Business Mastery Supplement Reviews

Finally, a program for the massage and Shiatsu therapist that makes business life a little easier. Thanks to Sohnen-Moe Associates, this new computer software can help the holistic practitioner communicate on a different level.

Sohnen-Moe Associates have devised a software program that goes well with the book, Business Mastery by Cherie Sohnen-Moe. The program is user-friendly and can be used with a PC or Macintosh computer. The files are text-based only and are not formatted for any particular word processing application. They need to be accessed directly through a word processing program and then adapted for your own use. You must use a full-featured word processing program such as Work, Word Perfect, Write, AmiPro or DeScribe. Do not attempt to use the basic utility editor that comes installed on your computer (e.g., Notepad, Simple Text or Teach text) as this will limit the sub-program and you won't be able to use it properly. Simply follow the steps that come with this program and in minutes you are on your way.

I would suggest you be somewhat computer-literate before you use this software, as it is a support program. It contains a work book with easy-to-reproduce exercises, professionally-written examples of letters, forms, announcements and press releases that can be changed to accommodate your needs; a business plan outline; and a complete mock-up of a massage therapy business plan that gives solid ideas on goal-setting and attendant time lines, as well as the imperative cash flow statements and analysis. These documents are already typed and you just have to change them to fit your needs and use this as a template.

Business Mastery software is marketed as a Holistic Practitioners Program; however, I feel it is best suited for the Massage Therapist setting up a business. You could definitely use the letters and change them to fit your needs however, and get some great ideas from them. The price is reasonable $24.95 and I feel the program is a great new idea in our search for simplifying our work.

To answer more of your questions or to order this program contact: Sohnen-Moe Associates.

The disk is text-based. For example, if you use a Macintosh you will need to open files using a word processing program such as WordPerfect of Microsoft Word. The installation procedures are very easy to follow, even for the computer novice.

More than 150 professionally-written sample letters, forms, checklists and announcements commonly needed by practitioners are included on the disk. These templates, which are geared toward healing arts practitioners, can be modified easily to accommodate your own business needs. Business Mastery's goal is to save people the time and resources it takes to create an endless paper trail; use these forms and you'll have more time to spend on what you love to do.

The folder includes files such as: forms; announcements; cooperative marketing (same service/different market; different service/same market; same service/same market); finances; general correspondence; press releases; miscellaneous client correspondence; miscellaneous marketing; and primary care correspondence.

There are even letters for "difficult" subjects, such as debt collection, missed appointments and insufficient funds.

The disk also includes a business plan outline, as well as a completed business plan for a fictitious massage therapy company. Practitioners will find the finished plan very helpful, as it includes solid ideas on goal setting and timelines, as well as the imperative cash flow statements and analysis. Innovative marketing ideas will prove helpful for new and existing businesses.

Business owners will find their imaginations stirred by all of the possibilities for networking with clients and other practitioners. Some of the suggestions include client referrals, co-producing a newsletter, sponsoring events such as fun runs, hosting seminars and classes, promoting special days for mothers, and much much more.

Don't be put off by the notion that this software is just for businesses. Even if you are in a solo practice, you will benefit from the forms and letters and other information stored on the disk. In addition, letters address the needs of job hunters, practitioners who have moved to another city and need to establish a new client base, and students interested in networking and other client possibilities.

I recommend this software to all health care professionals.

Kimberly Mangun is managing editor at Midwifery Today.