If you've been wondering how you can help with the disaster back east, here are some ideas.
1. If you currently sell gift certificates you can donate a percentage of the sales to either the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or another charity of your choice.
Pick a percentage say 5% and select an end date so your clients take action right away.
2. Massage Pro C.E., Gloria Coppola has organized a Fund Raiser for Massage Therapists who are surviving the effects of Sandy as so many have lost their homes, valuables and jobs. Gift cards are greatly needed for survival and starting over. If you can donate anything purchase a gift card here http://www.giftcards.com/ and mail directly to (Massage PRO CE) at PO Box 1477, Marion NC 28752. Gloria will be distributing them personally to those in immediate need. Contact Gloria at massagewithoutborders@gmail.com
3.Organize a Massage Fund Raiser in your local community. I organized a Massage Fund Raiser right after Katrina and another after the earthquake in Japan and we raised over $1,000.00 for the American and Japanese Red Cross.
You will need at least a week to organize so start now. Here’s how to do it:
Find a location. Consider a room big enough for at least 10 massage chairs or tables. I reached out to my business connections and found an office management company willing to donate an empty office space.
Contact other LMT's to help or visit your local massage schools for interns. Speak to the school director and tell them what you are doing and ask if you can post a notice on their bulletin board.
Pick the date, start and end time.
My first Fund Raiser lasted all day and there were times where we weren’t busy so for the second one, I organized it from 10am -2pm
Contact radio stations to announce your event
Post flyers in your community and in the other offices near the location.
Here’s an example of what to put on your flyer:
MASSAGE-ATHON FUNDRAISER FOR HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS.
GOT 15 MINUTES TO DO GOOD & FEEL FABULOUS?
How: Get a 10-20 minute neck & shoulder massage.
Why: Because you want to donate to the Hurricane Sandy victims and you need some stress relief.
Where: Give address and parking info
When: Decide on a block of time.
Cost: Decide on a rate. I did $1.00 per minute. (Checks please)
100% donated to (American Red Cross or other charity)
Contact local newspapers for a press release. You can email a copy of your flyer containing all of the information. I was amazed how many people we got from the newspaper.
Offer 10, 15 or 20 minute chair massages. In my experience most people opted for 20 minutes. Ask for checks to be made payable to American Red Cross or charity of your choice so you can mail the checks directly to your local chapter.
Have each massage recipient sign a waiver.
Here’s an example of a waiver from ABMP:
If you are currently suffering from any ailment which could be affected by today’s massage, please inform your massage therapist before your session. Please read the following statement, then sign and date next to your name to indicate that you have read and understood the statement. The massage therapist is not responsible for the aggravation of conditions which were present, but not disclosed at the time of the massage and which may be affected by the massage.
Auction off a gift certificate for a table massage during the Fund Raiser.
Good luck and remember every bit helps!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Do you go the extra mile with your massage table set up?
I hope you had a wonderful summer. My hubby and I are back from our second year wedding anniversary vacation in Italy!
We had the best time and split the two weeks between four days in Florence, six nights on a farm in rural Tuscany and ended with four days in Rome! There were many highlights in the trip; the food of course, the museums, the Italian hospitality the amazing architecture and landscape.
When I travel, I like to check out spas and receive a massage or spa service, so when it rained one day, I dragged my hubby into The Four Seasons in Florence.
We had a tour of their beautiful facilities and I inquired about their signature treatment which was a 105 minute massage with extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut powder, honey and olive oil cream! But after all the walking we did, my feet needed some serious TLC so I booked a luxurious pedicure and let me tell you, it was PURE BLISS.
The pedicure was done on an esthetician table, so after the foot soak, I was able to lay flat and I drifted off during the foot massage. The staff looked after my hubby too and suggested he relax in the quiet area. They gave him tea and a book to read so I could relax more, guilt free.
One of the many benefits of being a mobile spa owner is leveraged income so I can take a paid vacation. While I was away, my two assistants were answering the phones, booking clients and securing my independent contractors.
I came back recharged and inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the spas in Italy, particularly the massage table set up. Do you go the extra mile with your set up?
My massage table set up.
One of my clients loved my massage table set up with the candles and flowers so much; I thought I’d share it with you. Don’t be concerned if you or your clients have allergies, just read on.
Granted no amount of candles or flowers will ever make up for an average massage experience. But if you provide a great massage or spa service, look and act professional AND have a great set up, you add more value and it sets you apart from other massage/spa professionals. By turning their home into a sacred haven, clients can enjoy everything they’d expect at a spa location but without the inconvenience of having to get dressed and drive home afterwards.
Here's a breakdown of my luxurious but inexpensive set up as seen on the photo.
The flowers are silk ($6.00) so you can use over and over again.
The candles;3 unscented tea-lights (I buy a bag of 50 for $8.00) 50 cents
The gold sash is a table runner I got at Michael's (discount store) for $10.00 you can use again.
Total: $16.50
So there you have it; it's really not any extra effort or expense.
If you're a nail technician add some silk flowers and candles to your set up and this will work with your facials too!
Until next time, have a great week,
Helen.
We had the best time and split the two weeks between four days in Florence, six nights on a farm in rural Tuscany and ended with four days in Rome! There were many highlights in the trip; the food of course, the museums, the Italian hospitality the amazing architecture and landscape.
When I travel, I like to check out spas and receive a massage or spa service, so when it rained one day, I dragged my hubby into The Four Seasons in Florence.
We had a tour of their beautiful facilities and I inquired about their signature treatment which was a 105 minute massage with extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut powder, honey and olive oil cream! But after all the walking we did, my feet needed some serious TLC so I booked a luxurious pedicure and let me tell you, it was PURE BLISS.
The pedicure was done on an esthetician table, so after the foot soak, I was able to lay flat and I drifted off during the foot massage. The staff looked after my hubby too and suggested he relax in the quiet area. They gave him tea and a book to read so I could relax more, guilt free.
One of the many benefits of being a mobile spa owner is leveraged income so I can take a paid vacation. While I was away, my two assistants were answering the phones, booking clients and securing my independent contractors.
I came back recharged and inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the spas in Italy, particularly the massage table set up. Do you go the extra mile with your set up?
One of my clients loved my massage table set up with the candles and flowers so much; I thought I’d share it with you. Don’t be concerned if you or your clients have allergies, just read on.
Granted no amount of candles or flowers will ever make up for an average massage experience. But if you provide a great massage or spa service, look and act professional AND have a great set up, you add more value and it sets you apart from other massage/spa professionals. By turning their home into a sacred haven, clients can enjoy everything they’d expect at a spa location but without the inconvenience of having to get dressed and drive home afterwards.
Here's a breakdown of my luxurious but inexpensive set up as seen on the photo.
The flowers are silk ($6.00) so you can use over and over again.
The candles;3 unscented tea-lights (I buy a bag of 50 for $8.00) 50 cents
The gold sash is a table runner I got at Michael's (discount store) for $10.00 you can use again.
Total: $16.50
So there you have it; it's really not any extra effort or expense.
If you're a nail technician add some silk flowers and candles to your set up and this will work with your facials too!
Until next time, have a great week,
Helen.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
What does leverage mean anyway?
Today I am going to discuss how performing spa parties means reaching more clients while working less!
It's time to leverage yourself and reach more
clients! Leverage means achieving more with less effort.
Spa parties are great for groups and your clients
will enjoy mini spa services at a reduced party rate and you will increase your
income and gain more exposure.
I recommend you have a minimum number of guests
and spa services per spa party. My minimum is nine guests and three 20 minute
services or two thirty minute services per guest. It's more cost effective to
drive for a spa party of nine than say two or three guests. This way you will
book three technicians or two if you work too, the party last three hours and
you will still make a profit!
Here's a VIDEO of
a spa party my contractors and I did recently for a 50th birthday
celebration. You can hear the peaceful sound of wind chimes in the
background.
I discuss the spa party flow so you stay on time
and a booking policy in more detail in my workbook which ensures you receive a
deposit and that you are compensated even if some guests don’t show up
Healthy tip your clients will love.
If you're experiencing high
temperatures this summer consider a healthy drink to serve at your spa parties.
As tempting as it is for your guests to serve wine or champagne suggest they
make some spa water to drink during their services and save the champagne for a
toast at the end! Here are some recipes
from mySpaWater.com
Spa parties and group services are so much fun as
you can reach more clients and increase your income! Just make sure you stay on
time and have all of your booking policies in order.
Until next time, have a great week,
Helen.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
How is your self esteem and confidence?
Today I am going to discuss why owning a mobile spa business and being
self employed is good for your self esteem and confidence.
How do you feel about where you are right now? I hear a lot of massage therapists say they are not paid what they were promised in massage school or that they feel they are taken advantage of. Can you relate? This is a big deal and I recall it all too well.
I remember when I worked at my last spa job before I started full time on my own business and the manager asked me to work on the owner on my one day off -for free. I told her I wasn't available and let me say, she was shocked that I didn't say yes. I had the confidence to say no, having worked there for three years but if I'd been new, I probably would have been too scared to say no in fear of being let go.
There's nothing worse for your morale than feeling like you haven't any choices. You're working for less than you deserve but you took the job for a limited time to help pay your bills. But six months later you're still there because you are always booked and you don't have the energy to do anything about it. They have you doing back to back treatments with no breaks. There's no time to eat or stretch; you end up injured and you have to take time off from work. As you're part time or an independent contractor you don't get sick pay. Once you start building your spa team and leveraging yourself, your income is not dependent on just you.
Gina Liccardo LMT has been interviewing contractors to join her mobile spa team. So far she has a make-up artist and an aesthetician and she is well on her way to building her empire so her income does not solely rely on her own!
When you set your own hours and rates and you know you are worth it considering your education and experience, it's a whole new feeling! Your confidence increases and you are more empowered just like Laya Lale, aesthetician another one of my class participants.
Before having taken my class Laya wouldn't have had the confidence to be open to new opportunities. She said yes to a corporate client and ended up providing massage therapy for students along with two of her contractors.
Monique Moss nail technician, is working on a contract for a spa party in early June and putting my tips to work since she finished the class!!!!
So anything is possible once you have the information, support and accountability.
http://howtocreateamobilespabusiness.com/
Until next time,
Helen.
How do you feel about where you are right now? I hear a lot of massage therapists say they are not paid what they were promised in massage school or that they feel they are taken advantage of. Can you relate? This is a big deal and I recall it all too well.
I remember when I worked at my last spa job before I started full time on my own business and the manager asked me to work on the owner on my one day off -for free. I told her I wasn't available and let me say, she was shocked that I didn't say yes. I had the confidence to say no, having worked there for three years but if I'd been new, I probably would have been too scared to say no in fear of being let go.
There's nothing worse for your morale than feeling like you haven't any choices. You're working for less than you deserve but you took the job for a limited time to help pay your bills. But six months later you're still there because you are always booked and you don't have the energy to do anything about it. They have you doing back to back treatments with no breaks. There's no time to eat or stretch; you end up injured and you have to take time off from work. As you're part time or an independent contractor you don't get sick pay. Once you start building your spa team and leveraging yourself, your income is not dependent on just you.
Gina Liccardo LMT has been interviewing contractors to join her mobile spa team. So far she has a make-up artist and an aesthetician and she is well on her way to building her empire so her income does not solely rely on her own!
When you set your own hours and rates and you know you are worth it considering your education and experience, it's a whole new feeling! Your confidence increases and you are more empowered just like Laya Lale, aesthetician another one of my class participants.
Before having taken my class Laya wouldn't have had the confidence to be open to new opportunities. She said yes to a corporate client and ended up providing massage therapy for students along with two of her contractors.
Monique Moss nail technician, is working on a contract for a spa party in early June and putting my tips to work since she finished the class!!!!
So anything is possible once you have the information, support and accountability.
http://howtocreateamobilespabusiness.com/
Until next time,
Helen.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Expand your business and contract other massage or spa technicians
Today I am going discuss hiring contractors and what comes along with this process; building trust.
This is a big step and I remember it all too well. You can't expand your business without hiring contractors and the trust goes both ways.
Here are some tips to help you:
Set up an extensive interview. Check their qualifications, license and liability insurance. Receive a hands on service from them. Ask if they will bring their equipment, sheets, oils and set up in your office or home office.
Attitude is everything. Trust your instincts. If you feel they are not the right fit for your company move on.
Have them sign an independent contractor agreement. (I include both of these contracts in my" five weeks to owning your own mobile spa business" class download)
Make up some your company business cards with their name on them if you are worried they will pass out their own card.
Build up a relationship with your contractors so they feel part of your team and not a "number". Follow up with them and explain what your expectations are. Communicate openly and encourage them to do the same.
Give them one of your company t-shirts to wear.
(The second one they purchase). If you are all wearing the same t shirts you create a team.
Work together doing couples' massages or spa parties until you both feel confident. Don't send them out on an appointment alone.
Pay them on time and at a rate that is fair. Establish a pay period. Set up bill pay (my bank offers a free service) or direct deposit with your bank. If you are late paying your contractors this does not build a good rapport.
It takes time to build a successful team with contractors that are loyal and you can trust. This is also part of your personal growth journey so be patient!
Until next time,
Helen.
This is a big step and I remember it all too well. You can't expand your business without hiring contractors and the trust goes both ways.
Here are some tips to help you:
Set up an extensive interview. Check their qualifications, license and liability insurance. Receive a hands on service from them. Ask if they will bring their equipment, sheets, oils and set up in your office or home office.
Attitude is everything. Trust your instincts. If you feel they are not the right fit for your company move on.
Have them sign an independent contractor agreement. (I include both of these contracts in my" five weeks to owning your own mobile spa business" class download)
Make up some your company business cards with their name on them if you are worried they will pass out their own card.
Build up a relationship with your contractors so they feel part of your team and not a "number". Follow up with them and explain what your expectations are. Communicate openly and encourage them to do the same.
Give them one of your company t-shirts to wear.
(The second one they purchase). If you are all wearing the same t shirts you create a team.
Work together doing couples' massages or spa parties until you both feel confident. Don't send them out on an appointment alone.
Pay them on time and at a rate that is fair. Establish a pay period. Set up bill pay (my bank offers a free service) or direct deposit with your bank. If you are late paying your contractors this does not build a good rapport.
It takes time to build a successful team with contractors that are loyal and you can trust. This is also part of your personal growth journey so be patient!
Until next time,
Helen.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Here's how I got started with my mobile spa business.
I just want to give you a recap on my story and maybe you can relate.
I graduated from massage school in 1995 and worked in a couple of busy spas in Beverly Hills in California and was always getting requests for in home service. And certainly from groups of women who wanted to do a spa party for a special occasion. I would always hear them saying, “I wish we could all be in the same room.” They didn’t like being in separate rooms when they were receiving the services. The wanted the intimacy and fun aspect of being in the same room or having the intimacy of hosting it in one of their houses. The didn’t like the clinical aspect of the spa whereby they would check in at the front desk. They would have to go and park their cars and they didn’t want to have to put makeup on and get undressed and dressed again like you do when you go into a location spa. So I had heard this a number of times and certainly enough times to make me think about developing mobile spa parties.
The universe is always giving us messages if you have an idea, if you listen, there are messages all over the place to support your idea.
So I’d heard it enough times that I started to think more seriously about developing a mobile spa business.
Do you have any nagging feeling that you should be doing this too?
Drop me a note I'd love to see if I can help.
I graduated from massage school in 1995 and worked in a couple of busy spas in Beverly Hills in California and was always getting requests for in home service. And certainly from groups of women who wanted to do a spa party for a special occasion. I would always hear them saying, “I wish we could all be in the same room.” They didn’t like being in separate rooms when they were receiving the services. The wanted the intimacy and fun aspect of being in the same room or having the intimacy of hosting it in one of their houses. The didn’t like the clinical aspect of the spa whereby they would check in at the front desk. They would have to go and park their cars and they didn’t want to have to put makeup on and get undressed and dressed again like you do when you go into a location spa. So I had heard this a number of times and certainly enough times to make me think about developing mobile spa parties.
The universe is always giving us messages if you have an idea, if you listen, there are messages all over the place to support your idea.
So I’d heard it enough times that I started to think more seriously about developing a mobile spa business.
Do you have any nagging feeling that you should be doing this too?
Drop me a note I'd love to see if I can help.
Monday, March 19, 2012
What services should you offer with your mobile spa business?
What services should you offer with your mobile spa business when you are starting out? When I first started out in my mobile spa business I thought about the services I didn't offer like facials, and hand and foot treatments. How I started was I worked with one esthetician and while she was doing facials I was was doing the massage services. I recommend that you keep it simple and develop a small team so you can perfect the services and build from there.
Develop your spa menu with one other technician you could even keep it to body treatments first.
Massage.
Reflexology.
Body scrubs.
Foot and hand exfoliating treatments.
Develop your spa menu with one other technician you could even keep it to body treatments first.
Massage.
Reflexology.
Body scrubs.
Foot and hand exfoliating treatments.
This is a great start don't you think?
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