Spa Business Wisdom

To Vegas - Day Spa Expo

I can not believe it is already March, it suddenly hit me that I have to make my travel arrangements and finish the last touches for the lecture I will be doing at the Day Spa Expo in Las Vegas. Taking place from March 15 to 17 at the Las Vegas Hilton Convention Center.

This year everyone is being very careful about which shows, expos and seminars they attend. This is true not only for vendors but for Spa owners, Management and Technicians, everyone is on a tighter budget and we have to make careful decisions about where we spend our money. Unfortunately at times like this is when we tend to make the mistake of reducing training expenses which is not necessarily a savings in the bigger picture. As we know without continuous education and training we can not deliver the level of services that our customer demand; we can not stay on top of the latest trends, legalities or industry news. Attending a trade show that delivers a quality driven education program in addition to having the opportunity to network and see new products and trends should continue to be a priority in where we spend our money. In the long run this investment will keep us in the leading edge, of course that only applies if you attend and then put into practice the things you learn.

These are the main reasons as to why I recommend the Day Spa Expo and why it continues to be one of the trade events I look forward to attending every year. The Business Forum that the Day Spa Association puts together is one of a kind; with three different tracks and topics for all levels of Spa Owners and Management, in addition to top industry speakers. Plus with all the depressing news we are inundated with every day, we all need a little fun and this show happens in Vegas! I saw some  great deals for travel packages to Sin City and you still have time to plan your trip and sign up for the Business Forum. For more information on the class schedule and the trade show go to www.dayspaexpo.com

On Monday, March 16 at 2:00 pm do stop by the "Start Smart" track to participate in my 'Interviewing Know-How' workshop. Where  "in an interactive presentation the attendees will learn industry specific methods on employee interviewing.  They will learn the step by step process of interviewing and specific questions for each Spa and Salon position.

Do make your plans and I'll see you in Vegas!

Stay tuned.........

 

 

Mexico City, Argentina and Cancun

As 2009 begins to unfold I look back at some of the learning opportunities and wonderful places I visited and lectured during the last half of 2008. It was a great experience to be able to teach my Spa Management Certification Course in Mexico and Argentina. Being able to learn about practices in the industry in other countries was enlightening in addition to having the opportunity to travel and meet new friends. The trade organizations in Mexico and Argentina are doing a great job and service to the industry by organizing these educational events and trade-shows.

In Mexico the events were organized by the "Asociacion Latinoamericana de Spa, A.C." (The Latin-America Spa Association). I was invited to be one of the key-note speakers at their annual Spa Latin-America Congress (Expo Spa 2008) in addition to presenting my two (2) day Spa Management Certification Course, approved by the Mexico Tourism and Continued Education Agencies. My most sincere thanks to Lic Jose A Arredondo, Dr. Ramon De la Rosa and Lic Pamela A Hernandez. I will forever be grateful for their invitation and for making all the arrangements and promotions for two successful seminars. We had eighty (80) attendees in our Mexico City class. I was also invited to their Cancun event in October 2008. In Cancun we had over 20 attendees and a wide variety with Day Spas, Medical Spas, Wellness Centers and Hotel Spas represented. (Picture above of the attendees to the seminar in Cancun).

We learned that the Spa savvy traveler is looking for Spa services and experiences that are not commonly found in their own backyard. That in Central and South America there is a huge demand for Holistic, Indigenous, Wellness oriented facilities. We are trying to come up with concepts and services that go hand in hand with the history and geographical aspects of the location.

In between my trip to Mexico City and Cancun I had the honor of being invited to speak at Vita Spa 2008 & Medical Expo & Conference in Buenos Aires Argentina. This event is organized by the The Day Spa Association Latino America, The International Medical Spa Association Latino America (both official chapters of the Day Spa Association USA) and world Spa Society. They had attendees from Europe, Central and South America. Thank you, Lic Damian Mocagatta for organizing such a quality event. We learned that the Spa consumers have become more knowledgeable in the last two years; they demand and expect excellence in service. That with the intense competition in our industry their loyalty is tied to the level of results and service they perceive they get from that particular location. They are open to new treatments, new locations and new ideas. Individuals are curious and more willing to engage in Health or Wellness Tourism, going to other countries to get plastic surgeries or more advanced anti-aging non invasive procedures is part of vacation or investment planning.

I met wonderful owners, managers and directors. Some of them new to the Spa industry and wanting to learn as fast as possible. Some of the attendees were veterans that have seen the industry evolve, and in their opinion we are coming full circle and going back to the original concepts of our industry. I wish you all success in your endeavors and your careers, keep learning, keep practicing and keep bringing joy and well being to your clients. I salute you!

If you are interested in learning more about International Tendencies in the Spa Industry stay tuned for my next Blog entry..........

Written by Zahira J Coll, all rights reserved, the content of this article, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

Vita Spa 08

On my way to Argentina, to be part of the Vita Spa 08 Spa & Medical Expo & Conference in Buenos Aires. This event is organized by The Day Spa Association, The International Medical Spa Association and World Spa Society and it takes place from August 9 - 11 at the Sheraton Hotel in Buenos Aires. For all the details, itinerary and class schedule please visit http://www.vitaspaweb.com/

I'm very excited and proud to be part of such a great event, the post-conference workshop I'll be teaching will be about developing your Career as a Spa Director and you can find more information here; http://www.vitaspaweb.com/congreso/post_congreso/construyendo_la_carrera_de_director_de_spa_2008060474.html

Argentina, here I come.....

Seminars, Lectures and More

Where is Zahira?

I am currently in Mexico City attending and presenting at the Latin America Spa Congress and providing the attendees with our two day Spa Management Certification Program in Spanish http://www.expospa.com/spa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=45

This program is now available to present in any Spanish speaking setting, if interested in having it brought to you, please call our offices at 702-436-0371 and ask for JC Velazquez. Thanks!

Also if you are planning on attending IECSC June 28 to July 1 in Las Vegas at the LV Convention Center be sure to stop by at the New Life Systems/Lotus Touch booth or the seminar below to say Hello. I'll be there.

Room N202

Sunday 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm The International Medical Spa Association presents Hannelore R. Leavy, Executive Director Benchmark your Medical Spa Presented by THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SPA ASSOCIAITON – Participating IMSA members: Eric Light, Strawberry Hill Group, Zahira Coll, Resources & Development, John Buckingham, Solana MedSpas. We will reveal the results of the first Benchmark Study conducted on the Medical Spa market, evaluate, dissect and discuss. Growth and trends as these industry leaders see the medical spa and wellness models of the future.

http://www.iecsc.com/lasvegas.php

 

Start-a-Spa Boot Camp and the Day Spa Expo 2008

Plan ahead and you will succeed! What better way to start the New Year than by attending these two amazing events in Las Vegas!

Back by popular demand R&D's one of a kind: Start-a-Spa Boot Camp/Operation Financial Freedom is around the corner. Plan your trip and come to our headquarters in fabulous Las Vegas NV from Tuesday January 29th to Friday February 1st, 2008 to participate in this great learning experience and have some Vegas fun!

This four day workshop will be presented by Skip Williams, Dan Hussey and yours truly. Skip is the author of "The Reluctant Spa Director and the Mission Dream". He is a recognized speaker and author in the spa arena, recipient of the 2006 "Spa Person of the Year". Mr. Williams has over thirteen years of experience in Management, Financial Development & Operational fields, mostly in the Spa and Hospitality Industry as Spa Director, Controller and Business project Consultant. Dan Hussey brings a unique approach to what it really takes to obtain financing in the Spa industry. He is the President of Global Success Solutions and has over 25 years and millions of dollars of successful business development and banking experience. You can read about my background in the about me page of this blog and/or you can go to http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/Bios.htm and read all about me. I will be the speaker for one day of the workshop and I will be covering Menu writing and concept development, Human Resources principles and practices, How to Hire the Best candidate for your Spa, etc. etc. Let the start-up experts put you on the fast track to opening your Spa!

Don't delay, make your plans, ONLY two seats left. All workshop attendees will receive VIP Exhibit Floor passes for the fabulous Day Spa Expo 2008!

Please visit http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/BootCamp.htm to register and/or call our offices at 702-436-0371.

The Day Spa Expo 2008 takes place at the Sands Expo Center from Tuesday Feb 5 to Thursday Feb 7. The Day Spa Expo is the one national Spa event every professional should attend. In it's third year and the fastest growing national spa show in the country. This event is dedicated to offering the best in vendor and product selection, as well as a business education program designed with your needs in mind. Resources & Development is one of the show sponsors, we will be in Booth 500, please do come by and say Hello! I am also one of the conference speakers, my presentation; "Successfully Interview & Select Ideal Employees"is scheduled for Wed. Feb 6 at 1pm. For more information about the Expo please visit www.dayspaexpo.com

Stay tuned......

Start-a-Spa Boot Camp last chance in 2007

The unique and popular workshop: Start-a-Spa Boot Camp/Operation Financial Freedom is around the corner.

This is the last time it will be offered in 2007, plan your trip and come to our headquarters in fabulous Las Vegas NV on October 15 to 18 to participate in this great learning experience and have some Vegas fun!

This four day workshop will be presented by Skip Williams, Dan Hussey and yours truly. Skip is the author of "The Reluctant Spa Director and the Mission Dream". He is a recognized speaker and author in the spa arena, recipient of the 2006 "Spa Person of the Year". Mr. Williams has over thirteen years of experience in Management, Financial Development & Operational fields, mostly in the Spa and Hospitality Industry as Spa Director, Controller and Business project Consultant. Dan Hussey brings a unique approach to what it really takes to obtain financing in the Spa industry. He is the President of Global Success Solutions and has over 25 years and millions of dollars of successful business development and banking experience. You can read about my background in the about me page of this blog and/or you can go to http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/Bios.htm and read all about me. I will be the speaker for one day of the workshop and I will be covering Menu writing and concept development, Human Resources principles and practices, How to Hire the Best candidate for your Spa, etc. etc. Let the start-up experts put you on the fast track to opening your Spa!

If you register before Oct 1st, as a Thank you for being a reader of my Blog, you will get a special discount of $200 OFF the registration fee (Don't forget that you have to mention that you are a Spa Business Wisdom Blog reader to get the discount!)

Start-a-Spa Boot Camp/Operation Financial Freedom registration fee is $1,950 (US) and it includes: Four days of fun learning; Continental Breakfast each day of training, Textbook, Business Plan CD, Opening Matrix time-line template, Master Purchase List template, a business model, all the hiring, interviewing templates you will need, interview questions guide specific to the Spa industry, list of vendors with discount codes and an autographed copy of "The Reluctant Spa Director and the Mission Dream".

I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas, don't delay space is limited, only a few seats left. Please visit http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/BootCamp.htm to register and/or call our offices at 702-436-0371.

Stay tuned......

Where is Zahira?

I invite you to join me at the following industry events:

The Spa Owners & Operators Business Clinic in Rosemont, Illinois - August 14 to 16. I will be teaching "How to Write Job Descriptions & Employee Manuals" on Tuesday August 14 at 4pm.  To attend do register soon at http://www.dayspaexpo.com/chicago/

The ISPA Knowledge Network at the Arizona Biltmore Resort - September 10 to 11. Great opportunity to learn about Marketing & Branding and have some wine with me at the Marketplace event (R&D is one of the exhibitors). For more information and to register do visit www.experienceispa.com

In Orlando for IECSC from September 29 to October 1 - I will be part of an expert panel sponsored by the International Medical Spa Association on "Medical Spa Basics - Is this the right business for you? on Sunday Sept 30 at 12:00pm. For a complete Manufacturer Education schedule and to register please visit www.iecsc.com

More events and details will be posted regularly, to always know where to find me subscribe to this blog or to my FREE electronic newsletter (you can find the newsletter at http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/Newsletter.htm

See you soon!

Spa Director's Career Builder

Our very popular Spa Director's Career Builder workshop is around the corner. This is one of a kind opportunity for those in Spa Management or those wanting to enhance their skills, their knowledge and their professional growth potential. In three fast paced days full of practical knowledge and fun, you will learn best practices of effective leadership, enhance your financial IQ and learn the secrets on how to determine the best motivational and hiring program that works with your specific leading style.

With tons of individual attention and limited to ONLY 8 attendees everyone gets the maximum out of every lecture. Our guest speaker will be Mr Skip Williams, renowned author and most recently appointed Spa Person of the Year by the Day Spa Association. He will be teaching about the net profit, the reality of a P&L statement and sharing with the attendees his vast knowledge on Spa finances and operations.

Please take a moment to explore the details of this workshop and all the other educational opportunities offered at the R&D Institute by visiting http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/Education.htm.

Plan your trip to beautiful and fun Las Vegas on July 23 to 25, 2007 to participate in this great learning experience. Our Spa Director's Career Builder is only $1,450 (US) and includes: Continental Breakfast each day of training; Spa Director's Management Guide with an interviewing section; CD with forms, spreadsheets and templates to personalize and use at your Spa; and one FREE Spa "Ready-to-Use Business Tool of your choice.

Visit www.ResourcesAndDevelopment.com for all the details and to register, or call our offices at 702-436-0371

I look forward to seeing you at the R&D Institute!

Speaking engagements

We are very excited about a few seminars at our R&D Institute in Las Vegas NV in addition to events and Trade Shows that we are participating in.  We invite you to mark your calendars for the following must attend industry events:

• May 21 through May 24: Start-A-Spa Boot Camp - Operation Financial Freedom at the R&D Institute in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on this one of a kind event please go to http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/BootCamp.htm
• June 2 through June 4: The International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference, Las Vegas- This is one of the most attended Trade Shows in our industry, of course it does not hurt that it happens in my own backyard. During the conference we recommend you to attend the following sessions; Saturday June 2 at 9am the Day Spa Association presentation on "Marketing Solutions for your Day Spa" with Skip Williams as part of the expert panel. Then on Sunday June 3 from 1pm to 6pm, the Day Spa Association is hosting "Software for your Spa, Learn & Compare" with Skip Williams as the moderator. To learn more about this industry trade show and/or to register please visit http://www.iecsc.com/lasvegas.php
• June 11 - The Naked Truth About Spa Compensation- at the R&D Institute in Las Vegas, with Skip Williams, Spa Person of the Year and author of "The Reluctant Spa Director and the Mission Dream". For more information on this workshop and/or to register go to http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/Compensation.htm
• June 12 through 15- Spa Quality by Spa Quality LLC in partnership with the R&D Institute in Las Vegas - For more information and/or to register for this event go to http://spaquality.com/pages/training.htm and/or http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/SpaQuality.htm

In addition yours truly will be teaching a class on "How to Write Job Descriptions and Why You Need Them?" at the Spa Owners & Operators Expo on Tuesday August 14 at 4pm. This trade show will take place at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Illinois, for more details on this event please visit http://www.dayspaexpo.com/chicago/

See you there!!  "Z"

Seminars in Las Vegas!

Classes & Events:

Last week I wrote briefly about the R&D Institute and the seminars I will be part of (as an educator). I forgot to mention that there is a $100 discount (from the total price, one discount ONLY per person) for attendees that register before April 30th, 2007.  To find out all the details on what courses are being offered, the dates, etc please visit http://www.resourcesanddevelopment.com/Education.htm

The best part about these seminars is that they are very interactive, hands-on and the Institute is located in Las Vegas! What better place to be to learn, work and play all at once.

We will be joined by Linda Bankoski, Managing Director for Spa Quality LLC during the month of June. She will be offering two, three and four day education courses from June 12 to 15, 2007. These seminars are for Spa Owners, Directors, Managers, Team Leaders, Consultants, Students and Professionals interested in Quality in Spas. For details please go to http://discoverspas.com/news/newsevents123.shtml

In addition to having business information, books and classes the other great thing about Discover Spas is their Spa recommendations and listings. If you are ever looking for a Spa to go to they have a very comprehensive site with the most amount of Spa listings I've encountered. I always check what Julie Register has to say about a particular property before I decide if I should spend any money going there or not. So check them out at www.discoverspas.com

During August 14 through 16 we will be in Rosemont Illinois at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. We will be exhibiting and speaking in the very first Spa Owners & Operators Expo. This event is an educational and trade show event focusing on Spa business topics for all Spa types, such as Medical Spas, Resort/Hotel Spas and Day Spas. The exhibits are on the 15th and the 16th and there will be great new products and equipment to check out. So mark your calendars and hopefully I will see you in Chicago! For information on this event go to www.dayspaexpo.com

That's all for now........"Z"