Spa Clientéle Marketing Tips

CE Classes (including some this weekend in NC) and Where I'll Be This Fall

Life has been really busy all summer but I wanted to share a few details about where and when I'm teaching classes over the next few months. Please share with others who may be interested and sign up for anything you are interested in ASAP. Note that there are 2 "Easy Spa Treatment" classes for NC estheticians and cosmetologists (plus MTs) available THIS WEEKEND and space is still available in both of them.

ALL SPA, WELLNESS & MASSAGE PROFESSIONALS

Spaliday Online Trade Show and Education Event
Sept 19 -20
My class - Social Media for the Holidays - is the 19th at 10 AM
Click here for details and to register

Group Marketing Coaching Program
Next 6 week sessions begins on:

September 15, 2011 at 12 PM EST

September 20, 2011 at 6:30 PM EST

Social Media Coaching Program
Next sessions begin on:

INTRO - September 21 at 10 AM

ADVANCED - Sept 21 at 12 PM
6 Weeks - Skips Oct 19th

MASSAGE THERAPISTS

FREE Marketing Class (1 hour)
Open House at Marion Wellness Center
Marion, NC -  Sept 18th - 1 PM
For info email Gloria at
MassageProCe@gmail.com

SMART Marketing with Social Media
AMTA National Convention
October 20, 2011 - 4PM to 6PM

CLASSES AT SPALUTIONS 
523 State Street, Suite B
Greensboro, NC 27405

Easy Spa Treatments - 4 hours - $69
Approved for NC Estheticians/Cosmetologists/MTs

September 10, 2011 2 PM  - 6 PM

September 11, 2011 2 PM - 6 PM

September 24, 2011 - 10 AM - 2 PM

Waterless Spa Treatments - 6 hours - $99
Approved for NC Estheticians/Cosmetologists/MTs

September 26, 2011 11 AM - 6 PM

MASSAGE THERAPISTS ONLY

Deja Vu Ethics Review - $49 -
October 9, 2011 10AM to 1 PM

Get Clients to Rebook - $49
October 9,  2011 2PM - 5PM


Please email me with any questions you have about any of the classes and/or let me know if you'd like to bring a private class to your facility. Thanks!

Felicia

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Try Schedulicity for FREE for 6 months when you use the promo code SMARTSPA. I love their service!

Eco-Friendly Microdermabrasion - Part II - and More!

If you're not quite ready for crystal-less microdermabrasion like what I described in my last article, you might be interested in the Dermal Radience Organic Flower Peel by Satin Smooth which uses natural flower grains (scents include lavender, tea tree, and rose for different skin types) instead of aluminum oxide crystals. Here's a video that explains a little about the treatment and products as well as the SmoothSculpt skin tightening treatment.

From their website: "SmoothSculpt™ is an innovative new method designed to help smooth, contour and tighten skin on all areas of the face and body by combining advanced aesthetic technology with a non-invasive holistic approach to skin revitalization. By utilizing pressure pulsing and suction movements through a cupping wand, SmoothSculpt™ stimulates the skin for a smoother, more defined look. With SmoothSculpt™ beautiful, youthful-looking skin is a possibility at any age." 

I actually tried the SmoothSculpt treatment for the face and could definitely see an immediate difference in the reduction of fluid in my face and jawline as well as a gentle lifting around my eyes and other areas. What I think is so cool about it though is that it helps to stimulate collagen production - just like skin tightening laser treatments do - without the pain or risk of getting burned. I won't say it was a completely relaxing treatment - the suction does take some getting used to - but compared to how I felt after trying laser on my face a few weeks ago, it was a piece of cake. I would definitely do it again and would suggest it to anyone considering adding laser treatments to their spa.

If you want to learn more about purchasing one of these machines, please contact Rachel from the video at rachel_boger@conair.com. Again, I don't work for the company but thought you would want to know about this cool technology! Their pricing is really affordable in my opinion and both machines provide some great alternatives to existing skin care treatments.

Is your marketing on track for 2011? If you want to make your spa, massage or wellness business busier than ever while simplifying your marketing activities and planning, you’ll want to check out my downloadable audio course, Smart Spa Marketing. In it you'll learn how to create a marketing plan and strategy that will fill up your appointment schedule and bank account without having to pay for low-response advertisements. 

 

Service Trend: Eco-Friendly Microdermabrasion - Part I

One of the benefits of going to trade shows like ISPA is the discovery of new treatments and equipment to bring into your business. Though I am one to usually be very cautious about "the next best thing," I have to say I found the trend of eco-friendly microdermabrasion to be very "apeeling!"  At this show, I found two new innovations in the world of microdermabrasion that fit right into one of the retail trends covered in my last column - offering products and services that are eco-friendly. Here's info on the first one:

Here I am pictured getting a hand treatment with the NewApeel carried by my friends at SpaEquip. This machine which has several different models uses no crystals whatsoever. Instead it is "fitted with a natural diamond chip wand to gently polish the skin while vacuuming the exfoliated skins cells away." There are no loose crystals or dust to breathe in or settle around your treatment rooms. This is not only cleaner and more environmentally responsible (less waste per treatment) but it is also cost-effective as there are fewer products to buy and - I'm sure - less downtime due to clogged machines!

The treatment felt like any other microdermabrasion really - like a cat's tongue or light sandpaper moving across the skin. But it was great not to have that film of grainy powder all over the place after it was over.

I don't work for SpaEquip or get any kind of a commission for sales on this machine but wanted to let my readers know that you can get the show savings of 10% off extended by mentioning my company name, SPALUTIONS, when you order. If you're interested in learning more about it, Download New Apeel Flyer[1]to download the flyer about the machine or contact Philippe Therene at philippe@spaequip.com.

My next column will feature another eco-friendly microdermabrasion system as well as a less-painful, lower-risk alternative to laser skin tightening - another great treatment - and proof of the trend towards more natural kinds of products and services for spas, medical spas and salons.

Do you want to promote your services and products more affordably? Are you ready to get and keep more clients in 2011? Consider taking Felicia's Social Media Boot Camp in a Box - a thorough primer on how to use social media to market yourself and your business more effectively. You're sure to make every penny back through increased sales and lower marketing costs. Click here for more information on this and other courses or products to help your business grow and prosper.

Ideas and Trends Straight from ISPA

If you hadn't noticed, I've been a bit scant in my blog postings of late. Why? Travel mostly with a lot of work wedged into and between the various trips. Since I last wrote I've been at trainings and conferences in Wisconsin, Atlanta, Toronto, coastal NC, and most recently, attended ISPA outside of Washington, DC. I've taught at some and attended others but have learned a ton about what is going on the spa and massage world. I can barely even decide where to start.

First and foremost though, I wanted to share a few trends for retail and services that I hope will help you determine how and what to market and offer in your business in 2011. Here are two of the highlights from the retail side:

Accessories are hot! From hats to headbands and bracelets to berets, those little extra touches that can spice up an old wardrobe for only a buck or two are huge.

Even when cash is tight, people want to look their best. Accessories are a cost-effective way for people to feel good about the way they look - and for your spa to cash in on this trend. Companies like Michael Stars (the one in the booth pictured) had some great offerings for spas and salons to choose from. Talk to your customers to see if this type of product is something they'd like to have available in your retail area.

Eco-friendly and products for a cause are in demand. Consumers of today don't mind paying a little more for products that support causes they believe in, particularly if those products are made in a sustainable, green or eco-friendly way. One company I ran across at ISPA that donates to causes they care about is Project Iris Clothing. They donate a percentage of each sale to help relieve world hunger.

From their website: "There is a lot more to Project Iris than the stunning graphics and amazing fabric that we’re proud to manufacture in the U.S.A.: Project Iris is Style with Substance!  Project Iris is committed to helping others and has partnered with the World Food Program, the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. A portion of each Project Iris sale is used to provide nutritious meals to mothers and their young children in the developing world."

Their t-shirts are gorgeous as well! Sure to be a draw to people looking to spend money on products that make a difference in the world as well as those that just want to wear something beautiful and unique! They're gonna have some super deals available on 11/29/10 (Cyber Monday) so be sure to mark the date and rtheir website on your calendar!

Get your marketing on track fast with this very limited BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL! 45 minute marketing/business coaching phone sessions (with email follow up) for just $79! Good for appointments on 11/26 only. Just 4 spots left (12PM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM EST. Claim yours today by emailing Felicia at Felicia@spalutions.com. My social media and marketing plan audio courses are also on special through November 30th.Check out all the specials by clicking here. Happy Thanksgiving!

Day Spa Summit: A FREE virtual spa conference

Staying fresh with ideas and strategies for growing your spa business can be challenging.  And if you are not able to budget for trips to the big spa shows this year, feeling isolated and stale in running things is not uncommon. 

Yet it is so very important to continue to learn and train on new strategies in order to motivate your staff and inspire clientele.  I'm happy to share that there is a great Day Spa Summit available online -- and it's both jam packed with industry experts and it is free! 

One of my colleagues, and recently crowned Day Spa Association Spa Person of the Year for 2009, Felicia Brown is one of the 12 experts featured at the Summit.

Click here to sign up before it fills up

The Summit will feature two videos per week for size weeks with the following topics:

• Compensation Disasters in this Economy with Skip Williams
• The Client Experience with Felicia Brown
• Front Desk Blunders/Engaging Your Clients (or risk losing them) with Maryellen Ferring
• Become a "PR Powerhouse" with Nancy Trent
• "Purpose, Vision & the Experience" in Spa Design with Sam Margulies
• Six Profitability Numbers with Monte Zwang & Mark Machlis
• The Marketing Mindset with Andrew Finkelstein
• PowerBooking!  with Ellen L. McGinnis
• Inspire Yourself! with Lauren Gartland
• Educational Marketing with Patti Biro
• Three Reasons Why Business Fail with Kenneth Cassidy
• Put on Your Owner's Shoes with Zhenya & Christopher Brazy

The host, DaySpaOwner.com has also thrown in some great bonuses, so there really is nothing to lose.  The only catch is that you need to participate!

Sign-up now by clicking here or visiting this link and you'll be emailed instructions on how to access these videos each week.  I really hope you'll take advantage of this great offer for FREE education and ideas on how to improve every aspect of your business.  

Space is limited. Please sign up today.

I Heart New York

Will you be attending the IECSC New York show?  If so, I'd love to meet with you.  When ever I go to a tradeshow, I like to offer free marketing consultations to my readers who may be there.

I'll be speaking on Monday, April 28th at 11:15am on "Self Serve Scheduling: Why you need it and how to select the best online scheduling service for your business."

More information on the show, exhibitors and my talk is on the IECSC New York website.  If you would like to set up a time to meet on April 27th or 28th, please send me an email at info at spaclientele dot com. 

How to bring back inactive clients

The Dime, originally uploaded by "Mr. W".

"It costs dollars to attract a new client; and pennies to keep them."
                                                            - Anonymous

As the news media heats up doomsday stories about  recession, and decreased consumer spending and higher interest rates, it hard not to start worrying about what to do new or differently to keep your schedule full.  Don't fall into the easy and dangerous trap of offering cash discounts, this can only lead to lower profits and attracting the wrong clientele.

If you don't already, this is an excellent time to start communicating with inactive clients.  These are clients that you have not seen in two or more months...and do  not have anything booked in your schedule.   Rather than a one time contact, plan on a series of communications that will clearly demonstrate that you want them back. 

I have developed the four steps to re-activating inactive clients.

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.

Economy nail services: Are they changing the spa industry?

New York magazine ran a cover story earlier this month: The Economy of Touch.

It is a lengthy read, but an interesting client perspective on the spa industry, particularly in New York city.   The author wanted to get a better view on the uber-price competitive world of nail salons and massage services. 

"Driven by a a wave of cheap labor, the spa industry has expanded dramatically, transforming what were once luxuries into social imperative for a growing number of women.  But what kind of work is this?"

The author raises all sorts of thoughtful questions about our societies intimacy issues, immigrant salon worker rights and the industry hierarchy of workers with nail techs landing at the bottom.

After reading the article, I was struck..yet again...by the fact that the spa industry is still not truely mainstream.  Sure, the industry is growing, but with an identity crisis.