Footprints…..

 By Mark Shannon

So let’s look at a potential situation.  Let’s say “The Lucrative Clientele Spa” has an opening for an LMT.  LMT #1 answers the advertisement and is interviewed for the position.  The first thing the interviewer sees is the education section and you attended the Acme School of Massage.  LMT #1 interviews and obtains the position.  About 3 weeks into their employment they are terminated because of how they performed on the job.  Here’s a brief list of some of the reasons leading to the termination;

1. They did not dress professionally
2. They had poor hygiene
3. They were often late
4. 60 minute massage appointments lasted 45 minutes
5. Clients rarely re-booked

The Lucrative Clientele Spa now has to run another job advertisement to replace the first LMT they terminated.  Along comes you, LMT #2, for the interview and the first thing the interviewer sees is the education section and you attended The Acme School of Massage Therapy.  The next thing the interviewer says is “Oh…I just had to fire someone who attended your school.”  The well was poisoned by LMT #1 before you got there and you probably stand very little chance of getting this position.  And it’s not your fault!  It was the person before you that created this conundrum. 

I would really like a different reaction from a spa owner toward my school’s graduates.  I would like for it to go something like this; 

                You, therapist #2, answer the first advertisement and performs admirably.  So good that about 3 weeks into their employment, the owner of The Lucrative Clientele Spa says “You are causing me some good trouble here!  My phone is ringing off the hook with people wanting to make an appointment with you but they can’t get in because you are booked 3 weeks in advance!  So now I am going to have to remodel a room and hire another therapist to keep up with the demand.  Great job!”   The owner runs an employment advertisement and the first candidate shows up and hands the owner their resume.  The first thing they see is the education section and you attended The Acme School of Massage.  And the owner says to the candidate, “Hey, I have one of your alumni working here for me and they are doing fantastic!”  The well is now sweetened in your favor!  The person that answered this ad is probably going to get a favorable chance at employment with this spa because you have left great footprints for other alumni from your school!

Opportunities are created by hard work, by doing the right thing and keeping your word.  Let’s not let it become a rarity in today’s working society.  Be a great ambassador for your school in how you conduct yourself with your employer.  Leave good footprints for other alumni to follow!