I’m a big proponent of client retention vs. new client recruitment. Successful client retention takes work and lots of connecting. Thankfully I enjoy such pursuits. One of the ways I manage to run a referral only practice is by spoiling my clients rotten. And one of my favorite ways to accomplish this is by being generous with gifts. Not just any gifts. I’m only interested in gifts that act as my ambassadors. They must bring my clients back to my treatment room thru their senses.
Sight and Smell
This holiday season I am making Essential Oil diffusers for my client’s. This is an inexpensive client gift that can be used all year round, bring your presence into their home, and it’s also a great way to introduce retailing of aromatherapy products: I wanted to share the simple how-to:
- Remove the top/hanger of a clear glass ornament.
- Fill it with assortment of whole spices i.e. cinnamon sticks, cloves, anise, and citrus peels or even a sprig of evergreens.
- 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
- 5 drops each of BIOTONE’s Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove and 15 drops of Orange essential oils (adjust to your preference) Cover opening with a piece of tape. Place hanger back on and wrap in clear cellophane, keeping ornament upright.
Sound
I have a very talented client and friend who can record music from her piano. Since she is a veteran massage client, I asked her to create a relaxing CD for my treatment room. I purchased additional copies as client gifts for those who, I had noted in their charts, particularly liked it. Not only did I get to share my friend’s gift with others, but my clients took a memory of me into their home/ car. Equally important, by remembering their preferences, I confirm that I think about them beyond the time “they pay for”. Making note of client’s preferences is just good business practice.
Taste
I notice what clients are drawn to at my refreshment station. Herbal teas with healthy sweeteners are the preference in colder weather. I am going to be introducing a lot more teas that match up to my re-introduced hot herbal wraps. Why not send them home with some samples of tea they particularly liked or that will support the goals of their treatment session i.e. detoxifying? Stay tuned for more on that adventure
Touch
One of my most essential added value spa treatments is exfoliation. I love using BIOTONE’s Milk and Honey Sugar Body Polish because it’s a great base to get creative with. The recipe that I am currently obsessed with:
Fall Into Love
Equal parts of canned pure pumpkin and BIOTONE’s Milk and Honey Sugar Body Polish
Sprinkle in some pumpkin pie spice to preference. Place it in a jar and keep in a refrigerator when not in use. (Warm it up before using it on client). That’s all it takes.
OMG the smell is delicious and comforting – Honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves! On top of the wonderful sensory experience, you can just imagine the benefits. I was inspired to create this from reading http://www.americanspa.com/americanspa/spa-treatments/good-gourd - it talks a lot about the benefits of using pumpkin and some seasonal treatments being offered by high end spas.
I am utilizing this recipe in the treatment room for back, hands and foot polishes. I am also sending some home in petite mason jars for hand treatments. I promise you that every time they open that jar, they are thinking of me with a fondness that no amount of marketing will bring.
Be well, Do good work, and write us about your most effective client gift.