Felicia's Blog

Success in 2012? 3 FREE Webinars to help you!

Felicia Brown LMBT — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:58:00 GMT

I am an incredibly fortunate person. I have made the most wonderful connections over the last couple of years with some super talented people, amazing organizations and reputable companies.

Because of this, my adventures in the last year include:

Host for the One Concept Radio Pre-Conference Broadcast Series that previews speakers for the American Massage, Chiropractic and Acupuncture Conference and Canadian Massage Conference
Blogger for Universal Companies and Massage Magazine
Video educator with the Massage Learning Network and Oakworks
Contributing author for four books
Freelance writer for many massage, spa and skin care trade publications
Speaker at numerous national and regional conferences
And of course business/marketing coach for many individuals and groups

So what's next in my adventures and how will it help YOUR success? Three big things...

First, an exciting 3-part webinar series "Good Things Come in Threes" to help you grow your practice or business and be a success in 2012 . The series features myself, Meagan Holub - author of The Magic Touch and Lori Crete - author of The Six Figure Esthetician System and starts this Monday at 10 AM PST/1 PM EST with yours truly on Goal Setting for Success This Year and in Your Career. The other sessions follow on 1/30 and 2/6 (also at 10 AM PST/1 PM EST) with Meagan and Lori.

All three of these FREE webinars will be filled with tips to help you grow your business, improve your sales and profits and succeeed in 2012. There will also be several special offers and bonuses from each of the presenters, but only to those who register.

Visit www.spalutions.com/threes.html for details and to sign up.

Second, with all the different activities, projects and travels planned for this year and beyond, I have decided to combine my two blogs. In addition to this one I also have http://blog.spaclientele.com. This change will allow me to be able to share better, more relevant information with all of you on how to promote, market, grow and manage your business or practice more regularly. Readers will also know more about what is going on in terms of upcoming classes, conference appearances and other helpful products or opportunities.

Thus, for the next few weeks, the next blog posts you get from me will be hosted on both blogs but will eventually move to this one - http://blog.spalutions.com. Articles will continue to be posted several times a month and will be aimed at spa, massage and wellness businesses and professionals.

Third, all (email) blog subscribers have been added to my newsletter list. Though at this time I am not certain if I will continue to use the newsletter long-term or if I will further streamline into using my blog AS the newsletter, this is one more step to help me practice what I preach in terms of simplifying and streamlining the time, energy and money spent in communicating with and marketing to one's audience.

However, I want to remind you that you are free to un-subscribe from the newsletter, blog and/or other communications if you ever feel the need.

I hope you will join me for the 3-part webinar series and stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to help you improve your practice or business throughout the year. More group marketing coaching programs are launching in a couple of weeks - and there might just be a special offer for them announced in the webinar that's happening tomorrow Visit www.spalutions.com/threes.html for details and to sign up.

Unblocking the Clogs in Life

Felicia Brown LMBT — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:12:00 GMT

It's strange how one area of life can sometimes mirror another that is seemingly unrelated (though perhaps not).

Here's the story...I live in the country in a house that has a well. And in all the years I've lived here the water pressure has been - WELL - not so amazing. But then over the last year or so in particular, it has been getting worse and worse until it almost seemed there was barely a trickle coming out of the shower each morning.

As this problem has gotten worse and worse, I have grumbled to my husband (grumbled may not be strong enough word) about how the water issue needed to be fixed, pronto. Neither of us being plumbers, we weren't sure what the problem was but decided it must be the (very expensive to replace) water pump in our well. Thus, despite the inconvenience, we've dragged our feet a bit to avoid the shock and pain of the bill to deal with the issue.

Finally we decided January would be the time to fix the problem. In the meantime, I decided to do a bit of cleaning and purging of stuff (and attitudes) that have been clogging up other parts of my house and mind. I actually read a great book (SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Julie Morganstern which I highly recommend) and began applying the principles in it.

I carted off bags of clothes and unwanted stuff to Goodwill, started delegating undesirable tasks from my calendar, and began working on taming a few unproductive behaviors (procrastination, being late) that I have turned into chronic habits. My water might not have been working properly yet, but by New Year's my house, mind and energy field started to feel cleaner.

And then the craziest thing happened.

During a visit from my inlaws right after New Year's, the conversation about the water issue came up. My father-in-law, being somewhat handy around the house, started discussing the problem with us. As we told him about the problem that would keep him from having a satisying shower the next morning, he suggested we change the water filters to the house. My husband had done this numerous times before the visit and since we'd started having the water pressure issue. But - to humor his father - he left the conversation to change them yet again.

A bit later, I turned on the water at the kitchen sink to fill a pot of water for mashed potatoes for dinner. The water shot out of the faucet like it was power by a jet engine! I was thrilled like you cannot imagine!

I asked my husband what he did and he said he'd just changed the filters like he'd always done. But for some reason, this time was different. And my showers have been absolutely fabulous ever since!

It may seem "out there" to some of you, but I honestly think that the CRAP in our house, my mind routine was literally CLOGGING the flow of energy and water in our pipes. It's made me really take a long look at other places where energy isn't "flowing" easily and caused me to ponder what else I can let go of.

So why do I share this? Mainly because I want you to learn from my lessons - and skip learning everything the hard way - so you can achieve what you want in those and all areas faster and with less effort than what it has taken me. That's essentially the same reason why I do what I do in my coaching, training, and writing as well.

And it's exactly why I want you to check out three FREE webinars that begin this Monday 1/23 at 1 PM EST with myself, Meagan Holub - author of "The Magic Touch" and Lori Crete - author of "The Six Figure Esthetician System." Just visit www.spalutions.com/threes.html to learn more and register. It's gonna be a great series with tons of ideas on how to grow your massage, spa, skin care or wellness practice or business!

I'm off to take a long, hot shower now, but I hope to see you on Monday!

OOPS! Wrong Links in Last Post Bring YOU Savings!

Felicia Brown LMBT — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:05:39 GMT

Well isn't that just the way it goes sometimes?! You think that you're ahead of the game by scheduling an article or email for your clients to come out at some point in the future. It's mostly written and you just know you'll have time to come back and double check it or make any needed changes WAY before that date ever arrives.

Or not!

When I wrote my last post, I didn't know that my wonderful in-laws would be staying with me over the weekend. We had a lovely time (really we did) but my planned time for marketing and writing evaporated before my eyes.

THUS...I had some bad links in my last article My apologies!

The good news is that my goof is your gain.

Just by being on the receiving end of this blog - however it is you get it - has saved you $40 on any of my upcoming coaching programs!

The 6 Week EVERY TOUCH Marketing Coaching Program is for those looking to get a solid basic understanding of the principles involved in growing a successful service business. Your group will meet virtually (by phone and online) each week for 6 weeks

NEW!! The 12 Week EVERY TOUCH Marketing Coaching Intensive is for anyone looking for powerful way to kick-start the growth of their clientele, business and profits. It will cover the essentials as well as more advanced topics and ideas for attracting and keeping all the clients you need and want as well as increasing sales and profitability in all areas of your business. Your group will meet virtually (by phone and online) each week for 6 weeks - take one week off - and the meet weekly for another 6 weeks.

So here's the CORRECT LINK - I checked it I promise - and your code to get your discount.

http://www.spalutions.com/groupcoaching.html

AND YOUR SPECIAL PROMO CODE - wait for it - is OOPS. Use it now to save $40 on your registration for any of the upcoming coaching programs

Remember there's only space for 10 people in each group, so please sign up soon to assure your spot in the program of your choice.

*************************************************************************

Before working with Felicia I was only getting 4 appointments a month. On the last week of class I had 4 appointments booked for that week and already have them rebooked for next month. I know there will be ups and downs along the way but this class has given me the confidence that I can continue to grow as a massage therapist. I have learned to fail forward, learn from my mistakes and keep going. I'm still trying to put together what I would like to discuss for my individual follow up but I'm sure I will love it. Felicia has so much knowledge to share and gets her point across so that you can understand what you need to do.

David Proulx, Massage Therapist, West Boylston, MA

Before the class, I felt that my peers and folks who knew me thought this business was just something for me to fill the time/ mothers hours... and it was kinda true. But I really wanted to be thought of as a professional. Since (I took) this class and am really thinking about where I want to go and grow, my business has cleared the air and made me more confident. Now when I talk about my business,when someone asks, I tell them, and friends and clients are really happy and excited in the direction I am going. I am really feeling like I am - and am being seen as - a professional

Joanne Wright, Aesthetician, Kennebunk, MA

"Felicia Brown is the best marketing coach in the business. I highly recommend her Group Marketing Coaching Program, Social Media Coaching Program and other products and classes. You will earn back much more than you spend for any of them and have a much more successful practice or business as a result."

Ryan Hoyme, AKA "The Massage Nerd" - www.massagenerd.com

Marketing - a "new" technique for massage and spa professionals

Felicia Brown LMBT — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:21:00 GMT

If you are looking to grow or improve your business over 2012 - that is to have more clients, improve your sales or become more profitable - then improving your marketing is absolutely vital.

My Group Marketing Coaching Program starts back the week of January 23rd and I would love to have you in one of the groups! There are now 2 options for live coaching: Join the original 6 week program (Mondays at 3 PM EST - January 23 through February 27th or Tuesdays at 7 PM EST - January 24th - February 28th) or the new EXPANDED 12 Week Intensive (Mondays at 6 PM EST - January 23 through April 16th or Tuesdays at 2 PM EST - January 24 through April 17th ). Click here for details, testimonials and to sign up.

Amazing Client Experiences with Spa Add-Ons

Felicia Brown LMBT — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Make the spa a part of your treatment room and business without spending a fortune or having to add complicated treatments and services to your menu.

Amazing Client Experiences through Effortless Draping

Felicia Brown LMBT — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:00 GMT

Make draping an art form with these easy techniques I use in my own massage practice.

Amazing Client Experiences by Guiding the Session

Felicia Brown LMBT — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:36:00 GMT

Video number 2 in a series of 5, this one focuses on how important it is for you to be the one in charge of each and every session with your clients. See how you can put your clients at ease and give them the best experience possible with this simple idea.

Amazing Client Experiences with Better Consultations

Felicia Brown LMBT — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:53:18 GMT

Happy New Year! While I am still getting the dates and details of my next coaching programs confirmed, I wanted to share a few helpful ideas to start the new year off right. Thanks to my friends at Oakworks for inviting me to shoot a few videos at their studio in Pennsylvania. While these videos are scripted for massage therapists, many of the ideas and messages are equally valuable to all types of personal service providers. Enjoy and please feel free to share them on your favorite social media sites as well!

Thoughts on Gratitude

Felicia Brown LMBT — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:37:08 GMT

Most people that have been in my classes and coaching programs know that I am a quote junkie. I love being inspired by the thoughts and words of others and sharing that inspiration with others.

So to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I would share a few words of wisdom with you here. Feel free to pass them on and/or to add your own favorite quotes on gratitude, thankfulness or life. Enjoy - and have a wonderful gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!

Felicia

*****************************************************

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live by them."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"If you haven’t all the things you want, be grateful
for the things you don’t have that you wouldn't want."
Unknown

"Gratitude is the sign of noble souls."
Aesop

"We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
Albert Schweitzer

"It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment."
Naomi Williams, Body, Mind and Spirit

"You won't be happy with more until you're happy with what you've got."
Viki King

Making Space to Practice What I Preach

Felicia Brown LMBT — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:34:36 GMT

I am a huge proponent of getting focused, determining your goals, and then taking the appropriate actions to make those goals go from being just an idea into the living, breathing vision of what I originally imagined. I feel these steps are really the critical basic steps one must take in order to accomplish anything of any significance. As such, I share them over and over again with my students and clients.

So...what about me? Do I follow my own words of wisdom? In short, yes and no.

First, how and when do I not follow this advice? When I take on too much. When I live and breathe in the extremes. When I am feeling discouraged or down. Each of these issues keeps me from taking the time to "just be" - to clear my mind and have the space to conceive of the goal and actions - and the mental energy to focus my attention on anything for more than a few minutes.

Second, how and when can I be better about following this advice? For me, there are a few key elements to making sure I have the time, ability and clarity of mind to follow through on these crucial elements of success. Essentially they involve doing what is IMPORTANT before doing what is URGENT. Some examples:

Eating food that nourishes me when needed throughout the day
Getting enough rest AND sleep (these can actually be different from each other)
Exercising and stretching at least 4-5 times a week
Avoiding substances that deplete or irritate me (caffeine, overuse of sugar, starch, alcohol or junkie/friend foods)
Laughing and being entertained
Time with good supportive friends
Getting massage and other healing work to restore my body, mind and spirit
Making space in my life and mind for new ideas to come forth, take root and "become" real

After many, many weeks of tight schedules, multiple deadlines, travel and classes, I am starting to feel that space open up. New ideas are coming forth as is the energy to take them somewhere. And once again I am reminded of the importance to get focused on creating the space, have GOALS for what goes on in the space, and to take regular ACTIONS to create both more space and more possibilities while I am in the space.

All of this to say, especially to you busy entrepreneurs and business owners because you too need to take care what is IMPORTANT and to make SPACE in order to move your business ahead.

Start by taking 5 minutes right now to close your eyes and breathe. Let go of your worries and thoughts - just breathe. Allow yourself to imagine what the infinite possibilities for your day and life could be if you only had the time and energy. If you knew you could accomplish what you really wanted, what would you let go of today in order to make that happen. How would you nourish yourself to make that vision a reality?

Then, commit to giving yourself just 5 minutes a day - 5 minutes of space - to nourish yourself, rest your mind or body, and allow your creativity and energy to begin to flow again.

Two Events on October 4th - Be there!

Felicia Brown LMBT — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:25:04 GMT

Happy fall! Now that summer is over and the holidays are fast approaching, I am gearing back up to provide a variety of ways to help you grow your business, improve client attraction/retention and enjoy the benefits of doing so. As such...

TWO BIG EVENTS ARE HAPPENING TOMORROW!

First, join my guests Stephanie Beck of SRB Solutions and Ted McGrath of ECHO tomorrow (Tuesday October 4th) at 2 PM EST for a free webinar to improve your mindset, marketing and profits. You will learn:

How to create a fascinating and unique brand of "you" to capture new clients
How to market yourself using online marketing to create automatic lead flow
Master your mindset to increase clarity, focus and direction while doubling your profits

Click here to sign up:

Second, the next 6 week session of my Group Marketing Coaching Program (all virtual) starts tomorrow (Tuesday October 4th) at 6:30 PM EST. In this program, you'll get clear on your goals and priorities, learn to manage your time and roadblocks, be "open" for business, improve the client experience, get new clients, retain and rebook current clients and create a simple marketing plan for your business.

There are still a few spaces available and I'd love to reserve one of them for you. To sign up or learn more, just click here:

Additional groups will be forming in late October and January 2012. If you are interested in one of those groups, please email me to pre-register.

What some past Group Marketing Coaching Program participants have said:

Before the class, I felt that my peers and folks who knew me thought this business was just something for me to fill the time/ mothers hours... and it was kinda true. But I really wanted to be thought of as a professional. Since (I took) this class and am really thinking about where I want to go and grow, my business has cleared the air and made me more confident. Now when I talk about my business,when someone asks, I tell them, and friends and clients are really happy and excited in the direction I am going. I am really feeling like I am - and am being seen as - a professional

Joanne Wright, Aesthetician, Kennebunk, MA

"I have reached a point in my professional and personal life where I truly need some direction regarding how to promote my practice so that it serves me and my clients in the best and most profitable way possible. Felicia's Coaching Class is providing that direction in a very profound way. Already after just one class, I am motivated and guided to FOCUS on one goal at a time, making each goal realistic, attainable and specific. Step by step instructions and suggestions are making this a challenging but very effective process. Instead of floundering around and being overwhelmed with the hundreds of vague "ideas" and "wants" regarding my business and never being able to materialize any of it, I am learning to prioritize and take baby steps which will allow me to accomplish my goals one at a time.

Felicia is professional, personable and knowledgeable. She keeps the group challenged and focused and makes being pushed out of our comfort zone much less traumatic. At the same time Felicia encourages the group to share ideas and have fun with the whole process. Thank you, Felicia, for making this class available to us and affordable as well!"

~ Sandy Castner, Massage Therapist, Thomasville, NC

All Business Owners Are Rich

Felicia Brown LMBT — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:25:00 GMT

If you just burst into laughter when reading the title of this column, then no doubt you are - or were - a business owner. Those of us who have been in the trenches of entrepreneurship know that owning a business it is not typically a way to get rich quick - or perhaps even ever.

So why do we do it?

For me it is the promise of financial reward combined with the ability to do something I love and truly LIVE my passion, more or less on my own terms. I love helping others - both through my massage practice and through my work in consulting/coaching/education/writing/whatever. I get a real charge out of seeing my efforts make a difference in someone else's pain, attitude, business or career. And I get paid to do a lot of it.

But even on the days when my finances are not as flush as I would like, I FEEL rich because I feel fulfilled, happy and proud of what I learn and accomplish each day.

If you don't feel rich in your business or career, maybe you need to take a look at WHY you are doing what you do or perhaps why you got involved in the field you are in. Get back to your root motivations, aspirations and plans. A few questions:

What made you choose this path?
What prompted you to enroll in school or sign that lease?
Most importantly, are you accomplishing what you set out to do or have you veered off the road away from your goals and your passions to chase something else?

If you are doing what you love, following your passion and still struggling financially then perhaps some changes need to be made in your business model or plan, goals, attitude and/or actions.

But if you're off track and struggling to make things work in a business or field you no longer love - or in a role that is not what you thought it would be, it may be time to set a new course and/or to challenge the status quo in terms of how things are being done in your business. Otherwise you're likely to keep getting more of what you have now.

Are you ready to be rich in finances or feelings? Let me know if I can help!

CE Classes (including some this weekend) and My Fall Schedule

Felicia Brown LMBT — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:24:06 GMT

Life has been really busy all summer but I wanted to share a few details about where and when I'm teaching classes over the next few months. Please share with others who may be interested and sign up for anything you are interested in ASAP. Note that there are 2 "Easy Spa Treatment" classes for NC estheticians and cosmetologists (plus MTs) available THIS WEEKEND and space is still available in both of them.

ALL SPA, WELLNESS & MASSAGE PROFESSIONALS

Spaliday Online Trade Show and Education Event
Sept 19 -20
My class - Social Media for the Holidays - is the 19th at 10 AM Click here for details and to register

Group Marketing Coaching Program
Next 6 week sessions begins on:

September 15, 2011 at 12 PM EST

September 20, 2011 at 6:30 PM EST

Social Media Coaching Program
Next sessions begin on:

INTRO - September 21 at 10 AM

ADVANCED - Sept 21 at 12 PM
6 Weeks - Skips Oct 19th

MASSAGE THERAPISTS

FREE Marketing Class (1 hour)
Open House at Marion Wellness Center
Marion, NC - Sept 18th - 1 PM
For info email Gloria at
MassageProCe@gmail.com

SMART Marketing with Social Media
AMTA National Convention
October 20, 2011 - 4PM to 6PM

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

Easy Spa Treatments - 4 hours - $69
Approved for NC Estheticians/Cosmetologists/MTs

September 10, 2011 2 PM - 6 PM

September 11, 2011 2 PM - 6 PM

September 24, 2011 - 10 AM - 2 PM

Waterless Spa Treatments - 6 hours - $99
Approved for NC Estheticians/Cosmetologists/MTs

September 26, 2011 11 AM - 6 PM

MASSAGE THERAPISTS ONLY

Deja Vu Ethics Review - $49 -
October 9, 2011 10AM to 1 PM

Get Clients to Rebook - $49
October 9, 2011 2PM - 5PM

Please email me with any questions you have about any of the classes and/or let me know if you'd like to bring a private class to your facility. Thanks!

Felicia

Try Schedulicity for FREE for 6 months when you use the promo code SMARTSPA. I love their service!

I Can Do It!

Felicia Brown LMBT — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:05:00 GMT

It’s Saturday August 20^th and the eve of my first triathalon, the Ramblin Rose in Winston Salem, NC. My event training is done, gear bought, schedule and pre-event meal planned. This afternoon I will go to pick up my registration packet, attend a pre-event clinic on how to set up my transition area and scout out the biking and running courses. Then I’ll go home to practice, pack and relax with friends for a few hours before heading to bed.

I’ve gotta be honest…I’m kind of nervous. Well nervous in a confident sort of way. I understand the set-up and sequence of events. I’ve got directions to the event location and a checklist for what I need to take tomorrow printed out. And perhaps most importantly, I know I can do each of the segments since did a practice triathlon earlier this week – albeit with the elements spread apart over several hours unlike how they’ll be tomorrow. I completed about 75 percent of the overall distance that I’ll do tomorrow. Yay me!

And though I was really tired after my practice tri, I woke up the next day with almost no soreness or fatigue (until I took a Zumba and yoga class that morning, anyway.) So yesterday, I rewarded myself and got rid of the soreness with a fantastic massage on my legs and upper shoulders. I’ve already got one set up for the day after the even and am as stoked about getting that massage as I am about completing this athletic milestone.

So why am I nervous? Because I’ve never done anything like this before. True I used to compete in figure skating events as a teen and pre-teen. I’ve participated in a number of cycling events of twenty to forty miles each. And, at 41, I'm probably in the best shape of my adult life - thanks to all my recent training.

But this is different. This is pushing my physical abilities and endurance in a way I never have before. I’m combining two activities – running and biking – that I enjoy and do well in with another of which one I am a complete novice – swimming. It’s not that I didn’t know how to swim before now – it’s just that I didn’t like to. My first memory of swimming was of taking group lessons as a toddler. I didn’t really like the teacher, especially after she pushed me into the water when I wouldn’t jump in on my own. That was the last lesson with her! And even though I successfully learned to swim through private swimming lessons the next year, for as long as I can remember, I’ve had recurrent nightmares about drowning.

Since those early days, I’ve nearly always felt awkward and anxious in a pool or other body of water, save for one summer I spent with my cousins in Wisconsin (over thirty years ago) in which we went to the pool and swam every single day. Since then though, my swimming efforts and abilities have receded more and more as has my desire to improve them. Until now.

As the deadline for event registration got closer and closer, I knew I had to push myself past my fear of the water and swimmer’s ear in order to participate. I put it off time and time again but finally began taking baby steps into the shallow end of the pool a few weeks ago. First I called local indoor pools to find out their hours and prices for adult swimming. I posted messages on Facebook about needing a swim coach and watched swimming instructional videos on YouTube. I made a trip to a local tri-athlete supply store and bought ear plugs, a swim cap, and nose clip (you never know). Finally, I visited and joined a gym with a pool – and dove in.

Sadly, that first swim brought all my fears and goals into clear view. My freestyle stroke and related breathing abilities were sub-par and not good enough to get me across the pool once, let alone all 225 yards I’d have to swim at the Ramblin Rose. I gasped, choked and panicked within moments of taking the water. Immediately crushed, I thought my chances of completing the event tomorrow – or any triathlon - was totally out of reach.

Then I remembered someone telling me they did the back stroke in a sprint triathlon earlier this year. As with any other techniques I hadn’t done it in years but thought maybe it was worth a try. So I went back to the side of the pool, grabbed the edge and pushed off in a backward glide across the water. I started pulling myself across one stroke at a time, working to establish some kind of a rhythm between my arms, legs and breathing. It was a struggle at first, I think because I was upset and trying a bit too hard. But suddenly I was at the other end of the lane and realized I might actually be able to pull this off. I pushed off again, relaxed a little and got into cadence that felt pretty good. Soon was across the pool again and back to where I began. Within fifteen minutes, I completed 250 yards and knew I could do so again. Within five days, I combined my new ability with a bike and run. Woo hoo!

I don’t know exactly how tomorrow’s event will go, but I know I can finish it. I am excited to enjoy and savor each part of the day – from packing for and setting up my transition area to chatting in line with other novice swimmers to riding my bike and running through beautiful downtown Winston Salem on an unseasonably cool August morning. I’m excited to hear my husband cheering for me as I swim, pedal and jog past him and feeling the cool air and warm sun on my damp body and hair. And yes of course, I am eagerly anticipating crossing the final finish line, discovering my time and heartily celebrating the completion of the race.

But regardless of how things turn out tomorrow, what place I finish in or whether everything goes more or less than perfectly, I know I’ve already won. I’ve challenged myself over and over during my training to try new things and “swim” out of my comfort zone while facing and embracing my fears. And as I’ve striven for excellence athletically, I’ve also achieved greater things in other areas of my life, especially my career. The level of focus and commitment required for being ready for this event has been transferred to my business which has already brought some huge rewards there too. I am blessed.

But most importantly, I’ve gotten more comfortable with who I am, what I am capable of doing and what I envision for my future. I am proud of and confident myself in a way I’ve never been before. To me, that is more important than anything else, especially how I place in a race. (That and getting my victory massage on Monday!)

So yes, matter how it goes or how long it takes, I have won just by getting this far and doing what it takes to finish tomorrow. And I know I can do it!

Using "Natural Resources" to Grow Your Business

Felicia Brown LMBT — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:03:00 GMT

As you are reading this, I'm on my way to the World Massage Festival in Cullowhee, NC and then onto the ProKnowledge Workshops in Minneapolis, MN. If you happen to be near either place, please join me for these great events and introduce yourself if at all possible!

In my last article Being Interactive to Attract More Business I wrote about a successful summer promotion in my massage practice. In a follow up comment to that blog, I also talked about utilizing various resources that were already available to me (in other words previously bought and paid for or acquired).

Since these items were already a part of my business supplies and assets, I have come to think of them as "natural resources." Anyway, I thought it would be a helpful idea to share information about some of my resources with you here so that you can see what to excavate or mine for in your own business. A few suggestions:

Unused postage - A couple of years ago I mistakenly bought a couple of rolls of postcard stamps that I simply did not need. As the post office does not allow returns (bummer) I just shoved the rolls in a drawer and pouted (yes, even I can become sulky from time to time!) over the needless expense.

This summer I began brainstorming about ways to activate some of my former massage clients, especially during the slow summer months. Trying to keep expenses low but wanting to be somewhat personal in reaching out, I decided to do a postcard mailing to these folks with an attractive "I've missed you offer" to get them to come back. And when combined with a special from VistaPrint.com for 100 free postcards (shipping was about $10), this promotion cost next to nothing and paid for itself with just one client appointment

Underutilized software - For years I have used MindBodyOnline as my client management system. I really like so many things about it - it is web-based; it manages staff, inventory and appointments; it remembers each client's visit and purchase history. Wait a minute...could I use MBO to find out which massage client's hadn't been in for a while? You bet (though I hate to admit I hadn't done this before I sent out the above mailing.) MBO was a great help!

And...while I was waiting for a new client one day (who actually no-showed) I also took the time to set up email and text confirmations on MindBody. With all the new clients I've added this year, I realized my old way of doing confirmations calls was no longer going to work...especially if I wasn't always taking the time to do it! Confirmations now take me about 30 seconds a day and my clients LOVE getting an email or text instead of a phone call. And no more no-shows!

Untested service - This may sound strange, but when I sold my spa to go back into private practice five years ago, I did not want to sell gift certificates online or elsewhere. I was not taking new clients then as I am now and did not want to deal with the resulting liability on my business in case I decided to move out of the country (it could happen!) or close my practice. Yet as a marketing coach, I'd been given access to test out not one BUT TWO fantastic online gift certificate services, SpaBoom and The Gift Card Cafe, both of which I really like for different reasons.

So as a part of my excavation of resources, I decided to put one of them into action. Since I've been focused on saving my cash, I opted to start with The Gift Card Cafe as they have a "No upfront cost" set-up option (though the per-sale commission is higher than SpaBoom). With almost every promotion I have offered this summer, I have created corresponding links and offers for gift certificate purchases. And the gift certificate sales have been adding up!

So I challenge you to uncover your natural resources and use them now to grow your business. You may be amazed at what you find hiding under the surface of your enterprise - and by the results that come from using them wisely

I'd love to hear about your discoveries and success stories so please feel free to share them here.

My next webinar is next Wednesday July 20th at 12 Noon EST. It's with Allissa Haines of Writing a Blue Streak and will be on Online Marketing: Get Over Yourself and Get On With It. (Even her titles are sassy and fun!).

Alissa says:"There is an online reputation being built for you, whether you like it or not, whether you participate or not. Even if you are not found online, that absence in itself is a reputation that says, 'I am not willing to grown and learn, my business is stuck in 1998, and I'm staying there.' Is that the message you want to send?" If not, then please join us live or for the replay by clicking here to sign up.

Being Interactive to Attract More Business

Felicia Brown LMBT — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:27:26 GMT

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.

Do You Want Freedom In (and From) Your Business?

Felicia Brown LMBT — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:05:20 GMT

I've recently gotten to know Shelene Taylor, a very successful massage clinic owner in Arizona (Rubs Massage), she created her business from scratch and is now sharing her proven tools and systems with other practice and spa owners. What amazes me about her business is that she is now able to run it pretty much part time. Her tools and systems are applicable to solo practice business owners as well as those of you with staff.

So I've invited Shelene to do a webinar for my clients and readers on Tuesday June 28th at 1 PM EST. For this initial conversation, we'll be talking about “How to Create Freedom in Your Business” so that you can grow your Biz to the next level or just be able to move out of overwhelm so that you have space to breath.

The ability to turn her business over to her staff to run has not come by accident. It has been Shelene's ability to create the aforementioned tools and systems so that everything functions smoothly and does not need her constant presence or guidance to do so. Discover for yourself some tools to help your business thrive from this webinar!

In the meantime, I would love to hear exactly what kinds of operational and HR/staffing concerns you have with your business. Feel free to post your questions for Shelene right here on the blog or post them in the Q&A box on the webinar page. And to sign up for the webinar and have access to the replay, just click here. Instructions will be emailed to you after you sign up and again before and after the webinar.

And, if you want to learn more about the tools Shelene uses and offers, click here or visit her website, www.iambiz.com. Please be sure to let her know I sent you!

The Keys to Promoting Yourself Successfully

Felicia Brown LMBT — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:06:00 GMT

No matter what business folks are in, I see people making the same errors in their marketing. Then they wonder why they aren't getting the results the want or attracting the numbers or types of clients they desire to their businesses. While I was at the American Massage Conference a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to talk about how to correct these errors on a live interview on The Massage Nerd Show.

So I wanted to share this video with you on what I feel are the most important elements of growing a successful business or practice, whatever field you are in. Thanks to the Ryan Hoyme (the Massage Nerd) and Gloria Coppola for a great interview!

Click here for more info on the Group Marketing Coaching Program. Register for an upcoming session by June 15th and you'll be registered to win a 12 Week One-on-One Coaching Package valued at $900.

Join Me at The (Online) World Massage Conference - and more

Felicia Brown LMBT — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:10:00 GMT

WOW, is it June already?!

The last few weeks have just been flying by. Thus the date for the World Massage Conference sort of snuck up on me. But I wanted to make sure you had the chance to sign up for it and join me there June 6-8. I'll be participating in a Roundtable Discussion on Monday June 6th at 8 PM EST with Eric Brown, Elizabeth Fletcher Brown and Todd Brown (no relation between any of us). We'll be discussing "Three R’s for Increasing Your Practice Income." I'll also be acting as host for several other presenters on Monday which I am very excited about! Click here to listen to a quick audio invitation from me about the conference.

Unlike other conferences, this one is all online and can be viewed live as well as by replay. NCBTMB CE credits are available if you need them and the conference is a fantastic learning experience for all massage therapists, bodyworkers and other healing arts practitioners.

Click here to learn more about the World Massage Conference and register now.

For those of you who like to travel, I will also be headed to Minneapolis, MN July 16-18 and Portland, Oregon September 25-27 and October 20-23. I'll be teaching Social Media Marketing to spa owners and professionals at the ProKnowledge Workshops (July and Sept dates) and to massage therapists and massage school instructors at the AMTA National Convention. Rumor has it that I may also be at the World Massage Festival in Culllowhee, NC for Student Day, but I'll have to share exact details on what I'll be teaching and when closer to the time.

To give you an idea of what my classes are like, I taped this really short video a couple of weeks ago in my social media class at the American Massage Conference in Atlanta. (By the way, if you are a massage therapist and you didn't make it to this year's AMC, put the dates for 2012 - April 20-22 - on your calendar right now. We had such an amazing time this year in Atlanta. You'll definitely want to join us in San Diego!)

If you are going to be at one of the "in-person" events, I would love to meet you and hope you will find me to introduce yourself. I hope you can make it to one or more of them and ask you to share the information about these great education opportunities your friends, boss, employees, and /or colleagues.

See you in class!

Felicia

PS... In addition to speaking at these conferences, I also offer virtual group coaching for marketing and social media and have new groups starting in June and August. One-on-one coaching is also available. If you're ready to take action and make positive changes in your business or practice, I'd love to work with you! And if you register or make any purchase with Spalutions by June 15th, you'll automatically be entered to 12 Weeks of One-on-One Coaching (30 minute sessions) with me, which is valued at $900. Good luck!

Do You Believe in Destiny?

Felicia Brown LMBT — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:37:04 GMT

The world works to guide us in mysterious ways. Over the last 36 hours or so, I have had a number of random thoughts - and some focused ones too - about what I want to do with the rest of my life and career. There are LOTS of potential opportunities on the horizon along with some confusion about what steps to take. It's all been very overwhelming and I;ve actually felt like I have been trying to force the future to reveal itself or happen faster.
So yesterday I decided to take off unexpectedly to Hanging Rock State Park for a day of nature, solitude and exercise.

As I packed for my mini-escape, there was one CD in particular I wanted to take, but I couldn't find it anywhere. (In case you're interested, it was Gordon by the Barenaked Ladies. It came out in 1992 - years before anyone knew who they were - and is in fact better than anything else they've ever done in my opinion. I know every word to every song and it always puts me in a fantastic mood.) Anyway, I couldn't find it, so I picked out an Earth, Wind and Fire compilation, some Kylie Minogue and a few dance tunes to make my 60 mile journey sail by.

The trip was a great success. I hiked up to the top of the mountain as well down to a couple of waterfalls and around another nature trail - about 5.6 miles in total. It was gorgeous, sunny and breezy, and just the right temperature - and exactly what I needed. I got a great workout, lots of fresh air, and actually did some networking for my massage practice (yes I actually had business cards on me.) I also listened to the wisdom in the water, wind, and from a Boy Scout named Lewis who stumbled into my path on the descent down the hill.

I also took the time to find a shady, quiet spot to write in my journal for a bit. It helps me immensely to get all the jumbled thoughts in my head onto paper. Nothing like clearing out the mental cobwebs of an already busy mind. Among my ramblings were ideas about how focus my energy and be "more myself." It included things like meditating and praying, working out more regularly than I have the last few weeks, planting flowers I love, growing a vegetable garden, getting rid of actual clutter around my house, and learning a new language (or at least trying to learn one).

On my way home from the park, I took a wrong turn and ended up going by a large farmer's market that I hadn't planned on visiting. Perhaps not destiny as much as a bad sense of direction led me there, but I decided to take advantage of the error all the same. I bought a couple of pink geraniums for my front porch and a few veggies for a pint-size veggie garden (tomatoes, squash, zucchini and banana peppers.) When I got home, I potted the geraniums and began getting ready to plant the veggies. And today the inner and outer clearing and decluttering has continued.

As I was wrapping up the last of my outdoor activities of the morning, I had a sudden urge to look in the basement for something I needed for the yard. What I was looking for wasn't there but as I headed back upstairs, I saw a box on a shelf I hadn't noticed before that seemed like it was waiting for me. I pulled it out and saw a few things of interest right on top (a yoga strap, a Caroline Myss tape series on meditation and prayer, and a "Drive Time" CD series for learning Spanish among other odds and ends.) How awesome to find a box of stuff seeming related to my list from the day before!?! So I took the box upstairs and sat down to go through the rest of it.

And do you know what else was in that box? The CD I was looking for yesterday (yes I am listening to it now as I write) along with a card that said: "DESTINY - You can look...and you will find it. You can not look...and you will find it. That which is yours surely will come to you." OK world, I am listening, and not just to BNE.

So my answer to the question about destiny is YES. I do believe in it and that everything happens for a reason. What I think may be more important for me to remember is to take the time to slow down, listen to my inner wisdom, and practice what makes me feel the most connected to myself and life. When I do that, destiny and life seems to flow and through me so much more easily than when I try so hard to figure things out or make them happen. And worry less about "that which is mine" finding me.

Namaste - and Happy Memorial Day