Part of the American Suntanning Association’s mission statement involves “engaging in higher-level discussion about UV exposure and indoor tanning.” The industry association aims to provoke reasonable discussion, involving both sides of the scientific argument, with a goal of finding political solutions that benefit small business and the health of our communities. It’s been an effective approach, and most government officials respect the sensible approach and our industry’s commitment to moderation and smart tanning protocol.

Behind the scenes, it’s now become more important than ever for tanning businesses around the country to embrace the idea of also “elevating the discussion” in their salons and their communities. Your business is a piece of the backbone of industry leadership’s discussions on Capitol Hill and in statehouses around the country, and it’s vital that we continue to practice what we preach in order to keep that backbone strong.

Practicing what you preach is, of course, first and foremost. Our clients’ safety is always the No. 1 priority. But, it’s also important, in this day and age, to preach what you practice. It’s not enough to just do things the right way anymore; in a climate with more scrutiny than ever on UV, it’s necessary to make it a priority to make sure your clients understand the education and protocol behind a professional tanning business’s operations.

Whether you’re walking the walk or talking the talk, your ability to impress clients and act as a positive influence for your industry comes back to training. Your staff not only needs the necessary knowledge to handle every client properly, but also to develop the critical thinking skills to handle the most unusual circumstances and the ability to differentiate between what clients need to hear and what you can and can’t tell them.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.