As you know, every Tuesday the cleverly informative Shelby Jones from the International Spa Association, Spa Week’s exclusive spa trade association partner, guest blogs here at Spa Week Daily offering tips and links to improve your business and personal life. Well, she and I were chatting last week (we get super chatty, btw) and decided it was time to take this column in a new direction: towards, um, the spa. She’s delivered some great stories, but since they ARE the international industry authority on all things spa related, why not bring you more hard spa core stuff you won’t find elsewhere?

So, starting next week, you’ll see a shift here to what I’m pretty sure we’re going to call: “Spa Glossary.” (Thoughts?) We’ll be introducing you to the cool, quirky treatments, spa trends, phrases and wellness buzzwords that are hot in the industry but would probably never come up over dinner… because you’ve never heard of them. Hope you like it! And here is the obligatory segue,  Shakespearean style.

Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, Public Relations Manager, ISPA

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from consumers here at ISPA is, “Why should I go to the spa?” The simple answer is stress. It’s the No. 1 reason why people seek out the spa around the globe. With no screaming kids, cell phones or work deadlines allowed,  it’s one of the last places where you can truly unplug and get away from all the outside noise. Treatments like massage, acupuncture and meditation can actually help reduce your stress (check out this stress advice from a Mayo Clinic doc).

So, why would anyone hesitate? While a spa experience sounds like a dream to most of us, it can be an intimidating prospect if you’ve never stepped foot inside a spa. The whole naked thing coupled with strange language like shiatsu, microdermabrasion and reflexology can send people heading for the door. The most important thing to know is that a spa treatment is all about you, so there’s no need to have any fears. Talk to the spa receptionist about what to expect before you book an appointment and let her know that it’s your first time. They’ll help make your experience great and answer all of your questions. Your therapist will help you sort out the best routine for becoming stress free.

Learn more about stress and the spa by visiting experienceispa.com.

If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA; weekly emails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!

Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, ISPA Public Relations Manager
You’ve probably heard the term search engine optimization (SEO), but do you really understand how it works? Don’t send out an SOS if you don’t get it; just follow the advice below and people will be finding you in no time.

The following info can help you better understand SEO, and in turn, boost your Web site traffic.

• SEO: What it is and why it isn’t dead.
• 5 essentials for SEO.
• The keys for the right keywords.

Like what you’re clicking? If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA, the International Spa Association; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!

Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, ISPA Public Relations Manager

Today is all about being number one—literally, the date is 1.11.11. Competition is fiercer than ever, so it’s important to show consumers that you’re no loser – you are the champions of your game. Become a cheerleader for your employees by giving them the tools and encouragement they need to beat out the competition.

In honor of today’s date, 1.11.11, the following articles can help make your team and business number one.

• Give employees the power to have the power.
• Do unto others…
• There’s no better time than the present.

Like what you’re clicking? If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA, the International Spa Association; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed. ALSO: ISPA members receive a discount on Spa Week participation!

Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, ISPA Public Relations Manager

We’re four days in – have you broken your resolution yet? We know it’s not easy sticking to those resolutions after gorging yourself on Christmas cookies and hot toddies for a solid week. You’re probably also settling back into your routine at work looking at a blank 12-month calendar and wondering where to start.  The first week of the year can be rough. Let these tips help you set and keep your personal and professional goals.

• What are your three words for 2011?
• 1 + 3: An easy formula for goal-setting.
• Questions to ask before making resolutions.
• Visualization: A blueprint for success.

Like what you’re clicking? If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA; the International Spa Association; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!

Guest contributor: Shelby Jones, ISPA Public Relations Manager

Do you find it difficult to schmooze, rub elbows or mingle with a crowd? In order to get ahead, networking is a necessary evil.  Watch this how to for a step-by-step guide on making yourself look good.

If you’re still feeling awkward at mixers, office parties and Conferences then read the tips below and you’ll be networking like a pro.

• Who you should know.
• Five networking no-nos.
• The untruths of networking.
• A podcast to help you network online.

And one more (from me) – couldn’t not pass along this great read I found yesterday: Do you make these mistakes at social events?

Like what you’re clicking? If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of our partner ISPA, the International Spa Association; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!