Pulse July 2017 | Page 46

share the event expenses. “Cross-promotion has worked for us quite well for events,” says Heslop. “Spas and vendors partnering assists in leveraging each other’s audiences, customers and offerings for a greater cause or promotion. When our spa partners have asked for samples or event raffle prizes, we’ve never declined an opportunity to be involved on some level. Spas have assets, vendors have assets. When these are combined, it creates a better event.” Promote your event across all platforms. Overspending is easy to do when it comes to events, so use marketing that is low-cost. Create a Facebook event, add your event to local calendars, and get your staff involved by encouraging them to promote the event. Jacoby-Clements goes the extra mile and sends hand written personal invites to their local top VIP clients. “No-one receives a hand-written note these days! This is such an elegant and thoughtful touch.” Be creative and think outside the box. A special experience will be one that your clients remember. Events that have a charity tie-in tend to be very successful. Clients want to support a business that supports something they care about. “We’ve found that people who are passionate about a charity we love have values in line with our spa values, so they are a natural fit to become our clients,” says Sampson. Post-Event Evaluation. When the event is complete be sure to evaluate the success of the event. Were your goals met? Did you strengthen your relationship with current clients? Were you introduced to new clients? Heslop recom- mends having a videographer at the event who has quick editing turn-around. “The rest of the world, the other customers who can’t make it, need to see what they missed out on.” This FOMO (fear of missing out) can be almost as powerful as the event itself in driving your brand awareness, online following, and in-house sales. “If the event is done right you will create an ‘unforgettable experience’ with fond memories of your customer’s time at the event,” adds Jacoby-Clements. “This will add excitement to what you offer and the customer will want to partake in future events.” Make it your goal to execute well-designed events that create moments for your current clients, potential clients and team to smile and engage together. Events create the kind of loyalty, trust and personal connections that will allow your spa to stand out. n Teaming up with a resource partner is a great way to add value to your event with themed treatments, raffle prizes and more. CLICK HERE for a list of successful event ideas to add to your calendar. F E AT U R E D S O U R C E S CASSIE SAMPSON PAUL HESLOP Owner, Licensed Massage Therapist, East Village Spa Owner & CEO Salt of the Earth DES MOINES, IOWA WOODS CROSS, UTAH 44 PULSE ■ July 2017 JENNIFER DI FRANCESCO GINA JACOBY- CLEMENTS Spa & Sports Director Spa at Toscana Country Club Chief Inspiration Officer ROI Revenue of Inspiration INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA NEWBURY PARK, CALIFORNIA