Art of the Float: Recent Episodes
Art of the Float
Art of the Float is a podcast about float tanks and float centers. It's hosted by three float center owners who discuss their experiences and knowledge to help others looking to start their own business.
Do 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. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Shop Art of the Float (shop.artofthefloat.com)
It’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 you can take bits of your story and weave it into daily operations and even your marketing efforts. mysteryboxshow.com (mysteryboxshow.com) reba.sparrow@gmail.com IG: @happyapplePDX (https://www.instagram.com/happyapplepdx/) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Shop Art of the Float (shop.artofthefloat.com)
Some 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 members. You’ll hear from the whole crew about how long their training programs are, what is included, and how to set each employee up for success and how to establish a clear communication process, as well as what resources to create. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) www.shop.artofthefloat.com (www.shop.artofthefloat.com)
What 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 companies, much of what creates a successful team is the same in small businesses like our float centers, as it is in the big ones. Carolynn shares how to show up as a servant leader to help empower your team to give their best, and how starting with that will lead to the outcomes you’re looking for - excellent customer service, engaged employees, and more. Links carolynn.j.bruce@gmail.com Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) www.shop.artofthefloat.com (www.shop.artofthefloat.com)
For as much attention as we have put on our floors, we may not be doing enough to keep our customers safe. Dylan shares what has been working great for other float centers to keep our customers salt-water solution laced feet, firmly on the ground. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
As 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 your pants person like Drew, there are ways to review your priorities and also give yourself some grace about how you manage your time. You’ll hear Gloria’s secret weapon and some of the ways each co-host manages their ADHD tendencies. LINKS Link to the FTS Consultant Roundtable (https://youtu.be/O2-ZJHsOpM) Getting It All Done with ADHD (Kim’s talk at Float Conference): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoWG-MpeZH8 Kim’s favorite weekly task tracker notepad: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HQWXQSN/ref=ppxyodtbsearchasin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The AI-powered task management tool Kim uses: https://www.usemotion.com/ Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Some 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 of the official earning of his doctorate to become the “real” Dr. Flux. You’ll also get a glimpse at the topic Dr. Flux will be sharing with everyone at the Float Conference in Maine this August, and you won’t want to miss it! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
With 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! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions) Links Art of the Float Store! (shop.Artofthefloat.com) Bonfire (www.bonfire.com) BlankStyle (www.blankstyle.com) TransferXpress (www.transferexpress.com) AmerStampPrinting (www.amerstamprinting.com)
Drew 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. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Let’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 little surprise. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 location, or all of the above. This episode is all about the joy of - and riding the waves from - being in the float world. Even when things feel heavy for a bit, they eventually bounce back, come full circle in some way, and you can count your blessings while dreaming about Maine lobster. Links Kim's Magazine Article! (https://online.fliphtml5.com/ahotm/thxe/) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Another 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. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 decision to move forward with an increase for 2022. The crew tosses around several ideas, including pricing psychology and why certain numbers tend to “work” according to the experts, but why you might not want to put too much stock into that advice. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Adult 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 decision, working through several potential buyers, and finally finding “the one”. You’ll hear how a broker helped them get momentum and set boundaries around the process, how important it is to have your finances in order and always have an exit strategy - even if you don’t plan to sell - and what it’s like to take time to breathe on the other side of it all. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
What 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 the notion of “lying on the couch” for therapy is in essence, its own form of sensory deprivation. We learn a few tips for preparing guests for potential psychedelic experiences of their own, as well as the importance of integration after a session. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
If 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 proposition is critical. You’ll also hear her two secrets to picking “the one” if you’re going into business with someone else, why it’s so important to have a professional team to guide you along the way, and what three big things you should look for before buying a business. Even if you’re not looking at making such a big move, you’ll also hear some indispensable themes about inclusivity and what your communications and marketing strategies say about your business. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
We 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! LINKS https://www.facebook.com/InfinityFloatNJ/videos/2773586406189409 Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
It’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. Links Matt Phillips company on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/itsaknowthing/) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 keep a ton of extra towels and a wet vac in your emergency preparedness kit. You’ll also hear how valuable a cotton swab can be… Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
It 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 before - but not everyone got to experience it. Kim provides a little light on the challenges the board faced in hosting the first ever hybrid event. It wasn’t without its challenges, but there was a whole lot to celebrate too. LINKS https://www.floatconference.com/financials https://artofthefloat.com/2021/06/222-dr-feinstein-float-research-collective-brainstorm-speech/ Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Jeremy Joins the pod once again! Jeremy shares some keys to thriving during a pandemic, a tease for his latest speech and of course the story of falling in love with his wife <3 Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Join us for another Float Conference Special episode! today we sit down with the illustrious MC Flux! We find out how he first got into float research, speaking at float conferences and how he deals with stress. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Drew and Dylan chat with Stephen Johnson about how he started speaking at the Float Conference, how floating provides an opportunity to view your own consciousness, as well as psychedelics. Join us for a fun insightful conversation! Get your Float Conference tickets now at floatconference.com! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Continuing 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 efforts. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
In 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 will help you not only identify your target client, but also really get to know them and paint a picture about their lives so that you can create an experience that’s truly tailored to their needs. She’ll guide you through ways to start noticing that client when you’re out shopping at the grocery store and why it’s important to get really specific. You’ll hear some tips from Kim Hannan, our own in-house marketing expert, on how to create a named client avatar to help you speak directly to that client in your marketing messages. In a fun twist, you might find yourself rethinking the “floating is for everyone” approach, but still be able to reach “everyone”. Visit our show guide (https://artofthefloat.com/2021/07/creating-a-client-profile-and-why/) for links! Sponsors www.floatconference.com (www.floatconference.com) www.helmbot.com (www.helmbot.com) www.I-sopod.com (www.I-sopod.com) www.mindfull.solutions (www.mindfull.solutions)
As 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 one and the same. You’ll hear different ideas for approaching ads, creating outreach programs, and how empowering your employees can be a critical piece of your marketing strategy. Links Float Conference (www.floatconference.com) Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 possible” is their motto. You’ll hear all about what to expect with the hybrid event this year, so you pick whether you want to attend in person or online, and why you might just want to arrive in Milwaukee a few days early (workshops! Sightseeing! More than cheese!), and stay a day or two late (Whirlyball what?!)! *Don’t forget to use our code ‘Floatastic21’ to save $50 on conference tickets! * Links www.floatconference.com Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
We 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! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
It’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 his shadow, Kim is gearing up to hire staff to run her center while she and her husband begin the journey to do the same. Dylan, in the midst of record breaking temperatures in Portland, shares his tails from being an offsite leader and a crazy situation that happened after a floato session. Tan lines, tears, celebrations, and clean-ups. Just like running a float center, this is a wild one. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Dr Feinstein walks us throught his vision of the Float Research Collective and invites you to join and work in different groups within the FRC! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 it too cool (figuratively). Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
It’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 each guest, and how to maintain a beginner’s mindset even when you say the same thing over and over each day. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 so incredibly important to record notes about customer interactions - both the good and the not-so-good ones. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 people say about you, and each customer’s experience shapes the experience for anyone they tell. While you can’t control what they say, you have a lot of power to shape why they say it. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Stress 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 your center to help you guests not only feel better, but float more. https://floattucson.com/sampro/ Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Mother’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. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
They 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 fate of Float Los Alamos, including everything from the obvious metrics to the internal staff friction and the shift in energy at the center itself. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
If 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://artofthefloat.com/2021/04/eidl-201/ Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Matt and Jacki join todays show to talk about their ongoing battle to keep their float center open in Florida and safely float those in need. The battle against bureaucracy and red tape is sure to get your blood boiling, but there is hope! You can help by sharing stories or testimonials from your client who's lives have been impacted while floating (see below). With much gratitude, Matt and Jacki ask that you reach out to the following indidviuals, cc'ing all of them together is OK! (copy+pastable email addresses further below). Please share customer testemonials of your clients and how safe floating should be allowed in Florida without the use of harmful chemicals within an enclosed space. jax@indigofloat.com – Indigo Float Jacksonville (Please copy us) Scott.rivkees@flhealth.gov – State Surgeon General GovernorRon.DeSantis@eog.myflorida.com – Florida Governor mark.lander@flhealth.gov – Deputy Director for County Health louise.stlaurent@flhealth.gov – Chief Legal Counsel Florida DOH Shamarial.Roberson@flhealth.gov – Deputy Secretary of Health Amy.Meyer@flhealth.gov – Duval County Chief Legal Counsel Bob.Vincent@flhealth.gov – Environmental Administrator, Water Programs, Florida Dept. of Health Jason.fischer@myfloridahouse.gov – FL House Representative Cyndi.Stevenson@myfloridahouse.gov – FL House Representative BEAN.AARON@flsenate.gov – State Senator mayorlennycurry@coj.net – Jacksonville Mayor MBoylan@coj.net – Jacksonville City Council Rep MCarlucci@coj.net – Jacksonville City Council Rep Fl04jr.outreach@mail.house.gov – John Rutherford, U.S. Congressman Scott.rivkees@flhealth.gov; GovernorRon.DeSantis@eog.myflorida.com; mark.lander@flhealth.gov; louise.stlaurent@flhealth.gov; Shamarial.Roberson@flhealth.gov; Amy.Meyer@flhealth.gov; Bob.Vincent@flhealth.gov; Jason.fischer@myfloridahouse.gov; Cyndi.Stevenson@myfloridahouse.gov; BEAN.AARON@flsenate.gov; mayorlennycurry@coj.net; MBoylan@coj.net; MCarlucci@coj.net; Fl04jr.outreach@mail.house.gov Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Disclaimer: 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 help, but could also really just be a fun brain at work too. Time blocking, meditation, systems, audio and visual reminders, and prioritization - these are just a few of the ways we learn to make our way through the day. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod Float Tank (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
This 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 for your caulk, battling hair rats, preventing pink mildew, keeping your plumbing working smoothly, and why you might want to invest in an extra sump pump and carbon filter. Stick with us for this one - it’s hilarious, immature, and yet, oh-so-useful. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod (https://i-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Given 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, “Mother” while googling “primal therapy” too.... Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) [I-Sopod](https://i-sopod.com Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
From 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, the great work at LIBR is continuing under the direction of Dr. Sahib Khalsa… AND Dr. Feinstein’s big dreams are starting to take shape! As he says, he’s “doubling down” on floating, and he needs help getting the Float Research Collective off the ground and then opening his own float clinic in Maui. He presented the idea at Rise in 2019 and is ready to bring the whole float community into the research world, in a way that will help gather publishable data. If you would like to get involved, you can do two things: 1) sign up for newsletter updates located at the bottom of clinicalfloat.com, and 2) email Dr. Feinstein at feinstein.float@gmail.com to let him know how you’d like to help. Be sure to tune in to next week’s episode to hear more from Dr. Feinstein too! Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod (https://I-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Pixels, 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 apart from most Facebook advertisers, and since he’s really not an ad agency, he just loves to share what he knows in order to help other centers. We barely scratched the surface with his profound expertise, and we can’t wait to have him on again to share more! He has a unique approach to advertising his center, including his live events on Facebook (pre-pandemic, of course). Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) I-Sopod (https://I-sopod.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
We’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 and center. We hope you’ll also take away some creative ideas for getting new folks in the door, partnering with other local businesses, and showing appreciation for your guests and members, just for the sake of making their days a little bit brighter. Sponsors HelmBot (https://Helmbot.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
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 everything she’s learned so far about the PPP and EIDL 2.0 plans. Whether you applied for the first round of funding or not, and whether you received it or not, you might be eligible for assistance in this newest version - from additional grant funds from the EIDL to another forgivable PPP loan to some SBA generosity. If you have an SBA 7A or 504 loan, you might just be in for two additional months of “debt forgiveness”, and if you’re looking to expand your business and need working capital or are ready to open a business, this stimulus package may be exactly what you need. Sponsors HelmBot (https://helmbot.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Imagine 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 ripple effects to float centers across the U.S. as curious potential float guests started to look for how they could have the same. We invited Jesse on to the show to talk about his experience as a first timer, as well as how it was going viral. Jesse is also a musician who creates meditation music that complements float therapy well, so it felt a little serendipitous for all of our paths to cross. After the “Knuckleheads” wrap up the conversation with Jesse, loaded with gratitude and some fun plans for the future, they reflect on the challenges - lined with many blessings - this year has brought. One thing is certain - there’s something special about the float industry, and we’re all grateful to be a part of it. Thank you for lending us your ears this year. We’ll see ya again after a short break. Visit our show page for all today's links! Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Continuing 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 results, as well as how to strategically use landing pages versus purchase link sand sales funnels. Whether you’re a marketing pro or a novice, you’ll pick up a few tips for marketing your center. Links email: itsaknowthing@gmail.com FB: It’s a KnowThing FBL https://www.facebook.com/itsaknowthing/ Floatoffers.com Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
This 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 those who watch to respond by becoming repeat float customers, how one video campaign brought in 600 new floaters, and how he uses Facebook ads to create loyal customers. He dives into data that supports how four major segments exist in the float industry: those with back pain, join pain, anxiety, and depression/mental disorders. Andy’s data rolls up to one big fact: the float industry can help so many people. We just need to use the right skills to reach them. He’s working hard to make sure the content that he creates can help us do just that. LINKS Risingtideadvertising.com Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
The 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 to minimize our risks?”, “What does Chicago deep dish pizza have to do with infective doses?”. And “Why should I keep my finger out of my nose after cleaning a float suite?”. Dr. Vore shares the two highest risk touchpoints in a float suite, why you might want to extend times between floats, whether or not investing in HEPA filters is a good idea, and what sort of cleaning products are a load of hogwash. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfull.solutions)
Dylan updates the float community on Art of the Float, upcoming Patreon projects, the Float Shoppe and his personal life.
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 you walk away with nothing else tonight, walk away with this stuck in your ear: don’t do tile floors. We love you too much to see that happen. We also have a quick little celebration for two float center anniversaries coming up this month, because when the world is hard, those celebrations matter the most! Kudos to Kim and Drew! Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Max Floats (https://maxfloats.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfully.solutions)
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 you walk away with nothing else tonight, walk away with this stuck in your ear: don’t do tile floors. We love you too much to see that happen. We also have a quick little celebration for two float center anniversaries coming up this month, because when the world is hard, those celebrations matter the most! Kudos to Kim and Drew! Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Max Floats (https://maxfloats.com) Mindfull Solutions (https://mindfully.solutions)
This 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 float center, you’ll hear some ideas that you can quickly implement, and some that may require a little more thinking and planning. Social media can be a DIY task, but Kim shares one of the most important pieces of an effective strategy: the strategy. Without it, you’re just throwing darts in the dark. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats.com)
It’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 industry makes that nearly impossible. You’ll hear us scratch the surface on the pros and cons of staying in the social media world as we know it, especially in light of a new documentary on the topic. Links State of the Industry Survey (https://www.floattanksolutions.com/float-industry-survey/) Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats.com)
As 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 away with some new ideas and some things to consider for moving forward, and we hope you are too. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
After 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 best practices, and join in that ol’ Float Con sense of community that we all love. It wasn’t all perfect, so you’ll hear a few of the downsides and mishaps, and why some folks are hoping for a virtual option again in the future. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
So 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 learning moments, the full conference is going to be pretty amazing if the Preview was any indication. (Oh, and you might not want little ears to hear this one - just a few little fun mentions that you might not want to explain later.) Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
In 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, but digital marketing was very successful. She talks about how to use a traditional sales funnel (cold leads, lukewarm leads, to hot leads) to target and retarget new guests and why you shouldn’t direct new leads to your website. One of the most important things Heather shares is how to have a plan and to check your success if you’re doing it yourself, and know when to hire a pro to help you. She even drops a cost-per-click rate that you’ll want to watch! Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
We’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 taking on more debt or to “be selfish” and stop the financial crisis that was beginning to grow. He talks about all of those moments of realizing that bankruptcy is on the horizon, but how it is now going to be a relief, not the gloom and doom one would expect, as he begins to see a glimmer of hope after investing all of his time and energy into running his center, a two-person, two-tank dream for the past few years. Sponsors The Buoy Project (https://floattanksolutions.com/buoy) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
We’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 Float Con style! And a big spoiler: if you can’t attend a session live, you’ll have immediate access to watch it later! Links Float Conference Tickets (www.floatconference.com/tickets) Sponsors Float Buoy (https://floattanksolutions.com/buoy) Maximum Floats (https://maximumfloats.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
As 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. Sponsors Float Buoy (https://floattanksolutions.com/floatbuoy) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
In 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”, not to sell floats. Gloria is in the process of kicking off a program with Maximum Floats, and Kim shares a bit about a similar program that she launched on her own at her center. And if you’re a non-salesy center, you’ll pick up a few ideas for how to share information and deals without coming across as pushy - how to be a helper instead. Sponsors Float Buoy (https://floattanksolutions.com/buoy) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
As 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 centers require “sales” strategies. It doesn’t feel very floaty though, so we dive into how to shift out of the sales mindset and into one of being a consultant who’s there to help guests feel better and find relief. You’ll hear stories of having a “summer attitude” and being challenged to think about your long term strategy for your business growth - meaning is it a lifestyle business that’s centered around you as an owner, or do you want to grow and scale in a way that will require more reliance on others. We also share some tips for pricing menus, and soft selling the “next step”. Sponsors Float Buoy (https://floathelm.com/buoy) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
We’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, marketing strategies, and a special personal story from JulietWe absolutely love you all. Getting to just hang out and talk through the ups, downs, and twirl arounds of this industry in this time is absolutely special, and we don’t take that for granted. We’re so grateful to each of you who listen, who join in, and who support us so we can support you. Sponsors Float Buoy (https://floattanksolutions.com/buoy) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
It’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. We’re grateful for Jennifer and Mark Gurley from Infinity Float Center in Houston, TX; Elliott Reed of IMR Float in Henderson, NV; and Michael Hineline, the new owner of Float Brothers in Destin, FL. They’ve all joined us tonight to talk about how things are going in their reopening after the COVID shutdown. Someone is having success with billboard ads, someone reopened in the wrong phase and ventured into the world of a “speakeasy float center”, and someone else is getting a full initiation by the Float Gods. One thing is for sure - float people are special. What we provide is special, and the world needs us more now than ever. We hope you’ll use your float powers to further the good in the world and to continue helping those who are suffering and those who are in need. And keep taking care of yourselves so you can keep providing this healing gift to others. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
If 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 turnover processes and whether or not to ask your guests to wear masks. It’s a mixed bag, and you might be surprised as to why. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Here 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 hurting employees by bringing them back to work too soon. There may also be some changes to the PPP stipulations on the horizon, so stay tuned for that. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Depending 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 that we’re each sharing our personal experiences and approaches for our own individual approaches. Some could call it entertainment, some may say it’s ATOF guidance, but we’re just sharing ideas so you can create the best plan of action for your center. This episode dives into wearing masks, asking clients to sign waivers, taking temperatures, using video for orientation, using the parking lot as a waiting room, asking for sneeze confessions, and some tools some of us are implementing. Get ready. It’s a lot to wade through, because, well, reopening your center is a lot to wade through right now too. *Wherever you are in your reopening journey, be safe. Be smart. Take care of yourself, and take care of your people. * Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
So, 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 presenting multiple perspectives, you’ll get to pick which team you’re on: Team Open ASAP, Team Wait it Out, or Team Not Really Sure. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
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 striving to serve the community. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
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. 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 business attorney who shared information about the Paycheck Protection Program, which is an element within the recently passed CARES Act in the United States. The PPP, administered through the SBA, is a loan that may be partially forgivable. If you’re interested in applying for it, talk to your local bank immediately, ideally one with whom you already have a working relationship. Jesse, among others in the crowd, shared details about loan eligibility, amount eligibility, and how to qualify for forgiveness of some or all of the loan. Please note that this information is accurate at the time of recording, but because the application goes live two days after recording (on Friday, 4/3/2020), some details may change. It is crucial to talk to your professional team for the nuances of your situation. To be eligible for the PPP loan, you must have fewer than 500 employees and be located within the United States, and you must review statements and certify that your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 situation. The loan amount for which you’re eligible is calculated based on your average monthly payroll cost times 2.5 months. After eight weeks, you may be eligible for forgiveness of some or all of that amount, based on the total full-time employees (or combination of part-time employees who add up to 35 hours a week to be considered full time) before the event, compared to the average number of full-time employees (or combination of part-timers) over the course of that eight weeks. If you have already laid off your employees, you might still benefit from the program as a two-year loan with a 0.5% interest rate, but may not be eligible for forgiveness. You must be able to provide receipts and paystubs for payroll costs, rent, utilities, and interest payments, but 75% of the loan does need to be used for payroll in order to be eligible for for loan forgiveness. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
NSFW: 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 thoughts on the future of your own business (and theirs). To help with the nitty gritty world that must go on, Kim shares some tips for what to share (or not share) on social media, Drew poses some thought-provoking sentiments about offering sales right now, and the whole crew shares in a little love and support. There are pros and cons to each decision you’re making along the way, of course, so you’ll have to arrive at your own conclusions, but not without a few ideas and nuggets of compassion to help you. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
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 through in order to arrive at the decision to stay open or close their center - from the size of the center, number of employees, and how people get to work.
You’ll get a few tips on what to do if you do close, what assistance programs may be available to you, and how to start exploring the financial impact, emotional impact, and social impact of your decision. And Kim shares why she couldn’t hop in the tank right now. As an added bonus, we have a special guest- a nurse who is on the front line helping folks who are battling COVID-19. It’s an emotional, unprecedented time, and you’ll hear some raw and real responses to how everyone is handling it. With a few personal stories and different different views, we hope you can arrive at a peaceful decision about how to handle your own float center in this uncharted territory.
Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Coronavirus, 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 perspective about how the virus is spread and how float centers are already well-equipped for this outbreak. (He even drops a few one liners that you could use for marketing campaigns!) While there’s a lot of uncharted territory with COVID-19, Jason sheds light on what to look for in your cleaning and disinfecting products to make sure you’re doing just that. Tip: contact/dwell times matter. Dylan, Gloria, Drew, and Kim then chat about what they’re each doing onsite for their cleaning routines, staff communications, and public messaging. Some are holding out, and some are shouting from the rooftops. In which camp will you fall after hearing it all here? Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
There are murmurs of a new hope for the FTA as Beth Jones joins the podcast and discusses how the FTA awakens. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com) Special Guest: Beth Jones.
The crew discuss the pitfalls of employee management and brainstorm ways to improve morale, employee output and overall cohesion. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
NSFW: 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 your towels. We’ll dive into some conspiracy theories about why so many people use robes, and how to prevent that, as well as what products/tools to use… or not. We told you it’s going to be hot. Links Kim’s robe hang tag (https://www.dropbox.com/s/evwllclnlgmunbi/robe%20hanger.png?dl=0) Anti-vibration pads (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BVEMLR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Dropps laundry detergent (http://dropps.com) Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
While 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. Everyone also checks in with an update on their person wellbeing goals for the year, as a follow up to the last group therapy episode. Links Dylan's KGW Interview (https://www.kgw.com/mobile/video/entertainment/culture/cassidy-quinn/float-tank-self-care/283-5149fb85-dc95-4c48-bebf-ec67b0742a8a) Kim’s social media help (https://www.mindfull.solutions/social-media-assistant) or email at kim@mindfull.solutions (mailto:kim@mindfull.solutions) Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
It’s time to get real. Really real. In part 2 of this episode, the crew talks through the challenges of “doing it all” – balancing families, spouses, pets, other jobs, other projects, and all of the demands that come with running a business. They’ll weave through hard topics like burnout, recognizing when it might be time to sell and move on, and beating death, and you might even hear something about screaming, swearing, and punching (pillows). They ponder the types of business owners, recognizing that while you might love the challenge of getting up and running, you might fizzle out when things are going smoothly, or you might burn out when they’re not. You’ll see Dylan in action as a podcaster/dad/husband/entrepreneur when his support network pops in with some sweet sounds and sweet treats. Listen to see who says, “Just because things are going well with the business, which I’ve always wanted, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s what I want for my life.” It’s a hard look at the raw, real life struggles we all face, where we go for support, and how we all need to… (yep, you guessed it) float more. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
It’s time to get real. Really real. In part one of this episode, the crew talks through the challenges of “doing it all” - balancing families, spouses, pets, other jobs, other projects, and all of the demands that come with running a business. They’ll weave through hard topics like burnout, recognizing when it might be time to sell and move on, and beating death, and you might even hear something about screaming, swearing, and punching (pillows). They ponder the types of business owners, recognizing that while you might love the challenge of getting up and running, you might fizzle out when things are going smoothly, or you might burn out when they’re not. You’ll see Dylan in action as a podcaster/dad/husband/entrepreneur when his support network pops in with some sweet sounds and sweet treats. Listen to see who says, "Just because things are going well with the business, which I've always wanted, it doesn't necessarily mean that that's what I want for my life." It’s a hard look at the raw, real life struggles we all face, where we go for support, and how we all need to... (yep, you guessed it) float more. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
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 around whether or not you should put an expiration date on gift certificates, memberships, and packages. The team highlights the legal ramifications and accounting impact of expirations and promotions, and by the time it’s all over, you’ll have quite a few questions to ponder before adding expiration dates to your own float options. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
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 in supporting other float center owners, you’ll hear how they feel about folks using their work with or without credit, and what’s important to consider before just snagging something for your own use. You’ll hear how it impacts branding, dinner tables, and even how “reusing” content can cause confusion for clients. We even sprinkle in a bit about how to protect your content, where to go to find free resources, and how to walk that fine line between “being inspired by” and “taking” someone else’s concepts and creations. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Hap-, 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 best prices for new folks or members? And why on Earth wouldn’t you want current clients to come in to your center for a special event? Drew has a compelling reason, so be sure to listen. You’ll hear how it’s going since Black Friday was later in the year, and how that’s impacting shopping habits so far, as well as why getting 3 hours of sleep doesn’t make for a bangin’ Small Business Saturday. We hide nothing…. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
In 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. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
The 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. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
The gang talk with Graham Talley (Float Tank Solutions, Float On) about the Float Conference this weekend! It's a fun loose episode that captures the excitment and love for the float conference. Join us in the fun! Please take the time to fill out our Float Tank Review Survey! It takes 4-5 minutes to fill out, you'll recieve 11 float photos as thanks, and you can find it right here (https://forms.gle/KN44RQgN9MVbKpcz8)! Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Should you have a membership? Just one option? An annual option? None at all? Secret memberships? Shareable or not? There are more membership options than granules of salt in a float tank, so we’re here to help you sift through them all. Keep your notebook handy because this episode is loaded with ideas. Since The Float Shoppe has been open for 8 years, Dylan has some strong feelings about why membership is a must-have for his business, but Drew is contemplating ditching the membership model all together. You’ll hear about entitlement behaviors, lost potential revenue, and schedule blockers… and how to spot the signs that you’re ready for expansion. And what about an inclusive, limited time only membership? Gloria dices up several ways to leverage memberships to create more frequent visits and how to turn members into your marketing team, as well as how to handle cases where people don’t use the floats they’ve accrued. And you’ll dive into policies and when to hold strong on them - or not. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Because 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 little chaos. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Continuing 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 luxury. You’ll also hear about the mistakes we’ve made, the lessons we learned, the plans we’re planning -- all to help you figure out how to train your employees to be the best they can be (without joining the Army). Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
It’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 you avoid employee turnover heartache. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
In 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. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
It’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, to recruiting sites, to hiring float clients, and you’ll take in a lot of different things to consider when trying to find the right fit for your center. Should you hire someone who loves to clean, someone who’s great with people, or someone who gels with the rest of your existing team? Should you hire just for front of house versus back of house, or should they switch off or combine it all into one? And because the topic of employees is such a meaty one, we’ll continue on in the next few episodes when we talk about training and retaining employees, and how to keep your cool when it’s time to say farewell to someone. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
Dylan steps into social media land to share his strategy for social media, specifically using Buffer to help his Instagram game. He shares how he’s creating a consistent brand on his account… and Gloria chimes in with how she breaks those very same rules, but she does create consistency in the types of posts she creates routinely. Grab your Vanilla Ice, baby! Grashkahn is back with a brand new edition… of the Float Con! Graham and Ashkahn of Float On and Float Tank Solutions join us to break down the details about the 2019 Float Conference. Last year, they announced that the conference itself would become a non-profit, so over the last few months, they’ve assembled a team to create the new version. The conference now has a new Board of Directors and a small army working out the details. They share that the basic format isn’t really changing, but the conference will be moving from city to city each year, starting in Denver. Listen in to see what will be happening each day, and what training workshops will be offered and when. This year’s focus is on establishing the new administrative structure, so it won’t feel vastly different just yet. You’ll hear who the new MC will be, and get to get giddy when you hear a few Float Faves will be making an appearance.
Grab 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 brings a completely different perspective. You’ll hear about Dylan’s history of using Groupon to pay his center’s rent when they first opened several years ago, and how Groupon customers still make up about 5% of his center’s revenue. Gloria’s take is that Groupon, in its current format, is a marketing tool (and expense), not a revenue generator. Gloria dives into the strategic thinking of how to calculate a Groupon offer (including a brilliant pricing move to immediately get a repeat visit!). Dylan reiterates how important it is to understand your cost-per-float for all of your financial and marketing decisions. After hitting some hard points, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to easily draw your own conclusion about using Groupon. Just kidding. There’s no easy answer. Do your homework, listen to this episode a few times, crunch your numbers, and know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Good luck! Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)
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 start, and he was a consulting client of AOTF. With only one float tank (in someone’s home) in all of New England, he seized the opportunity. Drew was a juvenile probation officer who went through a few big challenges to get his center open, but he stumbled on the perfect location and got creative with the landlord situation. Drew’s center opened in November 2017, and as of our recording date, he’s adding a third float room and just hired employees. Rounding out the new hosting team is Gloria Morris, owner of three Float Sixty locations. Gloria opened three locations in Chicago and Northwest Indiana in only three years. Gloria comes from a tech background in database marketing, and her husband took her to float several years ago to relieve stress. She’s run her own marketing company for many years and worked in big data technology for a decade before starting her float journey in 2015. She opened her first center only 9 months after her first float. Gloria has a team of almost 30 employees across her three locations, so she brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership, scaling, and efficiencies. Kim Hannan is a name you may recognize. She writes the show notes for each episode, but she’ll be joining each recording and will sometimes jump in live on the mic to share her thoughts. (Okay, I can’t write about myself in the third person for the rest of this paragraph….) After 15 years in the corporate world, I left my role as a training and marketing director just as we were getting ready to open Sukhino Float Center & Salt Cave in southern Indiana. I knew I was going to open a center before I had even had my first float. I roped my husband into my crazy idea, and after we studied and planned for four years, we finally broke ground. It was a challenging marathon of strange happenings to get the doors open, but we’re 5 months in, and loving the salty life. Dylan will take you on a stroll down memory lane with his start in the float world and how he and his wife Sandra launched The Float Shoppe. After hearing about floating on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Dylan became intrigued and eventually inspired enough to leave the cubicle farm and build his own center in Portland, Oregon, even though he never talked to Space Jesus. We’re all excited to bring you a new season of Art of the Float!
We take a moment to reflect on the past three years of the Art of the Float podcast, and say farewell to 2018. And we welcome the new for 2019: revisiting old topics to inject new knowledge, a new co-host, some tweaks to the format, and yes, a new theme song. Stay tuned for Season 2!
Kevin Rose from Unplugged Float Essentials joins us to continue our Float Marketplace series this week. Kevin shares his story about how he got started in the float world, as a Joe Rogan fan, and how he’s hoping to own his own center soon. In the meantime, he has started developing an essential oil, epsom salt, water-soluble CBD bath soak to start building brand awareness in his area, and to serve other float centers looking for a complementary retail product. Unplugged blends include unscented and scented blends, all named after chess pieces to invoke a practice of mindfulness. He hopes the end customer feels like they’re taking a bit of their float home with them. https://unpluggedfloatessentials.com/ kevin@unpluggedfloat.com
Tim Warshaw, owner of Float Scents, joins us this week to continue our “Float Marketplace” series. Tim has been managing a center for several years, during after an evening of floaty musings over beers with Stephen Johnson, Tim mentioned the idea of introducing aromatherapy into the float experience. After exploring several ideas, Tim eventually landed on the concept of a lip balm. He talks about the process he went through to research his idea and test a few concepts before deciding to make her own. His ingredients are simple, with a focus on the scent. Tim talks about how scents are often tied to memories, but how scents can also have the opposite effect. If you’ve created a great float experience, while the client is using say, a lavender scent, the memory of that great float may be triggered later if the client smells lavender again.
Luke Krueger, owner of Mandala Float Systems joined us this week to talk about his experiences in the industry. Luke started with a tank in his home before opening his own center (Deep, located in South Dakota), where he built his own tanks. He lives by the notion of “you either do it or you don’t”, so he went all in and started manufacturing open float tanks for others, as well as creating Ninja fans for tanks and cabins, and later Spout fans for pods - and these fans seem to have a cult following in the industry!
This week we kick off a new special on art of the float we're calling Float Marketplace. For the rest of the year we are going to feature float center owners who discovered a problem within the industry and created a solution with a new product for the float industry. This week we feature Kane Mantyla of RewardMore who's designed a holistic "membership" plan that is low risk for clients and high reward for both clients and float centers.
This week, Dylan visited Dana Highfill at her center that’s been open for two months. She talks about her experience over the first couple of months, including starting with employees, why’s running the shop solo now, and how she’s toed the line of burnout. She provides a great reality check about the daily nuances of running a center and all the little things that add up to take a lot of time, really pushing the need for time management skills. You’ll hear her perspective on transitioning from a solopreneur with a business that relies solely on her personal skills and availability, to a larger business with multiple modalities and a need for more employees and support teams to run it.
If you missed the Float Conference this year, you missed a fascinating presentation by MC Flux, but fear not! He’s here with us to talk about his research at the Float Clinic and Research Center, where he has been working with Dr. Feinstein. His thesis work explores the intersection of basic molecular neuroscience and mental health treatment. This ever-creative individual even designed today's show cover image!
Calling all fashion police! This week, Amy and Dylan are diving into the world of fashion, well, float fashion at least. Should employees wear a specific uniform? Show their personalities? Flash some logo wear? Amy talks about the intriguing reason why she keeps a pretty loose grasp on dress code at her centers, including one particular team member who loves to let his toes be center stage. Dylan obviously doesn’t live in the south, because he thinks those toes should always be covered. (And stubbed toes and foot injuries weigh on his mind too!) Dylan also talks about how clothing impacts the feeling his customers get when they walk in.
Kim 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.
The Float Conference offers a variety of free sessions on Friday before the big event. One of those such sessions was Justin Feinstein’s discussion about the Float Research Collective, a way for commercial float centers across the globe to get involved in formal studies relating to floatation therapy. This conversation started at the Rise Float Gathering in St. Louis in April, and since then, Justin has been looking for ways to leverage the industry in order to grow the reach of what’s possible. In this episode, you’ll hear a live recording of his talk to a packed room with people piling up at the door to hear what he has to say.
Drew 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://wp.me/p3DUt1-J0
Beth Jones is on the show this week to talk about her experiences in opening a float center (and continuing on to franchise) in North Carolina and battling through the strict request from the local health department. After just two years of being open, Beth started working towards franchising her operation after being approached by several interested parties. At Float Spa X, she’s challenging the status quo for how most franchises recruit and establish themselves as a successful venture. If you find yourself feeling like you’re the only one who can do things the way you want them done, be sure to listen for Beth’s strategy for making sure you can “own a business worth having and live a life worth living, all at the same time.”
This week, Dana Highfill joins the crew to give an update on Float North, the latest center preparing to open in the Portland area. Dana recently hosted an Open House to invite the public out to see her space and learn about floating. She shares how she handled the event itself, and the highs and lows that came immediately after. Her grand opening is just a few days away, and she’s mostly ready.
She’s back! Amy Grimes, our beloved co-host is back from a little leave spent opening her second location in Tennessee. She recaps the challenges of her opening, including going several months past their target date, being over budget, getting through challenging inspections, strained relationships, an unreliable and unethical contractor, and learning and taking over new modalities. Easy peasy stuff, yes? She shares the lessons they learned and how they survived all of the stress of nearly hitting financial rock bottom, and she talks about the reality of all that comes with this process when things go off track, including the tough emotions and the need for support.
Danielle Savory, a certified life coach and mindfulness teacher, joins us in this episode to share wisdom about avoiding burnout and reducing stress as a small business owner.
It’s Q&A time! This episode veers away from our traditional model of having a guest or a specific topic, and instead, we’re diving in to answer questions we’ve received from the community. You’ll hear about how to start building the vision and business plan for a new center, how to pick an effective heater to warm up a tank overnight, and what to look for in a pump for a DIY tank. Dylan describes the evolution of his photography for the Patreon photos he releases each month, and the intention and vision behind his strategy.
We’re excited to have Richard Bonk join us this week! Richard started floating through his work with Tom Fine where they began float research many years ago. Through a practice of floating and transcendental meditation (TM), Richard began to explore “alternate waking states” that felt at times like lucid dreams or out-of-body experiences while in an alert, awake state. Find full show notes at https://wp.me/p3DUt1-Hz
This week is a wild one… we opened up an invitation to the float community to join us for a conversation with and about the Float Tank Association (FTA). Kevin Johnson, Shoshana Leibner, and Glenn and Lee Perry (all FTA board members) join the crew and several float center owners to have an earnest conversation about the state of the organization.
It’s a float podcaster party! Graham and Ashkahn from Float Tank Solutions/Float On/The Float Conference join us this week. With Dylan, they discuss the current hot topic of the Float Tank Association (FTA) and the need for the organization. They’ve been on the road, attending different health department events to discuss float tank water sanitation with the health inspectors and experts across several states. They hold nothing back as they hit another favorite topic: Groupon. They talk about when they think it’s a good idea to run a campaign, and how we should be cautious about coordinating efforts with other centers. The conversation evolves to exploring the growth in the industry and how centers differentiate themselves when multiple businesses are in the same city.
Hilary Sedovic of Float STL joins the podcast to discuss how we can as float centers bring floating to those who might not otherwise be able to float due to income, lack of awareness etc. Please fill out her survey here!: https://goo.gl/forms/Bn4cXgYSBy1hUPeh2
As if we didn’t love the Laureate Institute for Brain Research enough for their work with floating and anxiety, Dr. Sahib Khalsa joins us today to talk about yet another study they’re completing - float therapy with anorexia treatment. Dr. Sahib’s is currently running a second study with participants who have anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder with a very high mortality rate.
Ryan Duey from Capitol Floats in Sacramento joins the crew this week to discuss an exciting research project for MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. It’s a non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana.
Shoshana Leibner joins todays episode to discuss the history of the FTA and what it is doing today to help individuals and the industry as a whole. Find full show notes here: https://wp.me/p3DUt1-Gz
This week, Dylan and Brian share their experiences from the Rise Float Gathering in St. Louis last month. The beauty of the event is the intimacy and intentionally small number of participants, where everyone has a chance to spend time together. The environment felt welcoming and fluid, with a heart-centered vibe. The revisit how the roundtable discussion flowed, and how great it was to hear from so many individuals on a specific topic, all the while realizing there is no right or wrong answer to the question that was posed.
Dylan, 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!
Amy and Dylan share tips about decisions you should make during the construction phase that will have a lasting impact on the day-to-day operations later, from plumbing to heating and cooling your rooms… and why you need rugs. They discuss the experience needed in order to tune into the details of a project, beyond just opening your own center, and how to find a balance between keeping an eye on the budget and spending money for the long-run. Get full show notes here: https://wp.me/p3DUt1-G1
Since she was last on the show, Bek has moved to Portland and now works at The Float Shoppe with Dylan. In addition to some personal decisions, she wanted to continue to grow the project, and some of the culture in Australia doesn’t support their vision for incorporating cannabis as a treatment method. She shares how floating has helped her, and how she struggled at times to get in the tank. Find full show notes here: https://wp.me/p3DUt1-FQ
Kevin McCulloch joins the show to talk about the Rise Float Gathering's second year and what the float industry has to look forward to!
Note: This week, we talk about some adult themes, so if your kiddos are around, you might want to hold off on listening until later. Marilyn Olmsted, the first franchisee of Urban Float, joins the crew this week. Marilyn was previously a tax consultant in an accounting firm, and she explains why she chose a franchise model and how she sees her role in the business. She has a unique view of what she brings to the business and why she loves having competition. find full show notes at https://wp.me/p3DUt1-Fq
This week, Angela Mcallister joins us to talk about purchasing an existing float center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She was an avid floater at the center for a couple of years, and stepped in to purchase it when the owner decided to sell.
This 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 live! If you missed a photo set in the Patreon campaign, you can still access those separately on the website, but Patreon supporters will still get the best deal.
This week’s guest is Debra Worthington, owner of H2Oasis in Tulsa, located near the LIBR facility. She shares details about her choice for float tanks, flooring, and walls. Debra is on the show to talk about couples floating, and she admits that she wasn’t always a fan of the idea. Now, one out of four floats at her center is a pair of individuals instead of a single client. She even has a successful couples’ membership. Debra talks about the merits of floating together, and the reasons her clients float with someone else - either as a couple, family, or friends.
The audience asked questions about, and the team discussed FRP (hot topic!), the biggest challenges they face in running a float center, crafting responses for the, “I’m claustrophobic” concern that comes up so frequently, and a reflection on the construction phase.
This week’s guest likely needs no introduction, as most float centers know of him and have been anxiously awaiting the publication of his latest study. Justin Feinstein from the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) has just released the results of a five-year clinical study about the effects of floatation therapy on individuals with anxiety and depression.
Sarah has created several recorded iRest ® meditations that are specifically formatted for use in the float tank. iRest ®, which means integrative restoration, meditation aims to restore individuals to their whole, healthy selves. It’s based on the ancient practice of yoga nidra, and has been proven successful for individuals with PTSD and similar mental challenges.
Rick and Jacob of Float STL join this episode to talk about a brilliant new resource for float center owners and manufacturers… They're starting a float magazine! They describe what to expect from the publication, as well as why they chose print over digital, and what you will be able to find online.
Gloria Morris, owner of Float Sixty in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, is also excited to see walls going up in her new location. The whole team discusses the different methods of designing a space - form over function versus the alternative. In her original location, Gloria used high-end materials, and she shares why she’s moving towards more durable, efficient options in her next shop.
Cecel Roebuck and Amy Lemley join the crew to talk about a new conference they’re planning: the International Therapeutic Floatation Conference.
The team is back for the new year, and they’re sharing details about their holiday results.
In the final episode of our four-part series with John Mackenzie, a business coach who helps small businesses thrive, we explore leading employee development using performance reviews.
John dives into detail about goals, starting with how to create SMART goals. He continues to expand on KPIs (key performance indicators) and success markers. John talks about “eating frogs” and “big rocks” - focusing on your goals first, and then fill your time with other tasks.
John talks about the major components of identifying and creating an intentional culture for your workplace, and reviewing that plan often. John then shares about the difference between job descriptions and duties/responsibilities, and outlining KPIs (key performance indicators). These detailed KPIs can make the difference in how your team shows up; having these clear expectations provides clarity and purpose.
For the next four episodes, John Mackenzie joins Amy and Dylan. You may remember John from past episodes; he’s Amy’s business coach, and he still provides coaching services to Lance too. This week, John offers tips for creating the type of workplace where people will want to be, or as he calls it, “a destination workplace”. He recommends creating a one-page narrative, with details about your goals, organization, culture, and value statement. He also shares how to create an impactful job description and set employee performance expectations.
Glenn & Lee Perry join Amy and Dylan to share their stories of starting the commercial float industry, their feelings on how to communicate with clients, and about their new float tank designed for home use! Find full show notes at https://wp.me/p3DUt1-Ch
Amy and Dylan discuss the importance of creating relationships with new float center owners in your area. Find full show notes here: https://wp.me/p3DUt1-C7
What does it take to build a float tank you can afford and avoid closing down? Find full show notes here https://wp.me/p3DUt1-BY
The team catches up on some questions left in comments on our blog posts and answers them on the podcast along with questions from listeners tuning into the podcast on Facebook Live. We discuss options for heating your water, the challenges of financing and build out, and a new documentary film project by friend of the show Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind.
Mike Arnesen re-joins the show to discuss how to optimize your website and understand Google Analytics to better funnel visitors to an eventual purchase. Find full show notes at https://wp.me/p3DUt1-BB
Melchior joins the gang today and shares his new float membership model. Dylan discusses the benefits of his new membership model, and everyone discusses different approaches to memberships. Throughout the episode the heart of why we are in this business comes to the surface. Find full show notes here: http://wp.me/p3DUt1-AT
Jeremy Jacobs of FLOAT, a four tank facility in San Antonio, TX, joins the gang this week to celebrate their one year anniversary! But it's not just reflecting on good times. The gang listens in on the hurdles Jeremy experienced (for three years) leading up to opening.
Dan Larsen joins us to introduce the Float Collective, how it began and how it will be helping our industry going forward.
Portland will soon see a fourth dedicated float facility open it’s doors in the Northeast side of town. Dana Highfill is the founder of the soon to be center, Float North, and this week shares the details of her journey.
We sat down with Colin Stonewall-Smith of Floataway to during the float conference. In Part 1 of our interview, we hear Collin's insights and opinions on the CDC’s potential future involvement with float tank regulation.
Part two of Soul of the Industry Roundtable and announcing a new partnership with Pro float!
The gang discusses the Eclipse and it's effect on our businesses at the top of the show. Next up is part 1 of of the Soul of the Industry Roundtable Discussion that took place during the Friday Float Conference workshops. Learn about who the Float Collective is, the direction they are heading as a group and great discussions on marketing and more.
The gang chats about Dylan and Brian's time at the float conference. Amy shares her story of being in Nashville during the conference and her latest hurdles toward buildout.
We catch up with Warren from our last episode and see what he's getting out of Float Conference 2017.
Warren is beginning his journey to start a float center and one of his first steps is his 28 hour drive join the Float Conference. This week we meet Warren before joins his first conference. We'll be following him this weekend to see how how his float journey progresses.
We are joined with Akvile Defazio of Advertise, inc. to learn about What Facebook Pixels are, why they are so important for our business and how to use them. Conversation spills over into general Facebook Marketing tactics as well.
Dylan shares his experience running a float summer challenge, Amy shares updates on her second location. Find full show notes here http://wp.me/p3DUt1-xL
Drew AKA Drewjitsu in Float Collective, joins the the show to share his story midway through buildout and inspires great discussion among our hosts. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-xB Special Guest: Drew Kane.
In this episode, the gang discusses the many branding, marketing, and campaign projects currently underway at their centers. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-xk
The gang discuss the summer slump, what marketing can be done to help get customers in during this time. Art of the Float has a new marketing campaign back that float centers can buy. Amy has very exciting news!
We’ve focused a lot recently about the drawbacks and burnout that come with running a float center, but what about the positives? Why did we start our centers in the first place, and what are we continuing to get out of it?
With yoga being such a saturated market in the Northwest, Jamie talks about what makes the Grinning Yogi unique and how they communicate that to the community. Amy has a big announcement, Lance is about to celebrate the Float Shack's 3 year anniversary, and Dylan reflects on the art of the sale.
Gloria Morris opened a float center 9 months after her first float. 15 months later, she is working on opening 2 more float centers at the same time! We've got a lot to learn from this amazing businesswoman. find full show notes here http://wp.me/p3DUt1-v8
Jeremy Warner of Escape Pod Float Tanks joins the show to discuss the state of the industry, why some float centers close down and others thrive.
the gang picks architect, Liz Gatlin on build-outs for float centers, why should you hire an architect, how you educate them about float centers, and how much you should budget.
Leasing agent Liz Gatlin joins the show and brings with her a wealth of information on what to consider when looking at a space to open a float center.
Lance is dealing with construction outside his business, Amy discusses music royalties in businesses, and Dylan launches a new membership for his center.
Tom Fine joins the show to tell us stories from his float research in the 80's and let's us know what his research showed us about floating. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-uh
Kalyn Wolf joins the show to discuss her home float center and how she recently turned her business around from near empty to a success.
How quickly will your business succumb to wear and tear? How do you prevent it and how do you plan your maintenance?
We talk with acoustical engineer, Tobin Cooley about best practices, products and more in todays fascinating episode. A must for anyone planning to open a float center and for anyone who already ones one.
Dustin, owner of Float Space, dives into the many different business models he has used for his float center and the team discusses how innovation is needed in our industry for it's success.
The creators of Rise - A Float Gathering join the show and discuss this new annual event, why you should go and and why they have created this float gathering in St. Louis
We join a couple that started a float center, while starting a family! Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-ts
It's just the gang tonight, so we take the opportunity to catch up and then share a story of visiting a Tony Robbins seminar. Good times... Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-tn
Author of The Float Tank Cure, Shane Stott joins us to discuss his next project, Kickstarting a float documentary! Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-ta
Jason MacDonald from the Department of Health in Alberta, Canada joins the gang to discuss water maintenance as well as interacting with your local health department. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-sM
We are joined by Zak King of California Float Concepts. Together we discuss the needs of float tanks and how he is pushing innovation in a number of areas. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-pS
We interview Anthony and Airlie about their process of starting and selling their float center. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-pK
We delve into refining employee systems and improving employee management. Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-oS
The crew discuss marketing your float center over the holidays! Find full show notes and links at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-oK
We discuss the pros and cons of crowdfunding, how float owners can help the veteran community, how to approach veterans apprehensive about floating, and the power of finding your passion. Find full show notes and links at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-oz
Aaron Douglas is staring a 6 float tank center. He has learned a ton and shares his lessons on todays episode! Find full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-oi
A one on one interview with Shane Stott, author of The Float Tank Cure. See full show notes at http://wp.me/p3DUt1-gR
View show notes on http://theartoffloating.com/2016/01/how-many-float-tanks-to-be-profitable/
The crew discusses their greatest mistakes in starting and running their float centers. Visit http://wp.me/p3DUt1-fN for full show notes
What's the best membership option for your center? Also, what's the right float time, 30, 60, or 90 minute floats? But first, in our personal business news, a big change has been made to how yoga is offered at the Float Shoppe. Dylan discusses how it’s taken awhile to figure out the best way to offer yoga so that it’s a great program for clients but doesn’t eat up too much time and energy from he and Sandra. Amy, having noticed problems in the tiered membership structure at Float Nashville, shares why she’s switched to one float membership offering and why clients are loving it and signing up like crazy! With a strong desire to meet the needs and wants of all clients, our hosts discuss how to find balance between being flexible but not bending over backwards. The consensus is that 90 minutes is the optimal amount of time for a float, but indeed there are benefits to both shorter and longer floats. Is it worth it to structure your center’s scheduling in a way that can make varied float times feasible? Dylan, Amy, and Lance have all struggled with this question over the years, making adjustments to their offerings. Hear why they’ve each found that offering only 90 minute floats is what’s best for their center and also provides the best experience to clients. Visit www.TheArtofFloating.com for show links
With so much that could be said to a customer who is coming to float for the first time, Dylan, Amy, and Lance share what they feel are the important points to cover, what perhaps shouldn’t be covered, and how they’ve designed float introductions to be done at their centers. It begins with the warm greeting and lobby environment that help the customer transition from their state in the outside world to what they’re about to experience in the tank. Then, finding the balance between hitting all the points of an introduction while keeping the interaction genuine and personal. Finally, does informing about the benefits of floating, possible mental states in the tank, and other floaters’ experiences potentially color the customer’s float, and is that a positive or negative thing? Hear how our hosts feel about this issue. Find Show Links at www.TheArtofFloating.com
With so many different brands of products available for float center owners to choose from, our hosts share which they use in their centers and why. But first, Lance tells a story of how kindness and goodwill has led to exciting news for The Float Shack! Next, Dylan shares the first SpeakPipe Voicemail the team has received... This is a special one. Then, Dylan, Lance, and Amy discuss which they agree and disagree are the best brands of products for clients, for tank water, and for budgeting. Do foam or silicone earplugs offer the best fit, and which brands offer the economical option of repeated use? Is Dr. Bronner’s body wash worth the price tag? Finally, Lance changes his stance on whether or not neck pillows should be encouraged for floaters. Check www.TheArtofFloating.com for show links
Colleen Wohlrab, Lab Manager at the leading center for float research, the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, talks to us in an exclusive interview! Hear how Dr. Justin Feinstein and his team have structured their research program and what their participants experience at each stage. Colleen shares what is being measured in their participants and how they’re being measured before the float, during the float, and later in an FMRI machine. Their preliminary results reveal exciting changes in the brain, and Colleen tells us how they’re gearing up to apply these findings to future participant groups, such as sufferers of Anorexia and Anxiety. Finally, does the body really absorb Magnesium in the float tank? LIBR is getting the research underway! Show Links: Floataway www.floataway.com (sponsor) Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR) http://www.laureateinstitute.org/justin-feinstein.html Donations can be made to LIBR at http://www.laureateinstitute.org/support-libr.html Reach us at @artfulfloating on Twitter and www.facebook.com/theartoffloating
It’s our holiday episode! Our hosts discuss strategies for preparing for everything holidays at a float center, including how to plan purposeful campaigns that blend discounts with community involvement. Lance and Amy share why they switched to plastic gift cards and will never go back to paper certificates, and our hosts discuss how to optimize retail sales that compliment gift certificates. Floataway www.floataway.com (sponsor) MINDBODY https://www.mindbodyonline.com/ Dylan and the Art of Floating @artfulfloating Lance @thefloatshack Amy @floatnashville
It was the quote heard round the world in the float community when the New York Times chronicled one man’s unfortunate encounter with a “used gym sock” smell in a float tank. Press from The New York Times is huge for any emerging industry, but do the cons of this article outweigh the pros such that it’s something we wouldn’t share on, say, social media? Dylan, Lance, and Amy share their reactions. So where does that “used gym sock” smell come from, and how can we make sure it doesn’t happen? Our hosts cover frequency of filter changes, cleaning filters, removing oils from the water, monitoring H2O2, and also address how often the tank water should be changed. Lance emphasizes of the importance of water color and clarity in each of our tanks and describes the various products and creative strategies he’s innovated. You’ll want to take notes on this part! What’s the difference between food grade and medical grade H2O2? Our hosts discuss their findings in response to an audience member’s inquiry. The WhyWeFloat Campaign is in full swing! Hear what it’s all about and the many ways in which this campaign is benefiting our community! Float fanatics and floatrepeneurs stay connected, both through groups on Facebook and through organizations, with the purpose of discussing topics and ideas, raising funding for research, or working toward common goals. Our hosts discuss the groups and organizations they belong to and how others can get involved. Show Links New York Times Article - http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/us/climb-in-tune-in-a-renaissance-for-sensory-deprivation-tanks.html Scumbug: http://www.rola-chem.com/scumbug.html Spa Perfect: http://naturalchemistry.com/en/pool-spa/products/detail/spa-perfect/ Pure Health Discounts: http://www.purehealthdiscounts.com/h2o2.php Nutter’s Bulk and Natural Food: http://nutters.com/store/en/ WhyWeFloat.com Canadian Float Collective: http://www.canadianfloatcollective.com/ Float Tank Association: http://www.floatation.org/ Dylan @artfulfloating Lance @thefloatshack Amy @floatnashville
In a special interview with Andy Zaremba, creator of the #WhyWeFloat campaign, Andy shares why he started floating, the role that floating has played in his own personal journey, and how that led him to open Float House. We hear how his innovative marketing strategies from the beginning of Float House have led him to the #WhyWeFloat campaign. With the increasing press surrounding floating, he discusses how important it is that we take ownership of how floating is marketed to the general public. How do you structure float memberships within your center? Dylan, Lance, and Amy share what they have done in the past, what they do now, and why they’ve made changes to meet the needs of customers. Our hosts also tell us how they handle expiration dates and whether or not they use them. Finally, are deals like Groupon and Living Social helping or hurting our industry? Floataway www.floataway.com (sponsor) Andy Zaremba, andy@floathouse.ca Float House www.floathouse.ca WhyWeFloat www.whywefloat.com Reach out to us! Leave a VM that may be played on the show by click on the gold bar on the left of your computer screen at www.theartoffloating.com . Reach us on Twitter: Dylan and the Art of Floating @artfulfloating Lance @thefloatshack Amy @floatnashville
This week in float news, Lance shares the exciting work that the Canadian Float Collective is doing to get floating covered by health insurance in Canada. Our hosts weigh in on what they thought of the Dr. Oz feature on float tanks and question whether floating is being portrayed as trendy. 111 Days of Floating is a project being done by Dustin Erickson of Float Space. Our hosts highlight this and other examples of people who have benefited from frequent floating over time. Dylan announces a new addition coming to the Float Shoppe and how he and Sandra are once again planning for construction and soundproofing. Dylan, Lance, and Amy each share how they began to educate and organize themselves in the early stages of planning their float centers, from solidifying a vision to learning about health regulations. With health regulations being so different in each of their cities, they discuss the pros and cons of each. Links: Canadian Floating Collective - www.canadianfloatcollective.com Dr. Oz video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKgEulVTtFM Floating for 111 days (Facebook page) www.facebook.com/111daysoffloating/timeline sensoryunderload.com Emily’s Noren’s book and Float Conference speech - emilykatenoren.com I-Sopod Float Tanks - www.i-sopod.com Designing with Google Sketchup - www.sketchup.com
In this, the pilot episode of the Art of Floating podcast, we meet our hosts as they cement their mission for a podcast designed specifically for floatrepeneurs. Dylan, Lance, and Amy catch us up to speed by taking us back to what they were doing before having ever heard about floating and, from float influences to guys' basements, from big ideas to business plans, let us in on how and why they became float center owners. Feel free to leave us a VM by clicking on the gold bar on the left side of www.TheArtofFloating.com Episode references: Dylan @artfulfloating Lance @thefloatshack Amy @floatnashville aofstartup
Dylan introduces the Art of Floating Podcast and describes its purpose (to help float centers start and grow). We also hear clips from upcoming interviews. First Mike Zaremba describes the #WhyWeFloat Campaign, followed by Colleen Wohlrab of the Laureate Institute for Brain Research.