How can it be July already? They say time flies when you are having fun - or staying busy. And I have been doing a bit of both in the last few weeks. There are lots of new projects on the horizon, events to attend, articles to write, webinars to give. Whew! I'm tired just thinking about all of it! See the end of the article for updates on where I'll be in the next couple of weeks  and the next dates and times for the Group Marketing Coaching Program.

One thing that has been interesting to notice though is how being interactive and pro-active in my business has brought a number of opportunities my way. Conversations with one business owner prompt ideas for both businesses as well as future collaborations. Appointments with new clients spark imagination on how to reach other new clients.  And on it goes.


For example, after a conversation with one of my past coaching clients, Tony, he shared this image with me last month and told me that he did a July 4th special each year using it. I'd been trying to think of something to do during this typically slow time of year to perk up the revenue in my massage practice and decided to launch two multi-session "summertime only" packages for my clients. The special packages/sessions must be used up by November 2011.

I promoted these packages just to my existing client list (which is actually pretty small) via email, in-office flyers and in person as they came in for appointments over the last 3-4 weeks. I accented the benefits of regular massage as a part of "enjoying life" and "getting free from pain."

The packages were a good value though not nearly as cheap as the multitude of offers I've seen locally for Groupon and Living Social. But they spoke to the needs of the folks who have been eyeing those other specials and wondering if maybe they should just try someone else out or buy a Groupon because the price was so low. I'm not willing to Groupon my business but I am realistic that people - including my regulars - are looking for ways to save money wherever they can.

The result of the promotion? June was the best revenue producing month I've had this year. And I've secured repeat business from the clients who purchased the packages for the next 3-6 months. That's a great way of getting newer clients into the habit of getting regular massages from me and to move  occasional clients into regulars. Thanks Tony, for sparking my imagination!!

So how does this help you?

I think that you too can jump-start some positive things in your business by increasing your inter-activity with colleagues, other business owners, and your clients. Look for opportunities to converse, compare notes, collaborate or just have a little fun together. Find new ways to build your professional relationships and to help one another. Share ideas, research and resources to help one another prosper just like Tony shared that image with me. Be willing to share of yourself - to be a part of the larger conversation - and ready to reap the results!

UPCOMING EVENTS - in order of occurrence

World Massage Festival - July 12-17 - Cullowhee, NC
I am teaching at Student Day on How to Get Clients Inexpensively

ProKnowledge Workshops - www.proknowledgeworkshops.com
July 17 - 19 in Minneapolis, MN - I am teaching Social Media Marketing for Spas and will also be in Portland, OR in September. Click here to register today and save 50% on registration.

Group Marketing Coaching Program
Virtual (by phone and web) - If you are ready to get and keep more clients and income, please join me in one of the upcoming groups. Sessions start July 20th at 8 PM EST and August 15th at 7 PM EST. Space is limited to 10 people per group. Click here for more details or to register.

EVERY TOUCH Webinar Series - This is a new FREE series of webinars I am putting on with marketing and business experts from across the spa, massage and wellness industries. We will be focused on different marketing topics and providing a number of insights, resources and ideas to help you grow and marketing your business more effectively. To watch the webinar replay from the first broadcast Creating Freedom in Your Business with Shelene Taylor, click here.

Once you sign up, you will automatically get updates for each future broadcast. You can also sign up for my Email Newsletter (comes out about 1x a month plus webinar announcements) for ongoing updates about the webinar and other classes.