The Day Spa Association has recently created a new blog for industry experts and DSA members to share their ideas and strategies for having a successful day spa. The blog is in its' infancy but already has a couple of good columns going. I hope you'll check it out and offer your own thoughts and ideas.

Below are my recent comments to Skip Williams' recent post on seeing opportunity in the uncertain economy.

Click here to read the whole post.

Skip, you’ve definitely given spa owners a lot to think about when it comes to surviving tough times. I’d also suggest that people look at where they are missing sales and marketing opportunities. True, people are spending their money a bit more cautiously, but that doesn’t mean you should stop working to let them know what services and products are available in your spa.

A couple of thoughts:
- Work on upgrading and upselling services - have your front desk staff and service providers promote your specialty facials, spa pedicures or 90 minute massages instead of the old fall backs of a basic facial, standard pedicure or hour long massage. It really helps too if the staff is able to give a luscious description about why they love the treatment and prefer it over other services.

- Ask every client to rebook - Don’t let clients slip out the door without asking them to schedule their next appointment. Not everyone will do it but a good number of clients will be happy to plan another hour or two of stress management into their schedule and budget, especially when they’re still in the land of bliss.

- Use the Internet. Send clients updates about new products, open appointment times or last minute specials through email, e-newsletters, your web site and blog. It is practically cost free (aside from your standard hosting costs or subscriptions) and can get an instant result in your check book and bank account.