Spa Clientéle Marketing Tips

Zen and Simplicity: A secret trend?

I received some wonderful comments from readers to my post about Zen Habits.  One from Michelle of Skindigo in Wisconsin shared a wonderful insight I hadn't considered:

I think it should be obvious to those of us in the spa industry that  with over 33,000 people subscribed to Zen Habits people are craving simplicity not injectibles.

(She also shared a similar blog Think Simple Now.)

This made me realize that pretty much all my friends and family want less:  less clutter, things, toys, junk, paper, things to worry about. 

First annual "Brandy Awards"

Despite the ongoing writers strike, there is an award show this year that will go on!  On February 6th at 6:45pm at the Day Spa Expo in Las Vegas.   Awards will be presented for:

• Best Brand Concept
• Best New Brand Launch
• Best Prestige Brand

During this fun and educational event, you'll also learn from the Preston team of skincare industry experts:

• What makes a great spa brand?
• Why do some spas succeed while others fail?
• How do you plan and operate a spa that creates more harmony than headaches?

Will you be at the Day Spa Expo in Las Vegas?

At the upcoming Day Spa Expo and Business Forum, February 5 - 7th, you’ll receive solid business information, education and knowledge from industry experts...like me!  I'll be there, along with several of my colleagues sharing information and advice to help your business grow.

I'll be presenting my "Smart Spas Don't Advertise" talk in the Preston Booth (#551) on Wednesday, February 6th at 1:30pm.  The class is free and you don't need to sign up -- just show up!

Another thing to plan for if you are going to go to show is free consulting with me!  While I am there I am scheduling meeting with clients on Tuesday evening and thought the day on Wednesday and Thursday.  I'd love to meet you and talk about ways to attract new clients in the coming year over some coffee or drinks.  Please email me by January 31st to schedule your time.

Free Branding Class and BravoTV show casting for Celebrity Salon Makeover

Be Branded: Understanding the World of Private Label Products
Join in a free teleclass on Monday, January 14th at 7pm EST hosted by the Spa Coaching Network with Keith West- Harrison & Jaya Schillinger (my colleagues from Preston Spa Business Solutions & Inspiration Inc).

All of the famous skincare experts you know have their own brand. You see their products sold in their business, on their website, and in stores. Maybe you're even selling their brand in your spa, salon, or website. What's wrong with this picture? Have you ever looked at those industry celebrities and thought, "Someday, when I'm famous and can afford it, I'd like to have my own brand of products too." Well now you can!

Register now as space is limited to the first 100 who sign up!

and don't miss your chance at 15 minutes of fame...
The Emmy-Winning Producers of THE OFFICE, BLOW OUT, and SHEAR GENIUS are excited to announce their new CELEBRITY SALON MAKEOVER show. 

DO YOU DREAM OF HAVING THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SALON IN TOWN?      

Zen to Done: An ebook for everyone

This post is more about zen productivity than it is about marketing, but this information is just too good to not share!

This week I read an article on  Tim Ferriss' Four Hour Workweek blog that was written by Leo of Zen Habits. I am now hooked on Zen Habits (www.zenhabits.net.)  It is a blog written by a normal guy in Guam, dad of 6 (!), a reformed procrastinator, that has created his now 'zen' state with being organized and on top of things.  I currently envy his empty email inbox. 

There are some really great articles like "3 Tips to Permanently Clear Desk" (helpful for front desk and reception areas) or a "Guide to Escaping Materialism" (something I'm personally seeking) or "4 Steps to Start the Exercise Habit" (something most everyone resolved to do this year.) 

But it was the "Zen to Done" productivity system that I has me really hooked.  Leo combined the best nuggets of Getting Things Done by David Allen and Covey's 7 Habits and added his own zen flair.  The result is an easy to understand an implement system to organize your desk, life, computer and increase your productivity. 

Why Every Spa Website Needs Online Scheduling

Admittedly, it is easier said than done, but online scheduling is fast becoming a critical requirement for spas and salons.  And with so many technology options out there, it can be overwhelming for above average technology users.  Once installed, online scheduling provides many benefits for any sized spa or salon:

Clients can schedule 24/7. While you may not be online all the time, many of your clients are.  If they can only schedule on the phone during your business hours, they may not be able to find the time in their day.  Working in an office with limited privacy makes it hard to schedule a bikini wax when co-workers can overhear.   And at home, the demands of dinner, kids, homework or other activities sometimes means your client do planning and research for their personal care late in the evening. 

Automated appointment confirmation and reminders via e-mail. Since your clients sign up online, they have to provide their email address.  The online scheduling system will send out a confirmation and reminder of the appointment without the need for a phone call.  While phone calls do help to reduce no-shows, it can be time intensive for smaller businesses and many clients may prefer an email rather than a phone call.

Reduced call volume.  Clients that can get everything handled for their visit online do not need to call at all.  For some spas or salons, this may mean you can do without a front desk staff all together.  For others, this means your front desk staff can be assigned other tasks for marketing or business operations.   

As for which one is best for your business, that does take some work to figure out unfortunately.