Author Linda Harding-Bond

Author Linda Harding-Bond

Five Spa Tips Every Twenty-Something Should Know

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My niece graduated from Howard University last year. She’s doing fairly well;  I recently received an e-mail from her informing me that she was thinking of having one or two spa treatments. She wanted to know which ones she should try and as an African-American which were safest for her skin. As a former esthetician and a very protective aunt, I was inclined to tell her that none of them were safe unless I performed them! I realized though  that I was being a bit “extra”, so I calmed down and provided recommendations on who, what and where she should go.

If you are among the other twenty-somethings around the globe also venturing into the world of spa goers, here are five things that you should know;

Want to read more click here>>>http://huff.to/1TQiT4h

 

Why your New Spa Product Will Probably Fail

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My friend Cheryl developed a beautiful line of organic body products. She sent me samples and I was thrilled to discover that her creations where some of the best I’d ever used.

When it won a best new product of the year award in New York City, she and I celebrated with a champagne lunch. I remember screaming in delight when it was later selected as one of the swag bag items for the Emmy Awards.  A Five-Star hospitality group  in Asia began carrying her line at their chain of spas. Her product was unstoppable. Read More

What Game of Thrones can Teach Us about Spa Retail Training

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Changing the way your therapists deliver customer service at your spa through training is no easy task. It is not for the weak or faint-hearted. Game of Thrones demonstrates the importance of having a strategic plan which will assist you in reaching your ultimate goal. Even then you may encounter unexpected resistance or roadblocks, but you’ll be better prepared to meet them head-on. Read More

The Culture of Spa Called and It’s Mad!

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As a spa professional I am often highly disappointed in the level of service delivered at Five-Star spas and resorts. I’m an American living in Bangkok, so I’m particularly sensitive to respecting the local culture.

However, it seems as though a trade-off has taken place which has allowed the universal “culture of spa” to be compromised. It seems to me that it’s been replaced by a lazy, non-caring apathy masquerading as customer service.

Read the rest of my article on Huffington Post>>http://huff.to/1S4gaTc

3 Social Media Facts Spa Managers Need To Know

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NORM BOND (NB) is widely recognized as an international authority on marketing. A frequent media guest, Bond has appeared on CNN, Reuters, FOX News, National Public Radio (NPR), Business Week, and Black Enterprise Magazine.

Moontide Consulting (MC) caught up with Norm in Bangkok, Thailand and asked for his insights on the global spa industry and social media.(SM)

MC-Social media (SM) is all I read about now. It’s everywhere. But if I’m a spa manager do I need to be concerned? Isn’t this a senior management area?

NB-“SM is an integral part of an entire organization. From the senior manager to the entry level employee to the front desk person. Because the nature of social media today is that everybody can be touched by it. Read More

How to Spot a Spa Trend like a Kardashian

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Recently the Global Wellness Institute projected a 42% employment growth in the spa industry by 2018. I don’t know about you but I find this absolutely mind-blowing. They reported;

In 2013 the spa industry employed about 1.1 million spa therapists and 200,000 spa managers and directors. So it looks like it will need at least an additional 500,000 trained spa therapists and 80,000 experienced spa managers/directors (above those levels) by 2018.”-GWS Read More

Spa Industry Jobs to More than Double by 2018

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Education never goes to waste. This is particularly true if you are currently working in the spa industry. The Global Spa and Wellness Summit has released staggering information about the growth of employment in our industry.   Retail selling, customer engagement and social media training for therapists and management should be top agenda items to maximize revenue earnings.  Whether delivered online or in house, spa training is a critical need .

Spa Industry Jobs to More Than Double from 2007-2018: from 1.22 Million to 2.72 Million
Asia-Pacific will add most spa jobs, at 250,000, from 2013-2018
Sub-Saharan Africa will see highest job percentage growth at 215 percent in those five years

Want more information? Click the link to Beth McGroarty’s article>>>http://bit.ly/1Ih8RTn

Government Wants to Know Your Pain. Not Us ka.

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Living in Bangkok, there are no lack of places to get body treatments. After several late night writing marathons which resulted in hunched painful neck and shoulders, I finally decided to get a massage.

I opted on a spa located in a Five-Star hotel.  As part of an international luxury brand, it has a reputation for excellence so I felt safe with my choice. Read More

Spa Training Mistakes – One-Sided Sales Training

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It is really amazing how often training is conducted at spas without first seeking input from therapists on what they actually need.  For many spas, training is delivered  yearly (if that) without variation or assessment of the areas where the therapists fail to deliver.

Also training is often thought of as a  disruption so the attitude of “lets just get through it”  prevails. To get the best ROI, perform a needs analysis before investing time and money on training. 

 This article from enterpriseref.com speaks to this issue.  Read More

Master Class-Ted Gibson, Hair Rockstar

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With a nod to Oprah Winfrey, Moontide Consulting will regularly present an interview with a hospitality, spa, beauty or customer service professional whose dedication to excellence has propelled them to the top of their industry. We begin with hair stylist and entrepreneur, Ted Gibson.

Ted Gibson is a critical force in the beauty industry. As a master hairdresser who coifs the heads of Hollywood glamour girls from Anne Hathaway to Kerry Washington to Angelina Jolie he is in high demand.  Read More