Wednesday, July 15, 2009
CARING DURING AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
I have yet to meet one individual who isn't personally impacted by the protracted recession. Many of us also know individuals who are struggling on a day to day basis to keep afloat and provide for their families. Some of these individuals may in fact be your former clients, or even former spa professionals who used to work in your spa, but had to be laid off. People are struggling and although I have my own challenges to deal with, I try to do whatever I can to help those less fortunate than myself.
I'd like for spa businesses, especially day spas, to consider having a food drive at their places of business. Visitors can donate one or more canned goods or dried goods. When enough items are collected to fill a shopping bag or two, go and donate it to your neighborhood food pantry. Or, maybe check-in on your former staff and see how they're doing and possibly donate some of the collected food to them. Help out wherever you think there might be a need.
For a greater point of promotion, consider sending out notices to your client list, or area media and other businesses promoting the food drive effort. Get a partnering effort going with other businesses. Through this type of creative and caring advertising, you may generate an even greater awareness of those in need within your community, more than likely you'll generate some free press for your spa business as well.
Along these lines, consider combining the food drive by also offering an open house with other area businesses, especially those in health care who might be able to give free health screenings or offer health-based brochures.
Let your community know that you genuinely care about what is going on with others who aren't doing so well. Change the image of your spa business from one that might have a superfluous hedonistic image, versus one that truly exemplifies community involvement and care for its neighbors.
If your spa business is already doing this, terrific. If not, won't you please consider reaching out and helping those in your community who may need your help?
By Terry Herman
Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the spa industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker. You can email her at terry_h60559@yahoo.com.
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this is why I love your blog, Terry! Great idea and well articulated.
ReplyDeletexxoo
Laura
laurasbtybounty
Laura, I'm passionate and love what I do and grateful for those, such as yourself, who are touched by my words. Your's touch me, as well. Hugs - Terry
ReplyDeleteTerry what a great post. I just twittered it to my followers. I think it's incredibly important that businesses, not just spas, take the opportunity to step up and help in this kind of way.
ReplyDeleteI love though that you recognize how this can help to affect the misconceptions that some in the community have of spas. I call that a side blessing.
In my area here in Fl there is such a huge population of homeless, and a fair number of those are children as I have found out by going to a number of local community meetings. And businesses who step up and help out with food and such are integral to finding a solution and bring awareness.
Thanks,
Madison
www.morespatraffic.com
Madison, I'm so grateful when you and others take the time to respond to my posts. It's amazing how something as simple as having a food drive in one's business, even if it's not a spa, can make a difference to those in need. I think most of are able to spare a few canned goods or dried goods, and even some gently worn clothing to local food banks or shelters. God bless all who are struggling and those that reach out to comfort them, however that is done. The spa industry has an opportunity to distinguish itself in this manner by helping out in a small measure that can grow into something bigger than ourselves. Lastly, a huge thank you for sharing my passion and heart with your followers.
ReplyDeleteTerry