Pulse January / February 2020 | Page 54

MONEY MATTERS CONTINUED or self-conscious hesitation, and fully receive the treatment’s benefits. If your service ends with a line-up of recommended products, make sure you tell your guest to anticipate it at the start of the treatment to prevent any awkward surprises at check-out. #5 #4 People want to know what’s coming. In other words, people are cautious as well as curious. A fast-paced society can have high anxiety, especially in an unfamiliar space. If they are going to be waiting for any period of time, give your client an estimate for how long so they aren’t guessing. Feed into their curiosity to create excitement. Prior to installing your client on the bed, review the treatment steps they will experience and their “why.” Think of a fine dining experience where the server presents your dish and mentions each aspect to a point of salivation. This is the perfect time to use descriptive and emotional language to help them set an intention for their treatment. Create a little discovery tray of the products you will use and let your client smell the fragrance or feel the textures. The key here is to ensure you keep it brief, clear and deliver it in a captivating way. Once the basics are covered and you have answered any questions, your client can relax, release their resistance 52 PULSE ■ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 People want to be inspired. You have felt the uplifting power of a meaningful quote, an affirmation or even a reminder to breathe. Managing your client’s mindset is the foundation for success. Consider that each step along your client journey serves an important purpose. It’s easy to lose ourselves in being a task focused service provider. Stay connected to your purpose. Keep expressing your philosophy in ways that help your clients learn good habits for self-care; mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Consider posting an inspiring quote or affirmation inside your locker doors, to welcome them in the treatment room or even on the bill. Practice client leadership. Make it your responsibility to get your clients into the right space to maximize the holistic benefits of their treatment. If you want to increase your sales, learn to inspire what I call “buying desire” so they want to buy what you have to sell. Think of offering unique snacks, drinks or even samples, and serve them in a way that inspires a smile or a “wow, I love that.” The little things you do to surprise, delight and teach along the way will set you apart and make your business memorable. #6 People want to know they are safe. From judgment, risk, harsh chemicals, embarrassment, making poor choices and more. I recently went to a spa that had two vases on their changing room vanity. One labeled “clean hairbrushes” and the other “used hairbrushes.” That experience alone gave me reassurance. Practice client empathy and endeavor to understand things from their point of view. What might seem obvious to your team isn’t always the case for your clients and guests. Multiple laundry baskets in one changing room can be confusing if not labeled “robes” or “slippers.” Your guests don’t want to worry about making mistakes. Ask your team to consider what might cause confusion or concern, especially for new clients who are learning to trust you. Collect their ideas and implement the ones that offer clarity, comfort and reassurance along the client’s journey.