BEING BOLD: OVERHEARD AT THE MINDBODY CONFERENCE in Santa Monica, CA, Oct. 13 and 14, 2014

(Top left)  Aarde Cosseboom, MINDBODY, Sr. Director of Technical Support, talked about Creating Client Evangelists with Customer Secret Service and how to delight clients with “wow” moments.  

“There is good service, great service and secret service, which is doing the unexpected.  At the Ritz-Carlton valets look at the drink purchases a guest has made during their stay and then put that favorite beverage in the guest’s car cup holder.  They will also leave bridge toll in their car with a handwritten note.”

He also offered a suggestion from Denise Cardona’s book, Salon Buzz, to give all new clients a different color cape which identifies them to the entire staff. And then salon employees make a point of saying hello and introducing themselves.

(Top right)  YAS Fitness Center Founder & CEO, Kimberly Fowler, shared her thoughts on being the face of your business.  “You need to give the press something to talk about.  Come up with quotes, co-brand to do events and then share the news with press releases.  They really do work.”

(Bottom left) Umbrella Salon Co-founder and Business Manager Khiem Hoang spoke on “How to Upgrade Your Front Desk Experience—For Your Clients and Staff”.  Top tips included be sincere, show appreciation, always ask for a Yelp review and consider front desk as concierge.

(Bottom right) Jennifer Chisam, owner of Mountain Yoga, talked about debt-free business. She opened her yoga studio in 2008 with $200 and a dream and now her studio is the largest in the area with thirteen instructors and zero debt.

The Event: The Bold MINDBODY Conference, Santa Monica, CA, Oct. 13 and 14, 2014. Dozens of industry leaders, as well as MINDBODY software experts, spoke at a conference for clients of MINDBODY’s web and mobile solutions in Santa Monica, CA on Oct. 13 and 14, 2014.  With a program schedule geared to the attendees, each day began with wellness class offerings conducted on the beach. They continued with education, networking and culminated in Bold Awards on Tuesday evening.

Speakers: Keynote Speakers included MINDBODY co-founders Rick Stollmeyer and Robert Murphy, as well as Sasha Kadey, VP of Digital Technology & Strategy, Oribe Hair Care.

Breakout session topics included Targeting the Hospitality and Travel Market, How to Take Your Salon Mobile, The Art of Teamwork and Winning the Internet.  

Bold Awards: MINDBODY clients who have reached milestones were recognized.

Sweat Cardio & Yoga -- Highest Ratings on MINDBODY Connect, with over 2,400 reviews to their credit, earning them an average rating of 4.99 out of 5 Hearts

• Fusion Fitness -- Most Bookings through MINDBODY Connect, with over 4,000 bookings

• Authentic Beauty -- Greatest Online Sales Growth, having seen a 565% year-over-year increase in online sales.

• Mint Studios -- Greatest Customer Growth, having experienced 503% year-over-year growth

• Bliss Organic Day Spa --Environmental Values Award, as a fully organic spa

• Jeremey’s Bootcamp --Overall BOLD Business of the Year Award, having seen year-over-year revenue growth of nearly 400%, client growth of nearly 300%, and online sales growth near 200%.