Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
basis. Two books in this field, SalonOvations' Day Spa Operations and SalonOvations' Day Spa Techniques, both by Erica Miller, are quite helpful in this regard. Stage 2. Videos And DVDs If the initial research you do through magazines and books leads you to explore further, you may find yourself, like many therapists, excited about opening a spa of your own, but still uncertain. Some moments the idea seems brilliant, while at others it seems like a foolhardy mission doomed for certain failure. You are on the fence, going back and forth, waffling. Therapists at this stage are in a manic-depressive state of mind, sometimes exuberant, sometimes discouraged. This is not the time to invest in an architect or a high-priced consultant. Though you may, in the midst of an exuberant moment, be tempted to hurtle forward and overextend yourself, it is best to pull in the reins a little. The best resources to focus on at this time are videos and DVDs. Try the extensive list of training videos and DVDs at www.newlifesystems.com. Some specific titles that might interest you include: Day Spa 1 and Day Spa 2 by Erica Miller, Spa Stress Relieving Backacial by Katie Hurley and Raymond Blaylock, Ayurvedic Spa Treatments with Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, plus Salt Scrubs and Mud Wraps produced by Blue Moon Body Treatments. Stage 3. Workshops And Trainings Eventually, if your interest level remains high and you finally jump off the fence, you'll enter the ready-to-move-forward stage. At this point, you'll want to make personal contact with some other professionals who have gone before you and know the ropes. Hiring these professionals on an individual basis can be quite expensive, however. Therefore, most therapists elect to enroll in some kind of workshop or training where they will join others in a learning environment. These workshops and training programs can be quite enjoyable because they include an immersion in spa treatments and philosophy. You will not only learn and perform spa modalities, you will also receive them. Depending on your goals, the training you choose will emphasize either hands-on techniques, business development, spa management, or a combination of these. Before making the investment in one of these programs, make sure you feel strongly about building a spa. Too many therapists get overexcited at this early stage and end up spending more money than they should. They sign up for classes or workshops because it's the easiest thing to do. Making concrete plans and assessing your current situation is more difficult, but more important. Stage 4. Trade Shows And Conferences At a certain point, you'll leave behind all doubts and become fully committed to your spa plans. You've passed the Commitment Level Assessment Test with flying STAGES OF THERAPISTS SEEKING SPA GUIDANCE Toying with the spa idea On the fence Ready to move forward Committed to your spa project Middle of project/ needing assistance Books and magazines Videos and DVDs Workshop and trainings Trade shows and conferences Consultants and trainers APPROPRIATE RESOURCES