The planning process is well underway for the annual Planet Beach & HOTWORX Convention, which will be held at the beautiful Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, July 29th – August 1st, 2018.
In my quest to define the theme for the upcoming annual Planet Beach & HOTWORX Convention, I stumbled upon the single word, VISION.
Shimmering in myriad shades of blue and green, Lake Tahoe is nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains that straddles the state line between California and Nevada. While the beautiful lake surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains is quite the vision, the theme represents something more profound.
In life and in business, defining your vision creates a sense of purpose and direction for the future. With hard work, tenacity and strategic planning, any vision can become reality. Every successful outcome starts with a conceptual idea that is articulated into something that others can envision and help create. In other words, they make the invisible, visible.
A recent article published by the Huffington Post, defined the difference between a goal and a vision.
“A goal is a specific target to achieve something. It includes the strategies and tactics you use to move toward your vision. You should set and achieve goals only that promote and are in line with your vision.
Vision is your why. Vision gives something direction. It’s your desired future. Your vision includes what you believe in (your core values) and what you want in your future (what you want to be). It’s the powerful reason why you want to do something; your overarching purpose. Your vision is your passion and keeps you excited and motivated. It’s what inspires you to do whatever it is you want to do.”
The Planet Beach & HOTWORX concepts were created with the vision to help change the way the world rejuvenates, while creating more workouts in less time. The overall vision of our multi-brand company is to help people look great and feel amazing!
We are excited to continue to share this vision with our franchisees during our number one training and networking event this summer in Lake Tahoe.
We will strive to set goals that ensure the success of our franchise locations so that we can expand the VISION of Planet Beach & HOTWORX across the globe.
“If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” -Steve Jobs
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
The temperature is dropping down here in the South, but we still spray fake snow to let the children play about. The stockings are hung over chimneys hardly used, while adults young and old toast over booze. The spirit of Christmas surrounds us as carols are sung, and the thoughts of Saint Nick make us feel young. The presents are neatly wrapped under the tree, while elves on the shelves are finally set free. We feel special and loved more than ever before and we remember that “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
Planet Beach wishes you a very Happy Spalidays! Stop by any participating location to receive one of the following gifts…
GIFT CARDS:
Purchase $100 for $80
Purchase $75 for $60
Purchase $50 for $40
ENROLLMENT:
JOIN NOW for ONLY $12.25
SPRAY TAN:
Buy 3 Spray Tans, Get 1 Free
HOTWORX:
FREE CORE COMPRESSOR
with Purchase of 10 HOTWORX Sessions
FREE TAN TOWEL with a minimum purchase!
Visit planetbeach.com/spa-locator/ to find a location near you.
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
Guest Blogger: Brynn Scarborough
Director of Business Development & Marketing
for JK North America
Leaders are made in the trenches, not in the boardroom.
Definition: Crucible
noun
1. a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures
2. a severe, searching test or trial
Have you been through adversity? Faced trials or situations that changed the way you lead or do business? Some of the best leaders have; in fact, one of the defining qualities of a good leader is an ability to adapt and respond to adversity, sometimes in the most extreme sense.
Trial by Fire
Personal and professional trials are not wasted on the leader who is willing to creatively adapt to circumstances. Leaders are made in the hardest of times when values and resolve are tested. At the beginning of my Executive MBA program in 2015 I read the book, Crucibles of Leadership by Robert Thomas, and over the last months, I have revisited this book during a crucible of my own.
What is a crucible experience?
Simply put, it is an experience that leaves a leader refined by fire or forever changed; sometimes a crucible looks like loss or adversity and sometimes, it looks like success. Crucibles of Leadership has been one of the more impactful books of our program, aside from all the analysis and number-crunching, as it provides insight into not just survival, but progress after we face difficult times as leaders in business. Gleaning lessons from any uncomfortable, awkward or even life-altering situation is the essence of growth, especially for anyone in the position to lead others.
Four Essential Skills
Thomas identifies four essential skills that are common among leaders who have the ability to excel in difficult circumstances, and they are listed below.
- Engaging others in shared meaning; when times are tough, look to trusted advisors for advice, listen to employees, keep your ears open and remain grounded.
- Use a distinct and compelling voice, rely on authenticity and your own story. Tell the truth and be open.
- A sense of integrity: priorities shift during crucible experiences until balance is restored. Allow for empathy and rely on honesty.
- Adaptive capacity or applied creativity – this simply means the ability to engage in complex problem-solving that sometimes includes a rapidly changing climate.
These skills are ones that can be practiced and honed over time; however, relying on the basics of engagement, authenticity, integrity and adaptation are the important survival tools for a leader who finds themselves in the middle of a crucible. Whether the crucible is terrible or wonderful, it is temporary and the storm will pass. Rely on the essential elements of character until balance is restored. Understand that a new normal and performance standard will be built from the fire.
References: Crucibles of Leadership by Robert Thomas, Published by Harvard Business Review Press, February 2008.
Gleaning lessons from any uncomfortable, awkward or even life-altering situation is the essence of growth, especially for anyone in the position to lead others
Written By Brynn Scarborough for Island Sun Times Magazine
Source: https://solconnect.us/2017/02/16/the-crucible-experience/
About the Author:
Brynn Scarborough is the Director of Business Development & Marketing for JK North America, representing industry-leading brands including Ergoline, Sun Angel, Beauty Angel and SolTron. With the company since 2012, Brynn brings extensive knowledge of sales management, customer relations and public speaking, and continues to serve JK in key project and brand development. Pursuing an Executive MBA from the Sykes School of Business at the University of Tampa, Brynn invests heavily in pursuing industry-leading innovation and technology with Ergoline.
Each month, Planet Beach institutes a special day to show their Members how much they truly appreciate them. During my tenure with Planet Beach, this tradition has held true every single month. This special day has been coined MAP, short for Member Appreciation Party. Each franchise location shows their love by rolling out the red carpet and treating their members like royalty! It’s the one day of the month where members flood into the spa to enjoy one of the many relaxing spa services, mingle with fellow members or simply indulge in the complimentary food and beverages provided.
MAP is consistently celebrated on the last Thursday of the month. This year, the timing is perfect as we transition to the Christmas season. There is no better way to relax and unwind after consuming thousands of calories and fighting the crowds to take advantage of the Black Friday specials. Two of my favorite spa services that I recommend during MAP are the following:
HOTWORX
There is no better way to detoxify, tighten and tone your body than with the HOTWORX infrared sauna workout. I frequent this service at least three times per week, but I plan to increase my number of workouts following Thanksgiving. I do HOT Warrior on days that I need the extra calorie burn and HOT Yoga on days when I need the extra stretching after a strenuous workout the evening prior.
UV LIGHT
It’s starting to cool off and the Vitamin D that I receive from moderate exposure to UV elevates my mood and gives me a little added glow. Just the right exposure boosts my level of serotonin and makes me feel calm and focused.
Visit your local Planet Beach on Thursday, November 30th to partake in the MAP celebration. Many locations offer amazing specials such as 20% off retail and $1 enrollment on memberships. Please keep in mind that services and special discounts will vary per location, so visit planetbeach.com/spa-locator to find out the available offers near you. When calling the spa, make sure you make an appointment for a friend as well. The only thing better than rejuvenating with Planet Beach is doing so with a friend.
Happy Member Appreciation Day from Planet Beach!
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
Thanksgiving is upon us and families across the United States will travel near and far to sit aside their loved ones to give thanks and indulge in the grand feast. The Industry Trade Group, Airlines for American, predicts that a record 28.5 million people will fly on U.S. airlines between Friday, November 17th, and Tuesday, November 28th, making Thanksgiving the most traveled holiday of the year. Did you say juicy turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied yams and pumpkin pie? Hello, you had me at juicy turkey! It’s no wonder why so many people travel miles by trains, planes and automobiles to gather around the dining room table at Mama’s house.
Make this Thanksgiving a memorable one by fully embracing gratitude. I’m a firm believer that you get what you focus on. If you count your blessings, then your future blessings will be bountiful. This year, truly give thanks by starting a gratitude list and share your personal words of gratitude with your family members over Thanksgiving dinner. In addition, encourage them to share their blessings, fondest memories and family stories. This act alone will create new memories that will pass down from generation to generation.
Another way to creatively give thanks this season is to carry out a random act of kindness, such as donating a food basket or volunteering to serve food at a local shelter. One of my favorite idols, Princess Diana said, “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Helping others that are in need will provide an ultimate sense of fulfillment and appreciation.
This Thanksgiving, Planet Beach will be extending their gratitude by offering BOGO (buy one get one) free on all packages and gift card purchases, as well as BOGO (buy one get one) ½ off on product purchases. Stop by a participating Planet Beach on Black Friday to take advantage of these amazing offers. In addition, select Planet Beach locations will be participating in the “Tans for Cans” promotion, where members will receive a $5 discount on any sunless spray tan in exchange for 5 canned or non-perishable food items. We are beyond grateful to have so many wonderful members, so we wanted to offer you something in return. From our Planet Beach family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
The Veterans Day Holiday began as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It was commemorated on November 11th, which was the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, on June 1 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” to honor American veterans of all wars.
As Americans, we show our ultimate appreciation to the members of the military, past and present. We celebrate and honor those that have sacrificed so much to defend our beautiful nation and safeguard the virtues of liberty & justice for all. From those that have seen the tragedy of war to those that have just enlisted to protect and serve, we salute you! We are home of the free because of you, the brave.
Planet Beach will be honoring all members of the military during the month of November. Veterans will receive 3 Free Spa Sessions and may join for only $11.11 this month. In addition, all Veterans will receive a franchise fee discount of $2,500 if they purchase a franchise license. Planet Beach is changing the way the world rejuvenates and wants to extend that sense of renewal to all military patrons. To find a Planet Beach location near you or to learn more about the franchise opportunity, visit www.planetbeach.com.
“On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.” – Dan Lipinski
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
Plato said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Fast forward to the modern day where Salma Hayek says that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves.
Although true beauty runs deeper than the surface, there are certain things that we can do to enhance our outward appearance and let our inner beauty shine through. The most vital thing we can do to improve our appearance is to practice a habitual skin care regime. The skin is the body’s largest organ. It serves as a protective barrier, regulates body temperature and acts as a filter. Skin exists in a constant state of growth, with old cells dying and new cells being formed. It’s affected by every aspect of your life, from what you ingest to the climate you live in.
You may enjoy these fun facts about the skin:
- Skin accounts for about 15% of your body weight
- The average adult has approximately 21 square feet of skin, which weighs 9 lbs and contains more than 11 miles of blood vessels
- Your skin is its thickest on your feet (1.4mm) and thinnest on your eyelids (0.2mm)
- The skin renews itself every 28 days
Planet Beach understands the importance of proper skin care and offers products that are pH balanced for varying skin types, and are packed with all-natural ingredients that revitalize and rebuild skin tissue at the cellular level. The following three products from the Planet Beach Face line are my top picks:
CLEANSE– Clean and invigorate your face with this pH balanced cleansing gel. Goodbye dirt and filmy residue. Hello beautiful, clean, luminous skin. Cleanse is formulated to penetrate the pores to help deeply cleanse and protect the skin from bacteria and fungus. A natural astringent can help tighten the skin and pores without drying. This product is so natural you can use it to brush your teeth or soothe your baby’s tush. Ladies, watch your men, this product makes an excellent shaving gel for both ladies and gents!
POLISH– Increase your cool factor! Polish Facial Exfoliator with Ginseng Extract and natural menthol helps to provide a deep clean that leaves your skin feeling smooth and looking radiant with an invigorating instant cooling sensation. Polish away your dull and lifeless complexion to expose the vibrant and healthy skin you deserve!
ENERGIZE– Do you want to smell like a summer’s breeze and bring the boys to their knees? Revitalize your skin and your senses with this facial moisturizer infused with the scents of citrus and orange cream. Energize contains Ester-C, an exclusive form of Vitamin C that may stimulate the formation of essential collagen and elastin, leaving your face beautiful and breathtaking. Additionally, Energize Ester-C can be effectively absorbed through the skin because of its unique skin penetrating properties.
This three-step beauty system can be purchased at a Planet Beach location near you or by visiting www.planetbeachshop.com. This easy to use and essential skin care regime is just what you’ve been looking for! It has every step necessary to take care of your basic skin care needs leaving your skin sexy and vibrant. Plus, you’ll receive free shipping when you spend at least $75.00 online. Remember, “beauty is confidence applied directly to your face.” xoxo
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
Guest Blogger: Brynn Scarborough
Director of Business Development & Marketing
for JK North America
We have come to one of the most essential and sometimes least understood subjects within the realm: personnel. Scaling the growth and adaptability of personnel policies with the growth of the business is as important as making sure you have effective pricing models and desirable services.
As a small business owner, it’s important to know what you DON’T know; the climate for employers is changing rapidly and is victim to the volatile nature of politics, and it may be necessary to rely on outside expertise to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory changes and implementation. Most importantly, FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL – this includes the policies, workplace culture and leadership style that guides your personnel through their day-to-day experiences in your business. Remember that your salon staff will interact with far more customers than you’ll ever have the opportunity to meet, so you must create a culture and policy structure to reinforce your brand standards and company vision.
Policies: Whether you are a boutique salon or a franchise model, it is the implementation of fair and enforceable employee policies that helps maintain order among staff over time. These policies need to be updated yearly and redistributed to employees. Not sure where to start? Go to the U.S. Small Business Administration website for a guide at sba.gov.
Company Culture: Retaining good employees and the environment your salon guests experience is primarily controlled by your organizational culture. Company Culture is harder to define than an employee handbook or list of procedures and has come to mean the full embodiment of the following: “Company vision, values, practices, people, narrative and place.” In an industry and workplace that can be plagued with high turnover, creating an exceptional culture is likely to have a large impact on retention and your bottom line. Training a new employee is not only expensive, but will also usually cost more than keeping a good one. Be a business that people want to work for, ensuring that management through policy enforcement is for the outliers.
Leadership Style: while there is an enormous amount of info out there about the kind of leader it takes to run a business, we are talking specifically about the kind it takes to manage people. For some, this is the hardest part of the equation, as people rarely fit neatly into organizational bins and require an additional skill set from leaders to help them ascend to their fullest potential.
One of the most indispensable qualities in a leader of people is Emotional Intelligence, a phrase originally coined in 1996. Emotional Intelligence is now considered to be the missing link between IQ and performance, or between those who are simply smart and those who are dynamic; it is an ability to be self-aware and aware of others. In the workplace and among employees, it looks a lot like empathy and an appreciation for diverse skill sets, and it’s a topic worth investing in.
While tomes of information could be written about each topic mentioned here, the purpose is to give a springboard for those seeking information, process improvement or a little inspiration; paired with a resource, not just an opinion. Your staff is your most valuable asset. They represent you and an asset you’ve invested in – so, taking the time to create systems for their retention and improvement should be a top priority.
Taking the time to create systems for staff retention and improvement should be a top priority.
Source: https://solconnect.us/2017/06/28/people-powered/
About the Author:
Brynn Scarborough is the Director of Business Development & Marketing for JK North America, representing industry-leading brands including Ergoline, Sun Angel, Beauty Angel and SolTron. With the company since 2012, Brynn brings extensive knowledge of sales management, customer relations and public speaking, and continues to serve JK in key project and brand development. Pursuing an Executive MBA from the Sykes School of Business at the University of Tampa, Brynn invests heavily in pursuing industry-leading innovation and technology with Ergoline.
Stop by any participating Planet Beach locations during the week of 10/9-10/13 to take advantage of these Spooktacular deals!
Monday, October 9th
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Receive 10% Off Orange Spice Candles
Enjoy the many benefits of Planet Beach’s exclusive WYX Orange Spice Candle. This candle contains an exotic blend of essential and natural oils, which emits a warm, spicy scent with a hint of citrus. Additionally, the extra large wooden wick produces a quick melt pool and a wide dispersion of aroma, which is guaranteed to fill your home with the smell of Autumn and evoke feelings of relaxation. Once you light this baby, you will want to curl up under a blanket and snuggle up next to your loved one!
Tuesday, October 10th
Don’t Be Scared: Try a new service and receive $5 in Spa Bucks
Whether you utilize Planet Beach on a frequent basis, or have never visited one before, now is your time! Indulge in one of the many rejuvenating services and receive $5 in Spa Bucks that you may redeem towards the purchase of a retail product or service package. Planet Beach offers an array of automated services and quality products that aid you in achieving your ultimate beauty, wellness and fitness goals.
Wednesday, October 11th
Better than BOO-TOX: Receive 10% Off of any pbRenew Product Purchase
Do you wish to reverse cellular damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Do you wish to repair and nourish your skin for a firmer and more radiant appearance? If so, then this is the product for you! pbRenew Cellular Repair Treatment is a uniquely nourishing treatment that may even skin tone while rapidly transforming skin’s elasticity and firmness at the cellular level for a noticeable smooth and balanced complexion. Although it’s highly effective on its own, I highly recommend that you use this product in conjunction with the Red-Light Therapy Session to achieve maximum results.
Thursday, October 12th
R.I.P. Skin Imperfections: Buy 3 Spray Tans, Get 1 Free
Don’t be as white as a ghost this Halloween! Achieve a beautiful golden glow in minutes in a private setting without the need of an attendant. Although the application only takes minutes to achieve, your results will last 5-7 days. With the purchase of the Buy 3, Get 1 Free, you will have enough sessions to last you through the month of October. Ladies, make this Halloween a memorable one by slipping into that sexy Halloween costume with confidence!
Friday, October 13th
FREAKY Friday: Buy 1 package, get one for $13
This is a freaky awesome deal!! Planet Beach has so much to choose from. Enjoy one or more of the following service offerings when you purchase your first package and receive the second one for only $13.00:
- Automated Massages
- Sunless Spray Tans & UV
- Fitness & Weight Management
- Beauty & Wellness
- Stress Relief & Relaxation
- Anti-Aging & Skin Care
Celebrate Halloween with Planet Beach this month! Visit https://planetbeach.com/spa-locator/ to find a participating location near you.
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
Whether it’s documented in a traditional notebook, or saved digitally using tools such as Evernote, Microsoft’s One Note, or Google Shared Documents, your to-do list dictates your work flow and ultimately defines your level of productivity. Although you may feel like the to-do list is perpetual in nature, and there may be no ending in sight, there is a way to tackle your objectives and feel accomplished at the end of the work day.
I recommend that you practice these methods when prioritizing your To-Dos:
- Document your objectives daily without fail. Although documenting methods and tools vary among executives, I make it a priority to list my objectives for the following day before I leave the office. This strategy forces me to analyze my existing to-do list, review my accomplishments and re-prioritize for the following day. When I show up for work the next day, my pre-analyzed list is there and waiting. I can then tweak on the fly and start crossing off the tasks as I complete them.
- Make it count. There are many times that we are so caught up in the flow of the day, that we lose sight of the big picture and can’t see the forest through the trees. Emails, phone calls, office visits and unexpected fires in the workplace are inevitable and unavoidable. When prioritizing your to-dos, make sure you list your top 3 overall goals at the top, followed by your subsequent list of objectives. My point is, although we are often faced with miniscule business matters, don’t lose sight of your primary objectives and their impact on the organization.
- Make sure your priority list is your boss’s priority list. It is critical that you meet with your boss to review your top objectives and compare notes. You may be focusing your time and energy on a goal or objective that may not be at the top of their priority list. In contrast, something of great importance that will benefit the company may be on their list and not yours. Communicate with your direct supervisor regularly to ensure your goals and priorities are in sync.
- Be open to change. Winston Churchill said, to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Don’t be alarmed if there is a shift in your course of action. Priorities may be altered, so be ready to adapt and accept change. Your top objectives yesterday, may be at the bottom of the list tomorrow, and vice-versa.
Become a master at work by mastering your To-Do List! By documenting your objectives, ensuring they fall in line with those of the company, and being open to change, you will remain in control of your work day destiny and your overall level of performance and productivity.
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
As the Fall Season commences, the days become shorter, the air becomes cooler and the leaves begin to change. Cozy sweaters, campfires, hot cocoa and pumpkin scented candles are just a few of the amazing things that make Fall the most anticipated season of the year.
Above all else, Fall means one thing that trumps all others, Football Baby! Finally, we can throw on our favorite team jersey, go tailgating and scream our lungs out as the opposing team takes to the line of scrimmage. Sundays take on an entire new meaning during Football Season: one filled with wings, fantasy leagues and beer.
Ladies, here are a few things that you can do to make sure you stay on top of your A Game this coming season:
1. Dress the Part-visit http://www.nflshop.com/Women or one my favorites, https://www.etsy.com/market/women_football_shirt to stock up on your favorite football attire.
2. Learn the Basics-if you don’t know the difference between a punt and an onside kick, you’re not alone. Make sure you learn the basic rules of the game by visiting http://www.nfl.com/rulebook/beginnersguidetofootball
3. Look Amazing as you dress the part & learn the basics by visiting a Planet Beach Spa near you! Visit http://planetbeach.com/spa-locator/ and try one of the following services offered:
- Teeth Whitening-as you cheer for your favorite team, make sure you do it with a nice white, pearly smile. The premium grade LED whitening light along with our pre-filled whitening kits deliver essential elements needed for teeth whitening: peroxide, pressure, light, heat and exposure.
- HOTWORX –get it right and get it tight with the innovative HOTWORX Infrared Sauna. This virtually instructed exercise program was created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute isometric workout or 15-min High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session. As the infrared heat penetrates your body causing you to sweat, the isometric postures further accelerate detoxification by physically removing the toxins from your organs through muscle contraction. This service is a must to look your best pre-game and to rid the body of toxins post game.
- Spray Tan-the Sunless Spray Tan is applied with a mist application within minutes. When applied, the mist contains DHA, which reacts with the proteins in the skin to form a golden glow. The color starts to develop within 2-3 hours and reaches its peak within 24 hours. Within minutes, you will look like you just stepped off the shores of Bora Bora.
- Hydro Derma Fusion–this service is a prerequisite to any Sunless application. The combination of radiant heat and steam opens the pores, improving the absorption of nutrients (liquid vitamin concentrates) which hydrates the skin leaving it soft and supple. Radiant heat detoxifies the skin of toxins and impurities and aids in the process of cellulite reduction. In simple terms, it’s like a liquid vitamin steam-bath that removes toxins from the body.
As we embark on the 2017-2018 Football Season, get ready to do it in style, by looking and feeling your very best! Bask in the glory of your winning team with a bright smile, a fit body and glowing skin. You can join for only $1 at participating Planet Beach locations when you wear your favorite team attire during the month of September. Again, visit http://planetbeach.com/spa-locator/ to find a Planet Beach location near you.
Written By: Jodie Mateu, VP of Special Events & Productivity
