Archive for the 'Business Management' Category



Diversity Management

Thursday 16 October 2008 @ 4:40 pm

Opportunity for all

Is it not every individual’s right to be afforded opportunities to put forward their best efforts? To develop their potential? And to show their worth through the results they produce? Not only is this a moral and ethical imperative but, within many countries, a legal one too.

Simple statistics clearly indicate that in this way we can exponentially enhance the performance within our organizations. It would be a fool who ignores the potential of all employees and does not allow the competence levels to be increased, nor the performance to be realized. By implication, it means that those previously disadvantaged in a global or national context need concerted efforts to accelerate their development and exposure so that they can more fairly compete in an extremely competitive global job market.

The danger, of course, is that through these efforts, a mass produced “sausage” product emerges that solely reflects the existing culture in an organization. A strong message emerges then that “we will tolerate your diversity here so long as you behave just like us!” By this very action, we lose out on the true richness that diversity can offer us in the way in which we do things (our organizational culture) at work. We need to open ourselves up to new and different ways of doing things, not prematurely judging them. Then we need to embrace those aspects that will give us the competitive edge in our markets, and impact positively on our company results and profile.

Responsibility from all

Diversity is termed “The condition of being different” (Webster’s Dictionary). This definition conjures up images of a dreaded illness, whereas, in fact, the management of diversity is the process of successfully managing people who are different. It is the act and practice of leading different people in attaining organizational and personal goals.

How much better it is then to view diversity as the opportunity of being different. But with opportunities come responsibilities, in any situation.

The condition of being different does not mean that one is right and the other is wrong, or that one is superior and the other is inferior. Being different only adds another perspective or dimension to a situation. The responsibility that goes with managing diversity is to identify and use the added value of individual differences in a positive way to meet the needs and objectives of an organization. Each individual and grouping has added values that need to be identified and utilized in order to improve productivity and efficiency, and reduce the interpersonal dysfunction that inevitably seems to plague different people who must work together.

There also exists mutual responsibility with regards to diversity. It is not just within the realm of management to ensure diversity is effectively harnessed. Diverse individuals must also stand up and be counted. Only by everyone working together and bringing their “added value” to the organization can a new enhanced organizational culture emerge.

Community from all

Having a strategic shared vision in any company helps to keep all employees focused on the goal. However, having the vision is not enough. There needs to be strategic alignment throughout the organization to ensure that individual and team efforts will result in the goal being realized.

In order to integrate efforts, cohesion amongst the workforce becomes an important issue. However, what we must not confuse is “cohesion” and “sameness”. Sameness will engender a group think mentality. Without new and creative ideas, the growth and potential of any organization will be stifled. Cohesion gained with diverse people will create energetic, creative and innovative teams working towards a common goal - an unbeatable combination!

For is it not as M. Scott Peck writes in his book The Different Drum: “In and through community lies the salvation of the world…as the only way to achieve international peace…(is if) we learn the basic principles of community in our own lives and personal spheres of influence.”

Have you ensured that you don’t have a melting pot scenario at work? It is time to move away from blandness to a mixed texture in the workplace that enriches not just the organization, but each of us as human beings as well.

Take up the challenge now!

Janine is an organizational strategy and development expert who has helped myriad individuals, teams, and organizations across a wide range of industries for more than 20 years. She has hands-on experience at every managerial level. The Sergay Group, Ltd.




Why Our Employer Implemented MSP Programme Management

Wednesday 15 October 2008 @ 5:42 pm

Our office decided we were going to implement a new programme management called MSP Programme Management. My boss has used different management programmes in the past and this time around he decided he was going to use MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) brought out by the Office of Government Commerce, an independent Office of the Treasury.

I must admit I was not looking forward to having another programme management implemented into the workplace as I hadn’t found the other ones that helpful. In fact they seemed to create extra work without any benefits being gained. Anyway, my boss told us why he felt MSP Programme Management would be suitable for us: activities can be focused on our business objectives by providing a framework for management to manage and direct the change process; there is overall improved control where costs of introducing new infrastructure and quality regimes can be measured and assessed; changes within the program can be planned and implemented in an integrated manner and current operations are not seriously affected; there is a better management of risk, as the wider context is understood easily and acknowledged; there is a smooth transition from current to future business operations, which prepares us for an efficient migration to new ways of working; there is more efficient management of resources; business benefits are derived through delivery of improved performance; and last but not least there is more efficient control and co-ordination of a complex range of activities due to a definition of roles and responsibilities.

My boss also likes the fact that MSP Programme Management comes with a Vision Statement, a Blueprint, Business Case Model, Project portfolios, and benefit profiles. A Vision Statement “outlines what a company wants to be. It focuses on tomorrow; it is inspirational; it provides clear decision-making criteria; and it is timeless.” A Blueprint is a model of the future business or its working practices, and processes and technology that will be required to deliver the capabilities as specified in the Vision Statement.

Our boss told us he had had training in MSP Programme Management. He had taken the MSP Foundation exam which consisted of 50 questions and lasted 40 minutes. He said the training they had received had enhanced their decision-making power and because he had been properly trained it would mean MSP would be correctly implemented in our workplace. I guess he must know what he’s talking about as he said he scored 90% in the MSP Foundation exam and he now has a globally recognized qualification.

When we started to use MSP in our workplace, we found there were clear lines of authority and management and it was flexible enough to respond to changes. There was also training and mentoring to support our teams and individuals at every level.

In conclusion, we are all very happy that our boss has implemented MSP into our work place, even though it wasn’t initially greeted with open arms. My boss said MSP Programme Management has been successfully implemented both in public and private sectors alike and I can vouch that MSP has been a huge benefit to our business. There is more efficient use of our resources, we have better management of risk, our timescales, budgets and quality standards are controlled more effectively, our roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and overall we are running a more successful business. As a direct result of having a more successful business, we have all been given healthy bonuses. So, if your boss informs you MSP Programme Management is going to be implemented in your work place, welcome the opportunity with open arms.

Brian Kelly wrote the Article ‘Why Our Employer Implemented MSP Programme Management’ and recommends you visit http://www.afaprojects.com/resources_msp_wipm.asp for more information on MSP Programme management.




What PRINCE2 Training Did For Me and My Workplace

Tuesday 14 October 2008 @ 6:56 pm

My workplace is big on training and eight weeks ago it was my turn to attend PRINCE2 training. PRINCE2 is the OGC project management methodology. I had already participated in a PRINCE2 foundation course and was more than ready for additional PRINCE2 training that would prepared me for the official practitioner’s exam. In essence PRINCE2 is essentially a process oriented method that breaks up a project into ‘bite size’ chunks of work with resource prioritisation and role allocation being well defined.

It wasn’t just because my workplace wanted me to attend a PRINCE2 course, I wanted to attend so I could improve my own project management skills. I had worked on successful projects in the past, but I was aware that there was an increasing need in today’s business world to define general processes for projects. Working out a successful strategy for every project was becoming increasingly difficult, and I knew that additional PRINCE2 training would be able to help. My project manager would readily agree a project involves combining resources and skills with technology and ideas, therefore ensuring good product delivery. Projects need to operate within time and risks constraints and PRINCE2 training would address all of those concerns very effectively.

PRINCE2 training is particularly beneficial for people who are involved with managing projects, and not just any ol’ person is allowed to teach the course. First of all they need to be associated with an accredited PRINCE2 training organisation so they can pass on the necessary skills to trainees. Our trainers certainly had the right skills; they taught us first class project management skill so we could feel confident about managing various projects successfully on the work front. We were taught a flexible and adaptable approach that could suit all types of projects, and we were provided with common systems, procedures, and an understanding of PRINCE2 terminology. The trainers said that when we were all ‘singing from the same hymn sheet,’ so to speak, there were fewer mistakes made in the work place.

The PRINCE2 training was hard work and a challenge but enjoyable at the same time. There was some fun practical learning that helped to reinforce the theory we had learnt and the information was imparted in different ways to cover all learning styles. We sat our exam at the end of the course which lasted for 3 hours and an overall score of 180 out of a possible 360 was needed to pass. I am very proud to say my score was 300.

By the end of the course lots of us were saying: ‘this is the best course I’ve ever been on.’ ‘How did I ever manage without PRINCE2?’ ‘What’s the next training course can I go on?’

Since the training the difference I have noticed in my own project management skills are amazing. There is a definite improvement in the way I handle projects and projects are producing better results because with PRINCE2 the methods are largely simplified, owing to its well directed layout, and therefore things fall into place. As a direct result of my improved project management skills my boss has been very impressed and given me a promotion and a pay rise. Another bonus with PRINCE2 training is that it looks great on my resume. PRINCE2 is recognised around the world as a world class qualification and is seen as the standard way for the management of project works.

I would recommend anyone who is involved with project management to attend PRINCE2 training and implement what they have learnt in their workplace, because not only has the training benefited my workplace it has directly benefited me.

Brian Kelly wrote the Article ‘What PRINCE2 Training Did for Me and My Workplace’ and recommends you visit http://www.afaprojects.com/resources_prince2.asp for more information on PRINCE2 training.




Updating Your Business Plan Using CRM Strategy

Tuesday 14 October 2008 @ 12:13 pm

As wonderful as it is to see lasts year’s business plan work, it is still vital to update that plan for this year. Often times companies get so wrapped up in their end-of-the-year work on a plan that went well that they neglect to tweak it for the next year. A sales process that works may not need to be changed, but people change and companies change. Fine-tuning your messaging and lead generation efforts is necessary for progress. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is about increasing the positive experience of working with your company. To accomplish this, you need to commit to planning, evaluate opportunities for growth, forecast, and attend to your client base.

Plan and Evaluate

Planning is a process. Not only do you need to dedicate time out of a busy day to orchestrate a meeting, but also you must build a strategy on what to plan before the meeting. To get the most out of your planning process, choose when and who wisely. When do you like to plan? Who else in your company should you include in that planning process? Establish the most optimal time and brain power for your planning, and work from there.

Working with a CRM strategy will boost your efforts to develop the best plan. Increasing the positive experience your company offers means evolving with people and technology. Evaluate your opportunities for growth. What technology do you offer that can evolve?

What tools and resources do you have in place to strengthen relationships with your customers? What kind of trust levels have you established with your clients, and how can you strengthen them? Keep up with the changes that are taking place around you. Continue to improve the strategies that work.

Forecasting

Forecasting is more of an art than an exact science. Customer trends typically run in cycles. It is therefore easier to plan for future revenue from existing clients than future clientele. For clients who have a service contract that is near due, anticipate an 80% renewal rate on those contracts. Even if your renewal rate is currently 95%, it’s best to underestimate. If you have less than an 80% renewal rate, you need to completely overhaul your customer service department. Attrition is inevitable, but losing more than 20% of your customer base is a huge problem. If the client is profitable, winning them back should be a priority. Fortunately, many customers who go elsewhere for what appeared to be better service or pricing will come back if you want them. Having worked with a competitor presents an opportunity to use them as references. Remember to track that in your CRM system.

The next step is to tally the total amount of existing customer revenue from last year (excluding service contracts), and multiply that by 30%. This should be the baseline of minimum revenue you should expect from your existing clients. Thirty percent may be high depending on your clientele, but many companies gain more than 50% revenue from their existing customers. In either case, you want to add new clients. Add your average existing customer revenue to the expected 80% renewal rate on your service contracts. This provides you with a solid number to prepare a support and operations staff. The tougher job is to deduce what the company needs to develop for new business and plan accordingly.

Winning Over New and Existing Clients

New business comes from a variety of areas: advertising, lead generation calling, direct mail, email broadcasting, industry publications, trade shows, alliances, and referrals. Have you tracked where your business comes from and how much revenue each source brings? This is important for planning and execution. Outline several sources of business and initially focus on strengthening the top three. Gauging how these sources perform this year will allow you to plan more effectively next year. Take the next three revenue sources and develop a plan to expand those initiatives. Use creativity when developing resources. For example, hold a customer conference and invite manufacturers to review the latest and greatest technology. Remember, many customers cannot go to the national trade shows or send more than a handful of people to attend. Another idea is to hold “training” or “certification” workshops. This would strengthen relationships with your clients. You could charge for some of these events, but you may see huge dividends if you only charged a nominal fee or nothing at all. Include prospective customers by inviting them to your customer conference. Let them talk to your customers and hear their experiences working with you. Invite prospective customers to a client site that would be comparable or larger in size and scope to their future prospect. They get a chance to see your quality of work and speak to a reference first hand. Best of all, you are attending to the needs of your current clients while letting them help win you new clients.

Neglecting to build on last year’s business plan will leave you falling behind your competitors. Progress doesn’t have to be a costly or complex process. By utilizing your CRM Strategy and attending to the ever changing needs of your clients, you will stay competitive. Focus on your lead source strengths and capitalize on those efforts. Last year’s plan worked well last year. Evolve with your clients and ensure that you’re celebrating success again next year.

Ronald Lang is President of Majestic Consulting Group, a provider of crm software products including CRM solutions such as SageCRM, SalesLogix software and Microsoft CRM. Majestic Consulting Group also provides CRM consulting and CRM training services




Mystery Shopping - A Proven Way Forward in Customer Service

Monday 13 October 2008 @ 9:39 pm

What are “Mystery Shopping” services?

Customer service has become a valuable aspect in business as it allows a company to maintain its competitive advantage. With a wide range of choices available to the modern consumers, ensuring satisfaction in every shopping experience is crucial to success. This is an organizational need that mystery shopping addresses. As a marketing research tool, mystery shopping enables your company to test the effectiveness of your customer service initiatives and maximize your company’s potential.

Mystery shoppers are hired, posing as just your ordinary customers to test how adept your employees are at providing customer satisfaction. Some will note how friendly and helpful the employees are, how long it takes to make a purchase or receive service and if employees are able to answer questions regarding particular product or service.

Some mystery shoppers will present certain scenarios for employees to deal with and report how well they handled the situation. These data are then compiled and analyzed to create a report that will allow you to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your operations and identify which areas need to be improved.

Mystery shopping offers a snap-shot experience of the frontline customer service a business provides. It’s a first hand account from the people that matter the most to your business, your customers.

You can request specific details of the mystery shopper. For example, you can request the following things that you want assesed:

Is there a particular product you would like the shopper to buy?

Should the mystery shopper assess a particular employee or employees?

Are there any observations you would like the mystery shopper to make?

The Benefits of Mystery Shopping Services

Mystery shopping is not just about checking your employees if they are doing their jobs but more on how you can polish and refine your operations to provide customer satisfaction and establish loyal clients to keep your business thriving.

Improving Customer Service and Profitability

Customer-oriented companies engaged in the operations of retail shops, restaurants, fast food chains, banks, health clubs, hospitals, gas stations and the like benefit the most out of mystery shopping. Options include commissioning a mystery shopping agency or hiring mystery shoppers directly for such services.

Mystery shopping services provide you with Direct, impartial information that all senior executives should know to help them improve the way their business works and identify opportunities to increase sales.

Increasingly the only things that differentiate companies are the front line, retail level customer experiences. This is why experiential marketing has become so popular in recent times.

It takes care and expertise to develop a meaningful and ongoing relationship with your customers. Mystery shopping is a first hand evaluation of customer service, your customer and their interaction with your business. If you don’t know your customers – you are less likely to succeed in the current global business operating environment.

In conclusion, mystery shopping will get you the honest answers that you need to hear because we a successful business thrives on the knowledge of its customers.

Giselle Sanchez - Looking for a mystery shopping company to increase your sales? C-B-S provides mystery shopping services to companies in Australia and New Zealand.




Beat Shoplifters With CCTV Equipment, Among Other Things!

Monday 13 October 2008 @ 4:37 pm

Unfortunately for retail stores, shoplifting is a very common problem that knows no financial capability, no physical beauty, no social status and no political power. Cases in point: talented actress Winona Ryder shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue and former mayor Jean Eaton jacking from Marshall Field’s stores.

Fortunately, you can beat shoplifters with feng shui, signage and CCTV systems, to name a few. Just don’t beat them literally lest you find yourself hauled to the courts for physical assault and liability suits, which could cost you more than the shoplifted items and the CCTV systems combined. Too bad.

Practice Feng Shui

In feng shui, you ensure that the flow of positive chi is unhampered. For the prevention of shoplifting, you have to employ similar principles in the store’s layout vis-




Sales Boosting of Fast Moving Consumer Goods

Monday 13 October 2008 @ 8:41 am

During my career I had the opportunity to work for non-profit as well as for profit-oriented company. I must say that the difference is huge. Non-profit organization does not have to earn the budget. Their goal is to spend it. Of course, there are some rules and guidelines that should be respected. In such organization reporting and expenditure justification to donors is crucial part, in order to make an organization eligible for future funding.

On the other side, working in a profit oriented is something completely different. Still you have the funding. But in this case your stakeholder is also a shareholder, who expect profitable operation, with certain return on investment. Further more, goal of every successful company is to have continuous growth in all directions; expanding the portfolio, market share, increasing of sales, revenue and profit, while driving the business at the optimal cost.

But how long the growth can be continuous? Are there any limitations for market need? Of course that there are limitations, but they are imaginary, since the market demand is not something that is firm. It changes, as it evolves through time. But also it is changed by the influence of supplier, i.e. Company is creating a new demand of their potential consumer, by offering them a new and better offer of products and services. This offer is done through development of a new products and services, as well of suitable above the line campaign.

On the other hand below the line campaign is something that is also very important for sustainable growth. Below the line marketing is very important, especially the companies that deal primarily with Fast Moving Consumer Goods ( FMCG ). While capital expenditures as real estates or vehicles are on the one side of demand scale, FMCG commodities like food, soft drinks, alcohol drinks, cosmetics, etc are on the other side.

FMCG products are subject of planned purchase, but are very often subject of impulse purchase.

Impulse for purchase can be triggered by clever positioning and merchandising of product within the shopping area. There are several basic rules for successful positioning that will initiate the shopping need of consumers, even when they didn’t even thought about buying some item.

* Corporate Block is the section on shelf or separate rack that is dedicated for product of one manufacturer or brands owner. Corporate block gives strength from brands synergy, it creates visual impact and increase brands value. Shopper is more likely to be attracted by impressive, well arranged section dedicated to one producer, than by the bunch of products scattered around on different shelves.

* Positioning Before Competition is very important. Who is the winner on 100 m race? That is the one who first gets to the finish, even if the second one is only 0,01 sec behind. This is why is important to have position before competition.

* Eye Level Rule say that whatever is in the eye level and slightly below is at the reach of the hand. What ever is at the reach of the hand is likely to be grabbed. People like easy and effortless shopping, without stretching up or leaning down. This is why you should avoid too low or to high positioning.

* Multiple Shopping Points; more selling points means more shopping opportunities. For small size outlets applies triangle rule, while for the large outlets quadrant rule is more applicable

* Triangle Rule says that the best positioning in the small outlet is capturing the golden triangle - hot spots: entrance, the most frequent area and the cashier. This is obvious, since, whoever comes to the outlets is coming through all mentioned spots, and therefore purchasing possibility is the highest from perspective of horizontal positioning.

* Quadrant Rule says that product positioning is recommended in all zones, but their strength from entrance to the cashier is in decreasing trend. Simply, at the entrance the shopper’s basket is empty while wallet is full, shopper is eager to shop. While moving to the exit the basket becomes full, money already allocated and the shopper is less enthusiastic, since he is starting to think about the rest of a day, rather than about shopping. Therefore early positioning is important for impulse purchase based products.

* Merchandising is the process of effective arranging of product at the selling point. It covers activities like stocking up, arranging according the corporate merchandising standards, placing the price tags, cleaning and rotating products according the expiry date ( FEFO ).

* X-Merchandising is positioning the product next to the other product that is complementary to your products. Examples: soft drinks next to snacks, or spices next to the meat.

These are basics of successful positioning in the shopping zone. This should be accompanied with an optimal inventory stock, changes in portfolio, smart price policy and fresh advertising material. If the outlet is worthwhile investing, then special promotions, presence of sales animators, surprises for shoppers and other add-ons can be used.

Impulse purchase is the moment that must be used in the FMCG industry. Just to be available is not enough. It is necessary to be active and visible at same time. There are many similar products that can easily substitute your. Sometimes only the small difference in position can make the judgment of shopper about which product to buy. For shopper that may not present a big difference. But what about your product?

Laurus Nobilis has 11 years of experience in FMCG business. In 2007 he has started the www.biz-development.com web site dedicated to development of managerial skills. He also runs www.my-introspective.com a Personal Exploration and Development Guide.




Helping Customers Helps Your Business

Monday 13 October 2008 @ 4:29 am

If you want to have a successful business, it has to hinge on your customers and the service that you offer to them. You can have the best items in the world for sale at great prices, but if you don’t spend any time on customer service or customer relationship management (CRM), you’re going to have a lot of trouble convincing people to buy from you or to come back once they’ve made a purchase. If you spend time with your customers and let them know that they do matter to you, it’s more difficult for them to move on and go with your competition instead. Some of them will still do that, of course, especially if they find what you have to offer at a lower price. However, most of the customers that you have will show that they’re interested in loyalty, and they’ll stick around and patronize your business if you treat them well. CRM is one of the best ways to do that, and you can purchase software specially for that purpose, too. It’s one of the best choices you can make where customer care is concerned.

A lot of companies still don’t think that much about helping their customers, because they’re too worried about helping themselves. Since that’s the case, they have to learn the hard way that they need to keep an eye on what their customers need and want. If they don’t pay attention to CRM, they’ll likely see their customer base starting to dwindle. It might be something that they have to figure out over time, however, when they aren’t sure why their customers are leaving them. CRM helps to avoid these kinds of problems, and it keeps customers who might otherwise leave the company and stop doing business with it coming back instead. There are a lot of ways to help customers, and one of those ways is to show them that they are appreciated. This can be through surveys where their opinion is asked for. It can be through coupons and discounts. It can be through something very simple – a card or email to say thank you or to recognize a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. All of those kinds of things are appreciated by customers who are looking for a relationship with a company instead of just a store to buy things at.

Customers sometimes only look for the best deal or the lowest price, but others plan to return to a store quite often, and they want to find a store that they can feel good about shopping at. A lot of the larger chain stores are getting a bad reputation today because they don’t seem to care about much except their profits. When customers see that they don’t feel any CRM taking place, and it either makes them angry or makes them want to shop elsewhere just so they can avoid a particular store. Price doesn’t always take place over principles, and making sure that you exercise good CRM can save your business.

Dave Roth runs a site focusing on CRM software The site provides reviews on everything from web based to various open source CRM solutions. Not only that, the site gives salespeople the tools to make these tools even more effective.




Should Employers Use MySpace, Facebook or LinkedIn to Screen Candidates and Make Hiring Decisions? Background Screening Expert Explains the Dangers to Avoid

Sunday 12 October 2008 @ 8:39 am

Social and professional networking sites have become enormously popular ways to connect with friends and colleagues. MySpace




Spas Cater to Pint-Sized Clients With Customized Services

Saturday 11 October 2008 @ 10:38 am

With ingredients like chocolate, coconut cream and caramel apple, it sounds more like an ice cream shop, but at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan, these are just a few of the enticing items found in the spa services offered at Scoops Kids Spa.

Pint-sized clients enjoy a pedicure seated in an oversized ice cream sundae sofa surrounded by whimsical wall murals in this spa where the themed services are matched up with a child’s personality. For instance, the girl or boy who loves the outdoors and sports might like to try the Gummy Worm Pedicure or Manicure which features a relaxing treatment of chocolate ice cream fizz with real gummy worms tickling the toes. The interactive Scooops Facial teaches youngsters how to keep their skin healthy with an all-sensitive product line for delicate skin. And included with every spa treatment is a coupon for real ice cream in the Bear Claw Cafe.

It’s a growing trend that indicates more and more spas are offering services dedicated to the younger set. According to the International Spa Association, more than half of the nearly 14,000 spas in the United States offer packages for families, teens or kids. This trend may also be in part to mothers who are asking for services and products geared towards themselves as well as their children.

For vacationing families staying at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn in Orlando, dreamy decorations and a dedicated spa specialist await young guests at their very own spa. Sugar & Spice Kids Spa is a deluxe space complete with massage chairs and treatments for boys and girls alike. It’s also an opportunity for some mother-daughter time.

Girls can relax with treatments like a pretty pastel polish manicure and sparkly topcoat with a Manigirl treatment, or enjoy the Fantasy Facial which uses fresh avocado or an oatmeal scrub, coupled with a cucumber eye lift and a face massage. The spa also features a fun photo shoot with gowns, boas and hats. Rough and tumble boys might dig temporary hand tattoos, finger massage and thumb wrestling offered by the Maniguy Spa Service for Boys. The spa also offers themed party packages complete with dress up and a group photo.

In McLean, Virginia, Eclips Kids is the children-only annex of a salon and day spa, which has been so successful, a separate bigger location opened in nearby Ashburn. Here, custom birthday parties treat the special girl and her friends to abbreviated versions of facials, hair and nail treatments, and clothing-only massages. The spa emphasizes fun, beauty care education and the total spa experience.

In 2003, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio opened The SPAhhhT (”spot”) youth spa as a result of clientele who repeatedly asked for spa treatments geared for their children. Customized 25- to 30-minute treatments are offered in rooms housed near Camp Hyatt, the resort’s award-winning kid’s program. Youth-designed treatments include henna tattoos, Updo’s, Mai-Tai party knots for hair, as well as pedis and medis. Clothed massage treatments under the supervision of a parent or guardian are also made available. Youth spa-goers are issued SPAhhhT-logoed robes and slippers and relax in treatment rooms painted in colors scientifically proven to be relaxing and soothing. Youth-inspired retail beauty products are also available for sale at the spa.

In North Carolina at the Pinehurst Resort, teens may while away the afternoon at the resort’s exclusive Teen Spa Lounge. Girls sample the hottest product trends in health and beauty while sipping on smoothies. Designed for ages 12 to 17, services include the mineral essential Total Teen Facial and Teen Makeup Application and Lesson. The spa’s Teen Tune-Up is appropriate for both girls and boys and features a one-on-one session with a personalized trainer who educates teens on healthy exercising.

The resort also features the Kid Spa for the 12 and under crowd. The Mother and Daughter Re-TREAT package offers a day of pampering with a facial, medi and pedi for both mom and daughter. Additional treatments include parent-supervised massages, facials, and cut and style services.

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin — a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Mineral Essentials




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