Felicia's Blog

Everything Has Its Time

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2013-05-16T01:04:22Z

The last couple of weeks have been full of some amazing highs as well as some thought provoking lows. As someone who tries to see the glass as half full (actually, I usually see it as overflowing) I do try to put a positive spin on everything and know that it all serves some purpose whether I know/understand it or not. What becomes clear again and again is that everything has its time.

On the low side, a wonderful man named Bill Smith - and the minister who married me and my husband almost seven years ago - passed away on Monday. Bill had been in a period of declining health for quite some time so I know he is in a better place now. I'd known him since I was a child as he was both the minister of the church I grew up in and a close friend of my grandmother's. I can think of many times he went out of his way to do nice things for my family during some pretty rough patches we had and will never forget him for it.

But on a funny note, I will also always remember this story. When I opened my first massage therapy office back in 1996, I invited he and his wife, Winnie, to come to my open house celebration. They were always very supportive of me so they came to the event. However, I am not sure they felt very comfortable with the idea of massage (I rub naked people for money, you know!) So even though they came to the event, they stood out in the hallway outside my business the whole time. It was so cute and endearing

Then a little over a year ago, Bill gave me the honor of giving him his first massage. It was one of the most special experiences I've ever had with a client simply because I knew he probably would not have tried massage if it weren't for our long history. But he trusted me - and everything has its time. The memory of this is definitely on the high side - my cup runneth over. I am very sad to know that Bill is gone and with him one of the last direct connections I had to my beloved grandmother, Pearle.

Yet in this same week - just a day after Bill left us - a new, strong "connection" to Pearle - and a big HIGH - arrived in my life. My new book. My grandmother was a published writer and always encouraged this talent and skill in me. For as long as I can remember I've been "trying" to publish a book of some kind but it never seemed to get done. There was always something else pulling my attention away from focusing on my writing, including contributing chapters and essays to OTHER people's books!

More often though what would get in my way was some form of self-doubt or fear creeping in. I'd get discouraged and put the unfinished book back on the shelf to sit yet another year. This back and forth stopping and starting has been one of those ongoing thorns in my side and something I have felt a lot of guilt about. I guess if I am honest I've worried that I somehow let my grandmother down by not "persisting" enough to get it done.

Then for reasons I can't begin to explain here - at least not briefly - everything came together really quickly for me to finish the book. Doors opened and creativity flowed to make it happen. The right people and circumstance had evolved into my life and now my book has gone from an idea and wish to REALITY!

Everything has its time.

Tomorrow I'm off to Atlanta to teach at the American Massage Conference. I'm driving there and am really glad I'll have some time to myself on the way down to think about Bill, my grandmother and life in general. I'm sure I'll brainstorm about my next book, count again my many blessings and let the road and music carry me away.

Finally, I think it is my time.

Thank you to everyone who has stood by my side on my journey and encouraged me to stay the course through the ups and downs. Thank you to Bill for watching out for me and my family, for blessing my marriage to David, and for putting your trust in my hands. And thank you especially to my grandmother, Pearle, for passing on your gift and love of writing; for teaching me about persistence; and for inspiring me to make you proud every day. Namaste...

Boston Thoughts - Part 2

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2013-04-19T01:27:49Z

Most people know that I am a glass half-full kind of person. I'm almost always one to see the brighter side, to find the positive aspect or lesson hiding in the darkness, to see the best qualities in people. Can't say I've been feeling that way so much today I am almost embarrassed to admit.

It's not that I have any problems to speak of (my life is really pretty awesome) or think that all the bad stuff I've seen and heard about this week outweighs the good that I live, love and know. It's just that I feel overwhelmed by it all and feel pretty stuck in terms of how to think, act or be at the moment.

Today on Facebook, I saw a multitude of posts and links that confounded, surprised, enlightened and saddened me all at once. Some people were expressing anger about what happened in Boston, practically vowing to go hunt down and kill the bad guys themselves. Some were writing about gratitude at the good things they'd seen in the midst of chaotic times. Others seemed to feel like me - unable to cope and wishing they could go hide under a blanket or in a bottle. (I have to say the glass of wine at the end of my day is tasting pretty darn good at the moment.)

But if there is one small glimmer of hope that this mood and melancholy will pass, it is this lone thought I had while slogging through my really pretty otherwise wonderful day....

The people who set up these bombs in Boston are deeply troubled, hurting individuals. I don't know what motivated them to do what they did, but I do know it is not likely being in a place of inner peace, happiness and serenity. At some point in their lives - perhaps their entire lives - someone or something wounded them deeply, deeper than I can probably imagine. And what has fueled their inconceivable actions is likely that pain/anger/woundedness and whatever misguided notions they have that somehow hurting others will make them feel better.

It may sound crazy, but in that moment, I stopped and prayed for the bomb-setters and all who are responsible or tied to what happened in Boston. I prayed that they would find a way to be healed so that their pain would not cause anything else like this to happen through their hands or direction. And even though I still feel deeply sad and confused about what happened at the marathon, I felt just a tiny bit better - and even a bit more now as I am sharing it with you.

As I write this, the thoughts and questions that run through my mind are that:

1) Sometimes the lesson/gift/wisdom/blessing in the tragedy takes a long time to be found but I will still endeavor to look for it in and around my sadness.
2) What wounds do I need to heal inside myself to keep from inflicting pain (intentional or unintentional) on those in my path or journey?
3) Are the people that I've hurt directly and indirectly in my life able to pray for me to heal?
4) Tomorrow is a new day that I will embrace to the best of my abilities and do the very best I can do in all that I do.

I am not suggesting others must do what I do or think what I think. I am just sharing my inner world in the hopes that it will bring some of you - and me - a little more inner peace.

In that moment

Thoughts on Boston

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2013-04-17T16:31:49Z

I admit it. I am really in a bit of a daze about what happened in Boston on Monday. Perhaps it didn't seem very real to me at first because I have been away teaching at the IECSC-NY for the last few days. And if there is anywhere you can lose yourself in complete distraction and activity, it is New York City. But I am home now and there is less to be distracted by.

Perhaps my daze is so strong because I am a runner - though not a marathon runner - and this could have happened at an event I was in just as easily as it did in Boston.

Perhaps it is because while I was at a conference with some of my industry colleagues, a number of our mutual friends from the Massage Therapy Foundation were participating in that race or on the sidelines to support those who were running.

I think what really made the sad reality hit home for me was seeing my friend, Ryan Hoyme (AKA the Massage Nerd), on the Katie Couric show. He happened to be at the finish line with his camera and caught some of the carnage on video. LIstening to him talk about what he heard and saw made the whole thing both real and personal in a way that other footage and articles had not.

Click here if you want to see the video.

As I walked around New York for the last couple of days, I thought about what it must have been like for that city to deal with 9/11 - how the masses of people were able to come together in the crisis and continue to keep on living there in the aftermath. With all the loss the city and all those with ties to it experienced, people found a way to keep going, to move on, to reinvent themselves. The city is still brimming with life, adventures and opportunities for those who go there. I hope Boston and its residents will continue to be like that too.

I don't really have a point (for once). I just needed to share my own feelings about this event on digital paper with the hope that I can pick myself up and feel inspired to keep "running" and moving ahead in my own life despite the feelings brought on by this tragedy.

Copyright Spalutions 2005 - 2012

Success Means Taking Care of You

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2013-03-20T17:15:22Z

Since I last wrote here, my life has changed pretty dramatically. After taking a little time off for the holidays and reassessing what direction I wanted to take my career in, I decided that I was really feeling the pull to take on a deeper role in my my massage clients's lives and health by adding a new modality.

I'd been searching for something for awhile, but finally found what I was looking for in January in my first class on Myokinesthetics. It's a technique that works on balancing the nervous system via movement and stimulation of the muscles along a particular nerve pathway to reduce pain and increase function and range of motion. (Visit the website www.myksystem.com for a better explanation.)

The results with my clients and practice have been astounding. Not only have many people had immediate results, but the results I've seen in my business have been pretty awesome. In two months time with very little promotion, this new modality has accounted for almost 20 percent of my "hands-on" income.What has also happened is that my work load has increased dramatically.

As a result, I've had to be ever vigilant about TAKING CARE OF MYSELF. I've made it a point to get massage or reflexology at least once a week. I'm making sure I have food with me and that I take time for lunch and snacks in the middle of the day. I'm stretching and using ice as little aches and pains speak to me. And I am learning once again to say "no."

Why do I tell you this? Because as care givers and personal service providers, it is more natural for many of us to put others first. But as we surely tell our clients to do, we must take care of ourselves first in order to be able to give our best to everyone else.

This is your official reminder to put yourself first on your list via exercise, eating right, taking breaks and saying no. You can do it -and will do an even more amazing job because you did.

Walking Through Loss

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-11-30T19:00:38Z

Over the years I have participating in many kinds of community events, fundraisers and causes. I've built wheel chair ramps, given massage to weary athletes, popped out of a coffin for Halloween, all in the spirit of giving back to the community and often to build awareness of my business.

This weekend, I am participating in such an event - the Winter Walk for AIDS, which benefits Triad Health Project here in Greensboro, NC. I added a promotion to draw perhaps a few extra dollars or new clients (Basically anyone who makes a donation through me of over $5 will receive $10 off any massage session or purchase at Spalutions Massage. (www.SpalutionsMassage.com). Give $40 or more and you'll actually earn a FREE 30 minute massage with yours truly.)

The promotion has caused higher donations and excited people for sure!

I am thrilled to say that I have officially hit my fundraising goal of $250 and am just $27 short of doubling it. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far - and for everyone who will do so. If you want to contribute, the information is at the end of this post.

NOW FOR THE REASON - and the title of this blog.

I wanted to share a bit of background about why doing this event is important to me - along with supporting Triad Health Project...

I grew up figure skating as did my mother. As a result when she first came to Greensboro, she made many of her friends in the skating community. Some of the folks who skated were gay men - and these guys welcomed my mom and her eccentric "yankee" ways with open arms into the gay community. As a result she spent a lot of time with her new Southern family and introduced me to many of them.

These friends of hers became friends of mine...many were father and brother figures to me and helped me deal with the loss of my father when I was 10 as well the passing of my grandparents that I lived with when I was 12 and 16 - and eventually the unexpected loss of my mother when I was 20.

These guys took me to movies, concerts and shared cool music with me. Dean planted daylillies and irises in the garden with us and taught me how to drive before I was old enough. Frank and I made cookies and bread, played Heart and Soul on the piano, went swimming and had cookouts together. Chris played cards and backgammon with me and helped my mom and grandmother around the house.

Some gave me piggy back rides and tucked me in at night. Those that skated like Dean, Bennie, Eric, Jim and Steve did so with me, some taking time to teach me routines and moves from Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice; others giving me rides to the rink and someone to practice with.

All of them shared their time, friendship and love with a young girl. They were like part of my extended family as many of you are now.

Then one by one, many of them got sick with a mysterious illness. The gay cancer. AIDS. These beautiful, vibrant, warm-hearted, funny men started disappearing from my life because of AIDS. Some told me and my mother. Others were too ashamed to share the news. But as they lost their health, weight and looks, the rumors would swirl and we all knew the truth anyway.

For years I have purposely stayed away from this event because I felt it would be too somber and sad a way to spend my birthday. But this year I finally realized that by walking/running in it and honoring them I could make it a happy event.

Participating in Winter Walk this year is my way of celebrating their lives as well as my own (it is my birthday after all) and saying...

THANK YOU - I LOVE YOU - YOU WERE VALUED - YOU ARE MISSED - YOU MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE to...

Dean, Frank, Bennie, Eric, Steve, Jim, Chris, Gerald, Rocky, Michael, Gary, Mickey, John, Keith, Mark and Mark (and anyone else who has or that died from HIV/AIDS and/or who was too scared or ashamed to tell me.) You have all touched my life.

Thank you for helping me honor them with your donation and just by holding them all in your heart as I have for all these years.

xoxo

Felicia

Make a donation - click here - THANK YOU!!

My next class is in your living room! Will you be there?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-11-07T15:54:00Z

I am such a fortunate person! Not only do I get to co-host a couple of classes at next week's World Massage Conference but I am also presenting (last minute) a class on Monday morning (11/12/12) at 9:45 AM EST on Creating Lifetime Clients. I hope you will join me!

Click here for my official audio invitiation

I'll be talking about ways to get clients to come back to you again and again and how to overcome the obstacles that can prevent you from asking clients to rebook or refer others. If you implement just ONE of the ideas I suggest you will make back your entire conference registration fee, I have no doubt!!

What is super awesome about this class and conference is 1) that it is virtual - so you can be ANYWHERE in the world and take it 2) It is all recorded in so if you can't make it live so you can listen in on your own schedule 3) It had a live Q&A session for those who want more details on the content and 4) It is really affordable!

On top of that, the folks that run this conference - Scott Dartnall, Eric Brown and Melanie Hayden - are great friends of mine and fantastic people. Add an incredible admin goddess in Marla Gold and you have a recipe for a fabulous event.

Hope you can join me and the rest of the educators (Tiffany Blackden, Laura Allen, Judith Aston, CG Funk, Deborah Kimmet, Paula Stone and many others) November 12-14, 2012!

Can You Unplug?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-10-25T14:51:00Z

Are you one of those folks that is tied to your iPhone every minute of the day, save for when you are seeing clients? Are you compulsively addicted to checking your email, Facebook account and texts? Do you feel the need to be connected to the world and all your "friends" 24/7? Or are you simply so committed to your business or clients that you can't ever get a free moment away from then to do what YOU need to do?

It's OK - you can tell me.

Admitting there is a problem is the first step so solving it.

You are not alone, either. I tend to try and stay aware of "business" - potential appointment requests, emails from current clients, mentions or questions that pop up on social media sites. It can be exhilarating - and totally distracting. I am also one to move heaven and earth for someone who "needs" me - often to my own detriment.

I guess that's why the article How Being Unreachable Makes Me More Productive totally appealed to me. Some of the best days I have at work are the ones which I focus only at the task(s) at hand and let go of the need to be in-the-know or available for appointments for a few hours.

My favorite suggestions from the article?

Use Quick Forms of Communication (OK - I know this is kind of counter productive if you're trying not to pick up your phone but can be WAY better than getting on a call with the wrong long-winded person.)

Practice the Right to Decline. In the service world we all live in, those of us who are care givers often have a hard time saying no. Give yourself permission to put your needs/deadlines/lunch-time/etc first and say no to those who say they can't live without your input/hands/work/lunch money. If it helps, I also give you permission to say "NO" or even "Let me think about it and get back to you" if you need a little practice and time to get to the "no."

You can do it - and by doing so will be even better prepared to give your all when you do reconnect with the rest of the world.

Copyright Spalutions 2005 - 2012

Clarity! Help me see the light and get a FREE e-book!

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-09-12T19:43:18Z

Clarity is a good thing! It's something I preach all the time to my coaching clients. So this week I decided to practice what I preach by asking them - and you - for a little feedback on exactly how I can best help you all. The response has been great so far but I would LOVE to get a bit more.

I'd also LOVE to give you my new E-Book: Retailing for Massage, Spa & Salon Pros for free for sharing your thoughts with me.

It will take less than 5 minutes of your time (I promise!). In return, you'll get access to your own copy of the ebook AND be entered to win FREE tuition in my upcoming virtual marketing coaching group (Details below).

Click here to take the survey.

Or if you prefer, you may click here to purchase the ebook between now and November 1st for just $9.95 (or $14.95 after that.)

As I mentioned above, I am launching an open enrollment option for my 6 week Group Marketing Coaching Program. It will begin on Monday September 24th at 7 PM EST and meet each Monday for six weeks through October 29th.

This webinar-based program will include the exact same content as my small group program but at a lower price than ever before and to a much bigger audience. And, in order to provide the opportunity to get your questions answered in this new format, there will also be 2 open Q & A sessions over the six weeks in addition to the coaching calls.

In our six sessions together, you will learn how to streamline your current marketing activities, eliminating money drains and time wasters. You will learn how and where to find the best new clients and referral sources for your business. Likewise you'll discover inventive ways to WOW your clients and turn them into the best marketing tools you've ever had. You'll learn tricks and tools for using online, email and social media marketing more efficiently and effectively. And you'll learn advanced marketing techniques and promotions to grow your sales and profits in all areas of your business.

As a Coaching Group Member, you will also gain:

- Immediate clarity in your business and marketing focus and goals
- New client attraction and retention strategies
- Numerous inexpensive marketing and business attraction tools
- Promotions and strategies to grow your profits
- A simple yet effective marketing plan
- Improved time management
- Increased confidence in your business building skills
- More money and clients!

If you register by the end of the day FRIDAY September 14th, the cost is just $99! After that, it goes up to $129. Click here to register!

Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to share the survey with your friends so they too can get the free e-book and chance to win coaching

What Will Matter Today and Later?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-30T19:13:12Z

For the last couple days, I've been mulling ideas of how to spend my time over the Labor Day weekend. I was just out of town last weekend and plan to go away to participate in a duathlon (run, bike, run) next weekend so I do not have or want any holiday travel plans.

As I've considered a variety of options, one possibility kept popping up - WORK. Admittedly I am a bit a of a workaholic with more goals than necessary as I really enjoy what I do! However, I'd like to have some relaxation time as well. What to do?!

Well today it is as if the Universe is really listening to my questions and giving me spot-on answers and advice. Check out a line from the email that I just got:

"I’m thinking old age regret is going to suck. In order to avoid it, I find it useful to put myself on my death bed and imagine how I will feel. It’s easy to piss your precious life minutes away when you are young, or even when your not so young, but it is sometimes helpful to realize at some point you are done and will get none of them back."

The email (well blog post, actually) went on to list 10 perspectives that one MIGHT have from their death bed were they to pass time in certain ways:

2. Lying on my death bed, I probably won’t remember anything from the tens of thousands of hours I spent watching TV and surfing the internet during my life.

6. When I get really old I will probably fall down and break my hip. I won’t have one of those “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” devices. I’ll be really mad that I didn’t go see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda while I could still walk; before I fell down and died.

Click here to read the rest of the list in the article Deep Death Bed Thoughts on RatRaceTrap.com

So I've decided. I'm going to spend the weekend doing some things I'll be able to remember later, probably doing the last big training session while I'm physically able, and probably spending time with friends. And if I do decide to work, it will be something I can look back on and be glad I did.

Happy Labor Day!

Are You Fascinating?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-28T21:14:00Z

One of the challenges businesses face is trying to show how they are different and what makes them special or unique from their competitors. The same is true with individual practitioners and technicians. How can we grab the attention of people enough to get them to try us out and stay with us for the duration?

In the recent article "Stand Out or Don't Bother" Sally Hogshead says:

"If you can’t stand out, you can’t win. If you’re unwilling to stand out, don’t even bother trying. There are too many options, too many competitors willing to take your place. You can stand out, and win the battle for attention, using your personality’s natural ability to fascinate your listener...When you fascinate a customer or co-worker, they become completely focused on YOU. They stop being distracted. They stop fidgeting and thinking their to-do list. They become fully immersed your message."

Click here to read the whole article

What about you or your business are fascinating? Let's look at a few possible angles:

Do you have a unique twist on delivering or creating your product or service?
Do you you have an unusual story about how you got into the business?
Is there something special about the location or building you are in?
How are you involved in the community, industry or local charities?
Has your success been uncharacteristic?
Are any of your clients or target markets unique (celebrities, athletes, or animals, for example)

How else can you be or become "fascinating"?

Ask great questions and listen to the answers
Remember your client's names, preferences and special occasions
Add special touches to your services or treatment rooms
Make your clients feel fascinating

When you take the time to make your clients feel unique or special, listened to and valued, your own uniqueness and value in their eyes will increase substantially. Go out of your way to be different - not just with your own history or success story - but in how you make them feel. It will work wonders in setting you apart from your competitors and help you to capture the attention of those you do business with more often than ever.

Time Passes; Relationships Change; Love Renews

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-28T14:42:12Z

This weekend I took off to Columbia, SC to be with my best friend, Susan, for her wedding. I was thrilled and touched to be her matron of honor and took my duties and role to heart. The weekend was all about her (and the groom of course) and my job was to keep her focused, breathing deeply and smiling while the inevitable problems and crises arose. In the midst of all the chaos of family, friends, and logistical challenges, it was also important to keep her from trying to take care of everyone else, a role that she much prefers to being the center of attention.

One of the most potentially challenging aspects of this wedding for me was related to another old role ... being Susan's older brother's (former) girlfriend and fiance. It's been almost 20 years since that relationship ended so there's been plenty of time for both of us and our family and friends to move on. We've seen each other a few times in the last ten years and have both enjoyed catching up when we did.

But this weekend - at a wedding of someone he and I both care deeply about - had the potential to create fireworks of an unpleasant sort. It would be the first time we were together at such a celebration with all his relatives in tow - and since we decided not to pursue our own nuptuals. It was also the first time he and my husband, David would meet - again another possible source for tension and difficulties.

I'm happy to say we all handled it with grace and thoughtfulness. On more than one occasion I saw my husband and my former fiance trading stories and jokes (hopefully none about me). They even spent the day on the golf course with the father of the bride, the groom and one of their cousins. My former beau and I shared stories, supportive roles in the wedding party and clean-up duties at the reception. Together, we all had a fantastic weekend.

How does this relate to business? In short, it is a reminder to avoid burning bridges and/or working to rebuild or smooth over past relationships. The future holds unexpected events and moments when the hurt and history of the past can give way to new memories and fun. Look beyond the now and think about what could happen, where paths could cross again or how the people in your life or business now could affect it later.

My deepest love and best wishes to the happy couple. And to the Price and Ellinwood families: I am forever grateful that I've been able to keep a special place in your hearts through my friendship with your daughter/niece/cousin/sister and treasure the memories from the wedding and our time together this weekend. Thank you for making me feel loved and like I am still a part of your family.

Interviews with Massage and Chiropractic Experts - Part 1

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-25T15:42:00Z

I am a super fortunate person. Over the last few years I've gotten to meet and work with some of the biggest names and educators in the spa, massage, acupuncture and chiropractic industries in the world. These folks truly amaze me with their knowledge and passion about what they do as well as the commitment they have to making the world and their industries a better place.

Many of our conversations have been a part of the Pre Conference Broadcast Series that I host for the American Massage, Chiropractic and Acupuncture Conferences and the Canadian Massage and Chiropractic Conference. Here are some of the interviews for this year's CMC/CCC I've done so far with more to come in September. Enjoy them and consider joining us for the conference in October in Niagara Falls, Ontario!

James Waslaski - Orthopedic Massage (in which James reveals his intuitive side)

David Kent - Treating the Modern Patient (He's such a professional!)

Laura Allen - The Heart of Ethics + Marketing (two of my fave topics)

Lisa Bloom - Philosophy, Holism and Wellness (an amazing interview)

Patrick Ingrassia - The Body Saver Method - No Thumbs Deep Tissue Massage (get on his table

Garrett Gunderson - The Financial Fast Track (lot's to learn in this class I know)

Dr. Marshall Deltoff - Radiology (We talk about "Safe X")

Dr. George Roth - Healing on the Cellular Level - I am getting a session from him this year!

Attending trade shows and conferences gives you a chance to meet and hear experts like these and so many others as well as to network, try new products and get re-energized about what you do. There are many opportunities around for all parts of the spa and wellness industry. Some others coming up include AMTA's National Convention in Raleigh, NC, the IECSC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ISPA in Orlando, Florida. Find one that fits your continuing education needs, location and budget and go enjoy yourself!

And if you are planning to come to the Canadian Massage & Chiropractic Conference, I am looking for a teacher's assistant in both of my classes and will give work study credit to whoever helps me to use toward coaching or products. Email me at Felicia@spalutions.com for more information or to express interest.

Happy listening!

Give Me a Triple Shot of That Stuff

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-24T14:09:00Z

One of the things I've learned over the years is how to make the most of each marketing opportunity and effort. Who has time to reinvent the wheel over and over again? Thus, I try to "re-use, re-new and re-invent" materials I've created before in new and useful ways.

A couple of examples: Recently I wrote a post What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do for the 31 blogs in 31 days contest. Then this week I decided to use that post as the lead article in my newsletter that goes out to my coaching clients and past students. I just got asked to teach a webinar based on that column which I'll most likely transcribe that webinar into a longer post, ebook or book chapter. Who knows what else will come out of it! (That's three+ uses already.)

Another example: In my massage practice, I recently decided to re-use a promotion that has worked in the past which I wrote about yesterday in My Gift Certificate Referral Program. I took the same text I sent out to clients and used it in the blog. I also sent a link of that blog to a couple of my coaching clients who wanted to see an example of how gift certificates could be used for marketing. One of the companies I promote for online gift certificates now wants to discuss new ideas on cross-promotions. And, I've already decided the gift certificate column will be compiled with the tons of gift certificate marketing and sales tips I have in a new ebook I'll put out before Christmas. (Finding four ways to use a promotion before the first client redeems their free certificate = Success!)

What can you find in your marketing archives that you've already spent time, money and energy on developing? How can you give it some polish to make it look shiny and new or find a new life? What opportunities are hiding in the relationships, promotions, events and articles you've already planned or created?

Start looking around for things you get your own triple shot or better out of. It will make the effort you put in much more effective and rewarding.

Copyright Spalutions 2005 - 2012

My Gift Certificate Referral Program

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-23T12:58:55Z

In the last few weeks, I've heard some great success stories of using gift certificates as a marketing tool. I've always known these holiday treasures were a key part to growing a business and have shared many ways to increase success with and sales of them over the years in articles and classes. Recently I've been inspired anew by the gift certificate innovations others have had. (Read Ariana LaCour's blog about how Gift Certificate size matters in "Gift Certificate Hack".)

A student also shared her story about giving away 30 minute gift certificates to current clients to share with family and friends. I've done that before myself but decided I wanted to incorporate a new gift certificate size (a la Ariana) in my new promotion. Most of my clients are older so I felt the biz card size she likes might be a little hard to read for some of them. So I chose postcard size.

I've also been wanting to give my massage business cards and print materials a facelift that is in line with my office decor and rather than mooching off of my consulting logo, website and marketing materials for their look. (No pictures but my office is red, tan and black with a decidedly Zen/Asian feel). Here's what I came up with on the fly for this marketing experiment.

Finally, I wanted to be really clear about the type of new client I'm looking for so they would be discerning in their gift giving. Here's what I sent them:

I am providing each of you the opportunity to give the gift of massage to a friend or family member at no cost to you. Through September 30th, I'm offering up to 2 thirty minute massage gift certificates* to each of my clients to give away to people who will be a good fit for my business, style of massage and personality.

My request is you give these certificates to people who:

Are nice, friendly, interesting people who value massage therapy as a healing art and valid part of their wellness program
Have schedules that allow them to schedule massage appointments between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM Monday thru Friday (or the occasional Saturday)
Are looking for a regular massage therapist or want to receive massage at least once a month
Have not seen me before or in the last 2 years

Preferably live or work within 5 miles of my office

*Certificates must be redeemed by November 30, 2012.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Ever Have One of Those Days?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-22T14:03:00Z

Yesterday was one of those days. I left the house without my driver's license, debit card, cash...AND the gift certificate I needed for the mani/pedi I was getting to look my best for a wedding this weekend. I had to make a second trip to take it to the spa later in the day. I also forgot my lunch

Next I went to my office to see a client who was actually scheduled for another day. I had written it down incorrectly on BOTH of my calendars. Bummer. I made a trip there for no reason at all.

Then when I started last night's coaching group, one member said "I never got the handouts or information for tonight. Did I miss it?" Suddenly I realized that I had only emailed the information to myself and none of the group members! What?!

In all honesty, I was feeling pretty bummed and "out of balance" over all of my various mishaps throughout the day. An early night in with a "super-sized" martini started looking pretty attractive.

Then the coolest thing happened. I got an awesome testimonial from one of my my one-on-one coaching clients that I just have to share with you.

"Felicia’s coaching has really opened my eyes and changed the way I look at my business. I have started looking for the marketing opportunities all around me and how to use those to my advantage. Things I never thought of before started popping up! In addition, my confidence and vision expanded. Instead of getting discouraged or lacking motivation, I believed I could become more successful in my business. And I have!

I truly feel Felicia genuinely cares about her coaching clients and it shows in the way she offers advice, excitement, and praise for all of your success (no matter how small it may seem). The little steps lead to bigger successes. Felicia is very thoughtful about how she coaches and the advice she gives. She challenges you to think and grow (she’s not gonna do the work for you) so you can take your skills and continue to develop them. I’m ever grateful for my experience working with Felicia!"

Never underestimate the power of a positive word and how it can brighten the spirits of someone else. They may exude an aura of confidence and success but in actuality are having a harder time than you realize. Thanks to Andrew Grover of Bodhi Massage & Bodywork Center for making my day and reminding me why I love what I do yet again

Today's gonna be a better day - I just know it!

Copyright Spalutions 2005 - 2012

Upcoming Class Opportunities with Felicia

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-21T14:35:00Z

Though the title of this blog sounds like I am speaking about myself in the third person, which I guess I am, I wrote it as such to make it clear I'm sharing information about my upcoming classes.

Why is that needed? Well, for the last couple of years I've had the privilege of being a "celebrity co-host" for the World Massage Conference. Another of my cool side jobs is being the host/producer of the Pre-Conference Broadcast Series for the American Massage, Chiropractic and Acupuncture Conferences AND the Canadian Massage and Chiropractic Conference. I love it!

And since I've recently been promoting new interviews with presenters for the AMC and CMC all over Facebook, I thought it might be necessary to clarify. (I'll share links to those in an upcoming blog - today is all about where I'll be.)

So here's my upcoming class schedule. Please share it with anyone that might be interested!

FYI, Spalutions provides a variety of continuing education classes and is an Approved Provider of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and the Florida Board of Massage Therapy. Click here for a complete listing of class topics.

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

NC ESTHETICIANS/COSMETOLOGISTS and MASSAGE THERAPISTS
Easy Spa Treatments - 4 hours - $69
Approved for NC Estheticians/Cosmetologists/MTs
Monday September 17th - $69 -9 AM to 1 PM

Waterless Spa Treatments - 8 hours - $125
Approved for NC Estheticians/Cosmetologists/MTs
Sunday September 16th 9 AM to 6 PM

MTs ONLY (ETHICS)

Dealing with Inappropriate Clients and Sexual Situations
September 17, 2012 - $65 3 PM to 6 PM

ELSEWHERE

Canadian Massage Conference Niagara Falls, Ontario October 12-14, 2012
Free & Easy Ways to Market Yourself and Social Media for the Holidays

Medical Arts School of Massage Raleigh, NC

November 4 - $225
Waterless Spa Treatments (9-6)

November 12 - $65 each
Deju vu Ethics Review (10-1) and Using SOAP Notes to Increase (2-5) Client Loyalty, Results...and Profits

IECSC Ft. Lauderdale, FL November 5, 2012
Free & Easy Ways to Market Yourself and Social Media for the Holidays

If you can't join me for any of these classes, I can bring them to your location or AMTA chapter. Click here for a listing of all class topics or contact me for details.

Push Through Fear to Success

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-20T14:52:54Z

A year ago, I participated in my first sprint triathlon. It was one of the scariest and most challenging things I've ever done and honestly, I thought I was a "one and done." The swimming portion truly terrified me. (That's me trying not to drown in the photo on the left.) I was at the bottom of the least skilled, longest timed swimmers. I thought I would likely die of a heart attack in the pool if I didn't drown first, but somehow made it through to complete the rest of the event.

A year later, I went back to the "scene of the crime" in Winston Salem, NC to compete in my fifth triathlon. After the first one, I realized that if I didn't do another one and finally conquer my fear of swimming, I'd probably never swim again let alone do any other triathlons.

So I hired a swim coach (and later a triathlon coach) and have enjoyed each event more and more. My times and skills have improved plus I've made a couple of new friends that I train with regularly. And in my event yesterday (running in the rain on the right), I nearly cut my swim time in half over last year and shaved almost 21 minutes off my overall time from last year. I was thrilled.

I have become a successful triathlete through engaging in ongoing training, being disciplined with my time and actions, educating myself through videos and articles, and maintaining a positive attitude. I've asked for help when needed from my husband, training partners, and coaches. And I've kept working on it day after day for the last year.

Though the specific action and outcomes may be different, all of these steps are similar to what you can do in your business or practice to succeed.

Get the training you need to support gaps in your knowledge
Be disciplined as to how you spend your time, energy and resources
Ask for help from staff, vendors or mentors
Continually broaden your knowledge however possible
Keep a positive attitude and keep going (even when it rains

YOU CAN DO IT!!

New Clients are Great, But Can You Keep Them?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-19T17:19:00Z

So many businesses focus the majority of their advertising and marketing dollars and time trying to target and get new clients. That seems like a good thing to do, doesn't it? It is in fact a necessary part of business to continually bring new people into your "pipeline" and something that will never stop as long as you are in business or practice.

What about keeping the clients that already know, like and trust you? The ones that you already invested a ton of cash or time bringing in? It's a superb idea to make these folks feel like royalty - or at the very least as welcomed and valued as the new folks!

This is a real passion of mine so I was excited to see this recent post from Dukky.com on the very topic: 5 Ways to Improve Customer Loyalty. A quote from the article:

"Never take your customers for granted! Some businesses make the mistake of going out of their way to attract new business with discounts and promotions, while offering few incentives for current customers." Click here to read the rest of the article.

Some suggestions for taking care of your true blue fans:

SMILE
Be ready and fully present for each client and session
If running a Groupon or similar special, offer it to your existing clients first
Send thank you notes just because you want to
Remember special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries

Little things mean a lot and can go a long way towards increasing loyalty in addition to (or instead of) any organized loyalty program. Please feel free to share the steps you take to making your clients feel valued. And THANK YOU for reading and being here!

Need more help with your client attraction and retention? Check out my e-books: How to Get New Clients and Getting Clients to Rebook,the Smart Spa Marketing Online Course or consider working with me for one-on-one or as a part of an Every Touch Marketing coaching group. Be one of the next 31 people to make a purchase online and you'll save 15% on your entire purchase with the promo code BLOG

Passion - it Does a Business Good

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-18T16:33:00Z

Passion. For me the word brings to mind all kinds of images of romance, gifted artists and athletes - and yes work. Plain and simple, I think it is vital to love what you do in your business in order to be a success and to do only the services or techniques you truly enjoy. Even if you’ve got certification in a particular modality or are capable of providing a particular service, if you don’t truly enjoy what you are doing, it can turn your day into a real drag.

Determining what you are passionate about not only makes your day more enjoyable but also helps clarify the types of equipment, products or continuing education you choose to spend your time and money on. Recently I was contemplating taking a reflexology certification class as several of my regulars had asked me about the work (and I need to get some CE credits.) I did some research, found a class in my area and all but signed up for it when I realized I really don’t enjoy doing foot massage that much. So why in the world would I add that modality to my menu of offerings? Needless to say, I didn’t take the class and instead made friends with a reflexologist in town that I now refer my clients to.

By the same token, when looking at new marketing ideas to try, think about what you really enjoy doing. If you love to write, then creating a client newsletter or penning articles for a local magazine make sense. If by contrast you are terrified of public speaking or being in front of a crowd, look for alternatives to public speaking or teaching classes. In other words, make your marketing decisions and other additions based on your likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses rather than what you think you "should do" or everyone else seems to be doing.

If you’re having fun it shows. People will be attracted to you because of your passion, enthusiasm and energy. If you’re not, they won’t be. And that's no fun for your business or bank account.

Do You Remember the Tortoise and the Hare?

Felicia@spalutions.com (Felicia Brown LMBT) — 2012-08-17T16:00:18Z

As I've mentioned, I have been actively training for and participating in triathlons recently. I'm also writing a book, finishing my home study course and running my two-headed business (business & marketing coaching and massage therapy). Though many people ask me "How do you do it all?" it is just the way my life is. I like to be busy and have a long list of things I hope to be, do, have and create while I have the opportunity.

Over the years I've learned the way to attaining personal goals is to do a little bit every day towards the desired outcome. We all have moments of "sprinting" or going all out at the beginning of an endeavor because we're excited about doing something new or what we might achieve. However, this can lead to quick exhaustion or burn-out. Meanwhile, someone else that's working along side us slowly and steadily gets a better overall result or beats us to the finish and the bank.

Just like the tortoise and the hare. The hare gave the race his all and more at first but then stopped to rest since the tortoise was so slow. But due to his desire for being flashy, failure to pay attention to details and a lack of energy to keep up for the duration, the hare ended up coming in last. The tortoise won because of regular, methodical (and decidedly unflashy) action.

How can you use the tortoise's wisdom in your marketing or business? Ideas:

Create and send a short email blast each week.
Do some bookkeeping daily instead of holding it until the end of the week or month
Share staff updates by email regularly instead of having a 3 hour quarterly meeting

Though sometimes adding some flash or sprinting for the finish makes complete sense and can be beneficial, taking regular, ongoing action on growing and sustaining your business is the way to go. Focus on one step at a time, one day at a time, to achieve the goals you've set. If the tortoise can do it, so can you!