About Acara
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses. Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their client's revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more visit our website or visit our business blog for industry professionals.
For more information contact:
Deb Roberts
(203) 488-0028 x. 306
droberts@acarapartners.com
Press Releases
Acara’s Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010
Acara’s Top 10 Aesthetic Medical Predictions for 2010
Acara Rings In the New Year Celebrating its 2009 Medical Spa Business Successes
BoTAX: Will Congress Harm the Self Esteem of America?
Acara is the Featured Speaker at Sciton Laser West Coast Summit and East Coast Events
Over $1.5M Generated by Acara Aesthetic Medical Educational Seminars
20,000 Visits to SpaBusinessMD.com, Leading Cosmetic Medical Practice & MedSpa Business Resource
Medical Spa Industry Expert Presents Opening a Successful MedSpa and the Recession
Spring Lineup of Medical Spa Webinars for MedSpa Professionals by Acara
10,000 Visits to SpaBusinessMD.com, Leading Medical Spa Business Resource
20 MedSpa Professionals Gain Insight into MedSpa Business Turnaround Tactics
NEWS & INFORMATION
Acara’s Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010
Acara, a leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medspa consulting firm announced today its Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010. These business tips are representative of the most successful business tactics implemented by Acara in 2009.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) January 13, 2010 – To jumpstart 2010 the Acara team of Aesthetic Practice and Medspa business experts analyzed the collection of business tactics they recommended to their clients in 2009. The goal of the exercise was to identify which tactics achieved the greatest impact on client revenue and profits.
“It was a very successful year for the Acara team.” states Francis X. Acunzo, Acara CEO & Founder. “Many of our clients including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medical spas experienced strong increases in their sales and profits.” he goes on to say, “This top ten list of business tips represents the tactics that had the most impact in the shortest amount of time.”
Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & Medspa Business Tips for 2010
1. Follow-up – Follow-up – Follow-up
Your team needs to consistently follow-up with leads, unclosed consults & existing clients. Top aesthetic practices are very good at managing their sales pipeline.
2. Stick to the Plan!
Develop and implement a bi-monthly marketing plan with a budget. Be disciplined with this business practice, without a plan you will not achieve your sales goals.
3.Capture All Leads
Your reception team needs to document the name, phone number and e-mail address of each individual that calls interested in your services (a lead). In addition, every lead needs to be asked, “How did you hear about us?” and the information diligently documented.
4. Set Goals
Establish yearly and monthly sales & operating goals and track them through your monthly financial statements with budget comparisons.
5. Hold Monthly Events
Hold a monthly educational seminar open to the public (this is not a party it is a selling activity) either at your location or, if you expect a crowd, off-site.
6. Maximize Your Website
Search Engine Optimize (SEO) your Website and insure it has a lead capture form, phone number on every page, customer testimonials and before & after images
7. Staff to Market Demand
Staff your business according to customer demand specifically on the best days of the week and times of day.
8. Distribute Online SEO Optimized Press Releases
Once per month write, search engine optimize and distribute an Online Press Release that includes logo image, before & after photos and video tied back to your YouTube account.
9. Market with R&R
Implement a repeat & referral program, eventually it will help reduce your monthly marketing spend.
10. Prioritize Your Business Decisions
Ask yourself the following question prior to spending time or money on any new business initiative, tactic, medical procedure, technology, program, etc. “Will this make money for the practice and increase customer satisfaction?” If you answer yes to both parts of this question, then make it a high priority. If you answer yes to only one part of this question, then make it a lower priority. If you answer no to this question, then stop and do not allocate any company resources.
Acara Client Testimonials:
“Acara does outstanding work in all areas of their field. They are true professionals, very creative and deliver top quality results. We have worked with them for over 10 years and will continue to do so in the future. I recommend them very highly.
--Bruce E.Katz, M.D., Medical Director Juva Skin & Laser Center
"When we initially brought Acara on board to get us into the medical spa mainstream, we had a hard time justifying the investment at that time due to our limited startup capital. While I did see the immediate value back then of what Acara built for us, I see the value of our investment even more now that the industry is in financial uncertainty. Because we built a solid relationship with an industry mentor like Acara, and a workable business and marketing platform to begin with, it has allowed us to survive and flourish when others in our area have not.“
-- Paula Young RN, Co-owner, Young Medical Spa
"Acara was instrumental in helping us shape the foundation of our Medical Spa business. Their expertise in employee relations, sales, and MedSpa financial forecasting, has helped Amari see rapid growth."
-- S.J. Shah, Medspa Director of Operations, Amari MedSpa
"Have I told you lately how wonderful you are to work with? I’m well aware of all you have done for us, how patient you have been, and how professional you have remained. It speaks volumes of your integrity and own personal values, and we are all enriched by the privilege of working with you. From a personal standpoint, you and your team are my heroes. Thank you so very much!"
-- Rita DelVecchio, Administrator, Amomi MedSpa
“We are thrilled with the success of our event. Once again, Acara has proven that a Medical Spa can succeed even in our challenging economy.”
-- Robert T., MD, Owner & Medical Director, West Coast MedSpa
“It has been essential for us to change the way we do business with greater competition and the change in the economy. We couldn’t have accomplished this type of increase in business without Acara’s recommendation to incorporate laser lipolysis events into our marketing.”
-- Mrs. Sona H., Owner, East Coast Medical Spa
Join us online January 26th at 1:00 p.m. EST as Francis X. Acunzo presents Acara’s Top Ten Aesthetic Practice & MedSpa Business Tips for 2010 during a live Webinar. He will share his team’s insight into how these business tactics generated success for Acara’s clients.
About Acara Partners:
Acara, led by industry expert, noted speaker and blogger Francis X. Acunzo, is the leading business team in the world of Aesthetic Medicine, Spas, Medical Spas and Wellness Centers. Acara partners with spa owners, physicians, hospitals, hotels, health clubs, and investors to develop successful businesses. Acara's approach integrates their team’s expertise in business development, marketing, sales and operations to increase their client's revenue and profits. It's through Acara's experience working with over 100 companies nationwide and internationally that they are able to create business and market strategies that drive success for our clients. To learn more visit our website or visit our business blog for industry professionals.
Acara’s Top 10 Aesthetic Medical Predictions for 2010
Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara, a leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medspa consulting firm provides his insight into what’s ahead in 2010 in the world of Aesthetic Medicine and Medspas.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) January 4, 2010 – Francis X. Acunzo, CEO & Founder of Acara, a leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice and Medspa consulting firm offers his vision into what to expect in 2010 in the world of Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Spas.
2010 Predication.
1. Dysport will become a strong competitor to Botox. Dysport, Medicis’ new entry into the world of botulinum toxin, was launched in the spring of 2009 and has begun to see increased demand as market awareness grows.
2. Non-invasive body contouring will continue to grow in popularity lead by Erchonia’s Zerona.
3. Face lifts will continue to drop in demand while liquid face-lifts grow in popularity, especially with the younger market (40 -54 year olds)
4. Fat transfer, specifically for natural breast enhancement, will become sought after by women who were previously uncomfortable with implants.
5. Laser Lipolysis will continue to be one of the most in-demand medical aesthetic procedures due to its minimal downtime and great results.
6. The younger audience (24 – 40 year olds) will continue to discover aesthetic medical services for preventive aging.
7. There will be an increase in the number of men having aesthetic medical procedures starting with facial fillers and injectibles (i.e. Botox, Restylane, Radiesse, etc.)
8. The tipping point of when men and women want to have their tattoos removed will arrive and the demand will grow exponentially.
9. Facial Rejuvenation will come of age as medical practitioners perfect their skill combining aesthetic medical facial procedures for a complete Medical Makeover including the combination of fractional resurfacing, ablative resurfacing, chemical peels, photofacials, skin tightening, injectibles and facial fillers, etc.
10, What was an Extreme Makeover in 2003 when the then popular TV show hit the airwaves will now become the Everyday Makeover.
About Acara Partners:
Acara offers turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Aesthetic Medical Practice, Medical Spa, or Wellness Center. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of retail healthcare, medical spa and wellness experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com or for insight into Acara’s business savvy visit our blog at www.SpaBusinessMD.com.
Acara Rings In the New Year Celebrating its 2009 Medical Spa Business Successes
Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara, a leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medspa consulting firm celebrates Acara’s 2009 Aesthetic Medical Business Successes.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) January 1, 2010 – As we depart 2009 we reflect back on the past year and look forward to a new year of opportunity in the world of Aesthetic Medicine. At Acara we like to start off the New Year celebrating our past successes and re-energizing ourselves with the belief that we will positively impact each and every one of our 2010 clients.
Here are some of Acara’s greatest moments in 2009
- Midwest Medical Spa generates 4 times their past average monthly sales after working with Acara for 60 days
- Cosmetic Surgeon & Dermatology Practice doubles their past average monthly sales in just one night at an educational seminar planned, marketed and executed by Acara.
- Acara launched a Medical Spa that has been cash flow positive from day 1.
- Midwest Medical Spa increases monthly sales by 100% over same period previous year in just 90 days after contracting Acara to implement its Business Boosting Program.
- Northeast Aesthetic Medical Practice achieves 6 times past annual revenue from when Acara starting working to support their marketing, sales and operational efforts.
- Aesthetic Medical Practice doubles monthly sales in just 9 months with Acara implementing a marketing program, sales training and operational efficiencies.
- Acara provides marketing and business strategy to a Southeast Medical Spa increasing sales by 150% in 2009 making it one of the highest volume Medspas in the US.
“Acara has been very fortunate this past year and blessed with many successes.” states Francis X. Acunzo Acara’s CEO and Founder, who goes on to say, “I believe that the American Author Hal Borland sumed it up very nicely when he wrote, ‘Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.’ ”
The entire Acara team wishes all of our clients, friends, business associates, and loyal blog readers a prosperous and healthy 2010.
Happy New Year!
About Acara Partners:
Acara offers turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Aesthetic Medical Practice, Medical Spa, or Wellness Center. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of retail healthcare, medical spa and wellness experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com or for insight into Acara’s business savvy visit our blog at www.SpaBusinessMD.com.
BoTAX: Will Congress Harm the Self Esteem of America?
Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara, a leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medspa consulting firm speaks out against the proposed new BoTax (tax on cosmetic medical procedures) currently proposed by Congress.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) November 25, 2009 – Francis X. Acunzo and his Acara team of cosmetic medical business experts, speak out against the recently announced tax on cosmetic medical procedures. BoTax, as it has been referred to, will cause more harm than good for the health and self esteem of many Americans. Acara believes that there is a valid alternative to BoTax that would boost tax revenue while increasing the health of Americans and decreasing our health care costs.
“Over the years I have had the good fortune of owning and operating over 70 spas, medical spas and cosmetic practices nationwide. “I estimate that I have touched the lives of over 1 million men and women”, states Francis Acunzo. “Interestingly enough, it has been through cosmetic medical procedures that I’ve seen the greatest impact on people.” He goes on to say, “These procedures transform a person and oftentimes act as the catalyst leading to improved lifestyle change including weight loss, increased exercise and better nutrition -- all of which increases self esteem, confidence, and the ability to face the world with greater strength and focus.”
Additionally, many of the minimally invasive procedures such as BOTOX®, Photofacials and Laser Lipolysis are purchased by a very broad economic market. “These are not services for the rich and famous but the everyday person making a conscious decision to spend their discretionary income to look and feel better.”, states Debra Roberts, Acara’s VP of Marketing.
The Acara team thinks, “Tax cosmetic medical procedures? Why negatively impact something that helps so many American’s self esteem, confidence, and health; especially during this recession.”
“As I tell my team, don’t just state the problem bring me the solution -- so here’s our recommendation to Congress: Tax soft drinks! This will have a positive impact on our nation’s health. The level of soft drink consumption in this country is linked to the growing problem of obesity, especially childhood obesity, and morbidities caused by obesity including diabetes, heart disease, and more. This creates a burden on our healthcare system and costs Americans billions of dollars.” passionately exclaims Mr. Acunzo.
33 states already tax soft drinks at a basic rate of approximately 5.2%. Depending how a federal tax on soft drinks is designed it could potentially generate as much as $10 billion per year in tax revenue versus only the estimated $6 billion over ten years that the BoTax will generate. In addition to bringing in more tax revenue a soft drink tax would result in other benefits to the American public including: helping to reduce soft drink consumption through effectively increasing the cost to the consumer, increasing the overall health of the American public through reduced consumption and reducing the burden on the healthcare system caused by obesity and the linked morbidities.
Acunzo’s final words on the subject, “Congress, stop before you do more harm than good. Ban the BoTAX.”
About Acara Partners:
Acara offers turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Aesthetic Medical Practice, Medical Spa, or Wellness Center. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of retail healthcare, medical spa and wellness experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com or for insight into Acara’s business savvy visit our blog at www.SpaBusinessMD.com.
Acara is the Featured Speaker at Sciton Laser West Coast Summit and East Coast Events
Francis X. Acunzo and his Acara’s team of Aesthetic Medical Practice and Medspa business experts will be the featured guest speakers at Sciton’s upcoming West Coast Cosmetic Laser Summit being held in Las Vegas on November 21 & 22. The Acara team will also be presenting at two other Sciton educational events being held on the East Coast including a Sciton Dinner Presentation in Norfolk, VA on November 19th and a Sciton Summit being held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on December 5th.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) November 13, 2009 – Francis X. Acunzo and his Acara’s team of Aesthetic Medical Practice and Medspa business experts will be the featured guest speakers at Sciton’s upcoming West Coast Cosmetic Laser Summit being held in Las Vegas on November 21 & 22.
The Acara team will also be presenting at two other Sciton educational events being held on the East Coast including a Sciton Dinner Presentation in Norfolk, VA on November 19th and a Sciton Summit being held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on December 5th.
“Education is an important component of the Acara mission” states Francis Acunzo. “The team frequently speaks at national conferences, is actively published in trade magazines, conducts weekly educational webinars and hosts the leading business blog for the aesthetic medical industry.”
“You do a fabulous job with your clients and were thrilled to be working with you!” commented Steve Witt National Sales Manager for Sciton. “If you're going to run a world class seminar with 20+ prospects, you should seriously consider including Fran and his team in your meeting”
“We are pleased to be invited to present our expertise to attendees at the upcoming Sciton educational events. mentioned Deb Roberts, VP Marketing at Acara. “We consider Sciton to be one of the top laser companies in the world and their latest joule platform offers physicians the versatility and flexibility they need to compete in this economy.”
Acara is a leading aesthetic medical practice and medspa consulting firm based on the CT Shoreline. At any given time Acara supports over 25 Medical Practices and Medspas throughout the US with marketing, sales and operational programs to boost their business, taking them to breakeven, profitability or beyond.
Acara’s recent client successes include a physician owned medical spa that achieved a 500% increase over their average monthly sales. A Dermatology practice that achieved almost $60K in sales at an educational event Acara recommended, planned and supported. Collectively Acara’s clients have achieved over $1.5M in educational event sales over the past six months. Educational events are a key component to most Acara marketing programs. Acara’s greatest client success to date has been a Medical Spa where aesthetic educational seminars have become the cornerstone of the marketing program. They have tripled their sales over the past 12 months making them one of the most financially successful Medical Spas in the United States.
About Sciton
About Sciton, Inc. and the Science of Sciton
Sciton, Inc., (Palo Alto, CA) is a privately owned medical device company formed in 1997 to provide advanced lasers and light sources to the aesthetic medical markets. Sciton designs systems that are technical and performance leaders for their applications, giving physicians the highest possible value; to ensure extraordinary reliability and durability, resulting in the highest rate of productive hours; and to deliver systems that solve real problems and improve the human condition. Enlightening medical laser technology through advanced research and application of laser physics, the science driving Sciton's advanced R & D laboratories constantly delivers new solutions for medicine. Sciton is ISO 9001 certified and follows strict FDA guidelines. For more information, visit www.sciton.com.
About Acara Partners
Acara offers business solutions to physicians, owners and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Aesthetic Medical Practice, Medical Spa, or Wellness Center. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of retail healthcare, medical spa and wellness experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com or for insight into Acara’s business savvy visit our blog at www.SpaBusinessMD.com.
Over $1.5M Generated by Acara Aesthetic Medical Educational Seminars
Acara, the leading US Aesthetic Medical Practice & Medspa consulting firm has generated over $1.5M in educational event sales for its clients during the past six months.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) November 11, 2009 – Acara, a leading aesthetic medical consulting firm has implemented aesthetic educational events for its clients generating over $1.5M in sales over the past six months. At any given time Acara is supporting over 25 Medical Practices and Medspas throughout the US with marketing, sales and operational programs to boost their business, taking them to breakeven, profitability or beyond.
Educational events are a key element to Acara’s marketing strategies that drive client success. These events create market excitement, provide a sense of urgency, foster teamwork and focus management on the planning process necessary for a great marketing program.
Acara’s recent client successes include a physician owned medical spa that achieved over $20K in event sales during their very first educational seminar with monthly sales 500% greater than their average. A Dermatology practice achieved almost $60K in event sales for their first seminar with monthly sales exceeding their average by almost 300%.
Acara’s greatest client success to date has been a Medical Spa where aesthetic educational seminars have become the cornerstone of the marketing program. They have tripled their sales over the past 12 months making them one of the most financially successful Medical Spas in the United States.
“It has been essential for us to change the way we do business with more competition and the change in the economy. We couldn’t have accomplished this type of increase in business without Acara’s recommendation to incorporate laser lipolysis events into our marketing program.” states Mrs. Sona H., Medical Spa Owner and Acara client
“Our client success, even in this downturn economy, proves that efficient management and effective marketing implemented consistently increases sales for Aesthetic Medical businesses”. comments Francis X. Acunzo, CEO & Founder of Acara, “The most successful Medical Practices and Medspas that utilize educational events understand that events are not the sole marketing strategy, but a critical tactic to the success of an overall marketing program.”
Acara offers a Business Boosting Program that focuses on a three pronged marketing, sales and operations approach to increase Medical Spa or Aesthetic Medical Practice sales and profits. It is through Acara’s experience working with over 100 Medspas and Aesthetic Medical Practices that it has created these successful business strategies. Acara’s Business Boosting Program:
-
Implements a marketing plan to drive leads
-
Builds a sales system to capture and convert leads to clients
-
Insures the operation runs efficiently and effectively with a focus on quality clinical procedures and customer service to build repeat and referral business.
About Acara Partners:
Acara offers turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Aesthetic Medical Practice, Medical Spa, or Wellness Center. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of retail healthcare, medical spa and wellness experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com or for insight into Acara’s business savvy visit our blog at www.SpaBusinessMD.com.
20,000 Visits to SpaBusinessMD.com, Leading Cosmetic Medical Practice & MedSpa Business Resource
This week marked the 20,000th visit to SpaBusinessMD. This leading business resource for Cosmetic Medical Practices and Medical Spas provides business insight, expertise and knowledge from Francis X. Acunzo, Acara’s CEO and Founder along with his team of business experts.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) November 9, 2009 – 20,000 visits have occurred since the inception of the business blog, SpaBusinessMD.com which was launched just over one year ago. This cosmetic medical business resource for physicians, owners, and operators provides knowledge and expertise on a variety of development, management and marketing topics.
“I started this blog hoping that Acara’s clients and business associates would have a resource to help them with their cosmetic medical businesses. comments Francis X. Acunzo, CEO & Founder of Acara Partners, “I never anticipated that it would become a resource so heavily relied upon by so many industry professionals.”
An important element of Acara’s mission is education and training in the cosmetic medical and medical spa industries. “Throughout my career I have helped build the medical spa and cosmetic medical industries by supporting education and training. Over the past 5 years cosmetic medicine has rapidly expanded making it more critical that all industry professionals have access to quality business education and training.” adds Mr. Acunzo.
In its continued commitment to education within the Medical Spa industry Acara also offers an extensive series of Webinars. The topics include management, marketing, sales, and business strategy. These are held weekly, every Tuesday, at 12:00 p.m. EST or 9:00 a.m. PST.
About Acara Partners:
Acara offers turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Cosmetic Practice, Medical Spa, or Wellness Center. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com.
Medical Spa Industry Expert Presents Opening a Successful MedSpa and the Recession
Entrepreneurs, Hospitals, and Physicians all want to know how to open a successful MedSpa during the recession. Francis X. Acunzo, Medical Spa Business Expert will address this topic during his upcoming Acara Webinar on Tuesday February 24th.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) February 20, 2009 – On Tuesday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m. EST, Acara is hosting the webinar, How to Open a Successful Medical Spa presented by Medical Spa industry expert, Francis X. Acunzo. As a special feature, to this Webinar, he will discuss the recession and its impact on launching a MedSpa or Aesthetic Cosmetic Practice.
“Most people don’t’ know that Trader Joe's, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, Disney and 16 of the 30 companies that make up the Dow Industrial Average were all started during a recession or depression.” states Francis X. Acunzo, “Every week, I am asked, ‘should I open a Medical Spa now, in the middle of this recession?’ My research shows that many successful businesses launched during recessions. In addition, there might be some advantages that I will discuss during this upcoming Webinar”
Mr. Acunzo will also touch on the “Four Cs”: concept, credibility, collateral and credit that you need to finance a project during a tight credit environment. In addition, he will review Acara’s development steps to opening and launching a successful MedSpa or Aesthetic Practice.
This Webinar is for anyone currently developing or contemplating opening a Medical Spa or Aesthetic Practice, now or in the near future. Registration is complimentary and Opening a Successful MedSpa webinar is being held Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. PST and 1:00 p.m. EST.
For companies seeking to tap into Acara’s expertise and knowledge you can go to their blog which is a business resource for MedSpa owners and operators, visit their website to learn how they can support you in developing, managing or marketing your spa or aesthetic business or attend their weekly complimentary Medical Spa business webinars.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com.
Spring Lineup of Medical Spa Webinars for MedSpa Professionals by Acara
Acara, the leading business team in the Med Spa industry announces its Q2 2009 Webinar Series featuring industry experts Francis X. Acunzo, Debra Roberts and Sandi Unkrur. Register for any of the weekly complimentary webinars, and learn how Acara’s Team of medical spa business experts strategize and implement Medspa development, management, marketing, and sales.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) April 20, 2009 – Acara, the leading business team in the Medical Spa industry announced today its spring 2009 complimentary Webinar series for MedSpa industry professionals. Many of these Webinars are back by popular demand and include topics on development, management, marketing and sales. They offer insight into how Acara’s Team of Medspa business experts strategize and implement successful Med Spa programs.
If you are a Medical Spa Owner or Operator seeking to develop a medical spa or boost your current medical spa’s business then you cannot miss these upcoming complimentary Med Spa Business Webinars.
“Over 1,500 Medical Spa professionals have signed up for our webinars since the program’s inception. It is exciting to know we are able to reach so many with insightful education to help build the industry’s success. This quarter we are including presentations on designing, branding, marketing, internet and turnaround strategies.” states Mr. Acunzo, Founder & CEO of Acara Partners. “Education is critical during economic times like ours where it is essential to be able to act swiftly and accurately with your business decisions. Our online training offers so many the opportunity to increase their knowledge by tapping the Acara team’s years of experience”.
WEBINARS: Register Here
INTERNET MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR MEDSPAS & AESTHETIC PRACTICES
Tuesday, April 21 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Deborah Roberts, Internet Marketing Strategist and MedSpa Expert will share with you her knowledge and experience leveraging the internet to build Medical Spa and Aesthetic Medical Practices.
DIAL ACARA 911 FOR MEDSPA RESUCITATION
Tuesday, April 28 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Many Medical Spas are not achieving profitability due to many possible reasons: too much competition, not enough consumer density, poor location or possibly the poor economy. Join the leading industry expert on MedSpa turnarounds, Francis X. Acunzo as he shares his expertise and knowledge of what to do when your MedSpa needs resuscitation.
This webinar will include helpful insight into how to get to the root of the problem and what tactics to implement to bring your business back to a healthy state of existence.
9 STEPS TO DEVELOPING A MEDSPA MARKETING PLAN
Tuesday, May 12 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
You cannot risk your business to fate, you must plan your destiny. Join MedSpa Marketing Guru, Debra Roberts as she takes you through Acara’s basic 9 steps to developing your Marketing Plan.
Debra will put you on the path of success with a solid plan in hand. This is a process filled webinar where you will learn a structure in which to construct your Marketing Plan. For lead generating tactics to populate your plan with join Debra or Francis X. Acunzo on their many other webinars.
OPENING A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL SPA
Tuesday, May 19 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
There is no better time to be considering a medical spa development. If you start today, you should hopefully be opening your doors on the back end of the current recession. Join one of the industry’s top leaders, Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara MedSpas. He will present Acara’s approach to developing and opening a successful medical spa.
Mr. Acunzo has operated 50 Medical Spas and owned and operated more than 30 Day Spas. This webinar walks you through the critical path that Acara follows when we open a medical spa.
For a 1-on-1 presentation of this webinar please contact Sandi Unkrur, Acara’s Directxor of Business Development at sunkrur@acaramedspas.com.
INCREASE MEDSPA SALES WITH ACARA’S SALES SYSTEM
Tuesday, May 26 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Join industry expert Francis Acunzo, as he takes you through Acara’s 5 step selling process, from start to close; and gives you tips on how to reach and exceed your sales goals. Learn how to greet, identify prospect's real needs, overcome objections, build long-lasting client relationships; plus follow up, cross selling, up-selling and more.
Mr. Acunzo will be joined by Sandi Unkrur, Acara’s MedSpa Sales Guru.
Attendees may request a Complimentary consultation with Medical Spa Industry Expert: Francis Acunzo.
BRAND STRATEGY: MISSION CRITICAL TO MEDSPA SUCCESS IN A DOWNTURN ECONOMY
Tuesday, June 2 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Discover the secrets of success through branding your business. Acara’s Vice-president of Marketing, Debra Roberts will define branding for the small business owner and present the important components of successful brands.
Debra will also discuss the importance of a great name and logo and, more importantly, how your identity must transcend your name and touch the emotions of your audience.
TOP 10 REASONS MEDICAL SPAS SUCCEED
Tuesday, June 9 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
What creates success? How can you insure success at your Medical Spa? Join Medical Spa Business Expert Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara MedSpas as he discusses the top 10 reasons he and his team have witnessed why Medical Spas succeed. Mr. Acunzo speaks to numerous medical spa owners each week, many of whom are experiencing great success. Based upon review of hundreds of medical spas nationwide, learn how to insure success at your Medical Spa
MEDICAL SPA PROFIT BUILDERS
Tuesday, June 16 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Want to build a stronger bottom line? Join Industry leader, Francis X. Acunzo, as he presents mission-critical business information for successful medical spas. Learn about the top medical spa profit building strategies and how to implement them. This complimentary presentation is jam packed with insider knowledge from one of the industry's top business professionals.
Attendees may request a complimentary consultation with Medical Spa industry expert: Francis X. Acunzo.
MEDSPA EVENTS THAT GENERATE $35K OR MORE
Tuesday, June 231:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Join Acara’s CEO, Francis Acunzo and Sales Guru Sandi Unkrur, as they share how Acara has achieved unprecedented sales success at Smartlipo events. In the past 6 months, Acara's clients have held onsite Smartlipo seminars where the Acara team planned, promoted and executed the event generating over $40K in sales in a single evening!
Mr. Acunzo will demonstrate how, with an effective promotions plan, efficient advertising and solid execution, a Medical Spa can succeed even in this challenging economy. Learn how your MedSpa can succeed and achieve record results.
Attendees may request a Complimentary Consultation with Medical Spa Industry Expert, Francis Acunzo.
MEDSPA MARKETING ESSENTIALS
Tuesday, June 30 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
A tough economy is no time to be testing and experimenting with your marketing program. Join MedSpa marketing expert, Debra Roberts who will share with you Acara’s tried and true methods for promoting your business.
This 40 minute webinar will present Acara’s top marketing tactics that most Medical Spas should implement.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com
10,000 Visits to SpaBusinessMD.com, Leading Medical Spa Business Resource
This week marked the 10,000th visit to SpaBusinessMD. This leading business resource for Medical Spa owners, operators and physicians provides Medspa business insight, expertise and knowledge from Francis X. Acunzo, Acara’s CEO and Founder along with his team of MedSpa experts.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) February 28, 2009 – 10,000 visits have occurred since the inception of the Acara Medical Spa business blog, SpaBusinessMD.com which was launched just six months ago. This Medspa business resource for physicians, owners, and operators provides knowledge and expertise on a variety of development, management and marketing topics.
“When I started this blog I thought it would be a nice added benefit for Acara's clients and business associates to hear more about our thoughts on the Medical Spa Industry and how we view the business of MedSpa., comments Francis X. Acunzo, CEO & Founder of Acara Partners, “I never anticipated that we would actually reach thousands of industry professionals in such a short period of time.”
The Acara team is proud that it is able to support the industry and the professionals seeking knowledge and information about the business of MedSpas.
“I thank all of you for your active visitation to SpaBusinessMD and encourage you to continue as we post our thoughts and comments on the Medical Spa Industry each week.” adds Mr. Acunzo.
In its continued commitment to education within the Medical Spa industry Acara also offers an extensive series of Webinars. The topics include management, marketing, sales, and business strategy. These are held weekly, every Tuesday, at 1:00 p.m. EST or 10:00 a.m. PST.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com .
20 MedSpa Professionals Gain Insight into MedSpa Business Turnaround Tactics
Francis X. Acunzo, Medical Spa Industry Expert and CEO of Acara Medspa Consulting Group, presented a Webinar this week identifying Acara’s top business turnaround tactics. 20 MedSpa Professionals from across the nation joined him for this event.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) January 29, 2009 – 20 Top MedSpa owners, operators and managers this week attended Acara’s Webinar “Dial 911 Acara for MedSpa Resuscitation. The highlight of this Webinar was the insight Francis X. Acunzo, Acara’s CEO and Industry Expert offered about MedSpa business turnaround.
“Over the past 20 years I have had extensive experience turning around underperforming or failing companies providing me great experience with the tactics necessary to affect change and impact the bottom line of a Medical Spa business.” states Francis X. Acunzo, Acara’s CEO.
The top 7 turnaround tactics discussed during the webinar were:
1. Cost Reduction
2. Cash Conservation
3. Acquiring New Clients
4. Keeping Existing Clients
5. Implementing a Sales System
6. Hiring Professionals
7. Empowering Your Team
Many of Acara’s clients have reaped the benefits of the structure the Acara team brings to the process with the right dose of analysis, planning and implementation of turnaround tactics. “There is no silver bullet when doing a turnaround, it is the consistent implementation of the operational and marketing turnaround tactics identified during our analysis that will resuscitate a business back to health.” comments Brenda Palumbo, Acara’s VP of Operations.
Mr. Acunzo if available for consultations to discuss how Acara can support MedSpa owners and operators to improve their company performance.
For companies seeking more insight into Acara’s expertise and knowledge you can visit their blog www.spabusinessmd.com which is a business resource for MedSpa owners and operators or attend one of their complimentary Webinars.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com .
The Medical Spa World is dialing 9 1 1 Acara for MedSpa Resuscitation
As the economy worsens there is a growing number of Medical Spas losing money. Acara, is offering a complimentary webinar on January 27th focused on MedSpa business turnaround.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) January 20, 2008 – There has been an increase in the growing number of Medical Spas that continue to lose money, whether it is due to the economy or not, and many are reaching out to industry consultants with a 9 1 1 call looking to resuscitate their business.
Acara with its extensive turnaround experience has responded to this growing demand by developing a turnaround package available to Medical Spa’s nationwide.
The Acara team is well suited to identify the root of the problem and develop a turnaround plan. One of many examples include, Acara taking a medical spa from $25K per month up to $75K +.
“One of the main reasons I want to promote this program is that I see 70-80% of MedSpas that are in financial trouble wait until it is potentially too late for anyone to save their business." states Francis X. Acunzo, Acara CEO and Turnaround Strategist. “In order to execute a proper turnaround plan you need to invest money. There is the cost of professional fees, marketing expenses and from time-to-time operational costs (i.e. restaffing, etc). Acara’s MedSpa turnaround plans often include market re-positioning, website upgrades, staff re-engineering, sales training, management training, new service & product implementation.” Mr. Acunzo explains, “It is too bad that oftentimes we receive 9 1 1 calls from businesses for help and it is too late. They have no working capital, collateral or credit remaining to invest the money into a turnaround plan.”
Acara believes, that if you think you are in need of help don’t wait until it’s too late to resuscitate, do it now. A good start may be attending Acara’s upcoming Webinar, Dial Acara 9 1 1 for MedSpa Resuscitation being held on Tuesday, January 27th at 1:00 p.m. EDT and presented by Francis X. Acunzo.
For companies seeking to tap into Acara’s expertise and knowledge without the expense you can go to their blog www.spabusinessmd.com which is a business resource for MedSpa owners and operators or attend one of their upcoming complimentary Medical Spa business Webinars.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com
Acara Announces its Q1 2009 Complimentary Medical Spa Webinar Series
Acara, the leading business team in the Med Spa industry announces its upcoming Q1 2009 Webinar Series featuring industry experts Francis X. Acunzo, Debra Roberts and Sandi Unkrur. Register for any of the eleven complimentary webinars, and learn how the Acara Team of top medical spa business leaders strategize and implement Medspa development, management, marketing, and sales.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) January 16, 2009 – Acara, the leading business team in the Medical Spa industry announced today its Q1 2009 complimentary Webinars for MedSpa industry professionals. Many of these Webinars are back by popular demand and include topics on development, management, marketing and sales. They offer insight into how Acara’s Team of Medspa business experts strategize and implement successful Med Spa programs.
If you are a Medical Spa Owner or Operator seeking to develop a medical spa or increase your current medical spa’s revenue and profit then you cannot miss these upcoming complimentary Med Spa Business Webinars.
“We are very excited to add 5 new webinars to our Winter Webinar lineup. Including presentations on branding, marketing, new service trends and turnaround strategies.” states Mr. Acunzo, Founder & CEO of Acara Partners. “Education is critical during economic times like ours where it is essential to be able to act swiftly and accurately in your business decisions. I believe that our online training offers many worldwide industry professionals the opportunity to tap the Acara team’s years of experience and knowledge and help them become better Medical Spa leaders”.
WEBINARS: Register Here
Recession proof your medical spa
Tuesday, January 20 1:00 pm – 2:00 p.m. EDT
Based upon a popular article posted on Francis X. Acunzo's Blog, SpaBusinessMD this webinar discusses the difficult times that we are doing business in and how navigating the water is becoming more challenging. Join one of the industry's top leaders, Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara Partners for this complimentary webinar on conducting business during a Recession. Mr. Acunzo, who has weathered several recessions in the spa and retail healthcare industries, shares his wisdom and insight into managing your business for success during a downturn economy.
He will review his 7 top action items to boost your business: 1) Staying Competitive: Market Differentiation; 2) Operational Efficiency; 3) Exceeding Service Expectations; 4) Staying on Trend; 5) Cost Effective Lead Generation; 6) Building Strong Relationships; and 7) Implementing a Plan
DIAL ACARA 911 FOR MEDSPA RESUCITATION
Tuesday, January 27 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Many Medical Spas are not achieving profitability due to many possible reasons: too much competition, not enough consumer density, poor location or possibly the poor economy. Join the leading industry expert on MedSpa turnarounds, Francis X. Acunzo as he shares his expertise and knowledge of what to do when your MedSpa needs resuscitation.
This webinar will include helpful insight into how to get to the root of the problem and what tactics to implement to bring your business back to a healthy state of existence.
TOP 10 REASONS MEDICAL SPAS SUCCEED
Tuesday, February 3 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Many Medical Spas are not achieving profitability due to many possible reasons: too much competition, not enough consumer density, poor location or possibly the poor economy. Join the leading industry expert on MedSpa turnarounds, Francis X. Acunzo as he shares his expertise and knowledge of what to do when your MedSpa needs resuscitation.
This webinar will include helpful insight into how to get to the root of the problem and what tactics to implement to bring your business back to a healthy state of existance.
FXA’s TOP MEDSPA SERVICE PICKS FOR 2009
Tuesday, February 10 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Every year there are a myriad of new services that are presented by the industry technology and product companies. How do you know which ones will be in demand by the MedSpa consumer.
Join MedSpa industry expert, Francis X. Acunzo, Acara’s CEO as he identifies his top picks for new products and services available to MedSpa owners. In addition, he will be discussing consumer trends that will impact MedSpa sales in 2009.
9 STEPS TO DEVELOPING A MEDSPA MARKETING PLAN
Tuesday, February 17 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
You cannot risk your business to fate, you must plan your destiny. Join MedSpa Marketing Guru, Debra Roberts as she takes you through Acara’s basic 9 steps to developing your Marketing Plan.
Debra will put you on the path of success with a solid plan in hand. This is a process filled webinar where you will learn a structure in which to construct your Marketing Plan. For lead generating tactics to populate your plan with join Debra or Francis X. Acunzo on their many other webinars.
OPENING A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL SPA
Tuesday, February 24 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
There is no better time to be considering a medical spa development. If you start today, you should hopefully be opening your doors on the back end of the current recession. Join one of the industry’s top leaders, Francis X. Acunzo, CEO and Founder of Acara MedSpas. He will present Acara’s approach to developing and opening a successful medical spa.
Mr. Acunzo has operated 50 Medical Spas and owned and operated more than 30 Day Spas. This webinar walks you through the critical path that Acara follows when we open a medical spa.
For a 1-on-1 presentation of this webinar please contact Barbara Murphy-Shannon, Acara’s VP Business Development at bmurphyshannon@acaramedspas.com.
INCREASE MEDSPA REVENUE WITH ACARA’S SALES SYSTEM
Tuesday, March 3 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Join industry expert Francis Acunzo, as he takes you through Acara’s 5 step selling process, from start to close; and gives you tips on how to reach and exceed your sales goals. Learn how to greet, identify prospect's real needs, overcome objections, build long-lasting client relationships; plus follow up, cross selling, up-selling and more.
Attendees may request a Complimentary consultation with Medical Spa Industry Expert: Francis Acunzo.
BRAND STRATEGY: MISSION CRITICAL TO MEDSPA SUCCESS IN A DOWNTURN ECONOMY
Tuesday, March 10 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Discover the secrets of success through branding your business. Acara’s Vice-president of Marketing, Debra Roberts will define branding for the small business owner and present the important components of successful brands.
Debra will also discuss the importance of a great name and logo and, more importantly, how your identity must transcend your name and touch the emotions of your audience.
MEDSPA EVENTS THAT GENERATE $25K OR MORE
Tuesday, March 17 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Join Acara’s CEO, Francis Acunzo and Sales Guru Sandi Unkrur, as they share how Acara has achieved unprecedented sales success at Smartlipo events. In the past 6 months, Acara's clients have held onsite Smartlipo seminars where the Acara team planned, promoted and executed the event generating over $40K in sales in a single evening!
Mr. Acunzo will demonstrate how, with an effective promotions plan, efficient advertising and solid execution, a Medical Spa can succeed even in this challenging economy. Learn how your MedSpa can succeed and achieve record results.
Attendees may request a Complimentary Consultation with Medical Spa Industry Expert, Francis Acunzo.
MEDICAL SPA PROFIT BUILDERS
Tuesday, March 24 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
Want to build a stronger bottom line? Join Industry leader, Francis X. Acunzo, as he presents mission-critical business information for successful medical spas. Learn about the top medical spa profit building strategies and how to implement them. This complimentary presentation is jam packed with insider knowledge from one of the industry's top business professionals.
Attendees may request a complimentary consultation with Medical Spa industry expert: Francis X. Acunzo.
MEDSPA MARKETING ESSENTIALS
Tuesday, March 31 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
A tough economy is no time to be testing and experimenting with your marketing program. Join MedSpa marketing expert, Debra Roberts who will share with you Acara’s tried and true methods for promoting your business.
This 40 minute webinar will present Acara’s top marketing tactics that most Medical Spas should implement.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com
Acara, Spa Consulting Group, Announces MedSpa Business Boosting and Turnaround Programs
Acara MedSpa consulting group has great success working with Medical Spas and Aesthetic Practices in need of increasing their top and bottom line results with their Business Boosting and Turnaround Programs.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) November 24, 2008 – As the economy grows more troubled there are many Med Spas seeking expert advice to help boost their business or implement a complete turnaround.
“The Medical Spa Industry is nicely positioned to weather this economic storm. There is tremendous market expansion occurring and MedSpas that are implementing an effective and efficient marketing program combined with solid management continue to succeed.”, states Francis X. Acunzo, CEO of Acara.
Acara recently announced its plan to focus its efforts on working with Medical Spas seeking to take their business to the next level with the Acara Business Boosting Program or Medical Spas needing to resuscitate their business with an Acara Turnaround Plan.
Acara has had great success with their programs evidenced by the comments of two of its recent clients. "Within 45 days sales increased by over 40% taking Wellquest Medical Spa to profitability.” remarked Steve Swift, President of Wellquest Medical Spa and Clinic. "Acara was instrumental in helping us shape the foundation of our Medical Spa business. Their expertise in employee relations, sales, and MedSpa financial forecasting, has helped Amari see rapid growth." says S.J. Shah, Medspa Director of Operations at Amari Medical Spa & Weight Loss Experts.
Both the Business Boosting and Turnaround programs include an in-depth analysis of the location’s marketing program, sales, operations and financial position. According to Brenda Palumbo, Acara’s Vice-president of Operations and Development, “This due diligence typically leads to “High Impact Action Items” which are the quick-hit solutions often found during the initial review. The High Impact Action Items, more often than not, include revenue building marketing initiatives, staff reengineering and training plus cost-saving reduction of unnecessary expenses.”
“We see the greatest success when the Medical Spa’s ownership, management and the entire team embrace change and implement the plans identified through thru the analysis under our direction.” states Francis Acunzo.
For companies seeking to tap into Acara’s expertise and knowledge without the expense you can go to their blog www.spabusinessmd.com which is a business resource for MedSpa owners and operators or attend one of their complimentary Webinars.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, Wellness Center, Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acarapartners.com .
New Medical Spa Business Blog, SpaBusinessMD.com, Goes Live.
Acara CEO, Francis X. Acunzo announces the launch of SpaBusinessMD.com an online business resource for the Med Spa industry. This Medical Spa business resource for owners, operators, physcians and investors features management and marketing advice, industry news and education.
Branford, CT (PRWEB) July 27, 2008 -- A new blog debuted this month to help those who are developing or managing a medical spa or aesthetic practice in today's turbulent economic times.
SpaBusinessMD.com is a Medical Spa business blog focused on providing expert advice and resources for owners, operators, physicians and investors. Featuring Med Spa industry expert, Francis X. Acunzo, this business blog serves as a central hub for collaboration, industry news, practical advice, and rich content on financing, Med Spa marketing, business strategies and effective operations.
"I'm thrilled to be able to provide an online business resource where people can gain insight, share experiences and keep abreast of Medical Spa industry happenings and educational events," said Mr. Acunzo, Founder & CEO of Acara Partners. "I have incredible faith in the industry and believe most Med Spas can succeed with the right dose of consistency in operations and well executed marketing."
SpaBusinessMD.com will also feature access to educational webinars, including the very timely session, 'Recession Proof your Medical Spa' and 'Top 10 Reasons Why Med Spas Succeed'. Registration for the webinars is available at the Medical Spa business blog SpaBusinessMD.com.
About Acara Partners:
Acara is the business team for the spa industry offering turnkey solutions to owners, operators, physicians and investors seeking to develop, manage and market their Spa, Medical Spa, or Cosmetic or Aesthetic Practice. Acara is led by industry leader Francis X. Acunzo and his team of expert consultants with over 25 years of spa, med spa and retail healthcare experience. To learn more visit: www.acaramedspas.com
Demand for US Med Spa Concept Brings Acara to UK
ACARA’s Medical Spa Team is selected to develop Plastic Surgeons’ Med Spa in London
Branford, CT, February 2008, -- Acara MedSpas www.acaramedspas.com announced that they have been contracted by two London plastic surgeons to develop the concept for their new medical spa. Acara sees rapid med spa growth in the UK and Europe in 2008-09 due to interfacing with more and more physicians from these regions at US tradeshows and as well as through increased interest by international research firms.
“We are very thrilled to be working abroad. The opportunity to develop a medical spa for two top plastic surgeons is exciting. The London market is ready for the spa experience that is a signature of an Acara developed Med Spa,”states Francis X. Acunzo, CEO. Acunzo is a 25-year veteran in the spa and hospitality industry and was one of the first innovators to put cosmetic laser equipment in a spa setting in the early 90’s. He has developed, owned or operated over 75 spas and medical spas in the U.S.
This will be the 19th medical spa that Acara has been hired to work on in the past 18 months. Acara’s development projects include everything from business plan and financial pro forma to site selection and design as well as competitive analysis, medical protocols, standard operating procedures, plus branding and marketing. “We can take a project from concept all the way to opening the doors.” states Barbara Murphy-Shannon, Vice President of Business Development for Acara.
“The big difference for most physicians is that this is a cash-based practice. Patients are paying out of pocket because the cosmetic procedures at medical spas are not covered by health insurance or a national healthcare program. The result is that this business model requires a different mindset. You’ve got to attract clients, give them the ultimate experience while providing the most effective, results oriented treatments.” says Acunzo.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS) there were nearly 11.5 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2006. Surgical procedures accounted for nearly 17% of the total, with non-surgical procedures making up 83%. Acara anticipates this growth to be mirrored in the UK and Europe as consumers demand to look as young as they feel.
How to Win in the Competitive Med Spa World
Acunzo to Speak at the Medical Aesthetics Conference
Branford, CT, February 2008 -- Acara MedSpas www.acaramedspas.com announced that med spa industry expert, Francis X. Acunzo, CEO of Acara MedSpas will deliver 2 speeches and host one-on-one conferences at the networking roundtable at the Medical Aesthetics Conference which runs from Sunday, February 24 – 25, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA.
“I am honored to be speaking again at the Medical Aesthetic Conference, and to share my expertise with medical directors and business owners of med spas.”, CEO. Acunzo is a 25-year veteran in the spa and hospitality industry and one of the first innovators to put cosmetic laser equipment in a spa setting in the early 90’s.
The Medical Aesthetics Conference, in conjunction with the Spa & Resort Expo, is one of the longest running industry venues for both medical and spa professionals. It boasts top notch education, as well as an exhibit floor filled with the latest in technology, products and services. And Acunzo should know, he has developed, owned or operated over 75 spas and medical spas in the U.S.
Acunzo is the speaker at the following sessions:
Staying on Trend: How to Identify & Integrate the Latest Medical Spa Services that Drive Profit
Sunday, February 24 at 10:00 AM-10:45 AM
It is critical to keep your medical spa’s service program updated and on trend. But it is so easy to fall into the trap of over buying equipment or introducing “fad” services. Industry expert Francis Acunzo, will discuss how to identify and integrate on-trend medical spa services into your business in order to build revenue and drive your bottom line. (MEDMGMT02)
How to Win in the Competitive Medical Spa World
Sunday, February 24 at 1:45 PM-2:30 PM
Industry leader Francis Acunzo will review the increasingly competitive environment providing insight into the direct and indirect competitors that compete for market share within the world of cosmetic retail healthcare. In addition, he will identify effective strategies to beat out the competition to maintain and grow your business. (MEDMGMT05)
Industry Professional Networking / Roundtable Event (Open To All Conferees)
Sunday, February 24 at 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Come and join the top industry experts, including Francis Acunzo, in this innovative first of its kind networking event; where the industry experts are available for one-on-one consultations with you to answer your most burning questions. Don’t miss this event, be in on the ground floor of the support groups of the future. (IP)
Those interested in attending the Medical Aesthetics Conference should visit www.MedAestheticsConference.com
Interior Motives
When it comes to running a successful medical spa, don't underestimate the power of design.
January 2008
In business, it is often stated that to launch a new venture, you need three key ingredients: demand in the marketplace, skilled management, and capital. But when it comes to the world of medical spas, this three-variable formula is missing an element that is critical to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of a medical spa: great design that successfully communicates a vision, mission, and concept. We often focus on our websites, advertisements, and printed collateral and lose sight of our most visual and experiential marketing asset—architecture and interior design.
Foregoing the utilitarian approach to design typically associated with a medical facility, you build expectations in the marketplace that must be met when you use the term "medical spa" to describe your business. Failing to meet those expectations can cause you to falter. Be sure to focus on the impact the facility will have on all five senses. Attention to detail is imperative in successfully turning a medical facility into a world-class medical spa. People often attempt to do this without the right professionals or with no professionals at all. When seeking an architect or interior designer, verify his or her experience in designing medical spa facilities. Great medical spas have one thing in common—their design is effective, efficient, and impactful.
BEGIN WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION
Effectiveness is the foundation of any design. When developing a medical spa, you need to forecast your sales to determine the size of your facility and create an architectural plan. For example, if you want a room for laser hair removal, then the space must be designed with the correct dimensions, systems (i.e. appropriate HVAC, electrical, and plumbing), and other operational support elements, such as storage and counter space.
The effectiveness of the design should be seen in all areas of a medical spa including the waiting area, front desk/reception area, treatment rooms, offices, staff/laundry facilities, and bathrooms. If there are issues with the design's effectiveness, you will constantly feel compromised in your ability to service your clients at maximum levels. Once the space has been designed, it is usually costly to fix later. Take the time to do the research, hire professionals, and speak to other medical spa owners and operators to help determine how you can make the space within your medical spa most effective.
KEEP THINGS RUNNING EFFICIENTLY
In order to run a sustainable medical spa business, it is important, as with any business, to be profitable and receive a certain level of return on investment. There are two areas of efficiency that you need to look at when designing a medical spa: the efficiency of the initial investment in the build-out of the space and the efficiency of the space to generate the highest level of revenue per square foot (minimally $500 annually per square foot) with the least amount of expenditure, thus maximizing operational profit. First, the initial investment in the interior of a medical spa should be based upon your concept which, in turn, must be aligned with the market in which you're doing business. If your mission identifies the high-end consumer as your customer, then the interior of your medical spa needs to be aligned with the market, and the investment will be reflective of that axiom. In turn, the price of your services need to also align with your market, thus providing the ability to still receive a solid return on the initial investment. Keep in mind that your medical spa will cost anywhere from $75 per square foot up to $300 per square foot, depending upon your geographic area and quality of materials.
Second, you can maximize your space to produce the highest level of profit by being efficient about the use of the space. Large spaces don't always translate to luxury or high-end facilities. An oversized treatment room can actually be disconcerting to a client, causing a feeling of exposure and insecurity. The best rule of thumb is to design each treatment area and support space, such as halls, waiting areas, and offices, as compact in dimension as possible while still providing the highest level of service. (A laser treatment room typically is no larger than 9 by 12 feet.) This can only be accomplished by hiring an experienced architect/designer who has worked on numerous spas and medical spas or by bringing in an experienced industry expert. For the overall size of your medical spa, the best rule of thumb is to start small and expand or eventually move to a larger space if needed.
MAKE AN IMPACT
Your medical spa design needs to be able to fully communicate the message of your vision, mission, and concept. This impact is found in the details of the design. The moment a client walks into a medical spa, there needs to be a "sense of arrival," which sets the stage for the entire client experience. For example, if you are seeking an environment that is clinical and credible, that has to be communicated in the design, especially within the reception area of your medical spa. Some basic elements of impactful design for medical spas include the following:
Lighting should be bright enough to give a clean look to the various client areas but soft enough to be comfortable. Use direct lighting to add impact and drama to your spa. Avoid fluorescent lights whenever possible because they are not visually appealing.
Waiting areas should be private and cozy so that clients can wait for or recuperate from their treatments comfortably. Make sure that the area has a refreshment bar either built in or as a piece of furniture that has been incorporated into the room.
Treatment rooms should be medical in feeling but not overly clinical. Use warm colors to accomplish this, and be careful with accessories such as vases, table sculptures, and more in treatment rooms. They tend to be distracting and reduce the level of professionalism.
The retail area should be adjacent and open to the front desk/reception area with sufficient shelving and lighting to display all of the products needed to support a medical spa. There should be both wall shelving and freestanding units. Only minimal seating should be made available in the reception/retail area to ensure clients will browse the merchandise.
Design a private room for consultation. The room should feel comfortable with minimum seating for three people and a flat-screen television to show treatment videos.
When launching or redesigning a medical spa, you are confronted with a long list of decisions, many of which can be changed or adjusted down the road. But when it comes to the interior design of your medical spa, it is almost impossible to make changes once you have opened your doors. The disruption and cost to the business would be prohibitive. Take your time, work with professionals, and invest your money wisely then just sit back and enjoy the success of a well-laid plan. —Francis X. Acunzo and Pia Prevost
Growing Medical Spa Profits
Francis Acunzo, founder and CEO of Acara Medspas, offers solutions for weeding out profit busters.
May 2007
The proliferation of medical spas opening their doors nationwide has everyone from entrepreneurs to physicians seeking to take advantage of this developing segment of the industry. But one of the major disadvantages of opening a medical spa is that, because it is a relatively new business model, there are very few comparable locations with enough history to benchmark.
Acara MedSpas refers to the pitfalls of the medical spa industry as "profit busters." There is a short list of profit busters that keep a medical spa from bottom line success, assuming it is in a good location with strong visibility and accessibility. Here, we take a look at each profit buster, along with an action plan to start your business on the path to profitability or help get it back on track.
1. HUGE MARKETING BUDGET
So often, medical spa owners throw money into marketing to increase or maintain sales volume. For spas that have been open more than 18 months, budgets should not exceed 10 percent of gross revenue. This quickly erodes profits. Unfortunately, we have all too often seen marketing budgets upwards of 30 percent.
2. INCORRECT MARKETING
It is essential to align your marketing with your audience in order to reach your target market in a cost-effective manner. Think in terms of quality versus quantity. The best marketing is your reputation and quality of service. Market your medical spa first and foremost with R&R—not rest and relaxation, but repeat and referral. Leverage the power of the internet with a robust website combined with e-newsletters and email marketing. It is critical to capture every email address, with approval, for all leads and clients. Be sure to incorporate public relations to balance and get the most from your budget.
3. NONEXISTENT SERVICE CULTURE
A medical spa provides medical services within a spa environment. Traditionally, the medical world does not focus on customer service but more on patient care and safety. In a medical spa environment, care and safety is still vital, but customer service is also imperative. The moment you add the word "spa" to your name, you build client expectations that need to be met or you will fail to grow your repeat and referral business, which is the least expensive and most profitable market. Remember, small and memorable moments create the overall experience, so attention to detail is a must.
4. STAFFING MISALIGNMENT
Too often, medical spa owners and managers schedule the team from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. during the week. Though this may be more typical in a medical practice, the services being offered in a medical spa are purchased when the client has free time. This means understanding your market and scheduling adequate staff during the times they want to visit, which is typically after traditional work hours, such as in the evenings and on weekends.
5. OVERBUILDING OPERATIONS
Unlike the first four profit busters, this one is not as easy to solve. If you find that the 10 treatment rooms you built for your medical spa are not being utilized, it might not be your marketing, or it might be the size of your market. If you can't utilize your facility to its fullest, you will have more overhead than your business can absorb, thus decreasing profits. The first point of business is to examine your marketing and sales program to insure that it is effective. If it seems that you have more space than necessary, you may consider subletting your space to complementary businesses. This could include a chiropractor, a naturopath, an expert in Chinese medicine, or a nutritionist. Depending upon the layout of your location, you may be able to give space back to the landlord so he or she can rent it out. Determine whether you are facing a marketing and sales problem or if you overbuilt for your market, then take action to preserve your profits.
6. UNDERUTILIZING TECHNOLOGY
New medical spa owners often get very excited about the latest, greatest technologies available on the market. It happens, especially if you attend a trade show, which feels like a giant medical spa shopping mall. It is important to identify the service mix prior to making your technology selections. Your service offerings should drive your technology purchases; your technology purchases should not drive your service offerings.
This list of profit busters provides insight into common issues that can negatively affect your bottom line in a medical spa. It's important when starting a new medical spa to realize there is a period during the first six to nine months that your business will have more outflow than inflow, and it is essential to plan accordingly. Following these guidelines will help you plan.
—Francis X. Acunzo
Medical Spa Industry's First Full-Service
Management Program
Professional Management Oversight Equals Profitable Medical Spas
Branford, CT - March 3, 2007 - Industry Leader, Francis X. Acunzo and the Acara MedSpas corporate team announced their new full service medical spa management program today.
Acara's solution alleviates the day-to-day headaches of managing and marketing your own medical spa. "A MedSpa is a very different animal than a medical practice or retail store, says CEO Francis X. Acunzo. Physicians just don't have the time for the day to day details of running a complex personal care retail operation. However, they definitely see the strategic and financial rewards that come with MedSpa ownership."
Acara's star program component is its ongoing services, which varies greatly from franchise models. "Ongoing Management and Marketing are our specialty. Almost anyone with the right capital can open a medical spa, but most don't know how to run a profitable one," says Acunzo. "High sales, does not equal success unless you are able to produce profits. Are you actually putting money in your pocket or reaching in and taking money out at the end of each month? That's the real question and Acara has the answer." states Acara CEO, Francis X. Acunzo.
Acara MedSpas' Management Program is a turnkey management solution that is implemented by the onsite MedSpa Manager who reports to Acara's experienced corporate team. This allows for the MedSpa's management to stay completely focused on building the business through staff coaching, client consultations, and strategic partnership development. The Acara corporate team continually conducts research and development for new products, services, and software systems. In addition, all advertising and marketing materials are developed by Acara's corporate marketing team including sales campaigns, internet marketing solutions, print and radio advertisements, in-house promotions and sales formats.
Acara provides all of the benefits a large multi-site operation enjoys with highly skilled executives operating the business, buying power of a large corporation and the opportunity to share best practices across a group of MedSpas all experiencing similar successes and challenges each day.
"We have a MedSpa braintrust of information and data to work from. Having operated over 45 medical spas and 60 day spas give our locations a distinct advantage and we're just getting started", states Acunzo.
Connecticut Based Spa Industry Leader to Give Address at National Conference
Francis Acunzo Set to Deliver State of the Spa Industry Address in Los Angeles
Branford, CT - February 27, 2007 - Acara MedSpas CEO Francis Acunzo will be delivering the State of the Spa and Medical Spa Industry address, at the annual Spa and Resort/Medical Spa Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, held at the Convention Center on March 4-5. Acara, a leader in the spa and medical spa industry will also be exhibiting at the Expo to promote its Turnkey, Development & Management Solution to Medical Spa Investors and Owners. The conference and expo features workshops, guest speakers, and hands-on sessions from spa, medical spa and resorts experts from around the country.
"I am honored to be able to share my knowledge and experience with fellow spa executives, investors and leaders," said Mr. Acunzo. "The rapid growth of our industry has allowed so many in the U.S. to enjoy the many benefits of living healthier through a spa lifestyle. It is critical that we nurture and grow a sustainable industry that continues to support health, wellness and better living."
Mr. Acunzo is a noted industry speaker and has lectured for the Medical Spa Society, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), and International Spa Association (ISPA) and has been a contributing writer for Club Business International, Spa Business International and American Spa magazines. He has also guest lectured at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration, Babson College School of Business, Boston University's School of Hotel Management and Quinnipiac University School of Business.
He is on the Board of Directors for the Medical Spa Society, past President of the ISPA Foundation, past board member of the ISPA Board, past member of the Advisory Board for the Day Spa Association, and a former Chairman of IHRSA's Spa Advisory Board.
Connecticut based Med Spa Marketing Expert to Speak at National Conference
Debra Roberts to challenge owner thinking about MedSpa Marketing Strategies in Los Angeles
Branford, CT - February 27, 2007 - Acara MedSpas Vice President of Marketing, Debra Roberts, will be speaking, at the annual Spa and Resort/Medical Spa Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, held at the Convention Center on March 4-5. Acara, a leader in the spa and medical spa industry will also be exhibiting at the Expo to promote its Turnkey, Development & Management Solution to Medical Spa Investors and Owners. The conference and expo features workshops, guest speakers, and hands-on sessions from spa, medical spa and resorts experts from around the country.
"Marketing can play a major role in the success or failure of med spas. I am excited and honored that I've been asked to share my knowledge with the investors and owners of medical spas," said Ms. Roberts. "Acara brings proven methods and clarity to the support that can make or break a campaign. This is retail healthcare that needs to be positioned and promoted differently that traditional medical practices or spas. I plan to answer the questions about how to drive top line revenue and still be profitable, challenging traditional thinking, getting people to step outside their comfort zone and role up their sleeves.", says Roberts.
The medical spa industry is the fastest growing segment of the spa industry according to the Medical Spa Society. "This is a Baby Boomer driven market (43 - 61) with 78.2 billion people - 50.8% of whom are women. A staggering 7,918 is the number of people turning 60 each day in 2006 or 330 every hour. Plus, Echo Boomers support the med spa market (pre-teen - 25 year olds, making up one-third of the US population). We believe this young industry is going to serve its client base for a long time. People want to feel good about themselves; both inside and out and Acara MedSpas will continue to be the frontrunner supporting medical spa owners." says Roberts. (Statistics according to the US Census Report, 2005).
Ms. Roberts is an Art Director's Club and Mercury Award Public Relations award winner who joined Acara Partners with over 15 years of experience as a Designer and Art Director. She has facilitated the marketing, branding, advertising and promotion for 40 med spas.
Acara MedSpa Sponsoring National Event
Acara MedSpa to be "Platinum Partner" at Spa and Resort/Medical Spa Conference and Expo
Branford, CT - September 16, 2006 - Acara MedSpa, a division of Acara Partners, is preparing to act as the main sponsor at the fifth annual Spa and Resort/Medical Spa Conference and Expo in New York, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on September, 16th through the 18th. Acara, the "Platinum Partner", provided "unrestricted educational grants" in support of the event, which features workshops, guest speakers and networking receptions at the Javits Center, along with tours and hands-on sessions from spa, medical spa and resort experts.
"We are very excited to once again be sponsoring a Spa and Resort/Medical Spa Expo and Conference," said Acara CEO Francis Acunzo. "Previously, we sponsored the Miami conference in 2005. These events are extremely important to the growth and success of our industry."
As Platinum Partner, Acara will be sponsoring special networking events included as part of the paid education program of the conference. The education program consists of five concurrent tracks with daily themes: Spa and Resort, Medical Spa, Business, Trends in Health and Wellness, and Massage. The networking events cover three areas: "How to Build a Successful Spa", "Network among the Industry Experts", and a networking reception.
"As an industry leader, Acara is proud to be a part of an event which will bring together so many hardworking and dedicated people," said Mr. Acunzo. "The networking events each year help spa and medical spa professionals advance and grow in their businesses".
Connecticut Based Spa Industry Leader to Give Address at National Conference
Francis Acunzo Set to Deliver State of the Spa Industry Address in New York City
Branford, CT - September 14, 2006 - Acara MedSpas CEO Francis Acunzo will be delivering the State of the Spa and Medical Spa Industry address, at the fifth annual Spa and Resort/Medical Spa Conference and Expo in New York, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on Sept. 16-18. Acara, a leader in the spa and medical spa industry was named "Platinum Partner" for the event and will act as the primary sponsor for several networking receptions at the Javits Center. The conference and expo features workshops, guest speakers, and hands-on sessions from spa, medical spa and resorts experts from around the country.
"I am honored to be able to share my knowledge and experience with fellow spa executives, investors and leaders," said Mr. Acunzo. "The rapid growth of our industry has allowed so many in the U.S. to enjoy the many benefits of living healthier through a spa lifestyle. It is critical that we nurture and grow a sustainable industry that continues to support health, wellness and better living."
Mr. Acunzo is a noted industry speaker and has lectured for the Medical Spa Society, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), and International Spa Association (ISPA) and has been a contributing writer for Club Business International, Spa Business International and American Spa magazines. He has also guest lectured at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration, Babson College School of Business, Boston University's School of Hotel Management and Quinnipiac University School of Business.
He is on the Board of Directors for the Medical Spa Society, past President of the ISPA Foundation, past board member of the ISPA Board, past member of the Advisory Board for the Day Spa Association, and a former Chairman of IHRSA's Spa Advisory Board