As PR and marketing consultant to a wide variety of different clients, I need to know just the right amount about their businesses. Not too much, as it's their business not mine and they're the experts. Not too little, as I can't promote what they do effectively.
So, purely in the interest of research you understand, dear reader, I couldn't pass up the offer of a spa pedicure at a leading beauty salon in the area, Euphoric, a client I've been working with this year.
Of course I'd been to the salon several times before, given advice on business matters, PR and marketing, image, branding and so on. I'd even been to take photos for a press release and been there for support my client as she was filmed for her first corporate video. I'd looked at the products and all the state-of-the-art equipment - some of which looks just like something out of Transformers.
I thought I knew what needed to be known about pedicures. But I was wrong. I'd never had a 'spa pedicure' before.
Now let's be clear - my feet are not my best feature. Far from it. Working as hard as I do, there's very little time for pampering treatments and I have to admit I don't take much care of my feet these days.
After a warm welcome to the salon, I was encouraged to relax with a drink of my choice and then I met Katie, who would be braving the delights of my plates (of meat, I'm a Londoner). I duly chose a shade of OPI nail polish for my toes I was taken into a relaxing treatment room where a warm foot soak awaited. But the best was still to come...
The couch was just sooooo comfy, the lights were dimmed, the music played something soothing - and Katie started her magic. For an hour and a half, my feet were smoothed, massaged, lotioned, potioned and primped. I lost count of how many times I drifted off; when the lights went up, I looked down at my extremities and shining back up at me was a delightful pair of feet, barely recognisable from the 'before' version! And the bonus was - I felt wonderfully relaxed for the first time in ages.
So what did I learn from this experience?! I can now promote my client even better with the benefit of having experienced one of their wonderful treatments. AND I'll certainly go back for more in the future, so they've certainly won another client themselves.
Several questions arise, though ... which treatment will I choose next time, and shall I take my own advice when it comes to experiencing my dentist client's business?!!
Check out Euphoric on www.euphoric-beauty.co.uk to see more about the treatment I had, plus all the others.
