screening Clients The screening process begins with the first call. Create your own phone screening checklist to help you remember to ask important questions. Always document calls. Use a telephone call logbook to record conversations with actual and potential clients. First, get some basic information: name (first and last), address, phone numbers (home and work), and occupation. Beyond that, use the initial phone call to not only make sure the request is legitimate, but to determine whether the caller is a good match for you and the services you offer. Questions might include: • re you calling on a referral? A Where did you hear about me? • ill the session be charged to W an individual or business? • hat prompted you to call me W now? (Is this a response to stress, injury, or illness? Is it a celebration? For relaxation?) • What are your expectations for the session? • ave you had previous H experience with therapeutic massage? Where? When? How was the experience? • ill anyone else be at the W location—a husband/wife/ significant other, companion, friend, children, caretaker? If any of the answers don't meet your expectations, keep questioning. Be professional and courteous, but don't be afraid to be blunt. Many people still believe massage, therapeutic or not, is a euphemism for prostitution. It is better to be very clear with a client rather than have miscommunication regarding the service you provide. Listen to your intuition. If the preliminary screening feels uncomfortable in any way, don't take the appointment. Callers seeking something other than legitimate massage often couch their requests in euphemisms. Common phrases used include, "Do you provide erotic massage?" "What will you be wearing during the massage?" "What do you look like?" "Can I massage myself during the session?" and "Do you work the groin area?" These phone calls can be both upsetting and frustrating. Prepare yourself by role playing your responses with a colleague or friend. I answer calmly (while gritting my teeth), telling the caller I do not provide that type of service and that therapeutic massage is for healing and injury rehabilitation. I say good-bye and hang up. I keep a record of their name and phone number in my phone call logbook. I have had a caller try several times under different names, although using the same phone number. The phone log provides crucial information for authorities if the situation becomes problematic. The initial telephone interview is also a good time to communicate your expectations to the client (inappropriate behavior, ground rules, draping, and cancellation and no-show policies). If you have special needs, such as allergies to pets, this is the time to say so. When asking for directions, check about parking, admission into gated communities or security buildings, and stairs and/ or elevators. If the outcall is to a hotel, get the room number and the phone number to the front desk. Make sure the client understands how much physical room you will require for your