Art Of The Float

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 So

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@flhea

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

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 bus

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 wi