on Jul 3rd, 2008Practice What You Preach – Define Your Spa Training Needs
It seems like we are on a role lately with training articles, but it seems to be a necessary topic for many. I’ve been talking training with so many clients recently that it seems like that’s all I do now. Hey….it’s not like me to complain, that’s a good thing. It means more and more people are seeking out valuable trainings and doing the research needed to decide what training will work for them, in their world, when they need it. Training was even the running theme in this month’s Spa College newsletter among others, and will be a focus in this year’s World Massage Festival, and was previously a topic at the 2007 Spa Summit.
As we all know, getting the right training for your spa or wellness facility is a key point that needs to be continuously addressed by companies. Don’t worry, it’s certainly not an issue unique to the healing arts industry. Training, the lack of, and the how to’s, have long been a challenge for companies across the board. A few places you can check out more precision training, include Lotus Effects, and Preston Inc, who provide private and group trainings designed to enhance first impressionas and profitability at your location. So of course I thought….hello…..why not introduce you to some targeting planning types to help you get focused. Check these out, compare them to others, and make a great decision for your next year’s training budget.
Back to me. I love training not just because I provide it as part of my consulting services, but because it offers a way to provide goals, specific action tasks and a contingency plan for your business. Since our hands on work is such an import part of what we do everyday in our spas, knowing what to do once your in the treatment room, or knowing what you expect your therapists to do will contribute to bringing clients back. Whether your upgrading to include LIPOMASSAGE by ENDERMOLOGIE, the glide of the JADE STONE MASSAGE, or a little indigenous therapy with HERBAL COMPRESSES your one on one time with the client should be top notch. This goes back to our discussion on POWER UP. This hands on therapy goes hand in hand with the quality and training of the rest of the support staff, front desk and especially management. Taking the steps to ensure that your plans will achieve your organizational goals, will create happier over all facility, and it will need to include everyone on staff. Here’s a quick look at some planning types to help you reach your target and training needs:
Single use plans- This takes into consideration planning that will focus on a one time “use” or goal, that will most likely not be used in the future. (seasonal offerings, opening parties etc.) Hopefully a single use plan will not be what you use in planning for training, since it is recommended that training occur on a consistent ongoing basis.
Standing plans- Used to focus on repeated goals, which can be adopted as policies and organizational rules. This is what I recommend in planning for your staff’s training goals. You may need quarterly trainings, or a standing plan for internal policies and protocols.
Contingency/Alternative plans- Always have one of these no matter how small the task or decision. A lot goes into planning that could also go wrong. Know the resources required for your goal, the obstacles that could occur, and how you will overcome them if they do. This may not seem necessary for training, however it will help in quantifying and analyzing your budget, project plans, and client needs.
We are always saying we want operational distinction and quality service that will out do our competition, let’s practice what we preach and get that training that makes that a reality. So what’s you training goal? Improving profits by 10% annual growth in sales? Maybe the most memorable treatments to offer by next quarter, with everyone cross trained. What ever it is, I wish you happy planning, happy training, and I will see you at one of our upcoming trade-shows, or international seminars. Set personal training goals, set a realistic plan, and increase your confidence, profits, and operational balance.
Lotus Effects and Spa College International was founded by Liz Galloway. Liz Galloway is a professional wellness advisor, speaker and spa industry trainer. With locations and teams in both the US and Costa Rica she continues to provide precision seminars, workshops and business solutions for spa start up’s and turn arounds, along with bringing new levels of training options to the healing arts industry.In addition to running her business she shares her experience in teaching spa courses, image, management, well being, personal growth and empowerment for industry and other consumer audiences.
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