Cold Shouldered

[parkermbg]

I went into the main branch of Herieforum.xxxe Bank today.  I first asked one of the staff about chair massage...she gave me a very strange look and directed me to the bank manager.  I went into the bank manager's office introduced myself and told her I'd like to talk to her about setting up a chair and give the staff massages.  She gave me a strange look and said that doesnt sound like something they would do.  I was dressed nice, well spoken, and see looked like she was thinking about calling security.  I didnt really have any rebutals, so I thanked her and left.  What a downer.

 

[Sludge]

I agree with Pete...what a close-minded ding-dong.  Although I would assume you approached her with a little more info than....I would like to set up a chair and massage your staff.  (lol....'cause I suppose if you weren't familiar with on-site chair massages, you may think it is a bit odd sounding)

 

[Olivia]

Cold Shouldered

One thing you might want to try is to send information by mail to the branch manager with a note saying that you will follow up with them in person or by phone. That way, they might have a chance to look over your proposal and understand the concept better. You might have caught them at a time that they were busy and couldn't really understand what you were promoting because they had a trillion things in their head. I also know that when I approached a local bank, they told me that although they loved the idea, they had security issues and because I wasn't cleared, I would not be able to go behind the scenes. But I agree that some people are close minded, but I hope that doesn't discourage you. I'm sure you can find a business that will welcome you.

 

[theresa m]

Cold Shouldered

how about starting with your bank first? plus side:they know you, they recognize you. I got very friendly with my bank, & theyre very open to me leaving my info with the employees now. good luck!

 

[dh0pe.]

I really like BJB's idea of sending a "thank you for your time" note with some informational brochures and your number in case she decides to change her mind.  We do that you know...change our minds....us women....we're really good at it too!  

 

[Dr House]

I agree with what eveyrone else has said about doing a phone call prior to the next bank and also sending a note to this one, as well as anyone you meet with in the future.  Did you educate the person at all on the effects of stress in the workplace?  Did you explain how chair massage can help their employees?  You never know what this person's view of massage is.....if they are thinking "massage parlor".....then no wonder you got some weird looks from people.  If people think "spa and pampering" when massage is mentioned, then they are probably thinking this is not a thing to do on work time.  Information 4 People has a nice brochure that you can order and give to potential chair massage accounts that helps explain the benefits of workplace massage and the different ways it can be paid for.  

 

[Bethenia]

When I provided corporate chair massage (back when I was doing this as a full-time business); I would call the main site and ask to speak with the HR Manager or the person who was in charge of employee benefits for the company.  Normally, they are the ones who tend to make the decisions on things like providing/allowing chair massage at their company.  Also, I would put together a professional looking portfolio that included different information flyers about the benefits of massage therapy, benefits of chair massage, stress test hand-out sheet, my business brochure, my business card, and a cover letter addressed to the individual with whom I was going to meet (including in the letter that I would offer them an introductory discount during my first visit).  I had repeated compliments from many HR personnel about my " professional presentation" of my business during our meetings.  Hope this helped you! Be well, Jen

 

[althea]

Thanks for the advice Jen.  I'm going to hop on your train and do the same thing!  That sounds like a really great idea...putting together a packet of info.  Funny how you don't think of something so simple until someone points it out.  That's why I think it's so great for MT's to be chatting and supporting eachother!  Yeah for us!!Hey vchild,I went out today (completely unexpected...) and visited a couple of city officials about doing chair massage for a local charity event in the community.  The community that I work in is VERY involved and caring. They are a very close community who gets involved in everything their city has to offer.  Even chatting about an event where I am looking to donate the ENTIRE amount of what I brought in, I was given the eye.......you know the one.  Well, I say this..... :  I'll go somewhere that will let me set up some chairs a make a bunch of money for kids who need a christmas!!!!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Don't give up.  I have a thriving network of chair massage and it's solely based on cold calls.  I just ran right through the yellow pages A-Z and picked every local company I knew of size and type of work that might bite.  I got a lot of negative response, but the ones that bit have created my business.  You'll get there.  The packet idea is good, just keep it short and sweet.