Get InTouch with Terri!

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship
• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Terri Ross is a renowned expert in the aesthetic industry, specializing in sales training, strategic growth consulting, and business transformation. As an accomplished author and international speaker, Terri has dedicated over two decades to elevating businesses in the aesthetic field with a ground-up approach focused on sustainability, profitability, and scalability. Her experience is rooted in working with Fortune 500 companies like Medicis and Zeltique, where she developed a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic sales methodologies.

Season 11 Kickoff: Business Evaluation 101 Season 11 starts with one of the most important conversations in aesthetic business success: why every practice needs a comprehensive business evaluation. Terri breaks down what a true evaluation looks like (spoiler: not a surface-level audit), why 90% of practices don't measure their data, and how that leads to chaos, burnout, missed profit, and stalled growth.

If you're serious about 2026 goals, scaling, improving profitability, or becoming exit-ready, this episode is your "lift the hood" moment.

In this episode, Terri covers:

• Why being "busy" doesn't automatically mean you're profitable

• What a real business evaluation includes (a full diagnostic of your practice)

• The most common blind spots costing practices major revenue

• The KPIs that reveal where profit is being drained or blocked

• Why more marketing, more equipment, and more discounting often won't fix the real issue

• How better scheduling, utilization, pricing, and conversion tracking can drive fast gains

• Why retention and patient lifetime value are profit levers most practices ignore

• How aligned compensation plans can reward the right behaviors and stabilize teams

• What you get: questionnaire + financial uploads + formal report + 90-minute findings call + step-by-step action plan

Ready to invest in growth — not guess at it?

TRC and her team have proven results, and a combined 120 years of experience scaling aesthetic practices. If you are ready for real change and next level growth but you're stuck in the weeds or unsure what's holding you back, the TRC Business Evaluation is your starting point. Ask yourself can you afford not to?

DM "EVALUATE" or visit Terri's Website to learn more about how we've helped hundreds of practices grow with real results.

In this Season 10 finale of InTouch with Terri, Terri Ross delivers a powerful, no-nonsense blueprint for setting goals that actually get executed. If you don't want 2026 to look like a repeat of 2025, this episode walks you through a new way of thinking about growth using directional goals, not wishful revenue targets. Terri breaks down the 10 non-negotiables for building a scalable, profitable aesthetic practice including provider productivity, margin protection, patient lifetime value, operational efficiency, leadership-driven growth, and data-backed decision making. This episode is a must-listen for practice owners who are ready to stop reacting, stop discounting, and start operating like true CEOs.

How One Practice Grew EBITDA by 300% with Expert Consulting

Guest: Lisa Lickstein — Award-Winning Practice Owner & Visionary Leader Host: Terri Ross, Founder & CEO of Terri Ross Consulting

Guest Spotlight:

Lisa Lickstein, MSW, MBA Co-owner, Lickstein Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa Founder, Women in Business Mentorship Academy Certified Coach + Speaker in Unreasonable Hospitality

Lisa Lickstein is the co-owner of Lickstein Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, with two locations in South Florida and a thriving team of 40. With dual degrees in social work and finance, Lisa brings a rare mix of emotional intelligence and business acumen to her leadership. Their practice was recently named 2024 Business of the Year by the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce — but even with that level of success, Lisa knew something had to shift behind the scenes and she was not above seeking out expert help from TRC.

Episode Overview:

In this transparent and insightful episode, Lisa opens up about the real challenges aesthetic practices face as they grow — especially when rapid success exposes operational blind spots.

She shares:

• How a failed acquisition deal became a turning point.

• Why the non-surgical side of their practice needed TRC's expertise.

• The tension between managing day-to-day operations and planning for scale.

• And ultimately, why she chose to work with Terri Ross Consulting to course-correct and accelerate growth.

Lisa and Terri dive into the mindset shift that must happen when a practice is struggling or outgrows its existing systems — and how expert consulting gave her the tools, clarity, and partnership she needed to align both sides of the business for future success.

Key Takeaways:

• Success Without Strategy Creates Stagnation Even top-tier practices with strong culture and revenue can stall if they're not built for scale. Lisa shares how, despite earning just over 8 figures annually, her practice had room to grow — and needed expert guidance to help her achieve this

• Leadership Doesn't Mean Doing It Alone Lisa reveals the decision to seek outside help wasn't a weakness, but a strategic strength. Working with TRC signaled to her team, partners, and potential buyers that she was serious about intentional growth.

• Realized 300% ROI from TRC on EBITDA Growth, Realigned Teams, and a Profitable Exit Through TRC's Business Evaluation and ongoing consulting, The Medical Spa team at Lickstein Plastic Surgery saw EBITDA increase by $300,000 – a massive 300% return on their investment with TRC — while realigning internal teams, improving treatment planning, and setting the foundation for a major acquisition.

• Collaboration, Not Replacement Lisa applauds TRC's collaborative approach — working seamlessly with existing consultants and ensuring every partner brought their best to the table.

• The Emotional Side of Business Describing the consulting experience as "business therapy," Lisa shares how TRC helped restore balance between the surgical and non-surgical sides of the practice — keeping both teams valued and aligned.

The Results:

• 💰 300% ROI on TRC fees seen in $300,000 EBITDA growth in one year

• 🤝 Successful acquisition secured

• 🧠 Continued partnership with TRC for long-term scalability

• 💬 Elevated communication, treatment planning, and leadership

Lisa's Message to Other Practice Owners:

"If your practice isn't doing well — you need to hire Terri and her team If your practice is doing well — you still need to hire Terri and her team

You can't lead the growth and scaling of every part of your business alone or without expert help, so why would you want to?

Ready to invest in growth — not guess at it?

TRC and her team have proven results, and a combined 120 years of experience scaling aesthetic practices. If you are ready for real change and next level growth but you're stuck in the weeds or unsure what's holding you back, the TRC Business Evaluation is your starting point. Ask yourself can you afford not to?

📩 DM "EVALUATE" or visit Terri's Website to learn more about how we've helped hundreds of practices grow with real results.

InTouch with Terri is brought to you by Podium:

Podium is a platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free CLICK HERE. Be sure to tune into the full conversation to uncover detailed insights into transforming your aesthetic practice by leveraging patient retention strategies. Subscribe for more episodes and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in the industry

Get InTouch with Terri!

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship
• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Terri Ross is a renowned expert in the aesthetic industry, specializing in sales training, strategic growth consulting, and business transformation. As an accomplished author and international speaker, Terri has dedicated over two decades to elevating businesses in the aesthetic field with a ground-up approach focused on sustainability, profitability, and scalability. Her experience is rooted in working with Fortune 500 companies like Medicis and Zeltique, where she developed a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic sales methodologies.

Episode Notes:

In this engaging episode of "In Touch with Terri," host Terri Ross delves into one of the most crucial yet often dreaded aspects of sales: Objection Handling. As we approach Q4, she seeks to empower medical providers with the tools to turn objections into opportunities and ultimately drive revenue growth. With Terri's extensive background in sales training, this episode is packed with actionable insights designed to transform how you approach and handle objections, ensuring that sales feel less like a daunting task and more like an opportunity for connection.

Terri outlines a proven framework for mastering objection handling, emphasized by key points such as the importance of conveying value over price and understanding objections as signals rather than rejections. She explains that effective objection handling can significantly boost patient conversions, potentially increasing revenue by 30% to 64%. With real-world success stories from clients like Dr. Renee Burke and Skin Click, Terri showcases the power of implementing strategic objection handling techniques to enhance patient trust and increase sales success. By drawing on her own experiences and methodologies, Terri provides listeners with a detailed roadmap for refining their consultation processes and strengthening patient relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Objections Signal Opportunity: Objections are not rejections but signals that the full value hasn't been communicated.

• Value over Price: Convey the true value of services to overcome price objections, echoing the sentiment that "price is what you pay; value is what you get."

• Framework for Handling Objections: Terri introduces the "LAYER" model (Listen, Acknowledge, Explore, and Respond) for effectively addressing patient concerns.

• Training and Adaptation: Investing in consistent sales training and adapting to patients' emotional needs is key for medical practices to thrive.

• Data-Driven Approach: Practices should measure current conversion rates and aim for growth through refined sales techniques.

InTouch with Terri is brought to you by Podium:

Podium is a platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free CLICK HERE. Be sure to tune into the full conversation to uncover detailed insights into transforming your aesthetic practice by leveraging patient retention strategies. Subscribe for more episodes and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in the industry

Get InTouch with Terri!

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship
• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Terri Ross is a renowned expert in the aesthetic industry, specializing in sales training, strategic growth consulting, and business transformation. As an accomplished author and international speaker, Terri has dedicated over two decades to elevating businesses in the aesthetic field with a ground-up approach focused on sustainability, profitability, and scalability. Her experience is rooted in working with Fortune 500 companies like Medicis and Zeltique, where she developed a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic sales methodologies.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another engaging episode of "In Touch with Terri," hosted by the dynamic and knowledgeable Terri Ross. This episode, released after a brief hiatus, dives deep into strategic insights that aim to empower listeners in the medical aesthetics industry to finish the current year strong and prepare for a successful 2026. Terri Ross, revered for her extensive experience and expertise, guides listeners through essential strategies, emphasizing KPIs, team alignment, and strategic planning.

As the medical aesthetics industry faces challenges like retention declines and revenue pressures, Terri offers a roadmap to optimization and profitability. In this detailed episode, she addresses critical performance indicators that drive practice success and importance of continuous training to bridge the gap between current standings and desired goals. Further, Terri delves into innovative strategies like leveraging gift cards, optimizing scheduling, and planning for the upcoming year. This episode is a must-listen for those wanting to gain actionable insights and boost their practice's performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Understanding and refocusing on the top KPIs is crucial, as they tell a comprehensive story about your practice's health and areas of improvement.

• Team Training and Alignment: Investment in training is not an expense but an asset. It helps build a strong team capable of achieving higher conversion rates and profitability.

• Expense Optimization: Regular audits and optimizations of expenses, from marketing to payroll, can enhance financial health and ensure resources are aligned with strategic goals.

• Strategic Planning: Proactive planning and budgeting for 2026, including marketing strategies and revenue projections, are vital for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

• Client Engagement Strategies: Implementing systems like pre-booking appointments can significantly bolster Q1 revenues by ensuring early-year momentum.

InTouch with Terri is brought to you by Podium:

Podium is a platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free CLICK HERE. Be sure to tune into the full conversation to uncover detailed insights into transforming your aesthetic practice by leveraging patient retention strategies. Subscribe for more episodes and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in the industry

Get InTouch with Terri!

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship
• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Terri Ross is a renowned expert in the aesthetic industry, specializing in sales training, strategic growth consulting, and business transformation. As an accomplished author and international speaker, Terri has dedicated over two decades to elevating businesses in the aesthetic field with a ground-up approach focused on sustainability, profitability, and scalability. Her experience is rooted in working with Fortune 500 companies like Medicis and Zeltique, where she developed a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic sales methodologies.

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode of "In Touch with Terri," Terri Ross delves deep into the regulatory challenges and safety concerns facing the medical aesthetics industry, particularly med spas. Following a revelatory segment by John Oliver, Terri is prompted to address the misconceptions and dangers lurking in unregulated med spa operations which often mask as credible medical establishments. With nearly two decades of experience, she advocates for higher industry standards to safeguard consumer safety and elevate trust in the aesthetic market.

Through her detailed analysis, Terri Ross calls for an evolution in the way medical spas are regulated and perceived. She emphasizes the necessity for stringent regulations, accreditation, and transparency to ensure client safety and ethical operational standards. Highlighting the burgeoning growth of pop-ups and alternative aesthetic models, this episode examines their implications on consumer trust and provider accountability, urging industry leaders to proactively set higher benchmarks for safety and service excellence.

Key Takeaways:

• The term "med spa" often gives a misleading impression of uniform medical oversight, highlighting the need for industry regulations.

• Aesthetic treatments are not synonymous with aesthetic expertise; marketing must reflect genuine clinical knowledge and safety.

• Clear definitions and regulatory oversight could prevent the ethical providers from being unfairly categorized alongside unsafe or unscrupulous practitioners.

• Emergency preparedness and ongoing safety drills are crucial in protecting patients, brands, and the industry at large.

• Regulation should be viewed as an opportunity to elevate industry standards rather than a threat to business operations.

Notable Quotes:

• "Med spa is an unregulated term, leading consumers to falsely believe all facilities are under medical supervision."

• "Delegation without oversight is just exposure. Who's performing the treatments, and can they legally do it?"

• "Waiting for regulations to hit your doorstep means you're already behind."

• "The business of aesthetics is serious. If you want to play, you got to play big, smart, fast."

InTouch with Terri is brought to you by Podium:

Podium is a platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free CLICK HERE. Be sure to tune into the full conversation to uncover detailed insights into transforming your aesthetic practice by leveraging patient retention strategies. Subscribe for more episodes and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in the industry

Get InTouch with Terri!

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship
• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Terri Ross is a renowned expert in the aesthetic industry, specializing in sales training, strategic growth consulting, and business transformation. As an accomplished author and international speaker, Terri has dedicated over two decades to elevating businesses in the aesthetic field with a ground-up approach focused on sustainability, profitability, and scalability. Her experience is rooted in working with Fortune 500 companies like Medicis and Zeltique, where she developed a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic sales methodologies.

About the Guest:

Thomas Terranova is the CEO of Quad A, a globally recognized accreditation body known for its dedication to surgical safety. He is an attorney by training, specializing in international mergers and acquisitions, with previous experience advising multinational corporations using data analytics. At Quad A, Thomas steers the organization's strategic direction, ensuring the adherence to quality standards across surgical and non-surgical medical aesthetic practices. Under his leadership, Quad A is pioneering a new accreditation initiative for non-surgical medical aesthetics to enhance patient safety and facility standards worldwide.

• Quad A Website: quada.org

Episode Summary:

Welcome to this engaging episode of "In Touch with Terri," where we explore the dynamic world of accreditation in the booming aesthetics industry. Host Terri Ross converses with Thomas Terranova, CEO of Quad A, about an exciting and crucial initiative to introduce a global accreditation framework for non-surgical medical aesthetic practices, such as med spas. As the industry surges ahead with rapid growth, this initiative aims to bridge the current regulatory gap, providing a structured and formal oversight mechanism that has long been absent in non-surgical environments.

In this revealing discussion, Terri and Thomas delve into the pressing safety gaps in the medical aesthetics sector. With an understanding that current growth has outpaced both regulations and common best practices, Thomas outlines the steps Quad A is taking to standardize safety, excellence, and consistency. The pair highlight the potential impacts of this initiative on both practitioners—ensuring legitimate, safe operations—and patients who will gain increased confidence in the services they receive. Attentive listeners will learn about the core pillars of this new accreditation framework, the challenges faced during its development, and its anticipated positive repercussions on the global stage.

Key Takeaways:

• The medical aesthetics industry is experiencing rapid growth but lacks adequate regulation, particularly in non-surgical environments such as med spas.

• Quad A, under the leadership of Thomas Terranova, is leading a global initiative to develop an accreditation framework for non-surgical medical aesthetic practices.

• The accreditation aims to ensure patient safety, enhance facility standards, and instill greater confidence in aesthetic treatments.

• The initiative includes comprehensive documentation, rigorous staff training, and the adoption of standard operating procedures to minimize risks.

• Educating patients and making safety considerations front-and-center are key strategies for improving consumer trust and industry standards.

Notable Quotes:

• "If you're a well-intentioned practitioner, whatever we're talking about are nothing to be afraid of. The only people that should be afraid are the people who don't want to do things right."

• "Product is a big one. And again, with supply chain, the way it is... that's a huge concern."

• "It's a choice to do things the right way. It's a choice to do it in a way that's safe."

• "We're bringing this back to medicine. We're talking about making sure the products are valid, properly maintained, and that the staff is well-trained."

InTouch with Terri is brought to you by Podium:

Podium is a platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free CLICK HERE. Be sure to tune into the full conversation to uncover detailed insights into transforming your aesthetic practice by leveraging patient retention strategies. Subscribe for more episodes and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in the industry

Get InTouch with Terri!

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship
• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Terri Ross is a renowned expert in the aesthetic industry, specializing in sales training, strategic growth consulting, and business transformation. As an accomplished author and international speaker, Terri has dedicated over two decades to elevating businesses in the aesthetic field with a ground-up approach focused on sustainability, profitability, and scalability. Her experience is rooted in working with Fortune 500 companies like Medicis and Zeltique, where she developed a deep understanding of market dynamics and strategic sales methodologies.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "In Touch with Terri," Terri Ross provides a roadmap for thriving through the summer months by leveraging strategic growth opportunities. As practices face the common misconception of a "summer slowdown," Terri dismantles this myth by detailing eight actionable strategies for maintaining profitability and driving success into the next quarter. Her experience and insights serve as a beacon for aesthetic practices looking to maximize their potential and end the year strong. Drawing from her extensive background in sales training and consulting, Terri shares valuable tactics to help practices reframe their approach and capitalize on the summer surge.

As the aesthetic industry navigates the often challenging summer period, Terri emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and strategic marketing. She elaborates on the significance of understanding patient buying behaviors, optimizing team performance, and using profitability insights to guide business strategies. By focusing on treatment plans, leveraging key partnerships, and enhancing marketing efforts through social media and other channels, practices can realize remarkable growth. Terri's approach underscores the necessity of operating as a business-minded entity, highlighting the crucial role of sales training in achieving these goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Growth: Reframe summer as a strategic growth opportunity, focusing on treatments with limited downtime and high demand like body contouring and skin improvement therapies.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilize past revenue patterns to inform current strategies, ensuring that decisions are based on solid data and trends.
• Sales Optimization: Develop treatment plans and sales training strategies to enhance revenue and patient outcomes, maximizing each client's potential.
• Empowered Teams: Invest in team training to boost conversions and productivity, recognizing team members as valuable revenue assets.
• Market Readiness: Prepare for Q3 and beyond by analyzing current performance, adjusting marketing strategies, and adopting new technologies.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Summer isn't slow. It is a strategic opportunity."
2. "Revenue is an outcome, but productivity is the leading indicator."
3. "We are not in the discounting business."
4. "Your team is your greatest revenue asset."
5. "Time is just an excuse; we make time for what's important

InTouch with Terri is brought to you by Podium: Podium is a platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free CLICK HERE About Terri's Guest:

Izhak Musli Izhak Musli is a serial entrepreneur and a prominent figure in the SaaS and data analytics industry, particularly in the aesthetics sector. He is the Co-Founder of the 4S Summit and the Founder & CEO of Get Kudos, a next-gen platform aimed at enhancing patient retention and satisfaction in aesthetic practices. Musli has over 15 years of experience in leadership roles within technology-driven environments and has been instrumental in pioneering innovative solutions to improve practice efficiencies and profitability. His career milestones include founding Atlas KPI and contributing to the success of Apex Platform and Cimplast, showcasing his deep-seated expertise in business intelligence solutions.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of "In Touch with Terri," host Terri Ross reunites with her business partner and friend, Izhak Musli, to explore the transformative power of patient retention in the aesthetics industry. With Musli's extensive background in SaaS and analytics, the duo sheds light on the often-overlooked area of patient retention as a pivotal profit center for aesthetic practices. They discuss why practices should pivot from the continuous hunt for new patients and instead leverage innovative platforms like Get Kudos to enhance patient experience, drive loyalty, and maximize profitability.

The conversation delves into the critical challenges that aesthetic practices face, such as the heavy reliance on new patient acquisition and the neglect of existing patient relationships. Musli explains how Get Kudos disrupts this norm by providing frictionless solutions to engage and retain patients. They discuss the elements that make the platform a game-changer: from its intelligent flow design that sidesteps typical app downloads to how it turns patient satisfaction metrics into actionable business growth strategies. The episode makes a compelling case for reshaping practice business models to prioritize customer satisfaction, continuous feedback, and a well-oiled retention strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Patient Retention as a Profit Center: Izhak Musli highlights how focusing on patient retention over constant patient acquisition can significantly enhance profitability within aesthetic practices.

• The Importance of Net Promoter Score (NPS): Emphasizing the value of understanding patient satisfaction, the episode explains how using NPS can refine business operations and improve patient experiences.

• Frictionless Experience: Get Kudos offers a seamless patient interaction process without the hassle of app downloads or complex logins, making patient engagement more effective and user-friendly.

• Revolutionizing Patient Loyalty: The platform not only boosts patient retention but also provides mechanisms for acquiring new reviews and patient referrals, which are integral to practice growth.

• Strategic Business Insights: Through data-driven strategies, practice owners can reduce costs and increase revenue by enhancing the experience and loyalty of their existing patient base.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We are always trying to bring significant value to you in every podcast that we do." - Terri Ross

2. "It's almost sad to some degree, how often patient retention is overlooked." - Izhak Musli

3. "Customer service is the heart of any business. Sales achieve initial revenue, but it's service that builds sustainability." - Izhak Musli

4. "The fact that some practices are making money does not mean that everything is good." - Izhak Musli

5. "Stop to assume, manage it, and maximize the opportunity. It's that simple." - Izhak Musli

Resources:

• Terri Ross Website: Click Here
• Terri Ross Patreon: Business and Sales Mentorship

• Get Kudos: Visit getkudos.ai to learn more about the platform and book a demo.

• Connect with Izhak Musli: For direct inquiries, reach out via the contact options provided on the Get Kudos website https://4ssummit.com/

• 4S Summit Info: For more details, look up 4S Summit to understand its role in providing strategic business consulting in the aesthetics industry https://4ssummit.com/

Be sure to tune into the full conversation to uncover detailed insights into transforming your aesthetic practice by leveraging patient retention strategies. Subscribe for more episodes and stay informed about the latest developments and strategies in the industry

Resources:

• Podium: Platform providing AI-powered communication solutions for lead conversion and patient retention. In Touch with Terri listeners get their first month of Podium free. Click Here!

• Shannon Blake's Contact: [email protected], Cell: 801-979-8096

• Terri Ross Consulting: Terri Ross Consulting

• Patreon: For Terri Ross's business and sales mentorship program, visit Patreon.

About Terri's Guest:

Shannon Blake is the Director of Aesthetic Partnerships at Podium, a company that supports local businesses by providing modern, tech-driven solutions. With a diverse background, Shannon has played a pivotal role in introducing and integrating Podium's capabilities into the aesthetics industry over the past two years. Her mission focuses on assisting aesthetic practices to enhance client communication, streamline operations, and boost revenue through leveraging technology, particularly AI.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to Episode 102 of Season 10, "In Touch With Terri," where Terri Ross sits down with Shannon Blake from Podium to discuss the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence in aesthetics and business growth. As this episode unfolds, listeners dive into the intersection of technology and aesthetics, offering a unique perspective on modern solutions paving the way for success in the industry. With AI as a central theme, learn how future-ready AI technologies can optimize operations, enhance client communication, and transform aesthetic practices.

During this episode, Terri and Shannon explore how Podium is setting itself apart by offering a consolidated platform that redefines patient interaction through AI advancements. From understanding customer expectations to revolutionizing the response time with AI-driven solutions, this episode emphasizes the growing importance of technology in the aesthetics sector. Shannon Blake shares insights into Podium's system, customizable features, and emphasizes building long-lasting relationships with clients while maintaining excellent service standards. Dive into this engaging conversation to uncover strategies for unlocking potential market growth using AI, text-based communication, and a robust CRM platform tailored for aesthetic practices.

Key Takeaways:

• Harnessing AI in Aesthetics: AI is reshaping how aesthetic practices operate, especially in client communication and operational efficiency.

• Integrated Communication Platforms: Podium combines phone systems, texting, and CRM functionalities to streamline business operations into a single platform.

• The Role of Customer Experience: Enhance client retention and satisfaction with modern, tech-enabled solutions that promise a robust client interaction experience.

• Leveraging Tech to Compete: Understand the importance of making businesses "textable" to meet current consumer demands for fast, efficient communication.

• Proactive AI Engagement: With potential AI voice features and beyond, the evolution of AI in communication enables 24/7 operations without compromising client satisfaction.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Text has a 98% open rate. That's the kind of engagement we're aiming for."

2. "AI facilitates those conversations, which allows your front staff to focus on in-practice relationships."

3. "Every practice should ask, 'What AI developments do we have access to, and how can they work for us?'"

4. "If you haven't yet, all of you should be contacting any tech company you work with and asking them, what are they building?"

5. "Your strike zone client is busy during the day. AI responds when you can't. That's a game-changer."