The Reluctant Spa Director (And the Mission Dream) [Paperback]

Skip Williams (Author), Infinity Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 2003

Skip Williams take his years of experience in the Spa Business and writes about Successful Spa Management, presented in the form of a page turning story of fiction in this exciting and instructive novel.

Through this journey, the characters as well as the reader learn about themselves and the principles of creating and running a successful spa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 165 pages
• Publisher: Infinity Publishing.com (July 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074141595X
• ISBN-13: 978-0741415950
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #500,555 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars embarrasingly poor, May 3, 2006

By 

S. Edwards - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Reluctant Spa Director (And the Mission Dream) (Paperback)

I don't normally write reviews, but I also rely on the reviews of others to help me with my selection.

As any other Amazoner, I normally find that the review section provides a balanced view of the quality of a book's contents and should help those considering a purchase. In this case, however, I can only assume they were written by the author/publisher. If they were written by real people, they are going to be in a lot of trouble if they actually try to go into business with this as their guide.

The book uses a story of a brother and sister being pushed into business together through twists of fate. The brother finds himself in the position of keeping his sister's dream afloat and, despite being successful as a city business broker, is unable to even pre-empt the most basic of business concepts.

Nice enough little story (had it been well written), but to use this as a vehicle only works if you're willing to get your hands dirty with real business mechanics and the DETAIL of running the business.

The most cringe-worthy element was the 'elusive saviour' who provided the wisdom. This was clearly the alter-ego of the author (or, in fact, the ego of the author) and would have been worthy of such an exhalted position in the story had he actually imparted any wisdom.

The information in this book could be summed up by the following:

1. Beware of a deal that seems too good to be true, as it probably is.
2. In any deal, not only work out what is in it for you, but also for the other person.
3. Work on your numbers. If you can't make the investment pay, then don't do it. Maximise the use of your premises for revenue generating activities.
4. Employ the best staff. Invest in your staff and treat them like humans.

Hardly rocket science.

All the knowledge in this book can be gained from even the slightest experience in the service industry and just an ounce of common sense.

There are many many many better books out there - don't kid yourself into thinking that the Spa industry is so special! Go look at pioneers in the service industry; try Disney, Virgin, even Starbucks. You'll find a better written story AND more ideas for your business (no matter what size it is or what you're doing).

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with excellent information, September 12, 2003

By 

Wayne Williamson (Florida USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Reluctant Spa Director (And the Mission Dream) (Paperback)

The author has taken very complex business strategies and woven them into a story that makes "The Reluctant Spa Director and the Mission Dream" an easy read. By doing this he has the opportunity to first outline the business problems before showing you the solution. The story line holds the readers interest and is well thought out.

5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best in the industry, September 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Reluctant Spa Director (And the Mission Dream) (Paperback)

This book captures the reasons why people choose to be in Spa Services. To find a book about Spa operations that teaches us in a life story form is amazing and very educational. Even for those not in the Spa industry the story line keeps you interested and might make you want to join the Spa industry.
Mr. Williams makes it easy to understand and to follow a very easy read for those of us that have very little time.