In This Issue..

• Welcome
• The value of a business wellness budget
• Spa compensation plans that work
• Spa College - earn and learn
• Your dreams - their dollars
• What's your business - massage therapy
• The value of operational reports
• Reader's Bulletin Board
• Workshop Calendar

Welcome

to the October Newsletter. We have an exciting edition this month that is all about $$$ with some great contributions from guest authors. If you would like to read back issues of this newsletter they are archived here: Spa College Eletter.

The theme for the next issue will be: MARKETING. As always we welcome contributions.

News Cast: We're gearing up for our Costa Rica Spa Essentials Training and we would really like to have you join us. What would it take for you to make this educational trip? You tell us. We have a super hotel deal, CEU's, a program that will translate right into money earned for you and a breathtaking location. Pick up the phone and call us if you want to be part of these workshops:

The Secrets of Spa Treatments (Nov. 4-8)
Advanced Spa Therapy (Nov 9-13)
Spa Manager Training (Nov 15/16)

Want to meet this fella'?

TAKE ACTION NOW. (917) 922.5829 or email director@spa-college.com

Enjoy the newsletter. Nicolay - editor at large

Monte Zwang invites us to view the process of creating a budget as an inspiration. He gives a concise step by step approach to developing this essential planning and operational tool, making it a lot less daunting. Not only business owners but also individual practitioners should read this since because even if they don't consider themself a "business", they usually are.

Monte Zwang has wealth of experience in our industry and is principal of Wellness Capital Management that offers services specifically for the wellness industry.

Click here for his article: The Value of a Business Budget.

Spa Compensation Plans that Work - Bryan Durocher

Bryan addresses the issues around compensation that every spa faces and gives a comprehensive overview of the different options. Finding that balance that provides therapists with an appropriate income while making the business worthwhile is probably the core issue most spas have to deal with today. Transitioning from inherited payement models to more sustainable ones is the challenge of the time.

While there is no standard solution for everyone, this article provides insight into the dynamics and relationships of payroll. For employed practitioners this is valuable information to understand the process on the side of the employer.

Durocher is the founder of Durocher Enterprises, a coaching and consulting firm specializing in working with the manufacturers, professionals and consumers who make the beauty and personal development industry tick.

Click here to read Bryan's article: Spa Compensation

Spa College Introduces Ways to Earn AND Learn

I once had a massage student who raised the tuiton fee of $1200 for one of my workshops within 2 weeks by selling $50 vouchers for a massage to her friends and family that they would receive once she had completed the workshop. I thought that was a great idea.

So we figured we would make it just as easy to take a spa-college workshop by using resources everyone has readily available.

There are not only ways to earn the money for a course, but also to make as much as you want by promoting our classes. Sound easy? Check out the details: Earn and Learn.

Your Dreams - Their Dollars - Monte Zwang
The methodolgy of borrowing money

When you start dreaming of opening your own business, have thought about the services you want to offer and where you it all shall happen, your next thought might be: Where do I get the necessary investement capital.

This gives an overview of the sources as well as making a case for dilligent preparation before setting off to borrow money.

To view this article click here: Your Dreams - Their Dollars

What's your business? Massage Therapy

Being a massage therapist seems like a career that can give you everything; Meaning, money while doing something that matters. But to be successful and stay in the profession over time takes some understanding and planning. This article addresses the concerns in developing a financially successful massage therapy practice. Click here for article...

Nicolay Kreidler is a licensed massage therapist and massage instructor. He is an active consultant to the spa industry and author of the book The Successful Massage Therapist" now available as ebook through Spa Pros

The Value of Operational Reports

People in the spa world and the health and wellness industry are passionate about their vocation and were often drawn to become involved as business owners because of they felt emotionally attracted and connected to what this business offers at its core. Yet in order to survive one may not avoid the realities of the business process that can (but does not have to) feel dry and detached. When decisions need to be made, they are often accompanied by statements like "I feel" or "I think" rather than "I know".

Tracking data is not everyone's favorite pasttime and yet it is crucial for the "I know" process of making the right decision for your business. This article explores some of the items that can (and should) be tracked. Click here to view this article: Tracking your business

See you in Costa Rica ...

And while we're at it, don't forget you can write this training off as a business expense...

Reader's Bulletin Board

James Waleski - Orthopedic Massage, Oahu, Hawaii Contact: Barbara Hudgins
AmaTierra - Costa Rican Eco Sanctuary Retreat

We're planning ahead and have a slew of trainings coming up in 2008: Workshop Calendar