ITUNES
Attending IFA 2025
Expert Insights, Consultations & AI Innovations in the Business
IFA 2025 was a great event as it is every year for networking with people in the franchising space and learning new trends. Showcasing the latest innovations in AI, expert consultations, and cutting-edge business strategies. As technology continues to reshape the business and our spa experience, industry leaders gathered to explore how artificial intelligence enhances customer experiences, personalizes services, and optimizes operations. This event offered invaluable insights into the future of franchising way of doing business as well.
In this article we will focus mostly on the topic how AI is transforming the spa business.
Key Takeaways from IFA
One of the most engaging sessions was an AI class—not necessarily for the content itself but for the conversations and connections it fostered. Discussions ranged from AI chatbots to multi-site functionality for franchisee blogging, highlighting the growing role of AI in business operations.
AI Chatbots and Business Optimization
The conversation around AI chatbots was particularly insightful. AI can significantly enhance customer interactions by pulling information from a website’s data rather than sourcing potentially inaccurate information from the internet. To ensure reliability, chatbots should be trained on FAQs and knowledge bases, much like ChatGPT but tailored to specific business needs.
Key considerations when deploying AI chatbots include:
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Restricting data sources: To prevent misinformation, chatbots should not pull random internet data but rely on business-specific content.
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Transparency: AI should clearly identify itself to manage user expectations.
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Cost factors: AI tools range from $20 to $100 per month, depending on usage, with options like ChatGPT, Cassidy, Gemini, and Claude.
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Competitive analysis: AI can automate insights, scraping competitor websites, identifying key decision-makers on LinkedIn, and analyzing communication styles for tailored outreach.
The Reliability of AI: Strengths and Limitations
Despite AI’s potential, it is not infallible. An example was shared regarding ChatGPT providing incorrect information about Sophos, necessitating fact-checking through official sources. While AI excels at grammar correction and rewriting content in a more engaging tone, it should not be blindly trusted for legally sensitive or critical business decisions.
Additionally, concerns were raised about data privacy. Proprietary or confidential information should not be uploaded into AI tools unless sanitized. AI should serve as a supportive tool rather than a sole decision-maker.
AI in Business Card Organization
A practical challenge post-conference was handling business cards collected from networking. AI offers a potential solution: taking photos of business cards and uploading them into a chatbot, which can extract data, create a CSV file, and even match contacts on LinkedIn. While not a game-changer, this functionality streamlines follow-ups and contact management.
The AI Hype: Separating Substance from Buzzwords
Another recurring theme was the overuse of “AI-driven” claims in marketing. Many companies label themselves as AI-powered without substantial AI integration. This growing buzzword culture influences purchasing decisions, even when the underlying technology lacks real innovation.
Consulting in the Franchising Industry
Beyond AI, discussions also delved into consulting, particularly in the franchising space. As an emerging franchisor with eight years in business, I’m expanding into consulting, helping those in the massage and skincare industry navigate growth. Consulting is a dynamic field, particularly in IT, where businesses require tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
Consulting Process and Billing Structure
The consulting process typically begins with a discovery call via Zoom or Teams to assess client needs. Early in my career, I took on any client, but experience has taught me to prioritize long-term value. Some small businesses resist change or hesitate to invest in consulting, making it crucial to evaluate fit before proceeding.
Billing is structured to be fair and practical:
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On-site visits: Minimum one-hour charge, with travel fees for distant locations.
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Remote support: Billed in 30-minute increments.
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Quick inquiries: Simple responses (e.g., troubleshooting a router or confirming business card validity) are not billed to avoid nickel-and-diming clients.
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Accrued small tasks: If numerous small tasks accumulate over months, they may be consolidated into a single charge.
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Billing frequency: Monthly or quarterly, depending on client preference, with automated invoicing via tools like bill.com.
Handling Late Payments and Client Relationships
Ensuring timely payments is crucial. Monthly services are typically auto-billed via credit card or bank account to avoid chasing payments. Late fees are applied selectively, usually when a client has a history of delayed payments. Engagement letters clearly outline payment terms, with invoices due upon presentation but a reasonable grace period granted.
Larger businesses often experience slower payment cycles due to internal approvals, vendor setups, and legal reviews. The first few months of a client relationship can be unpredictable, but long-term clients who bring consistent business are given more flexibility.
The Importance of a Dedicated Point of Contact
One crucial takeaway from consulting is that a dedicated point of contact is essential for smooth communication. This is typically an office manager or general manager rather than the business owner, who is too busy to handle day-to-day operational queries. Establishing this contact ensures efficiency and prevents unnecessary delays.
IFA provided a wealth of insights, particularly in AI-driven business solutions and consulting best practices. While AI presents exciting possibilities, its limitations must be acknowledged. Networking remains the cornerstone of professional growth, and building strong client relationships through fair pricing, transparency, and clear expectations will always be fundamental to success. As I continue expanding my consulting practice, these lessons will shape how I approach client relationships and business growth strategies.
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Any contents of this video is not Medical or Financial advice, always consult professionals before taking any new action.
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