In need of motivational kick up the proverbial!!!

[totalbirdbrain]

I think, like most people on here, I'm having a 'cup half empty' moment. Hav seen my business change so much in the last 18 months due to the economy and my landlords changing what I can and can't do. For a while it got me down but then I decided I needed to focus on what I can do and not what I can't. I decided we'd try and focus on our USP ( unique selling point- have only just learnt about that recently). As I'm set within a health club we are lucky to be able to provide hen parties, spa days etc so we decided to concentrate there and to try to increase our wedding business. However I think have jumped into the wedding side a bit quick! I had linked up with someone to do eyelash extensions freelance for us, we do wedding make up etc. We're booked to have a stand at a wedding fayre soon and at the time we were the only beauty salon taking part. Today I hear that a hair and beauty salon is also taking part and my freelance person has had to drop out. I'm now wondering what I'm doing taking part in it! Am ignoring my 'focus on what we can do USP thoughts' and now being a negative nora and thinking we can't adequately compete. We don't stock a make up range, nor do nail enhancements as yet and am worried that our USP actually isn't enough.

As I'm typing this am feeling a complete burk! Would appreciate any thoughts even if it is just a kick up the wotsit or a cyber slap!

 

[persianista]

big cyberslap coming your way, courtesy of ratbag Persianista!!!!!!!!!!! SLAP

First calm down. All of us get "are we good enough" wobbles. The worst that will happen is that you get no work from the evening. People wont be pointing and laughing.
When times are tough (and they are bloody tough) it is easy to sink into "I'm a failure" mode. we all do it. The hard part is to keep going and take any blows on the chin.
So worst case, you win no new business, best case you win some new business. Worth a punt I would have thought. x

 

[totalbirdbrain]

Lol very true and thank you for the slap! I think the other thing to do is to try not to take it so personally.....I have a lovely (although tough) business and am very lucky where I am and like anybody else...you want everyone else to see it the way you do!

I did have a stamp foot moment and nearly pulled out....however I guess I am not a quitter

 

[persianista]

None of us can afford to be quitters at the moment! It is hard to stay self motivated when you are the salon owner. Find your backbone and armour plate it!

 

[totalbirdbrain]

Hahahaha! Point taken :lol:

 

[karmajules]

Can I add that I have done a couple of Wedding Shows. I don't do make up or nails, I do Environ Facials and various massage. I was working with a Doc doing aesthetic treatments at a dentist.

They were generally quite hard work, some more sucessful than others. I would suggest a goody bag with loads of info about you and some freebies if your suppliers can help out. IRO your eyelash lady, how about seeing if there is a helpful geek out there?

Finally, I didn't get too much business from the punters - but.... got loads from the other stall holders! Still have three clients on my books. In quiet moments and set up time, have wander around, chat and give everyone your card. It might be an opportunity for you to meet up with a Wedding planner, a cake maker, dressmaker etc., and you can promote them if they promote you. I also picked up a couple of clients from there.

We all feel the same way, I am afraid I am the same at the moment. I am home based and SHARE A WORK ROOM WITH MY HUSBAND!!! He recently set up on his own, he works in financial services. Can be really difficult, especially as I lost loads of bookings in snow (didn't want to rebook at the time) and it is so quiet now. I am really lucky that he is the major wage earner, so for a couple of weeks, it doesn't really hit us that badly. However, this has gone on for longer and things are difficult. I am not going to give up - working for someone else can give problems (as I recently experienced at aesthetic clinic) I love the freedom of being able to give my Clients the best possible treatment every single time, which I didn't have where I worked before. Keep it up, and good luck for the show.

Jx

 

[totalbirdbrain]

Thanks J! Goodie bags sound like a good idea, we also do Environ facials and I know they can be a good pull for Brides (and grooms!) who have skin concerns.

Hmmm never thought about tapping into local geeks to help provide services we don't!

It would be nice to think things will pick up for everybody, certainly the snow has made January worse than usual. Fingers crossed we can all just keep plodding on until we turn a corner

thank you for your tips! Am sure they will prove invaluable

S x

 

[Blue Rose]

I've done wedding fairs before & tbh the punters weddings are so far in advance that we don't really get much business from them.

However, it's good to do these things for the networking opportunities. Also, what I've found worthwhile at any of these 'have a stall/stand' is to do a competition of some sort. That way you get potential clients details to use for a later date.

 

[totalbirdbrain]

I guess the main thing is about getting your name out there. We have a small obsticle in our way sometimes by being situated where we are, so hopefully by going out and doing this we may appear more approachable/accessable. I have considered doing a competition, something along the lines of 'win a spa day' maybe.

Thank you for your feedback

S