The combination of neuropathy (the deadening of nerves) and poor circulation means that diabetics must take extra caution when it comes to the care of their feet. Even a small nick can quickly become infected and turn ulcerous; diabetes is, in fact, the number one cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation. For this reason many diabetics are cautioned not to seek pedicures at all, and urged instead to visit a podiatrist on a regular basis to have their nails trimmed and nothing more.

What should be true for all your pedicure clients must be double true for diabetic spa clients. Baths and tools must be stringently and rigorously disinfected without lapse or exception – some spas even go so far as to insist that diabetic clients bring their own tools.

It is estimated that somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 million women over the age of 20 in the US suffer from diabetes; the introduction of podiatry within the context of a medical spa setting can be a good way to attract and care for this sensitive demographic.

What price structure is fair?

Much of the answer to that question depends on the area where you live. Each market is different. For instance, Los Angeles and New York City have higher costs of living that cities in the Midwest and the south. People in those areas are used to paying higher prices. Also areas with booming economies and more money flowing tend to have higher pay structures than those areas that might be a bit depressed.

Have you checked out the competition?

One of the best ways to determine your own pricing structure is to find out what other aestheticians in other spas are charging for similar services.

That will enable you to determine an average price for services. Then determine how much time you need to spend with a client to perform a service and figure out what your average hourly rate of pay is. Of course the next step is to figure in your overhead and come up with a figure of fixed expenses that must be paid every month, every week and every day. Know how much it actually costs you to exist each day and how much extra you need to get ahead and you’ll know how much income to strive for. As an example, if it costs you $2,000 per week to cover all of your overhead and you work a five day work week, then you need $100 per day to stay afloat. If your hourly average is $40 then you need to sell at least two and a half hours of services daily to break even. That also means that if you sell five hours of services a day then you are $100 a head after paying all of your expenses. That can either be money in the bank to save for emergencies or a “rainy day” fund, or it can be money you use to pay expenses when you take a day off, or a vacation. Self employed professionals don’t have paid vacations and need to plan for those contingencies.

Check the competition and make sure that your prices are fair. Not too high and not too low, but most of all be fair to yourself in your pricing.

Prenatal massage is potentially a terrific niche market with outstanding referral possibilities if done well, but there are some things to consider before adding it to your spa services menu. First and foremost is this; a massage therapist needs to be specifically certified to perform prenatal (or postpartum) massage. The positions and techniques involved are different and suited to the specific changing needs of the mother to be (or new mother).

It is also worth noting, after the first trimester, that it is highly recommended a woman obtain a  written recommendation from her doctor or midwife before seeking massage, for there are potential concerns which would counter-indicate massage therapy.

In short, if massage for pregnant women is a niche market you would like to explore, be sure you are well informed before you attempt to branch out.

When it comes to putting together a holiday spa menu, especially if your hope is that it generates repeat business for years to come, the savvy spa owner will do his or her best to ensure that the experience of their customers is not merely luxurious but memorable. The goal here is to have your customers’ experience (and your spa as a result) associated favorably with the holiday season.

The best way to imprint any memory is through scent, so what better way to ensure that your holiday spa menu make an impression than through the use of pleasant scents already linked to the holiday season? A peppermint scrub, a pumpkin body wrap, pine scented bath oils – the inventive spa owner has many pleasant and evocative olfactory avenues to explore.

As Boomers slowly give way to Xers, time and space once wholly devoted to massage, facials, body wraps, and manicures are being set aside for more specialized day spa treatments like Reiki. This kind of expanded scope is a good match, for while busy Xers might not be willing to track down an Ayurvedic specialist they are certainly open-minded enough to consider alternative treatments when offered and vouched for by individuals whom they trust.

The good news is that even a small spa can test these alternative waters with specialized day spa services simply by developing a working relationship with a trusted practitioner in need of space. Something like Reiki can be offered once a week, perhaps during a slow time, and can serve as a way to expand the spa’s menu and perhaps its client base as well.

The medical spa industry is highly competitive.

The more competitive an industry, the more a savvy owner needs to take care not to allow his or her competitors to gain any sort of competitive edge. If you run a medical spa you don’t need to be told just how competitive the industry really is.

Clients talk to one another.

It is an undeniable fact that friends talk to one another about their time spent at the spa. They talk and compare notes. Ours is an industry whose clients are highly motivated to seek out the latest breakthroughs. If your staff are unable, at the very least, to speak knowledgeably about the latest innovations then your client confidence is going to suffer as a result.

There is a great deal of information available online.

These days, anyone who spends time online is bombarded by a great deal of information. Search engine marketing is such that, if you are a spa user, you will regularly be exposed to spa related ads and information. Google, Facebook, Twitter – all of these networks make it incredible easy for anyone to very casually keep up to date on any number of subjects. You want to make sure that your staff is always ahead of that curve.

The consequences for falling behind can be significant.

If new information contraindicating a treatment, technique, or therapy comes to light and a client has an adverse reaction which might have been avoided the consequences could be severe.

You want nothing but the best for your clients.

New information incrementally improves and expands upon the capabilities of a medical spa. It is as simple as that. If you want the very best for your clients –and clearly we all do– it is incumbent upon you to ensure that your clients are always the beneficiaries of the very latest advances in medical esthetics.

As we age, the lives we live, regardless of how pampered or benign they might be, have a way of etching themselves into our skin. Fine lines, like delicate palimpsests of mirth, anger and sorrow, slowly trace across our features. In men, these contours are looked upon as badges of character, but for most women, they are little more than unwanted reminders of the inexorable passage of time.

Women who wish to age on their own terms like to be presented with options of how best to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and many do not wish to consider a surgical solution. When facials, moisturizers, and exfoliants have failed to get desired results it is important to recognize that there are new Medi-Spa treatments available for women that are safe and noninvasive.

Consider the following three medical spa advancements in skin toning and tightening.

Ultherapy — Using advanced ultrasound technology to map the tissues of the face, Ultherapy promises to not only tighten and tone the surface of the skin but also to activate and promote collagen production to help add volume in order to flesh out fine lines and wrinkles.

IPL — Intense Pulse Light, long used as an alternative to laser hair removal therapy, is now also employed for what is know as photorejeuvenation whereby the affected skin surface is flashed with IPL triggering certain healing processes that reduce the signs of photoaging, which is to say the fine lines and wrinkles cause by exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

RF/MP technology — VenusConcept and EllipseIPL have developed an advanced system which makes use of multi polar radio frequencies and pulsed magnetic field generation. Working together these elements work synergistically to reduce cellulite and tone the skin above it, providing noticeable anti-aging effects.

These are but three of the modern, non-invasive medical spa treatments available these days in the fight again fine lines and wrinkles.

Many plastic surgery clinics now offer non-invasive medical spa treatments for example, crossing into formerly unfamiliar territory and  making their facilities into a one stop beauty source for the patients. This development is natural as the two disciplines of plastic surgery and aesthetics often service the same customer. Those clients who go to a medical spa quite often also go to plastic surgeons, and vice versa. The goal of both facilities is to enhance appearance and both areas of expertise do so, while  the methods are different at the core. There are however many overlapping areas and the opportunity for spa clinicians and practitioners to work hand in hand with board certified plastic surgeons is a natural and positive development.

The medical spa is a professional facility which includes a  medical program  operated under the strict supervision of a licensed health care professional, generally a physician. Medical spas offer different methods of combining the holistic approach and the comfort of a  traditional day spa combined with both conventional and complementary medical modalities. Some medical spas may focus  on aesthetics while offering day spa services alongside medically supervised cosmetic procedures. These facilities may utilize lasers and IPL technology as well as microdermabrasion. They may offer photo-facials, Botox, Restalyne or other filler injectables, chemical peels and other beauty procedures of a medical nature. The benefit to the client patient  is that these new technologies permit anti-aging procedures to be performed without surgery. There is, therefore, no recovery time. These facilities also provide traditional spa services like facials, massages, and body treatments.

The reason for the rise in popularity of the medical spa according to many industry leaders is that those clients who wish to maintain their looks or to look younger and more attractive are bypassing  older technologies which include plastic surgery and opting for newer, non-invasive techniques that give results have less recuperation time. The two working together can however add the expertise and experience of a plastic surgeon. This is something that cannot be provided by any other specialist, and cannot be overemphasized.

Europeans have led the way in the development of medical spas and to their credit  Americans, including American physicians, have quickly seen  the benefits to themselves and to their patients. The medical spa is  the spa of the future.  More and more Americans are discovering the benefits and more and more physicians are coming to realize the advantages of working closely with medical spas.

Always have spa clients fill out a form detailing their health conditions, allergies, medications and restrictions.  This ensures that you help the client to select the most benefit spa treatment and technicians can make education decisions about treatment options.

The following conditions should be considered prior to administering spa body treatments including wraps, scrubs and polishes:

Allergies – Clients with allergies to certain herbs, wheat, gluten or dairy should avoid treatments with these ingredients because they are absorbed through the skin.

Cancer – Cancer patients need to consult with their doctor, especially if they are taking certain medications or chemotherapy and are often advised to avoid body treatments.

Circulatory Disorders/Heart Disease – Clients with circulatory problems or heart difficulties should consult with their physicians prior to having body treatments performed since they boost circulation.

Diabetes – Some clients with diabetes can derive benefits from body treatments while others need to avoid body treatments including diabetics who are prone to sores and diabetes with the tendency to develop numbness in their extremities.

Edema – Clients with edema should obtain a medical release from their attending physician before body treatments but many can benefit from this therapeutic service.

Fever – Body treatments should not be administered to clients with a fever.

Herpes – Clients with herpes should avoid body wraps if the outbreak is active.

Hypertension/Central Nervous System Disorders – Clients should consult with their physicians prior to body treatments and mud treatments are usually avoided.

Inflammation/Infection – Clients should wait for inflammation to be reduced or infection to heal prior to body treatments.

Kidney Disorders – Clients with kidney disorders should obtain a medical release from their attending physician prior to having body treatments.

Lactating Women – Nursing women should obtain a medical release prior to body treatments to ensure they are in proper physical shape to endure all elements of the treatment.

Liver Disorders – Clients with liver disorders should obtain a medical release from their attending physician prior to body treatments.

Lupus – Clients should consult with their physicians because in most cases lupus patients are contraindicated from body treatments to avoid overtaxing their immune system.

Pregnancy – Most pregnant women can derive multiple benefits from body treatments but should have a medical release from their attending physician to ensure they are in physical shape to endure all elements of the treatment.

Skin Abrasion and Rashes – If the technicians is unsure of the rash or condition a clients has, they should not have body wraps.

Urinary Tract Infection – Often patients are contraindicated from body wraps during the acute stages of a urinary tract infection.

Wounds/Open – Clients with open wounds should not receive body treatments.

Clients who need to be aware of their salt or sugar intake should avoid body treatments that contain these elements because they will be absorbed through the skin.

When clients first have body treatments performed, they should make appointments weekly until the desired results are achieved.  For maintenance purposes, clients can return for body treatments biweekly, monthly or seasonally depending on their individual needs and budget.

The task of raising money for a spa business is not as difficult as most people seem to think. This is especially true when you have an idea that can make you and your backers rich. Actually, there’s more money available for new business ventures than there are good business ideas. A very important rule of the game to learn: Anytime you want to raise money, your first move should be to put together a proper prospectus.

This prospectus should include a resume of your background, your education, training, experience and any other personal qualities that might be counted as an asset to your potential success. It’s also a good idea to list the various loans you’ve had in the past, what they were for, and your history in paying them off.

You’ll have to explain in detail how the money you want is going to be used. If it’s for an existing business, you’ll need a profit and loss record for at least the preceding six months, and a plan showing how this additional money will produce greater profits. If it’s a new business, you’ll have to show your proposed business plan, your marketing research and projected costs, as well as anticipated income figures, with a summary for each year, over at least a three year period.

It’ll be advantageous to you to base your cost estimates high, and your income projections on minimal returns. This will enable you to “ride thru” those extreme “ups and downs” inherent in any beginning business. You should also describe what makes your business unique – how it differs from your competition, and the opportunities for expansion or secondary products.

This prospectus will have to state precisely what you’re offering the investor in return for the use of his money. He’ll want to know the percentage of interest you’re willing to pay, and whether monthly, quarterly or on an annual basis. Are you offering a certain percentage of the profits? A percentage of the business? A seat on your board of directors?

An investor uses his money to make more money. He wants to make as much as he can, regardless whether it’s a short term or long term deal. In order to attract him, interest him, and persuade him to “put up” the money you need, you’ll not only have to offer him an opportunity for big profits, but you’ll have to spell it out in detail, and further, back up your claims with proof from your marketing research.

Venture investors are usually quite familiar with “high risk” proposals, yet they all want to minimize that risk as much as possible. Therefore, your prospectus should include a listing of your business and personal assets with documentation – usually copies of your tax returns for the past three years or more. Your prospective investor may not know anything about you or your business, but if he wants to know, he can pick up his telephone and know everything there is to know within 24 hours. The point here is, don’t ever try to “con” a potential investor. Be honest with him. Lay all the facts on the table for him. In most cases, if you’ve got a good idea and you’ve done your homework properly, an “interested investor” will understand your position and offer more help than you dared to ask.

When you have your prospectus prepared, know how much money you want, exactly how it will be used, and how you intend to repay it, you’re ready to start looking for investors.

As simple as it seems, one of the easiest ways of raising money is by advertising in a newspaper or a national publication featuring such ads. Your ad should state the amount of money you want – always ask for more money than you need so you have room for negotiating. Your ad should also state the type of business involved (to separate the curious from the truly interested), and the kind of return you’re promising on the investment.

Take a page from the party plan merchandisers. Set up a party and invite your friends over. Explain your business plan, the profit potentials, and how much you need. Give them each a copy of your prospectus and ask that they pledge a thousand dollars as a non-participating partner in your business. Check with the current tax regulations. You may be allowed up to 25 partners in Sub Chapter 5 enterprises, opening the door for anyone to gather a group of friends around himself with something to offer them in return for their assistance in capitalizing his business.

You can also issue and sell up to $300,000 worth of stock in your company with out going through the Federal Trade Commission. You’ll need the help of an attorney to do this, however, and of course a good tax accountant as well wouldn’t hurt.

It’s always a good idea to have an attorney and an accountant help you make up your business prospectus. As you explain your plan to them, and ask for their advice, casually ask them if they’d mind letting you know of, or steer your way any potential investors they might happen to meet. Do the same with your banker. Give him a copy of your prospectus and ask him if he’d look it over and offer any suggestions for improving it, and of course, let you know of any potential investors. In either case, it’s always a good idea to let them know you’re willing to pay a “finder’s fee” if you can be directed to the right investor.

Professional people such as doctors and dentists are known to have a tendency to join occupational investment groups. The next time you talk with your doctor or dentist, give him a prospectus and explain your plan. He may want to invest on his own or perhaps set up an appointment for you to talk with the manager of his investment group. Either way, you win because when you’re looking for money, it’s essential that you get the word out to as many potential investors as possible.

Don’t overlook the possibilities of the Small Business Investment Companies in your area. Look them up in your telephone book under “Investment Services.” These companies exist for the sole purpose of lending money to businesses which they feel have a good chance of making money. In many instances, they trade their help for a small interest in your company.

Many states have Business Development Commissions whose goal is to assist in the establishment and growth of new businesses. Not only do they offer favorable taxes and business expertise, most also offer money or facilities to help a new business get started. Your Chamber of Commerce is the place to check for further information on this idea.

Industrial banks are usually much more amenable to making business loans than regular banks, so be sure to check out these institutions in your area. Insurance companies are prime sources of long term business capital, but each company varies its policies regarding the type of business it will consider. Check your local agent for the name and address of the person to contact. It’s also quite possible to get the directors of an other company to invest in your business. Look for a company that can benefit from your product or service. Also, be sure to check at your public library for available foundation grants. These can be the final answer to all your money needs if your business is perceived to be related to the objectives and activities of the foundation.

Finally, there’s the Money Broker or Finder. These are the people who take your prospectus and circulate it with various known lenders or investors. They always require an up-front or retainer fee, and there’s no way they can guarantee to get you the loan or the money you want.

There are many very good money brokers, and there are some that are not so good. They all take a percentage of the gross amount that’s finally procured for your needs. The important thing is to check them out fully; find out about the successful loans or investment plans they’ve arranged, and what kind of investor contacts they have – all of this before you put up any front money or pay any retainer fees.

There are many ways to raise money – from staging garage sales to selling stocks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the only place you can find the money you need is through the bank or finance company.

Start thinking about the idea of inviting investors to share in your spa business as silent partners. Think about the idea of obtaining financing for a primary business by arranging financing for another business that will support the start-up, establishment and development of the primary business. Consider the feasibility of merging with a company that’s already organized, and with facilities that are compatible or related to your needs. Give some thought to the possibilities of getting the people supplying your production equipment to co-sign the loan you need for start-up capital.

Remember, there are thousands upon thousands of ways to obtain business start-up capital. This is truly the age of creative financing.

Disregard the stories you hear of “tight money,” and start making phone calls, talking to people, and making appointments to discuss your plans with the people who have money to invest. There’s more money now than there’s ever been for new business investment. The problem is that most beginning “business builders” don’t know what to believe or which way to turn for help. They tend to believe the stories of “tight money,” and they set aside their plans for a business of their own until a time when start-up money might be easier to find.

The truth is this: Now is the time to make your move. Now is the time to act. The person with a truly viable business plan, and determination to succeed, will make use of every possible idea that can be imagined. And the ideas I’ve suggested here should serve as just a few of the unlimited sources of monetary help available and waiting for you!