mgloverfam
Well-Known Member
Hi Guys!
Here are some excerpts from an old Nailpro issue about building your business. I never throw away my nail magazines because I always refer back to them occasionally (unless the info is outdated, which you should check). I've added some of my own personal advice, and experiences to this as well. I hope this helps someone, Enjoy!
Nine Ways To Build Your Business
1. Be Proactive. At one time or another you'll probably lose clients to a NSS. Clients can be fickle, and there always will be people looking for a cheaper price no matter how good you are. Get over it! When you spend time focusing on the negative- a lost client- you lose sight of the positive- room in your appointment book for a new client. The key is to make sure you have clients waiting to slide into the open spot. Be proactive. Get out there and sell yourself and your skills even if you have a full book. You'll be surprised by how a little bit of hard work can pay off in the long run.
2. Educate Yourself. This can't be over emphasized. Just because you've graduated from beauty school doesn't mean you know everything there is to know about nails (I sure didn't!). Take extra classes in both TECHNIQUE and BUSINESS. Check your local colleges for business classes or teach yourself through books. Then, tell your clients about your education. Talk it up. They don't know how qualified you are unless you show and tell them.
3. Be Professional. Going to work clean, dressed appropriately and looking well groomed is common sense, right? You'd be surprised how many people I've worked with (and still do) in salons, who have been clueless when it comes to grooming. I once worked with a woman who came in looking like she just rolled out of bed, slippers and all! Impression counts, so make yours a good one.
4. Be Punctual. When our clients are chronically late, it's pretty annoying, but when WE are constantly starting appoinments late, it feels the same way to our clients. Always strive to start your appointments on time, and perfect your time/speed when doing your services. And be honest about how long it takes when you book appointments. I've been doing nails almost 7 years, and it still takes me 45 mins to do a french manicure.
5. Have A Positive Attitude. We've all had bad days, but let's face it, no one paying to have her nails done wants to hear how lousy your life is. Avoid ranting to your clients about problems in your personal life, and about how you hate the salon, the other techs, and your last client! Clients come to your salon to relax and be pampered. Smile, be positive, and concentrate on taking care of your client. After all, we have to listen the THEM rant! Aren't we ametuer psychologists? LOL!
6. Make Your Table Talk Work For You. You should be talking to your clients about your technique and the new products you're using. You should be upselling your services, and prescribing home care products/advice.
7. SANITIZE. Sanitation should not only be visible but OBVIOUS. This is an easy and necessary way to set yourself apart from your competition. Explain your sanitation procedures to your clients. Let them know how you santize table tops, pedicure tubs, and implements. If you're confident about your sanitation procedures, your clients will be too.
8. Create Atmosphere. Your atmosphere should be relaxed, and unhurried. The furniture should be comfy, and inviting. The music should be soft, or mellow, and the air clear of offensive odors. Do everything you can to make your clients comfortable. Something as simple as offering your client a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate before their service is an inexpensive way to boost customer satisfaction.
9. Advertise. You don't have to buy a full page ad in the local newspaper to advertise your business. Get involved in local charities, donating products and gift certificates is a sure way to get noticed. Always carry business cards, and pass them out! And make sure your nails look immaculate at all times.
As far as competing with NSS, you shouldn't consider them yuor competition. It's like comparing a fast food place with a 5 star restaurant. Your nail salon (or mobile business) is like a fancy restaurant. Clients are willing to pay extra money for the privilege of being pampered.
*hugs*
Here are some excerpts from an old Nailpro issue about building your business. I never throw away my nail magazines because I always refer back to them occasionally (unless the info is outdated, which you should check). I've added some of my own personal advice, and experiences to this as well. I hope this helps someone, Enjoy!
Nine Ways To Build Your Business
1. Be Proactive. At one time or another you'll probably lose clients to a NSS. Clients can be fickle, and there always will be people looking for a cheaper price no matter how good you are. Get over it! When you spend time focusing on the negative- a lost client- you lose sight of the positive- room in your appointment book for a new client. The key is to make sure you have clients waiting to slide into the open spot. Be proactive. Get out there and sell yourself and your skills even if you have a full book. You'll be surprised by how a little bit of hard work can pay off in the long run.
2. Educate Yourself. This can't be over emphasized. Just because you've graduated from beauty school doesn't mean you know everything there is to know about nails (I sure didn't!). Take extra classes in both TECHNIQUE and BUSINESS. Check your local colleges for business classes or teach yourself through books. Then, tell your clients about your education. Talk it up. They don't know how qualified you are unless you show and tell them.
3. Be Professional. Going to work clean, dressed appropriately and looking well groomed is common sense, right? You'd be surprised how many people I've worked with (and still do) in salons, who have been clueless when it comes to grooming. I once worked with a woman who came in looking like she just rolled out of bed, slippers and all! Impression counts, so make yours a good one.
4. Be Punctual. When our clients are chronically late, it's pretty annoying, but when WE are constantly starting appoinments late, it feels the same way to our clients. Always strive to start your appointments on time, and perfect your time/speed when doing your services. And be honest about how long it takes when you book appointments. I've been doing nails almost 7 years, and it still takes me 45 mins to do a french manicure.
5. Have A Positive Attitude. We've all had bad days, but let's face it, no one paying to have her nails done wants to hear how lousy your life is. Avoid ranting to your clients about problems in your personal life, and about how you hate the salon, the other techs, and your last client! Clients come to your salon to relax and be pampered. Smile, be positive, and concentrate on taking care of your client. After all, we have to listen the THEM rant! Aren't we ametuer psychologists? LOL!
6. Make Your Table Talk Work For You. You should be talking to your clients about your technique and the new products you're using. You should be upselling your services, and prescribing home care products/advice.
7. SANITIZE. Sanitation should not only be visible but OBVIOUS. This is an easy and necessary way to set yourself apart from your competition. Explain your sanitation procedures to your clients. Let them know how you santize table tops, pedicure tubs, and implements. If you're confident about your sanitation procedures, your clients will be too.
8. Create Atmosphere. Your atmosphere should be relaxed, and unhurried. The furniture should be comfy, and inviting. The music should be soft, or mellow, and the air clear of offensive odors. Do everything you can to make your clients comfortable. Something as simple as offering your client a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate before their service is an inexpensive way to boost customer satisfaction.
9. Advertise. You don't have to buy a full page ad in the local newspaper to advertise your business. Get involved in local charities, donating products and gift certificates is a sure way to get noticed. Always carry business cards, and pass them out! And make sure your nails look immaculate at all times.
As far as competing with NSS, you shouldn't consider them yuor competition. It's like comparing a fast food place with a 5 star restaurant. Your nail salon (or mobile business) is like a fancy restaurant. Clients are willing to pay extra money for the privilege of being pampered.
*hugs*
