Break-even, the New Profit

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

I just wanted to share this comment, I heard the other day, with my readers.  It is a sad statement reflective of our istock_000000217478smalltimes when business owners are excited about being able to” just pay the bills”. 

Luckily, Acara has many clients that are doing better than break-even and have achieved profitability.  So even though break-even might be considered “the new profit”, don’t settle for it…you can achieve a positive bottom line at your MedSpa. 

Just stick with the basics in marketing and management and you will get there.  Remember what I’ve said in the past, even though the existing market is receding everyday there continues to be new clients finding out about the great results that can be achieved with today’s technology and products.

FXA

Filed under: General Business | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Only Wrong Decision is NO Decision

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

It is difficult to see so many very brilliant people continue to make the wrong decision…no decision.   During difficult times in business it is necessary to make decisions swiftly and precisely.  I wrote a recent post that talked about MedSpa Insanity, drawing from Einstein’s definition, “…doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. winston_churchill_01

If your Medical Spa is only breaking even or even worse losing money, then there is only one wrong decision that you can make, no decision.  You must act now, implement change but do it with knowledge and expertise.  Most of the time owners are frozen in their tracks because most decisions include spending money and typically that is a resource that may be scarce.   That is the reason why your decisions need to be based upon proven industry successes.  Now is not a time to ”try something new” to see if it will work.  It is the time to implement tried and true marketing programs and management principles. 

“I never worry about action, only inaction”, stated Winston Churchill.  Heed his advice, don’t be a “doe in the headlights”, stuck in your tracks, take action and do it now!

FXA

Filed under: General Business | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

10,000 Visits to SpaBusinessMD

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

hands-clasping-togetherWhen I started this blog I thought it would be a nice added benefit for Acara’s clients and business associates to hear more about our thoughts on the Medical Spa Industry and how we view the business of MedSpa.  I never anticipated that we would actually reach thousands of industry professionals in such a short period of time.  This month (in just over 6 months) we logged in 10,000 visits to SpaBusinessMD.

It is fulfilling to know that we have been able to support the industry and the professionals seeking knowledge and information about the business of MedSpas.  I thank all of you for your active visitation to SpaBusinessMD and encourage you to continue as we post our thoughts and comments on the Medical Spa Industry each week.

Don’t forget to sign-up for our Webinars as well plus visit our website for more information.

FXA

Filed under: General Business, Industry Resources | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies – Webinar

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

att00440

Aesthetic Trends & Technologies is featuring Acara’s Webinar: Top 10 Reasons Medical Spas Succeed this coming Wednesday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. EST, 10:00 a.m PST.

What creates success?  How can you insure success at your Medical Spa?  I will be discussing the top 10 reasons I have seen Medical Spas succeed.   I speak with MedSpa owners each week, many of whom are experiencing great success.  Based upon review of hundreds of medical spas nationwide, learn how to insure success at your location.

This is a first in a series of Webinars I will be presenting for Aesthetic Trends & Technologies.  This Webinar will be hosted by Cindy Vandruff, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Aesthetic Trends and Technologies.

I hope many of you will join me.

FXA

Filed under: Events, General Business, Industry Resources, Trade Publications | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Opening a MedSpa and the Recession

Posted on February 19, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

What do Trader Joe’s, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Disney and 16 of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Industrial Average all have in common?  They were all started during a recession or depression.traderdisneyhp_logos1

Every week, I am asked, “should I be opening a Medical Spa now, in the middle of this recession?”  From doing my research for this post, it looks as if as many businesses launch during recessions as during stable economic times.  In addition, there maybe some advantages that include getting better pricing on goods and services, weakened competitors and a frugal mindset (something everyone in a start-up mode should have).  Plus, let’s hope, that by the time you open your doors, the recession is nearing a close.

The biggest hurdle right now is getting financing.  Not only are we in a recession but we are also in a terrible credit crunch.  Though many of the stable, financially sound local and regional banks are still lending.

So what does it take to get financed in times like these?  I call it the four C’s.  Concept, Credibility, Credit and Collateral. (more…)

Filed under: General Business, Strategy | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

He Who Fails to Plan, Plans to Fail!

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

This old proverb holds very true to this day when it comes to Medical Spa Marketing.  Creating a Marketing Plan is critical to the success of your business.istock_000000477240small

So often, as small business owners and operators, we push off the planning process because we are stuck in the day-to-day grind of our businesses. Don’t fall into that trap! Don’t “plan to fail”…PLAN to Succeed!

This Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. EST, Debra Roberts, Acara’s VP Marketing will be reviewing Acara’s 9 steps to developing a Marketing Plan.  This is such a critical function that I’ve decided to join her to add my insight into this process.

Please join both of us for this complimentary Medspa educational session. 

FXA

Filed under: Marketing | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Top MedSpa Service Picks 2009

Posted on February 11, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

This past week I presented an Acara Webinar to a large group of MedSpa industry professionals.  The topic was my topdart-boardMedSpa service picks for 2009.  I identified my ”top picks” by first establishing a criteria that each service had to meet which was as follows:

  1. High Consumer Demand
  2. Minimal Downtime
  3. Produce Visible Results
  4. Profitable 

After reviewing the many Medspa services available on the market today, I identified the following 7 that met my criteria.

  1. Laser Lipolysis
  2. Medically Supervised Weight Loss
  3. Fractionated Skin Resurfacing
  4. Liquid Face Lift (use of multiple injectables for an overall youthful appearance)
  5. Chemical Peels
  6. Photo Facials
  7. Hair Removal

The first 4 on the list are definitely my four top picks for 2009.  The next three are old standbys that met the muster of the criteria and are essentially must-haves.

Please feel free to comment or even better, give me a call and let me know what you think, 203-488-0028 x303.

FXA

Filed under: General Business, Marketing | Tagged: , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Interior Design – No. 1 Blog Hit for the No. 1 Designer

Posted on February 10, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

I am amazed that SpaBusinessMD’s number one hit from on-line searches is for Spa Interior Design.  Now, needless togreenwich-lobby-with-chair-and-partial-desk1 say, I believe that our Designer, Pia Prevost is the number 1 Interior Designer/Architect in the spa and medical spa industries.  She has designed many spas, medical spas and medical practices throughout the United States over the past 10 years.  She was trained in Switzerland and came to the United States when she worked for Swiss Hotels where she was a project manager.  That experience really taught her to connect the design of a facility to the potential profitability.

If someone is interested in Pia’s Interior Design Services, please give me a call, (203-488-0028 x303) it would be my pleasure to make an introduction.  For the best results, combine her services with our knowledge and expertise of concept development and programming. 

FXA

p.s. for insight into how Pia and I think about Medical Spa Design, take a moment and read an article we wrote for the Medical Spa Report.

Filed under: General Business, Interior Design | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Update on Recent MedSpa Event: $75K

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

I recently posted that an event  planned, marketed and executed by Acara at one of our East Coast locations man-standing-on-moneygenerated $60K in sales.  I was mistaken, the most recent account of the event puts the total at $75K.  I just wanted to update my readers with the most accurate information.

As you have heard me say before, even in this economy, if you are able to consistently implement solid management with effective marketing it is possible to succeed.

FXA

Filed under: Marketing | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Valentines Gift Cards – Top 5 Rules

Posted on February 5, 2009 by Francis X Acunzo

With Valentines Day around the corner I thought it would be helpful for valentinesreaders to review my November 23 Gift Card post which discusses Gift Card opportunities for Medspas and my top 5 rules for selling gift cards.  Please take a moment to read: Gift Card Opportunities for MedSpas.

FXA

Filed under: Marketing | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 531 other followers

%d bloggers like this: