It can be TOUGH!

Is it OK to be rude and unappreciative?

It's doesn't happen very often at all. In fact I can count it on 1 hand. But boy if hurts when you have a an unhappy client 😣 

As much as you think you can justify the actions of your staff .... and also the maybe exaggeration of your client. 

You have to remember the client is always right!!!!

Sometimes it can be really hard to understand ... 

However, in the back of your mind you need to remember, it's their experience and their journey that's important. 

It's not about what they say about 'you' to other people, but about making sure their experience, their journey, their memories are positive. 

And as you grow bigger remember there will be more critiaism! More expentations, more pressure.

So you bite your tongue and roll with he critiaism and take onboard the feedback and GROW!

<3 Somnio

A Change is as Good as a Holiday

It's quite easy to get yourself lost in work, buried.. You can use as many excuses as you like to Justify the long hours you do... But there needs to be a balance.

A lot if my time is spent traveling with clients to phuket. And as much as I love what I do.te time has come and I do need to spend time in phuket on a leisure basis. Exploring, learning and educating myself, so ultimately Somnio can benefit for it.. And get quality time with my family.. 

So needless to say I am packing up the kids and hubby for a 2 week leisure stay in Thailand. It does coincide with a group tour.. But this time for me it's purely a leisure trip. So I am excited to be able to go off the beaten track and find some new and exciting (and safe) things for our clients to do pre and post surgery.. And also relax and enjoy everything thailand has to offer.. See it all again (and what our clients see one very tour) through the eyes of my children!

Virginia 

Somnio director 

I have a Dream...

We all have dreams...
Some are a little more unusual than most ... but they are OUR personal dreams.
Why do we allow people to throw their opinions around, and ultimately, why do we allow others to change our minds on something we have set our hearts on?

We hear it in our industry all the time.. 'My friend said'... 'I have been told'...

Whilst its great to have support and people around you who care enough to have a say... have they really done their research to have their 2 cents worth validated? Or do they just completely throw their personal unjustified opinions at you because they think they know? Have heard from some friend of a friends, cousins, Aunties sons Kindy teacher....
And what for... scare you, confuse you, doubt your own decision/research?

We love them, we love that they care... but next time our loved ones what to have a say.. or have an opinion on a Dream of yours ...ask for the facts, proof, back it up!! ..
And based on this... I bet I see you in Phuket with us before you know it!

Somnio Medical

TRUTH..? WORDS..? or DREAM..?

SOMNIO has never claimed to be a 'Pioneer' or 'Leader' or 'The best' Medical Tour Agency in Australia..
We make NO claims to anything..without proof, how can you make those claims? 
Our clients and our referrals speak for themselves and we don't believe we need to 'make up' headlines to sell our product.. 
In our first year of actual trade we sent in access of 80 clients to Thailand. Our second year of trade sees that more than doubling.. No unlimited bank account, no over draft... Just hard work and dedication to our business with the support of our young families.
We are NOT the first Agency to send people overseas for Surgery, We are NOT the first Agency to do Group Tours... We are NOT the first Agency to hold Info Nights or Seminars.. No claims here..
And whilst we took an  idea.. we made it OUR OWN.. We changed it to suit OUR clients needs, we Listened to and SAW What people wanted from us... AND we were the FIRST SOMNIO Agency to  GIVE our undivided attention to our Clients needs,  and we are the FIRST SOMNIO Agency to not SELL the Holiday experience but focus on the procedure the recovery.
And this reflects in our followers... our referrals.
Companies that have been around for YEARS.. seem to think that they can fly under the radar by mimicking the things we do.. Flattery? Compliment? Stupidity? Laziness...?? Take your pick..
For us.. Frustration... BUT through it all we are the BIGGER people.. We just keep coming up with new ideas, new marketing campaigns, new relationships... And building on those that believe in us.. and .........

We are THE FIRST Agency to have a reporter come with us on this Group Tour... Yes.. a reporter traveling with us.. We didn't go chasing the coverage.. they contacted SOMNIO.. and other agencies... But they chose to come with SOMNIO.. so those big companies that mimic us... Shame Shame Shame... Be yourself and good things will come!

And we have asked for this NOT to be about SOMNIO but to be about the Journey, the procedure (serious procedures), the Surgeons, the Hospital and it Staff... Destination aside - find out WHY people are going to Thailand in Groups for their surgery... behind the scenes information..
So stay tuned and follow us to see how our NEW SOMNIO JOURNEY evolves....

SEXPO 2012

SEXPO 2012..

We were asked to participate in Sexpo Sydney this year in conjunction with Phuket International Hospital. I must admit we didn't JUMP at the chance as it can sometimes be hard to decide what trades are right for your company and also not wanting to stereo type yourselves. BUT our market is anywhere between 18-55yrs.. mostly female, therefore it did fit our demographic and we also thought being asked by the Hospital direct to do this with them was a bit of an honor and certainly one we shouldn't pass up.
So we are off to Sydney.. After doing so much travel around Nth QLD. It will be nice to travel South for a bit..

SEXPO is on the 15th - 18th March 2012 at the Sydney Convention Centre.

We are drawing the Trip for 2 Prize on the last night of the Expo..

So if you in Sydney make sure you head to booth #101 and place your name in the database to WIN!!
2 return flights to Phuket & 8 Nights at the Aspasia...

www.somniomedical.com

Hello!!
So we have been a little quiet on the home front lately with our blog... To be honest with you.. I am not sure if anyone else had problems with the change over with Google's polices etc.. It has been a little bit of a nightmare for us..
Anyway.. we are back and we have a lot to catch up on..
Over the last 6 months saw Somnio International Medical Holidays travel to:
Melbourne, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Emerald, Moranbah, Mackay, Townsville, Mt Isa and Hervey Bay.
The response has been overwhelming and we loved seeing a good part of QLD..
The next 3 months see Somnio exhibiting at:
SEXPO Sydney, Brisbane Travel Xpo (with another of our amazing Hospitals - TBC),
Also see us... inThailand for our March Group Travel (Phuket International Hospital) AND hosting The Naked Truth Seminars at the Brisbane Mantra & Versace Gold Coast with Phuket Hospitals', International Services Manager - Mr Peter Davison.
Which means the last 6 and the next 3 months has and will be a CRAZY busy time for us trying to ensure we a spreading the SOMNIO and the Thailand Medical Holiday word across as much ground 2 people can cover...
Which leads me to the next exciting news.. We are happy to announce not 1 but 2 new staff members to the team one based in Nth QLD and one on the Gold Coast... Welcome ladies..
Keep watching this blog to see how things evolve over the coming months..

AND... Go to the Web to enter our comp..
WIN a trip for 2 to Phuket for 8 days!! Staying as the Aspasia Patong..
www.somniomedical.com

Virginia & Yvonne x

Final Day..
 So... If you have been following our FB page, you would have seen that we have our final 2 girls in for their procedures today... That's 15 girls in the last 8 days heading back to Australia with their new additions... 3 amazing Surgeons performing the procedures... almost 30 nights ..in a PRIVATE room at Phuket International Hospital. 1 night stay is included in your package BUT, the Surgeons at Phuket Hospital asked most the girls to stay for 2 nights so they were monitored for a little longer by trained nurses and Doctors post surgery. And every one of them agreed to stay for the additional night - at NO EXTRA COST. The Hospital covered the additional night! What an amazing Hospital.. Most surgeons will send you home the same day after a Breast Augmentation Procedure in Australia... or you have to pay through the roof to stay in one of their rooms. So there it is another reason to travel abroad for your Surgery. Especially with SOMNIO... x

So, the October Group Tour has safely arrived to Phuket. Albeit a bit tired and agitated on arrival.. We all had a good night sleep to wake up to a free day we had arranged for the whole group pre-surgery.
Off to Phi Phi on a day trip, via Maya Bay, Monkey Island and Khao Island. The weather was a bit rainy but very humid.. Nothing dampened the spirits of this group.

Its a perfect way for a bit of Group bonding... and we are proud to say that we cannot honestly get a word in with this Group.. we are pretty lucky to be on this Journey with such amazing people.. 13 out of 20 jumped on the Speedboat Phi Phi bound. And had an amazing time... from the moment they got onto the boat till its return at 6pm.

They witnessed the magic of Maya Bay (and the 1,00,000,00 tourist on the beach including the 2000 boats bringing them there).. And the magic of Monkeys.. trying to steal the bikini bottoms of one of our girls as well as steal food and drink on the boat.. Was a highlight of the day for most..


We have had to date 8 girls though the Hospital for their procedures so far with another 7 to go in the coming days. 
Those that have had surgery are recovering comfortably back in the resort with some still recuperating in the comfort of their private room at Phuket International.


The weather has been a little wet. But the group has been spending up BIG.. with 2 weeks still to go.. I dare say the will be living off corn in the last few days here.. but to be honest the corn is pretty amazing as well..

GROUP TRAVEL

Hello!

Ok, so we are coming up to our 2nd Group Travel in October... PHUKET BOUND..
And we must be doing something right... This one is a sell out!!
13 clients booked for Cosmetic and Dental Procedures..
4 partners joining them and 2 Somnio Directors... Thats 19 people on this trip!!!

That's an amazing feat for us.. considering the April Group Tour had 9 people... Including us.. So, the word is spreading like fire that our TOURS are obviously exceptional!

Group Travel is a popular choice for:

1. First time travelers
2. Men/Women traveling without their spouses or no partner
3. Men/Women that are looking for support from SOMNIO while in Thailand
4. Having our Local Knowledge whilst in Thailand
5. Comfort in knowing Hospital/surgeon appointments are arranged and taken care of
6. Group environment - means support and new friendships
7. Discounted Tours offered and arranged
8. Worry and stress taken out of the organisation

I am sure there are loads more reasons... 
And I am sure our clients LOVE not having to think while they are away.. not having to cook or clean..
We ALWAYS stay in 5 star accommodation, nothing but the best for our Group Travelers!
The BanThai Beach Resort and Spa has been our preferred place to stay since we opened our doors and also home for 90% of our solo travelers.. We love the BanThai and we certainly claim it as our own amazing Discovery! 

Whether there has been 1 or 50 Group travels under our belts... we guarantee that we will always place our clients first... We will also ensure their needs are well taken care of..
Group travel is not only about your procedure... its the overall experience that you will remember forever... SOMNIO STYLE

Us...

Did you know that we have been friends for 15years...? Best friends?
We have been told again and again... Friends and business just don't mix..
Well.. considering the uphill battle we had at the beginning of our SOMNIO Journey to now...
Our friendship has stood the test of time ... We have certainly had some hairy moments that shook our friendship..
But what we always looked at was the end product... Where do we want to be in 5 years...
If you have the same 'Dream' and 'Drive' to get it... you will find a way to work together... its called RESPECT.
You need to be different or your business will just end up being stagnant and boring...

Like some of our competitors here and there, who end up taking ideas from other companies (like ourselves) just to stay in the loop... Do you think this makes you look competent? Or an innovator? Or perhaps riding on other companies shirt tails is HOW you wish to succeed... or fail....

Starting your own business from scratch is a hard slog...We have had to constantly think outside the box... have a point of difference.. think outside the nox!
We are not in it for the money (well a little) fame or 'freebies' - But purely for the rewards in seeing our clients smile and be happy.. AND because we believe whole-heartily in the product we are endorsing...

No bottomless bank account to dip into.. Instead in 18 months we have taken no wage.. we ensure our business is on a constant rise through pure unselfishness.. and commitment...

With an abundance of happy clients back in Oz and a successful Group Travel under our belts... we are humbled to say that all the fruits of our 24/7 efforts are starting to pay off...
Respected within the community, we now have had clients meet us and book straight away... because they see we are grounded, normal and genuine ...
Our October Group Travel has NO places left (that's now 16 people traveling with us!).. Which is an amazing achievement for 2 Mum's making a go of something they believe in... and speaks volumes of how we run our business.
We have even joined forces with an AMAZING airline... And are floored, that they are just as happy to be associated with us...
I do believe we are the underdog... BUT... we are on a continual rise..watch out TEAM SOMNIO is gaining... FAST!

The Naked Truth Seminar

So, we are pretty excited to havea representative from the Phuket International Hospital join us for a Seminar in the coming weeks.

The respose thus far has been extrodinary, with half of the seats already taken. And we haven't even advertised it as yet..
That's happening in 2 weeks... IF we still have seats left!!
Mr Peter Davison, aka Manger of International Services for Phuket International Hospital is coming to speak to our clients and potential clients about Medical Tourism in Phuket... The Hospital, facilities, cleanliness, Doctors, Accreditation... and MORE!!
We also have a representative from Surgiplas to come and speak about the importance of post-operative garments...

And of course ourselves..We have some of our past clients also attending to speak to those who might have some questions about their personal journeys... Going to be a BIG Night!! Hope to see you there!
INVITE ONLY - So if your interested... send an email on info@somniomedical.com OR call 1300 744 725

NEW AFFILIATIONS... SIMH IS FOREVER GROWING

SOMNIO and Phuket International Aesthetics Centre

SOMNIO is proud and very excited to have such a wonderful and established Medical Tourism focused Private Hospital on Board. Our clients needs are most important to us.. 

So, with Phuket International Hospital employing international staff to take care of our clients whilst offering a complete range of services to ensure that your visit to Phuket International hospital is as smooth and as pleasant as possible, with no language barriers, seamless booking systems and detailed treatment plans, the right Accreditation's, Internationally trained and board certified surgeons we knew we had found exactly what we required for our clients... 

All the information regarding Phuket International Hospital including the Doctors and Facilities will be on our website in the coming weeks..... so keep checking - www.somniomedical.com

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL

Founded in 1982, Phuket International Hospital was the first private hospital to open in the area. Phuket International Hospital has not only expanded the range of services provided, but also the size of the hospital which is in excess of 150 beds, treating hundreds of thousands of patients each year, including the first hospital in Phuket to treat medical tourists and promoting medical tourism.

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL DENTAL, SKIN & LASIK CENTRES

Phuket International Dental Centre is one of the oldest and most reliable dental practices in Phuket, offering all dental specialties in one clinic.

They successfully combine the latest innovation in dental technology with a highly educated, professional team of 15 dentists, each qualified in their own specialty, to offer you the most innovative and creative treatments available.

The Phuket International Eye & LASIK Center offers both LASIK eye surgery for corrective vision treatment, as well as diagnosis and treatment of a variety of ophthalmology conditions, with both medical and surgical options.

The Phuket International Skin and Laser Center offers a comprehensive range of the latest procedures, performed to the highest standards by experienced professionals. Our state-of-the-art dermatological equipment and apparatus conforms to the leading world standard in laser technology.

THE FINALE - Stage 5 - My new Smile

9 Days have gone by, 4 Visits to the Dentist, 16 needles, 8 hours in the dental Chair... I have made it.. today is the day I finally get to see my new smile.
Off with the temporary Veneers (thank goodness) and on with my custom made Empress Style Veneers... Yippee!
OK... more needles, and because I am such a baby, I got additional ones in the roof of my mouth, so I literally couldn't feel a thing...
It took about 2 hours for them to do. 
They took the temporary ones off, gave my teeth another clean then the artist was at work within Dr Tan.
It took forever, but the attention to detail blew my mind. She didn't just whack them on. It truly was a work of art.. filing a little, fitting, filing, fitting.. very intricate work.
So, 2 hours later I was done.

I cannot tell you how happy I am with my new smile. It is truly something that has irked me since I was in my teens. And now I am elated to have a wonderful new smile... Check out my before and afters...
For years my friends have asked me to smile in photos... now try and stop me!

VENEER PREP...

WOW... I seriously thought the deep clean would have been the worst of it.... Well wasn't I in for a rude shock... I must say nothing hurt.. Its just the process... This one was 2 hours!!
Veneers are not just having a dentist stick some nice shiny white teeth on you. They need to prepare your teeth so diligently that it is like a work of art... Precise, accurate, patience are 3 words that come to mind when they were prepping my teeth. Dr Tan was so gentle and was always asking if I was OK. 
After sitting in the chair, I was given another 4 needles... (and a nice warm blanket).
The filing of the teeth is NOT medieval.. not done with a big nail file but with a machine.. It was done pretty quickly considering I have 8 teeth to be filed. 
I did not hurt... just strained my muscles in my mouth because I had to keep it open for so long.
A mould of my teeth was done at the beginning... Yes, I did gag... I hate those things.. But I only had to keep this one in for 1 minute. It was the one at the end that I had to keep in for 5 minutes... Gag, gag, gag... talk about making them freak out... I had four specialists in the room trying to find a bucket..
BUT, you will be happy to know I controlled myself.. all good...
They have placed temporary veneers on me for a week. I have to go back next Tuesday for the real ones... Thank goodness. I do feel the word 'temporary' means these ones are just going to pop off.. but she has assured me they will not. They have given me instructions on how to look after them so they won't.. Bit like the flossing... I had better do.
I will be getting my lower teeth Whitened today so they can match the colour of the Veneers to the whitest my teeth can go..
x

THE DEEP CLEAN... Stage 2

So, once again I head off to Dr Tan and the Bangkok Smile Group.... All day I have been GRUMPY and nervous.... Not a pleasent day, worrying about needles and dentists... I have had a deep clean before... so I knew what to expect..

On entering the room I was once again greeted with open arms... then reprimanded like a child. But I guess they have already told me what I must do to look after my teeth.. And I didn't do it, so reprimand away....
After further examination she tells me the top is very good (much better than last trip) but the bottom 'Not Good'... 7 needles this time. BONUS, it was 8 last time! Once the needles are done its all pretty standard. You can not feel a thing... Its just the noise and the scraping thats not to pleasent. 45 minutes later... ALL Done.. I feels weird, clean teeth... I have since flossed twice... which is a 100% improvement.
I am back there later today for my preperation of the veneers... So say goodbye to the teeth you see in this pic (with SOMNIO direct (2) Yvonne)...
They will file my teeth down this evening and place tempory veneers on...
God please don't let me look like a horse....!!
xx

DENTAL CONSULT... Stage 1

OK.. So I would be lying if I said I was not a bit scared walking to the dentist last night...
Coming off the back of a 24 flight mission and spending majority of the day ensuring all our clients were relaxed and happy after their consults and settled into their rooms (which they were) .. So with OPG X-ray under my arm I toddled off for my own consult to our Dental Clinic in Patong, Phuket... 
I have disliked my teeth for a very long time. I remember asking my denist in Melbourne when I was about 16 for braces... But, was told that I was just going through the ugly duckling stage...mmmmm... never did grow out of the ugly duckling stage...
My aim was to ask about maybe a couple of fillings (which I was certain I needed) and the possiblity of having some veneers placed on my own ratty teeth... Something I have been wanting to do for a VERY long time. STRAIGHT TEETH!!!
My specialist was fantastic and greeted me with open arms... She was very thorough in her examination and was very happy to let me know that no fillings were required (pretty good for a 38 year old to have NO fillings) .They could definately place some veneers on... 6 or 8... AND that this could all be done in the next 8 days!!
OMG... book it in!! 
So consult done...
Stage 2: Deep Clean... (yuk)... has to be done. They will need to give me a couple of jabs to numb the gums and then will give me a very thorough clean.. This process takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
I was asked nicely if I flossed... embarrassing - ummmm... no?
So, I have started today... Everyone must floss. The food cannot get out from within our gaps... I now know anyway... and this is the reason I once again need a deep clean.. :(
Stage 2 will be executed tomorrow night... Stayed tuned.... I have had this done before... after the needles the rest is a breeze..
PS: Sorry about the photo... The lovely assistance assisted... a tab blurry - will work on their photography skills as we move forward (my hair is seriously not that boofy). x

GROUP TRAVEL

 April Group National Tour Departs Today!

Are you hesitant about travelling overseas for cosmetic surgery because you don't know which hospital is safe? And you don't want to recover alone?
We offer Group Travel Packages catering for those who wish to join a group of women and men who will experience the same life changing event as you.

Escorted personally by both Virginia & Yvonne, we will arrange your travel, accommodation, set daily itinerary of activities/tours (optional), hospital consultations, pickups and drop-ofts to ensure you have a comfortable and inviting stay in the "Land of Smiles" as you and your new found friends recover in privacy.

Follow us on Facebook to see the journey of a lifetime for our amazing clients over the next 16 days!With a mixture of Cosmetic and Dental procedures... we have it all covered!
Staying at the amazing Banthai Beach Resort & Spa.


Virginia & Yvonne x