When a new client walks into the doors of your establishment, they're entering the unknown. In other words, they have no idea what's going to happen next (unless they called ahead to find out).
Here are a few questions new clients usually have floating in their heads before their first appointment:
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Are they going to lock me inside? (A Float Mind Favorite)
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Is this, like, a doctor's appointment kinda thing?
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How am I going to know when my float is done?
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What if I sink or fall asleep?
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Are they going to let me know what to do?
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What if I start freak out?
If you don't find a way to answer all of these questions before your client begins their first float, don't be surprised if they leave their float early and leave an unfavorable review.
Check out our 3 best tips for orienting new clients below.
3 Tips for Orienting New Float Clients
When a new client books a float at your float center, they're entering the unknown. The unknown can be a scary place for some and their first experience may be the deciding factor if they come back or not. Implement these 3 tips and keep your clients coming back for more.
By: The Float Mind | October 1, 2019
1. Immediately Acknowledge Your Client(s)
Once your client walks into the door, acknowledge them immediately with a "Hi, how are you?" This may be common sense, but it's the most important thing you can do with a new client. If you're currently busy on the phone or with another client, say "Hi, I'll be right with you. Have a seat."
By immediately acknowledging your client, you're communicating three things:
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I'm the authority in this establishment.
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Do as I say.
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Relax, let me guide you.
This is important because your clients are looking for someone to take the lead. They do not want to have to decide for themselves in a strange and new environment. They want someone to be able to tell them what to do, how to do it, and when to start. Simply put, they're there to relax.
When you accomplish this first step, you set the client at ease which will increase the opportunity for your client to experience the float they need.
Related Forum Post
2. Remove All Opportunities For Blame
If you only take one thing away from this article, let it be this: If your client has an unfavorable float experience, they will blame you. When it comes time for them to finally enter your float tank, pod, room or chamber - they DO NOT want to engage in a guessing game. It's your responsibility to communicate all of the steps and procedures for their first float. If you don't, they will most likely attribute their unfortunate experience to your lack of a proper orientation.
They should know:
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How to prepare for their float.
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What and what NOT to do once they're floating.
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How they will know when their float is finished.
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What to do once they get out of their float.
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Where to go when they leave the room.
This is also your opportunity to communicate to your client your favorite techniques for a good float. Here are a few to get the juices flowing.
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Put your earplugs in before you take your first shower.
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Do not touch your face, you may get salt in your eyes.
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The light in your room may turn on and off on its own.
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Make sure to use the bathroom before your float. If you need to use the bathroom during your float, feel free to come out and use the bathroom and then get back in the tank.
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If you're experiencing anxiety during your float, try focusing on your breathing. If that doesn't help, try coming out of the tank and then getting back inside. (Sometimes knowing how to exit the float experience can ease your anxiety.)
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Notice that we didn't include how the client should "think or feel in the tank". Not all clients will feel good or think happy thoughts in the tank (sometimes a client needs to experience the darkness before they can appreciate the light).
We're sure there are many more hints and tips you've gained through your experience as a float facilitator that you can pass onto your clients. This is your chance to prime your orientation speech and make sure you take away all opportunities for your client to blame YOU for THEIR float.
3. Be Honest, Do Not Sell Your Clients A Bill Of Goods
We have a saying here at The Float Mind:
"You don't always get the float you want, but you always get the float you need."
What does this mean? Well, not everyone will "enjoy" their experience. Maybe you had a thought you couldn't get out of your head. Maybe you have an unresolved family issue you are currently dealing with. Maybe you had a bad day at work and the only thing you could hear was your boss's voice during your float.
What we're saying is floating isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Floating isn't going to cure you of your emotional or physical pain. It won't solve all your problems in an instant. Their first float might produce underwhelming results, to be frank. Communicate this to your clients so they aren't disappointed when their float is less than expected.
Summary:
A new client of yours is about to enter the unknown. Make sure they understand that you're going to be there for every step of the way as soon as they walk through the front door. Communicate with them all of your favorite practices when partaking in the float experience. Let them know what mistakes you've made and what common mistakes previous clients made so they don't have to for their first float experience. Lastly, don't sell your clients a bill of goods. They may have an assumption of what floating is and what will do for them. Make sure they are able to separate fact from fiction as well as fantasy from reality.
BEFORE YOU GO
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It's simple. You fill out this form. We'll ask you five questions, you answer the five questions, we'll post your answers along with pictures of your float center and anything else you want to share with your audience.
The Float Mind
The Float Mind is an online media content provider dedicated to delivering inforpublic on the benefits of flotation therapy and a media hub for float industry professionals.