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Art of the FloatFloat Con 2024 Hype!It's that time of year again! Kim & Jocelyn from the Float Conference, and Float Conference hosts Courtney and Jacob join the pod to share why San Antonio is the place to be this summer!
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2024-07-0854 minArt of the FloatThe Final Episode with Our CrewAdult language
Well, here we are. You might have known it was coming, but we didn't want to admit it. But it's time to start wrapping up this Art of the Float podcast thing... or at least slow it waaaaay down. It's been an incredible journey!
For this episode, you might want to pop some popcorn, grab a beverage of choice, and join the crew for some twists and turns down memory lane - with a glimpse into the future too. We'll catch you up on some big news since our previous episode aired, like...
2024-02-292h 47Art of the Float282: Crowd Sourced Float Research: Project ArcturusYou’ve heard all about the Float Research Collective already, but have you heard about Project Arcturus? Are you ready to dig into that cloud-based research network that Dr. Justin Feinstein has been talking about for a few years? We hope you said yes because it’s time! On this episode, Dr. Feinstein and three board members from the FRC dive into the nitty gritty details of this first major phase of the fundraising efforts and goals for the float community. Brad Dauk joins co-hosts Dylan and Kim as they explore the goals of the project.
Brad’s back...
2023-09-141h 02Art of the Float281: Float Con 2023 RecapIt took a minute, but now that we’re all recovered from the awesomeness of the 2023 Float Conference in Louisville, KY, the crew is back to talk about some of their favorite moments.
For Kim, it was a unique year where all her worlds melted together - her friends were onsite as panelists or offering services, one of her kiddos got to speak, her hubby put on the first ever Float Conference rock concert, and many attendees got to visit her center, along with two other beautiful centers in Louisville. With a smaller group of attendees, the co...
2023-08-301h 04Art of the Float274: Get Those Clients Back in!If you missed last year’s Float Conference, or if you chose to attend the amazing breathwork session that happened at the same time, and you missed Kim’s “Creating an Organic Sales Funnel” workshop, you’re in luck! In this episode, Kim breaks down a few key points about implementing some strategies to get folks to come back through the door again after their first float. You’ll hear some common challenges to getting returning guests, how to create a powerful offer that isn’t salesy, how to create “soft sell touchpoints”, and how to create a successful mindset to motivat...
2023-03-3053 minArt of the Float272: When Float Tanks Dye!It’s always a hot topic - hair dye! A recent conversation on the Float Collective (a Facebook group for float center owners) sparked some great comments about what we should include in our hair dye policies.
We invited Kat Roberts, owner of Surface Float in Canada, to join us and hash out the pros and cons of different policies, and what we should all know about how hair dye works - color molecules, stripping agents, and more!
Kat breaks down her white towel test, performed on site with anyone whose hair may reek havoc on...
2023-02-1632 minArt of the Float260: PostCon - Float Con 2022 ReviewWhew. Float Conference 2022 was one for the record books! The crew is back from Portland and recovering from the shenanigans (among other things).
_Warning: This one’s for the float fam, but not for your young fam. You’ll hear some light adult language not suitable for little ears.
_
You’ll hear a recap of their favorite things - the workshops, the speakers, the venue, the FOOD, and more! Some highlights included sales and membership workshops, the latest research about floating and anorexia nervosa, the launch of the Float Research Collective fundraisers, and Dylan’s love aff...
2022-09-121h 14Art of the Float259: Thor Photomedicine with James CarrollLet’s get this clear first: stop calling it red light therapy. We stand corrected.
You may have heard of this hot new therapy that’s been taking off across the globe, but in this episode, you’ll discover that it’s not a new therapy, and it’s not “red light therapy”.
It is, however, the medicine of the future - the very same medicine that you saw in Star Trek when someone went to the sick bay, was treated by a laser beam, and healed.
In this episode, James Carroll, founder and CEO of Tho...
2022-08-1840 minArt of the Float256: Breathwork with Samuel WhitingOne of the 2022 Float Conference speakers joined the crew to talk about some deep business - the power of the breath. Samuel Whiting was gracious enough to join the 2020 Virtual Float Conference and share his breathwork expertise, and he’ll be coming back again to Portland, Maine, to offer an experiential workshop, as well as a main stage talk about the power of the breath when combined with the float practice.
In this episode, you’ll be mesmerized by Samuel’s voice, inspired by his passion for creating awareness and disrupting “business as usual” in order to explore th...
2022-07-2139 minArt of the Float255: Float Conference 2022 - Portland Maine with James and Amy HarderIf you haven’t heard about it, there’s a big event happening in Portland, Maine. Some might even call it the Maine Event - the 2022 Float Conference!
We’re incredibly excited to hear from the local liaisons for this year’s conference - James and Amy Harder, who also serve on the Board of Directors and special committees for the conference. They’re not only two of the coolest humans on the planet, but they’re also amazing event hosts and have a ton of great fun planned for us in August!
You’ll hear a bit abo...
2022-06-3044 minArt of the Float254: We Ain't Inflation ProofInflaaaaaation! Yup. We said it. Many of us in the float world are feeling it - inflation has been an issue for a long while now, and it’s starting to make an impact for many businesses that rely on disposable income spending.
From gas prices to the other G word - Groupon - you’ll hear what’s happening across our co-hosts’ centers, including those who have been running strong schedules at capacity for a while. Someone might start driving a truck, someone is giving away services, and someone is looking for more ways to connect with loc...
2022-06-161h 02Art of the Float253: Wearing all the Hats with Kelly CaldwellWe’ve said it before, and our guest on this episode proves it’s true - float center owners are a special breed. Sure, we could just own one business and run it, but why do that when we can run MULTIPLE businesses?!
Kelly Caldwell, who owns Drift Float Spa in Greenville, SC, joins Kim and Drew in this episode to talk about wearing all the hats, including providing consulting services and selling float pods!
You’ll hear all the details about Float Spa pods that drain and filter 100% of the solution after each guest, as wel...
2022-05-2652 minArt of the Float251: Memberships RevisitedDo you remember a time when Drew didn’t want to offer memberships at all at his center? Well, he’s come around, floaty friends. In this cozy, quick episode, you’ll hear a bit about the different seasonality trends each co-host sees at his or her center, how the pandemic has impacted membership numbers, and how they’re recovering.
You’ll also hear some quick tips for membership structure, how to offer the memberships without sounding sleazy, and how to nurture those relationships.
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2022-05-1237 minArt of the Float250: Telling A Story with Reba SparrowIt’s storytime, salty friends! But first, cover some little ears for the first few minutes of the show, as we dabble in some high-level adult topics that you might not want to explain to the kiddos.
Our expert guest, Reba Sparrow from The Mystery Box Show, joins us to share how to create and tell your story, and why that’s so important as a small business owner. Storytelling makes us more relatable, and doing it right raises the emotional stakes with your audience - your potential guests and members.
The crew talks about how...
2022-05-0541 minArt of the Float249: Onboarding New Team MembersSome people have anxiety about turning over the keys to their center (cough, cough, Drew), while others are happy to toss them and run the other way (uh, yeah, Gloria).
Either way, having a plan for onboarding is a crucial step to your center’s success, as well as your own mental health during the process. It can make a huge difference in your team’s happiness, engagement, and longevity too!
In this episode, Kim shares her high level strategy for onboarding her team since she’s in the middle of welcoming two new team member...
2022-04-2150 minArt of the Float248: How Leadership Will Shape Your BusinessWhat makes a good leader? What inspires employees to stay at your business? What makes them care?
Our guest on this episode has a simple answer for that: care. Sincerely, authentically, and wholeheartedly - care about your people and allow them to shine.
We invited Carolynn Bruce, Kim’s former boss from the corporate world, to join the conversation tonight. You’ll hear a little backstory about how they worked together to shift the culture in a major corporation, and how impactful some simple conversations can be. While some circumstances may be different in large comp...
2022-04-0742 minArt of the Float246: The Time Management EpisodeAs a small business owner, especially of the float center variety, there are always a gazillion demands on your time. Between responsibilities for the shop, self care, family life, and managing all of those extra projects many of us seem to have, it can be overwhelming.
In this episode, the crew discusses how it feels to be late and how to prevent it, as well as all of the tools and methods they use for keeping the demands life on the rails. No matter if you’re a software geek like Kim and Gloria, or a fly-by-the-seat of...
2022-03-1752 minArt of the Float245: Life in FluxSome things simply come full circle, especially in the float world. In this episode, you’ll journey around talks of beards and the Fluxstache, to pivotal moments with suffering mental health to burlesque and the reactivity of the immune system.
With such a colorful variety of topics, there’s no doubt who our guest is - Dr. Flux himself! You’ll hear the story behind the name, “Dr. Flux”, from the beginning with GoGo Harder, all the way to the present day with our own predictions for completing that full circle… with a Float Conference GoGo Harder celebration...
2022-03-101h 08Art of the Float244: The Swag EpisodeWith all of the excitement of launching the new Art shop (and the longest intro ever), get ready to pick up some tips for where to get your own merch printed or how to do it yourself.
Where do you turn when you need some sweet float gear? Well, now you can hop over to the [Art of the Float website](shop.artofthefloat.com) to load up on sweet AOTF gear, float merch, float and testimonial videos, and more!
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2022-02-2433 minArt of the Float243: Big Updates From the FTADrew sits down with James Harder of the FTA and the two chat about major changes that have taken place within the FTA. Find out about what you can get from the FTA now and what they are building for the future of the industry.
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2022-02-1756 minArt of the Float242: The Not About Joe Rogan EpisodeLet’s get controversial, floaty friends. He’s in the news, so we had to weigh in on the impact “Joegan” has had on the float industry and where the latest happenings are landing with each of co-host.
The crew chimes in with a few passion points, the impact Joe’s love of the float has had on them, and where each stands on the current issues (or not). You’ll hear about pulling ads, staying Switzerland, and knowing your “whys”.
And if you don’t really care about the whole thing, you should still chime in for a lit...
2022-02-1033 minArt of the Float241: 2022 Partay!It’s a new year, and we have some fresh faces to share! If you haven’t heard, you can tune in to WATCH The Art of the Float Podcast on Youtube now! The crew took a few weeks off to recharge, enjoy the holidays, get sick, get a black eye, and then appreciate a sweet reunion that you get to witness.
You’ll hear about our holiday adventures, how to move a ferry boat when you don’t need it anymore, and why you might consider moving to a new location, buying your building, opening a second l...
2022-02-031h 28Art of the Float240: Holiday Wrap-UpAnother wild year is coming to a close… in this episode, the crew shares how their holiday sales are going - including some recording-breaking days and someone who didn’t do a single thing for Black Friday or Small Business Saturday and has no regrets about it.
Each person reflects on how the year has been professionally and personally, and how important it is to set strong boundaries, stick to your priorities, and remember your own self-care. You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating because it’s the best thing you could do for yourself.
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2021-12-1647 minArt of the Float239: Drew is Raising his Prices!Warning: There's a bad word in this episode!
It’s a hot topic… to raise your prices or to not raise your prices. With the cost of goods rapidly rising, many float center owners find themselves wondering if now is the time to raise the cost of admission a bit.
Dylan, coming up on ten years in business, shares how price increases have gone for him over the years, as Kim recently implemented her first price increase in three years. You’ll hear some tips and strategies that helped Drew feel more confident in his decisi...
2021-12-0235 minArt of the Float238: Diving into Selling Your Float CenterAdult Language Notice!
Joey and Grace Le Penne from Mountain Float Spa are fresh out of the float center ownership world… they closed on the sale of their center just a couple of weeks ago, so they joined the crew to share how their float love story started, how it grew and evolved, and why letting it go was the best decision for them after 8 years.
From love at first float to navigating tense moments and the stress it added to their marriage, they share their journey of getting burned out, lessons learned, making the hard de...
2021-11-1559 minArt of the Float237: Altered States of ConsciousnessWhat happens when you explore the power of “pulling aside the veil”? Dr. Victor Zelek, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist joins the pod crew to talk about the power of the brain.
Dr. Zelek shares a little history about how floating was used to treat alcoholism in Russia in the 80s. As a self-described “psychonaut”, his work dives into the depths of exploring altered states of consciousness, with the use of psychedelics, including tools beyond the scope of substances. He describes what a psychedelic state really is, and how we often seek those states, even as children, and how...
2021-11-0439 minArt of the Float236: Buying or Selling a BusinessIf you’re thinking about buying an existing business… or selling yours, there are some key things to think about in order to increase your chances of success. In this episode, Amy Reed, who actually doesn’t own a float center, joins the crew to talk about her acquisition of a well-established yoga studio. Her heart-centered approach is one to which many float center owners can relate. Amy shares the behind-the-scenes decisions she had to make when evaluating taking over, why “staging” is important in any business - not just real estate, and why understanding your business’s unique value propos...
2021-10-2848 minArt of the Float235: The MidAtlantic Float FriendsWe all talk about how special the float industry is, and the “Mid-Atlantic Float Association” is living proof. A handful of float centers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the surrounding area have come together to truly walk the talk. They meet regularly, share supplies, and truly support each other in a way that only floaty people would understand. We invited Jeanne Mills of Ocean Elements and Dawn Goldbacker on to share some stories and talk about why and how they came together. We hope you’ll find it as inspiring as we did!
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2021-10-1447 minArt of the Float234: Holiday Promo BrainstormIt’s mid-October. Do you know what your holiday promotions are? NO? Don’t worry… neither does the crew! But don’t worry, you’ll get a smorgasbord of ideas to jump start your own brainstorming process. From member incentives to gift card discounts and gifts to nurture and show appreciation for your most loyal guests - you’ll surely spark some ideas to get a jump start on your holiday planning in this episode. You’ll even hear why one co-host is anxiously awaiting the next big winter storm, and why another refuses to “invade someone’s home” ever again.
L...
2021-10-0741 minArt of the Float233: When it Rains...You know the old saying, “when it rains, it pours into Kim’s center”, right? In tonight’s episode, Kim tells the watery tales of flash floods causing water to pour through the front doors during a new employee’s 3rd shift alone. The old, historic building has presented many water challenges in the past, but like running any float center, it often feels like a game of whack-a-mole. As soon as one issue is fixed, another one pops up, as is the case with the water flooding into the reception area. If you don’t already, it’s a good idea to...
2021-09-2336 minArt of the Float232: 2021 Float Con Drama Re-capIt was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Just depends on where you were to experience it all… yep. This episode, we’re going behind the scenes to find out what really happened at the Float Conference in Milwaukee this year, and just what happened to cause frustration for some virtual attendees.
Gloria and Kim, both Float Conference board members, attended the event live and provide a recap of some of their favorite talks and workshops. This was the 10th annual conference, and it brought a ton of content - more than ever befo...
2021-09-1656 minArt of the Float228: Client Acquisition Versus Client RetentionContinuing in our marketing series, the crew chats about the different marketing strategies for reaching new audiences versus retaining existing customers. You’ll hear about why you may want to run paid campaigns to reach your members, but how your message will need to be completely different from what you say to new clients in a paid ad. You’ll also walk away with a few tips about how to encourage booking the next float, how to cull your email list, and why segmentation is a powerful approach, but email might not be the best place to put your effo...
2021-08-0542 minArt of the Float227: Creating a Client Profile (and Why!) with Business Coach Lauree OstrofskyIn what section of the bookstore would you find your ideal client? It’s an intriguing question posed by our guest in this episode, Lauree Ostrofsky. Lauree is a business coach and marketing consultant who helps women build strong businesses and feel more confident putting themselves out there in a bigger way. She’s the author of Simply Leap: Seven Lessons on Facing Fear & Enjoying the Crap out of Your Life and I’m Scared and Doing it Anyway, a book about her brain tumor diagnosis at age 28.
Lauree will walk you through a series of questions that w...
2021-07-291h 05Art of the Float226: Target Demographics With Graham & AshkahnAs we kick off our float center marketing series, we invite some industry leaders to join us. Experts they are, but picking just a single client demographic to pursue? They failed. Graham and Ashkahn from Float On are back on the pod again to share their unconventional advice on finding your target audience. You’ll hear about the “best customer profile” at Float Sixty, The Float Shoppe, NH Float, Sukhino Float Center, and Float On - sort of.
The crew dives into the differences between your social media demographic and your membership demographic, because they aren’t always o...
2021-07-2234 minArt of the Float225: Float Conference 2021 Hype with Ashkahn & Graham!Everyone’s favorite podcast crews are all together at once! This week, the infamous Grashkahn - Graham and Ashkahn join the Art of the Float to talk about the upcoming Float Conference! This is the TENTH annual event, so we asked them how it feels to be on year 3 of releasing the conference into the wild. Because it’s been a minute since the whole salty crew has been together, we also had to travel through time to see how pandemic life has been for the dynamic duo - sharing a household and three businesses. Spoiler: “Make work as fun as...
2021-07-1550 minArt of the Float224: Float Research Collective Roundtable DiscussionWe are so excited to share the roundtable discussion that took place after Dr. Feintsein laid out his vision for the Float Research Collective. Thanks to everyone who participated in this!
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2021-07-121h 05Art of the Float223: We've Got IssuesIt’s been a minute since the crew has seen each other, so this episode is a hodgepodge of personal stories, big news bombs, and inspirational growth. While Gloria was dealing with the demands of buying and taking over another location and replacing toilets and HVAC systems, Drew was off on vacation, working on his tan for the first time in four years. He’s finally ready to step back to work ON his business, not AT it so much, and gushes about an amazing employee he found who is empowering him to loosen the reins a bit. Following in h...
2021-07-011h 04Art of the Float222 DR. Feinstein Float Research Collective Brainstorm SpeechDr Feinstein walks us throught his vision of the Float Research Collective and invites you to join and work in different groups within the FRC!
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2021-06-2340 minArt of the Float221: Float Orientations Part 2 (Room Intros)Because the orientation is such an important step in the float journey, we continue last week’s conversation, but focusing on what happens inside the float suite and float pod/tank itself, and how to ensure you’re accounting for those random, “but why” situations - like the times you might need to shut off the water at the main control. Ouch. You’ll hear ideas for including “performance support” to ease friction and anxiety points for your guests, what sorts of customizations you might discuss, and how to make your shower cool (literally) but why you might not want to make i...
2021-06-1038 minArt of the Float220: Float Orientations Part 1It’s a topic we allllll love - float orientations! There are countless ways to welcome someone to your center, the float experience, and the logistics of floating at your center. It’s always a favorite topic to discuss, as you’ll hear as our hosts get super hyped up about it in this episode. Since this first impression is so important, the crew shares different ways to deliver the orientation (live or via video), and the pros and cons of each approach. They dive further into how to create a personal connection, the importance of being fully present for ea...
2021-06-041h 00Art of the Float219: Difficult Clients (and When to Fire Them)Language warning: You might hear a few four-letter words, so be prepared to cover little ears.
They say the customer is always right, but this week, all four co-hosts share stories of clients who broke that rule. It’s a rare thing, but sometimes, even in the most chill environments like float centers, it’s necessary to fire a client or two. You’ll dive into the importance of setting boundaries, standing up for yourself, your employees, and your spouses (as the case may be). And perhaps one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is why it’s s...
2021-05-2736 minArt of the Float218: Where Does the Customer Experience Begin?When does the customer experience really begin, and what can you do about it? This week’s episode kicks off our Customer Experience series, and the crew dives in to debate (weakly) at exactly what point the customer begins to formulate their perception of your center. You’ll hear ideas about the little spots we may miss (when was the last time you swept the outdoor area?!) and how to ensure you’re catching all of the little things that add up to a big picture for your guests. It’s more than just brand identity - your brand is what...
2021-05-2042 minArt of the Float217: Retaining Customers with SAM-1, Guest Kalyn WolfStress relief. It’s what we, as float center owners, do. But are we missing something? Is there an opportunity to marry daily mindfulness with floating? Our guest on this episode, Kalyn Wolf of Cloud Nine Floatation in Tuscon, AZ, thinks we are, and she’s created a cool program to help close that gap.
Her six-week program, Stress Anxiety Management or SAM-1, weaves together daily journal prompts with video modules, and it encourages consistent float practices. She shares her inspirations behind the course, how it was created and tested, and how you could potentially use it at y...
2021-05-0642 minArt of the Float216: Mother's Day BrainstormMother’s Day is almost here, and since it’s often a big event in the world of gift certificates, the crew is ready to dish on what they’re doing… or not doing this year.
With the roller coaster we’ve all been on, it’s easy to get caught off guard on how quickly the holiday has hit. You’ll hear about why you might not want to offer discounts, how you might consider raising prices, how to get creative with special add-ons, and why spending a little more on advertising might be a great idea.
S...
2021-04-2236 minArt of the Float215: Life After Float with CarlosThey say there IS life after owning a float center, and by “they”, we mean Carlos Casias. Carlos joined us back in August 2020 to talk about closing his float center, and now that his closure is complete, he was gracious to come back and share how that went.
Carlos filed for bankruptcy as he closed his doors after a five-year run, and he said it was actually one of the best decisions he had made for his business and himself in years. He shares his lessons learned, including some key performance indicators (KPIs) that helped him see the...
2021-04-1557 minArt of the Float214: EIDL 201If you’re still needing a little financial assistance with your float center, grab your notebook because class is IN SESSION! Professor Gloria is bringing all the latest about the most recent expansion of the EIDL program, hot off the presses. She breaks down the details about how you can get additional funds or an extra year without making payments on your existing loan (for a total up to 24 months), but why you might not want to do that if you can avoid it (hello, interest accrual).
find all the mentioned show link on our page https://ar...
2021-04-0631 minArt of the Float212: ADD & Running a Float CenterDisclaimer: The information shared in this episode is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition. This is for entertainment and informational purposes only.
Never-ending to do lists, constant demands for your attention, and a little ADD sprinkled on top - it apparently sounds familiar to a lot of floaty folks! In this episode, a you’ll hear just whose brains are neurotypical (or so we think) and who employs some major neurodiverse techniques to GSD. Some of those methods are helpful for every overloaded business owner too. You’ll learn how a strong mindfulness can...
2021-03-1844 minArt of the Float211: Float Center MaintenanceThis is surprising. We have to put an EXPLICIT WARNING on our maintenance episode?! Who knew maintenance could be so…. steamy?! Or perhaps the crew read that this was the gutter maintenance episode, and they ran with their minds in it? It’s a wild one, but stick with it - there’s a ton of great content about maintaining your center and your equipment in here!
While some may not get very excited about routine maintenance, this crew made it fun. Between the tears and the laughter, you’ll pick up a bunch of tips about caring f...
2021-03-1259 minArt of the Float210: Dr Justin Feinstein Part 2Given the chance to catch up with Dr. Feinstein, you’d make it a two-part episode too, right? There’s so much to talk about, from his new life in Maui to what’s happening at LIBR, to the latest research that’s expected to be published soon, to why you need to email your towel-folding tips to Dr. Feinstein! In the second half of our conversation, the crew picks his brain to learn a bit more about how float therapy reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
You might find yourself listening intently to Lennon’s song, “Mot...
2021-03-0456 minArt of the Float209: Dr Justin Feinstein Part 1From LIBR to “Daddy School” - it’s been a big shift for everyone’s favorite float researcher. If you attended the 2020 Virtual Float Conference, you may have heard the big news that Dr. Justin Feinstein was leaving the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Now that he’s officially living a tropical life, you may be wondering if Dr. Feinstein’s float life is over. As we chat with him in this episode, it’s clear that that notion couldn’t be further from the truth!
While Dr. Feinstein has been focusing on his family life for a few months, th...
2021-02-2551 minArt of the Float208: FB Ad Strategies with Jonathan RougePixels, ROAS, and retargeting - oh my! It can feel a bit like the land of Oz when you’re dealing with Facebook ads, but our guest Jonathan Roug from Float Light in Wisconsin helps to break it down so you don’t feel lost on the yellow brick road. Jonathan has shared his strategies for creating sales funnels in a few different platforms, so we were delighted to have him join the Art of the Float to talk about some of the basics… and some of the technical pieces too.
Jonathan’s love-to-learn engineering mindset sets him apar...
2021-02-1158 minArt of the Float207: Valentine's Planning 2021We’re just a couple of weeks away from Hallmark’s favorite holiday, and to be honest, it’s usually a pretty good holiday for the float world too. In this episode, the crew shares their experiences from past holidays and what they’re planning for Valentine’s Day specials and marketing tactics.
Two co-hosts are already booked up for that weekend, so they’re likely taking it easy on marketing plans, and someone has an email blast roaring and ready to go. His content is a great tactic for keeping the “people part” of the small businesses front...
2021-01-2940 minArt of the Float206: PPP Round 2!The information shared in this episode is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
We’re kicking off a brand new year with a little bit of… HOPE, at least in the form of additional financial support for those who need it. Our recent biz wiz, Gloria, has been soaking up all she can about the latest stimulus package for small businesses, so in this episode, she shares ever...
2021-01-1337 minArt of the Float205: Ending 2020 with a Powerful ConnectionImagine having a first float that’s so powerful, it opens up a world of possibilities. That’s what happened to Jesse Parks when he visited our own Gloria Morris’s Float Sixty. A few days after his amazing first float, where he felt “connected to source”, he posted about it on his personal Facebook account, and within a few hours, the post started going viral. Almost two weeks later, his post with a photo of a float tank and a few words about his first sensory deprivation experience, were shared almost 100,000 times, enough to spark Google search trends and some r...
2020-12-1759 minArt of the Float204: Holiday (and year round) Marketing with guest Matthew PhillipsContinuing in our advertising for the holiday series, Matthew Phillips joins the crew tonight to talk about using video advertising - in a cinematic format - to attract new clients. Matt shares some tips for how to create the perfect video to hook a potential audience, whether on YouTube or other social media platforms, and get new leads. He shares his secrets for using an emotional response to a quick hook and audio to pull in some niche clientele.
He shares tips for using scarcity, limits per person, Google Keyword Planner, and SMS campaigns to maximize your...
2020-12-1053 minArt of the Float203: Educational Video with Guest Andy ChayerThis episode dives deep into using educational video content to market your center, but it comes with a loving content warning. Our marketing expert, Andy Chayer, shares his story of how a very traumatic robbery event led him to float therapy. It’s a powerful reminder of how important the work of running a float center really is.
Andy shares his story of how floating, and a family legacy of small business ownership and marketing, led him to help other float center owners to maximize their reach. Andy talks about how he creates videos that cause 90% of th...
2020-12-0349 minArt of the Float202: COVID and Floating with Guest Roy VoreThe crew is delighted to have a wildly entertaining disinfection expert with more than 30 years experience in microbiology join us - the one and only Dr. Roy Vore. Roy has made his way from an outsider to one of the beloved personalities in the float world, and while he shares a bit of gloom and doom, he also blesses us with a whole lot of hope and inspiration in this episode.
You’ll hear the latest news about vaccinations and reporting nuances, but you’ll also journey through questions like, “Are our patrons high risk?”, “What’s the best way...
2020-11-191h 11Art of the Float200: Flooring!Sometimes it’s smooth. Sometimes it’s rough. Sometimes it’s sexy, and sometimes it’s just downright unpredictable. We’re talking about flooring, of course! The crew hashes out the differences between all of the flooring options that are available to float centers now. Dylan shares his hellacious stories about using tile in his float rooms, and the pros and cons of the ultramarine and Takron rooms he has now. Kim and Drew talk about their love of concrete with epoxy, but both have had some unexpected challenges with their shower setups in relation to those beautiful floors.
If y...
2020-11-0553 minArt of the Float200 - Flooring!Sometimes it’s smooth. Sometimes it’s rough. Sometimes it’s sexy, and sometimes it’s just downright unpredictable. We’re talking about flooring, of course! The crew hashes out the differences between all of the flooring options that are available to float centers now. Dylan shares his hellacious stories about using tile in his float rooms, and the pros and cons of the ultramarine and Takron rooms he has now. Kim and Drew talk about their love of concrete with epoxy, but both have had some unexpected challenges with their shower setups in relation to those beautiful floors.
If y...
2020-11-0553 minArt of the Float199: Mindfully SocialThis week we scratch the surface of social media with our very own Kim Hannan. One of Kim’s consultative offerings is a social media solution that provides content and a scheduling tool. We dabble on the details of how that works, but Kim also drops a few tips to help you get started on (or get a handle on!) your own social strategy.
Organic content growth is wildly different from paid social media advertising, and the long-term strategy requires just that - strategy. As each co-host shares their challenges with juggling the demands of running a fl...
2020-10-221h 09Art of the Float198: PPP and Dylan's Social Media DilemmaIt’s been a few months since the crew talked about the PPP situation, and as the (extended) deadline to use the funds is creeping near, you’ll hear the tales of how we’ve each used our funds. Gloria, as usual, stays on the pulse of the changes and updates, and she shares some news that gives Dylan some room to breathe again.
In true Art of the Float fashion, the conversation pivots to tackle another big topic: social media. Dylan wants to quit it all, but running a business and staying connected to the float indust...
2020-10-0842 minArt of the Float197: Thriving Mid-CovidAs we’re getting ready to step into the final quarter of the longest, wildest year of existence, the crew (minus one) rallies to share how things are going in the day-to-day. You’ll hear a whole lot of happiness, in spite of a crazy year, and you’ll pick up a few unexpected blessings that have come in the form of operational cost reduction, guest satisfaction, and revenue targets.
With fewer opportunities to float, some guests are finding it important to schedule their next visit sooner than they would “in the before”. The whole crew is walking aw...
2020-10-0133 minArt of the Float196: Virtual Float Conference ReviewAfter a long weekend at the virtual Float Con, the crew unpacked their bags and brains to share some of the highlights of the annual event. It was a historical moment - the first Float Conference to take place entirely on screen, and it was definitely one to remember. You’ll hear a few big speaker moments, including a big news bomb that left us all a bit speechless when we heard it. We also share the highlights of some of the Think Tanks, where participants were invited to turn on their cameras and ask questions, share their own be...
2020-09-181h 22Art of the Float195: Virtual Float Conference Preview ReviewSo how did it go with the trial run of the Virtual Float Conference? Well, the main speaker was in tears, people were “eeking”, and technology played nice, except when it didn’t. Of course, those tears were of gratitude, the eeks were from float friends who were excited to see each other, and technology is… technology.
The crew shares their experiences with Virtual Float Conference Preview - what it felt like on the “speaker stage”, all of the behind-the-scenes dishing, and how they enjoyed the Think Tanks and Discord parties.
While there were definitely a few learni...
2020-09-0238 minArt of the Float194: Digital MarketingIn an interesting twist, our guest - who owns a marketing company - had great success and then closed her center. Heather Lawson Bradfield of Totum Advising Group also co-owned a float center in Florida until her business partner had a major accident and the pandemic hit.
Heather used her background in marketing to run successful ads and local campaigns. She shares her high-level strategies for measuring the success - or lack thereof - of each campaign, as well as some tools she used to create connections with local business owners. Local partnerships didn’t pan out, bu...
2020-08-2831 minArt of the Float193: Closing Float a Float Center with guest CarlosWe’ve seen it happening more and more lately, and it can be heartbreaking to hear about float centers closing their doors, but tonight’s special guest brings some hope and an amazing spirit about closing the doors to his center. Carlos Casias of Float Los Alamos recently announced that he’ll be shutting down his operation after about four and a half years of ups and downs. He talks about the struggles his center encountered last year, and how they had big plans to restructure, rebrand, and relaunch… and then a pandemic hit. He battled the decision to continue...
2020-08-0542 minArt of the Float192: Float Conference (Virtual) Hype! 2020We’re getting excited about the 2020 Virtual Float Conference! We searched high and low to find some folks who are willing to talk to us about what’s happening with this year’s event, and thankfully, we found a few board members who were willing to talk about this year’s event! We got the inside scoop about what’s coming up this September, including how you’ll have an opportunity to not only hear some amazing speakers, but also have really cool ways to connect with fellow attendees, “create your own” topics, see some familiar floaty faces, and still party Floa...
2020-07-2939 minArt of the Float191: Cutting Costs with Jeremy JacobsAs we’re all re-emerging from the COVID closures, we have to be smart about what to expect and how we operate. Jeremy Jacob, owner of FLOAT in San Antonio, joins us to share his experiences. He recently expanded his center with additional tanks and new services, and then closed after just 6 weeks. He talks about how his reputation and the trust his guests have in his center have helped him stay afloat (pun intended) as he reopened. The crew shares how they cut some costs and how they tapped into new marketing strategies to bring in new clients. ...
2020-07-2834 minArt of the Float190: Kyle of Maximum FloatsIn the past few episodes, you’ve heard how important it is to continue marketing efforts. In this episode, we dive in deeper into one particular marketing strategy - consultation programs. First, you’ll hear some tips about what to look for if you’re hiring a marketing partner, and then Kyle from Maximum Floats sheds light on some things that float center owners can do on their own to implement programs that bring in new guests and increase the frequency in which they float. One of the key points is to sell programs that solve problems, or “pain points”...
2020-07-171h 05Art of the Float189: The 3 Pillars of Increasing RevenueAs we’re all starting to emerge from the COVID closures, it’s important to start thinking strategically about ways to increase revenue. When it comes down to it, there are three major buckets for doing just that. The crew talks about some of the ways they each 1) increase the number of sales, 2) increase the dollar amount of each sale, and 3) increase the frequency of sales for each customer, and how these strategies play into both the short-term and long-term plan.
We realize that feels like a lot of sales talk, but the success and longevity of our...
2020-07-0350 minArt of the Float188: (Live) Free for All HangoutWe’ve been missing everyone fiercely, so we opened up the link for anyone to join for our freestyle conversation. This episode is a free-for-all, as we invited the community to join us. We dabble through some fun new projects coming from Luke at Mandala Float Systems and Juliet and the crew at Float Tank Solutions. We check in with several folks from around the industry, including an appearance from “the other Graham”
The conversation flows through the COVID-19 reopening, potential round 2 shutdowns, the struggles of the slow season timing, nifty inventions, cool new offerings, photography needs, market...
2020-06-221h 44Art of the Float187: Country-wide Check-insIt’s an interesting world, floaty friends. Tonight is a special night. We’re dipping into a bit of the emotional state behind the COVID-19 pandemic that has bled into a fight for racial justice. Some of us have been caught in the crossfires, but we’re all here to stand up for what’s right, and to look out for each other and our guests. We never could have imagined what that would mean, but in this episode, we’re here to share some quick updates about our own centers, but more importantly, what’s going on across the country...
2020-06-0558 minArt of the Float186: UV Bulbs & Reopening TipsIf you’re thinking about reopening soon, you likely have a ton of questions about what to do to ensure you’re keeping your center as clean, disinfected, and sterilized as possible. Kim’s center is already open, while Drew’s center is open to members only, and Gloria is about to reopen, so they each share a bit about what they’re doing and the new tools they’ve implemented. This episode is all about the magical UV fairy, errrrr robots who have wands to make the virus go away. We dive into how to use UV in your routine...
2020-05-2842 minArt of the Float185: PPP, loans and grantsHere we are, two months after “the big closings”, and some float centers are reopening and some are still waiting patiently (or impatiently, as the case may be). Given the complexities, added stipulations, and overall confusion with the PPP and EIDL, the crew chats about the funding they each received or didn’t receive. As we share our personal experiences, we urge you to remember that these are just that - our personal experiences, not legal or accounting advice.
You’ll hear a bit about the struggle between covering the center, meeting the demands of the PPP, and not...
2020-05-2142 minArt of the Float184: ReopeningDepending on where you are in the country, your float center might be looking at opening up soon. In fact, Indiana is starting to reopen, so Kim and Gloria are gearing up, and Drew isn’t far behind. The crew checks in on the emotional roller coaster of it all, including the 4 locations + a full-time corporate gig life for Glo-Mo. (Who’s a control freak? No one on this podcast….)
Using the newly released FTA guidance, everyone chips in on what they’re doing that aligns - or doesn’t (but mostly does). And just a friendly reminder t...
2020-05-061h 12Art of the Float183: Live Free or DieSo, the world is in waiting, and some of us are ready to “live free or die”. With many centers, including ours approaching 6 or so weeks since closing, it’s time to check in to see what’s happening in the minds of each co-host in regards to the financial assistance they’ve received, and their plans for reopening each center.
You’ll hear a little venting, a little conspiracy theory, a little morality, and definitely some practicality as Dylan, Kim, and Drew share their views about reopening and updating procedures to make that happen. Because we believe in p...
2020-04-2449 minArt of the Float182: Float Friends Check-In (Live Community Recording)In our last episode, we invited the float industry to join us as we talked to a small business attorney in a live recording. After his departure, we stayed on for this bonus episode as we check in to see how everyone is doing during this time. You’ll hear from Beth Jones, the current FTA president and a fellow float center owner, about how her center bounced back after a devastating hurricane hit her area a couple of years ago. Others share what they’re doing during “downtime”, how their mental health has been impacted, how they’re still stri...
2020-04-0328 minArt of the Float181: Exploring the Payment Protection Program with Small Business Lawyer Jesse CalmThe information shared in this episode is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
As a small business owner, times are certainly challenging right now. Most float centers have closed their doors and now need financial assistance to cover expenses and take care of their employees. For this live-recorded episode, we invited anyone in the industry to join us as we talked to Jesse Calm, a small...
2020-04-0147 minArt of the Float180: What’s Happening During COVID-19 ClosuresNSFW: It’s vent time, ladies and gentlemen. This episode contains a few four-letter words.
Times, they are a bit strange. Someone’s binging on Netflix, someone’s not sleeping, somebody is hanging with the Tiger King, and someone else might be getting cozy with the whiskey. With all four co-hosts’ centers closed during the COVID-19 closures, the crew chats about their expectations for the national relief programs and what they’re each doing during the “downtime”.
You’ll hear a few ideas for keeping in touch with clients, taking care of employees, and some sobering thought...
2020-03-271h 14Art of the Float179: Zooming out on COVID-19
If you listened to last week’s episode, get ready to zoom out, spin around, and question it all. Blood, sweat, and tears. It’s all here because it’s pretty amazing what can happen in a week, salty friends. The crew, along with Sanda (Dylan’s amazing partner at The Float Shoppe and in life) comes back together to hash out what they’re feeling, what they’re doing, and how they’re handling the way events have unfolded in the last week with the COVID-19 virus. If you’re debating closing, you’ll hear the thought process each person went th...
2020-03-181h 30Art of the Float178: COVID-19 or Corona Virus, with Jason MacdonaldCoronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 - it has so many names, and just as many stances to take. Are you a prepper? Avoider? Non-believer? Or just a float center owner who needs to be prepared to handle your business in this uncertain time?
In this episode, we invited a special guest, Jason MacDonald to join us to talk about what we, as owners, should and shouldn’t do. Jason is an industry advocate who has spoken at past Float Conferences, and he is a health inspector in Alberta, Canada.
Jason dispels some misinformation and shares his general pe...
2020-03-111h 11Art of the Float175: Hot Laundry TalkNSFW: This one might just be too hot y’all. We’re here to talk l-a-u-n-d-r-y friends. You might not be ready for this one, but you’re about to hear some passion. The crew is ready to talk about the honest to goodness truth of what most float centers REALLY do - laundry. Considering using a laundry service? Get ready to reconsider, unless you want arms of steel or you have a bank account that’s made of steel. It’s time for the battle of onsite laundry versus noise leaks, actual leaks, and the proper way to fold/roll...
2020-02-2033 minArt of the Float174: Prepping for Media VisitsWhile we’ve all heard that Facebook is the place to spend your advertising dollars, no one can (or should!) resist the opportunity to welcome the media - from the news to magazines to local influencers and more. The gang is here to share how to get media folks into your space, what to expect, and how to prepare. Each person shares what kind of coverage they’ve gotten for their center, and how that went, as well as how much control they’ve had over the end result, and how to ask for more, if you need it.
...
2020-02-1348 minArt of the Float171: This Episode Expires in 3 Days (Gift Card Expirations)Drew approached the crew with a simple question… “To expire, or not expire?” Little did he know, he was opening a can of worms that - once opened - could never really be answered, at least not with a straightforward yes or no, at least. You’ll hear why Gloria and Kim are sticklers about protecting member deals and the value of their regular price, and why Dylan considers the impact of the expiration on potential memberships. Drew shares his experience of offers several small sales one year, and then none the next year. Yes, it all weaves in, out, and...
2020-01-2343 minArt of the Float170: Is That Stealing?If it’s on the internet, it must be yours for the taking, right? And since we’re one big, happy loving float family, we always share and play nice, yes? Well, maybe not. After a discussion was posted in the Float Collective about the sharing/borrowing/stealing of content, the Art of the Float crew is diving into the great debate to share their ideas about what’s right, what’s wrong, what’s a little right, but maybe not, and what’s probably always cool.
Since Dylan and Kim have unique perspectives given their line of paid work...
2019-12-1336 minArt of the Float169: Holiday PromotionsHap-, Hap-, Hap-, Happy Holidays, to you! The crew is back to dish about how the holiday season is kicking off. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday/Sunday (is that really a thing, Gloria?!), and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, Dylan, Drew, Gloria, and Kim talk about the sales they’re doing… or not doing and why.
Is it better to create FOMO (fear of missing out) with shorter timeframes to capture deals? Or continue that chill, floaty vibe with a longer sale that doesn’t rush anyone? What about in-person only deals? Should you reserve the be...
2019-12-0539 minArt of the Float168: State of the Industry Report with Juliet MylanIn this episode, Juliet Mylan, Supreme Float Historian from Float Tank Solutions, joins the crew to hash out the nitty gritty details about the 2019 State of the Float Industry Report that was just released. Juliet dishes out some humility and some words of wisdom about taking the survey data with a 50-pound bag of Epsom salt. You’ll hear a little behind the scenes info about what didn’t make the report and why, as well as some hopes and dreams for the future industry reports.
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2019-10-1644 minArt of the Float167: Post-Float Conference Discussion 2019The hype is real… and long lasting. The crew is still buzzing from all things FloatCon2019. You’ll hear their takes on the venue, format, and favorite speakers, as well as the most important part of the Float Con experience. Woven throughout are stories of burnout, leaning on each other, finding inspiration, sharing struggles, learning, and operating on minimal sleep… all while soaking in the latest floaty research.
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2019-10-1048 minArt of the Float164: Employee SchedulingBecause the world of managing employees is so complex, we’re taking an episode to dive into employee scheduling. If you’ve ever wondered about the best ways to schedule your team, you’ll want to tune in. We dive into the need to recognize when employees will perform at their best, the need for anchors and consistency in processes, how to pinpoint when a mid-shifter should come in and leave, and different strategies for who does what when the tanks are full. While scheduling sounds pretty straightforward, we explore how having different modalities and unpredictable guests can create a litt...
2019-09-1246 minArt of the Float163: Employee TrainingContinuing in our Employee series, this episode skims the surface of the glamourous world of employee training. The crew starts by dropping some stats on how many employees they’ve ever trained across their careers (spoiler: 5 to 10,000+), so you know they’ll have some varied view points and lots of tidbits to share. You’ll get to hear about timelines for each center owner’s training programs, how to start an employee on Day 1, different delivery methods for training, and when to “check yo’ people” and when to step back, float, and let your manager handle performance issues, should you have that...
2019-09-0452 minArt of the Float162: Employee TurnoverIt’s inevitable that if you hire employees, at some point, someone will say goodbye - willingly or not. You can hire the right people, train and treat them well, but still have to end the working relationship. In this episode, the team talks about practical tips, like asking for a longer notice before an employee leaves, and inspirational concepts, like always appreciating the importance of each individual employee. We’ll leave you with tips for red flags, creating a paper trail, knowing “when it’s time”, planning for a departure, and why setting clear expectations and communicating well can help y...
2019-08-2744 minArt of the Float161: Employee RetentionIn this episode, we continue diving into employee issues as the crew dishes on all things employee retention. You’ll hear stories about how one host thinks spending less time at his center led to an increase in employee turnover, while another hashes out the differences in turnover issues across multiple locations and between full-timers versus part-timers. We’ll dabble on employee benefits, and dive into why it’s important to engage, empower, and motivate your team members to be more than just recipients of a paycheck.
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2019-08-1543 minArt of the Float160: Hiring & InternshipsIt’s a bit of a catch 22…. You need help, but you’re too busy to find it and you’re not really sure exactly what to look for in the perfect float employee. Sound familiar? In this episode, you’ll hear four different perspectives as Dylan, Gloria, Drew, and Kim share their employee structure, including how they include interns. You’ll hear big differences in the way Kim and Gloria manage their internship programs, and a bit about how Dylan’s experience went in the past.
The crew talks about different strategies for finding employees, from social media...
2019-08-0847 minArt of the Float158: GrouponGrab your adult beverage of choice, put the kids to bed, meditate for a minute, and take a few deep breaths. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most passionate topics in the float community… GROUPON. (Insert daunting theme music here…) Drew dug up a bit of research about the history of Groupon, and he sets the stage with a little foundational knowledge about how the company came to be what it is today. Gloria flips the coin to share her experiences of watching the company’s evolution from her backyard in Chicagoland.
Each host bri...
2019-07-2757 min
Art of the Float157: We're Back Baby!Volume 2 is officially here! Volume 1 of Art of the Float ran for about three years, so we’re delighted to come back from a little break with a fresh take on the podcast. As we dive into this new year and a new take, we also have some new voices on the show!
Drew Kane, owner of New Hampshire Float Therapy is a new host, who came into floating much the same way as Dylan. (Thanks, Joe Rogan!) Drew’s start comes full circle because he’s been a loyal listener of Art of the Float since his st...
2019-07-1733 minArt of the Float148: Float Center As An Event SpaceKim Hannan recently posted a question in the Float Collective, asking others how they handle hosting events and workshops in their float centers, so we invited her to join the show to discuss the topic in person.Support Art of the Float
2018-09-131h 00Art of the Float146: Float Conference 2018 in Review... And Looking ForwardDrew Kane, Kim Hannan, and Dan Larsen join Amy and Dylan this episode to recap the experience of the 2018 Float Conference. Each guest this week has a different perspective, from not-yet-open to only recently open, to “veterans” of the float world, and all experiences for attending the conference. Revisiting the Friday activities, Kim shares some of her takeaways from the marketing forums, Drew and Dan talk about what they learned at Justin Feinstein’s talk about how we can all work together to further the world of clinical research in our industry.
Find full show notes at https...
2018-08-231h 03Art of the Float130: Rise Roundtable - Client IntrosDylan, Jeremy Jacob & Kim Hannan host a roundtable discussion live from the Rise Float Gathering! What's the best way to give an introduction? How much information is too much? How best can we make our clients feel comfortable and at home? Tune in to hear from your float community!Support Art of the Float
2018-04-261h 10Art of the Float123: Opening a Float Center: Setting ExpectationsThis week, we invited a guest host to join us as we talk about expectations of how things go when opening a float center. Kim Hannan of Sukhino Float Center in New Albany, Indiana, is in the early stages of this process, and since Amy is close-ish to opening her second location, they both have current experiences with this topic. (Kim also writes the show notes found at artofthefloat.com, so she admits it’s a bit bizarre to write about herself in third person here…)
In exciting news, the Art of the Float photography service is now...
2018-03-081h 32
Rare Bird RadioJudith Hannan in conversation with Kim GreenJudith Hannan, author of The Write Prescription, discusses writing and writing about illness with Kim Green, author of hallucinations.
2016-05-0624 min