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App-y Together PRO TOOLS The pro: Kim Chang, director, Sanctuary Spa, Houston © IGCONCEPT/GRAPHIC LEFTOVERS KIM CHANG Her tools: 1. "Go back to the basics. By that I mean connect. You can have the most beautiful spa or the best antiaging gadget, but if you haven't made a connection with your clients, all these details are in vain. Train your therapists to pay close attention to what the client is saying during the initial consultation, then follow with a treatment that's completely customized to her needs and wants. We were the first day spa in Houston, so we've seen a lot of guests come and go… but they always come back for a true spa experience. Here at Sanctuary Spa we don't just rub and scrub!" 2. "Sharing is caring. Remember: there's plenty of pie to go around. We share our guests with everyone. There's a sense of belonging, family and respect, not just within our spa but within our spa community as well. If we can't accommodate a large party because of size restrictions or because we don't offer that particular service, we give them a list of other spas we think are great. Who knows? The guest who was inquiring about the party of 50 might just come back with her three girlfriends for a spa night out. Because you took the time to connect with her, she remembers and is grateful. That speaks volumes for the reputation of your spa. Bottom line: you can't serve every client out there, and just because Mrs. Smith is doing really well with teeth whitening at her spa, that doesn't mean that you have to run out and buy a teeth-whitening machine too." 3. "Know your worth. We don't want to charge our mom, or our friends—or even their friends—full price, but discounting treatments benefits no one. If your family and friends love you, they will support your passion. The people who don't really care about the quality of work will bounce around from one 'Jiffy Lube spa' to the next anyway. Knowing your worth and charging accordingly will give you validity. The same goes for your long-time client who is already spending $200 on her facial but now wants an extra scalp massage. Because you are the professional, and this is your livelihood, you mustn't feel bad that she loves your work and would like to experience more—at a price. As I always say, 'Sales is not a dirty word!' " The mobile app industry is booming. However, spa, salon and other small business owners are often discouraged by the perceived costs associated with hiring a company to create apps and optimize their website for mobile phones. Fast App Designs (fastappdesigns.com), a growing provider of mobile apps and mobile websites, is aiming to bridge the gap between mobile technology and affordability with its reasonably priced iPhone, Android, Windows, Blackberry and HTML5 apps. When they sign up, clients get access to Fast App's features, including GPS directions to their business, "Tell-a-Friend" sharing capabilities and integration into Facebook and Twitter. Marketing campaign services are also available. "Mobile technology is the vehicle to move companies toward new horizons," says Nicole Greenidge, representing Fast App Designs, adding, "Your customers are mobile. Your business should be too!" SWEET FEET Looking for a new way to entice more pedicure clients? ComfortSoul, manufacturer of health and spa equipment, recently expanded its portfolio of pedicure chairs. Boasting a modern design balanced with neutral colors, the waterresistant ComfortSoul Alpina model features the company's trademarked UltraPlush Cushioning System and DuraSoft Upholstery for maximum comfort. Further highlights include a technician's stool; fully adjustable back and arm and foot rests; side shelves; and a removable foot bath made of antimicrobial copper that requires no plumbing. Purchases also come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and a two-year warranty on the upholstery. For more information, visit comfortsoul.com. dayspamagazine.com | DECEMBER 2013 37