UpClose & Personal - Arlene Alpert

Whether you are a Massage Therapist, Bodyworker, Skin Care Specialist or other wellness professional, it matters that you invest in continuing education to keep current and maintain your professional growth and the success of your practice.

With that concept in mind, what type of programs, seminars, and workshops have you been opting for? There are almost too many to choose from. Yet, have there been times when you left a program feeling disappointed, disillusioned, frustrated (or all three) because the offering didn't meet the criteria that you were looking for? And, because objectives stated, were not received?

Here are some suggestions to think about before you sign up for yet another learning experience and leave you wondering if it was worth your time, your money and your resolution to acquire updated knowledge and skills:

The Pitfalls

Don't be fooled by jazzy promotion or promises of instantaneous proficiency. No one becomes an expert overnight. It takes hard work and time to build a practice and a referral base, as well discovering the latest methods that fit your philosophy, values and interest.

The price of the seminar is not necessarily an indication of its value. Don't sign up for a program because it sounds good. Take the time to do some research: who is the expert, is it heavy on content or will it be more hands-on? Ask for references. Read between the lines. Today, advertising is at an all-time high for selling a program with "hot buttons" that intrigue the reader, but don't necessarily follow through with their stated objectives.

Don't be taken in by the bullets of a program. I have seen written promotional material that promised skills galore, and then didn't deliver what they had declared. Even at a convention, you can find the presenter beforehand and ask them exactly what they intend to cover. Then trust your intuition about the level of their knowledge base and whether they are in it for the glory or for the pride of giving you what you need.

The Positives

You are in your profession for the long haul and you are passionate about your career. If that is your position, then education should be the number one priority on your to-do list. Information is changing so fast that without advanced knowledge you will be left behind.

Training in the dynamics of human behavior and relationships is the second most important information base you need to be in business today. Without knowledge of how people interact and how to make your relationships work harmoniously, you (and your clients) won't be satisfied. Connection is vital to professional standards (and referrals). Another comment is that older clients are more demanding and tend to get frustrated easier so it would also be helpful to find a program with an emphasis on working with seniors.

Learning skills in communication comes in a close third. Without advanced listening and speaking techniques you will lose your "patience" (and your clients). Assertiveness and problem-solving skills are imperative for continued success. From my point of view it is not enough to think of yourself as a healer, your empathy sometimes needs the appropriate words to define it.

When you look at course offerings, one of the positives is to choose a program every once in awhile that focuses just on you. Learning about yourself, what makes you tick, what pushes your buttons, will make you into a top professional almost as fast as any new technique you learn.

Selling products has been a no-no for healing professionals. However, it behooves you to find a program (I teach one) that stresses the importance of a home care regimen to add to the wellness of the client and how to educate them. The programs (like mine) that teach you how to sell with integrity, have a foundation of truth and rationale why recommending products is vital.

Making an "Investment" in yourself and your career through continuing education is the most positive undertaking you can accomplish.

So, when all is said and done, your education should combine investing in knowing yourself, keeping up with new discoveries and innovations and in your relationships, both personal and professional. So, when you decide to spend your money on these indispensable tools your wiser self will tell you where to put your money—where it works!

Please call or write the editor with specific questions and I will address them in another article.

E-mail Arlene Alpert