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Issue link: https://dayspamagazine.epubxp.com/i/311523
40 DAYSPA | JUNE 2014 BUILDING BLOCKS FAIR PRACTICE As the saying goes, fi rst impressions count, and that's especially true in the spa milieu. The front counter and entrance of your facility set the tone for your guests' entire experience, and by making the right fi rst impression, you can convert them into clients for life. Soothing décor and relaxing music are must- haves, but it's eye-catching extras that can make all the difference. Need ideas? Companies such as Orlando, Florida-based Bluworld (shop.bluworldusa .com) offer creative solutions in the form of stylish, eco-friendly fi replaces and fountains. Bluworld's fountains include freestanding fl oor models and, for smaller spa spaces, easy-to-install interior wall fountains incorporating slate or stone. Its Nu-Flame decorative bio fi replaces, among them tabletop and wall-mounted varieties, run on renewable bio-ethanol fuel and are smoke- and odor- free, requiring no venting. Many items can be etched or decorated with your business's logo, boosting your brand's identity and leaving a lasting impression. "We are naturally drawn to fi re: it warms and protects us, creating an atmosphere of comfort," says Jo-Ri Way, Bluworld's business development manager. "By the same token, fountains fi ll us with a sense of peace— falling water instantly calms and soothes us. As a spa owner, isn't that how you want everyone who walks through your doors to feel?" Elements of Style In the rapidly evolving world of esthetics, it's imperative to keep up to date with the latest regulations. That's often easier said than done, but a helping hand comes from Paula Rood, longtime practice consultant and founder of the National Aesthetic Accreditation Agency, who has authored The Complete Guide to Compliance in your Aesthetic Practice (National Aesthetic Accreditation Agency, 2014). Written in a straightforward, no- nonsense style, the ebook (available at iTunes.com or Amazon.com) is intended as a general resource for esthetics practice owners and operators. In addition to adherence to industry regulations, the guide covers the requirements for becoming standards-compliant, and provides a comprehensive list of additional resources and samples of logs (such as housekeeping logs) and lists (including electrical hazard checklists). Best practice tips and true story examples round out the mix. Subjects include: • Treatment room set-up (lighting, organization, ADA compliancy, etc.) • Laundry standards • Safety drills and procedures • Training staff and maintaining up-to-date employee records "The resources previously available to esthetics practice owners were painfully inconsistent and confusing, and really didn't provide a guide for how to actually become compliant," says Rood. "As competition grows, the issue of compliance is only going to be more scrutinized over time. Understanding it is the key to practice survival," she adds. Are you searching for ways to take your business beyond the four walls of your spa? TouchSuite (touchsuite.com), a technology specialist company headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, recently increased the opportunities for doing so by launching Firefl y, an Android-based system that allows business owners and their staff to manage operations and execute customer transactions from anywhere in the world. Consisting of a 14-inch LCD panel and designed around a unifi ed platform, the Firefl y unit comes with a built-in credit card reader and speakers, as well as USB and serial-based ports. Key business tools include online appointment setting, client database management, document management, marketing programs, inventory control and accounting reports. A barcode scanner, receipt printer, credit card swiper and cash drawer are among the optional extras. The accompanying mobile app is quick to install, requiring no IT expertise, and, because the system is cloud-based, data is continually backed up. "TouchSuite Firefl y was designed specifi cally with spa and salon owners in mind," says company CEO Sam Zietz. "It's important for them to work with a product that's intuitive and affordable, and that will grow their business." Remote-Control Management B u i l d i n g B l o c k s . i n d d 4 0 Building Blocks.indd 40 5 / 1 / 1 4 3 : 2 8 P M 5/1/14 3:28 PM