Struggling with business not sure what else to do

[*sarah*]

Hi Guys,

I did my L&P course with CND in oct 2006, and have since added calgel (soon to be replaced by shellac ) waxing including intimate, and xen tan spray tanning.
The thing is I am not busy at all, when people ask how I'm doing I kinda bluff as I'm rather embaressed about it.
I have done leaflet drops, handing out leaflets, leaving them in hairdressers, leaving business cards where I can.
Tried doing offers, am currently renting space at a leisure centre (this has generated a bit more business) but If I'm being totally honest and swallow my pride 10-15 customers a week is really busy for me, some weeks I have none.
I'm using great products not cheap rubbish I take great pride in my work and my customer service and appearence. All clients seem to be really happy with my work, I just don't get it?
Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Really hate having to admit I'm doing so badly but I really want to make a decent living at this and be successful and hoping somebody can help.
Thanks in advance xx

 

[persianista]

Maybe you would be better off in a salon? Are the salons around you busy?

If the salons are all dead too, then it is still recessionary there.

I'm no expert on mobile work, but there are lots of mobile geeks on here that can help with advertising etc.

I sometimes say to my clients that I'm quiet, and they help by rallying up their friends, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

 

[Rapunzel]

Hi I am mobile and here are some things that have worked for me first thing is branding I had carl do me a logo and design my business cards and price lists I use my logo on all my advertising helps to create a professional image you definately need web presence and add your site to every free listing site you can find place adverts on every free site and link back to your website I also have my car done only got a couple of clients from it but again it helps with branding and have had clients who have found my details on a listing somewhere and said oh I remembered seeing your car I also wear my tunic with my logo on all the time I got a booking the other day from a hospital visit cos I had my tunic on and I got talking to the nurse her friend then booked in a couple of days later ( I did change my tunic before going to my next client) I leave leaflets everywhere I go hairdressers tanning places anywhere I think my future clients could be I have also been involved in some local charity events which helped to raise my profile and money for charity at the same time bonus and the most important bit of advice always give the best service you can that way your clients will recommend you which is the best form me advertising good luck and hope you get really really busy deb x Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Rapunzel]

Oh and get your self a facebook page too this really works for me too I also get a lot of enquiries through yell.com though get a lot of people trying to sell me advertising and commercial energy companies lol Posted via Mobile Device

 

[ukfaye]

Hi Hun, I honestly can't stress enough how much having a web site and advertising on all the free sites ie. Yell.com freeindex netmums. There are so many, just google free advertising. It has totally transformed my business. My website is £3.99 from vista print, very basic but does the job. I get new clients all the time. The main way I personaly look for things these days is by search engine, clients will do the same! If they can have a little browse of your site before they call you, they like this.
Don't get disheartened, get yourself a website, get your name and details with a link to your site on all the free ad sites, you will be laughing. Good luck Hun and chin up!!

 

[tinkywinky]

Hun if you contact business link they will be able to help. They do seminars and workshops on how to grow your business. I have a business advisor who gives me a list of priorities to work on at one time.

have you got a website, cos this is a big thing that helps.

 

[bombini]

Is your main problem attracting clients or retaining them (or both) ?

Out of the treatments you do which are the most popular ?

 

[*sarah*]

Thanks for replies guys, I have a website, am on yell.com & thomson local and in yellow pages, and have just made a facebook group. The free link stuff sounds good I did try doing this a while ago but it kinda pickled my head lol
I have a few regulars, and other people I have had are usually just having treatment for special occasion so probably attracting clients is the problem.
waxing is most popular followed by nail treatments, but the tan is not doing so well! everyone that I have sprayed have loved it and come back when they want it done again xx

 

[allthingsbeauty]

Maybe you would be better off in a salon? Are the salons around you busy?

I sometimes say to my clients that I'm quiet, and they help by rallying up their friends, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

Totally agree with this.
I have had roughly the same amount of clients for quite a few years now and when asked I always said "yes I'm really busy thanks", because I honestly didn't want anymore work even though I could have done more!

Recently I have wanted more clients (as I'm in the process of trying to buy a house!).
It wasn't planned but I just happened to mention to every client of mine that I would like a few more customers and I can't believe the difference that has made! My regulars are now sending me their friends and relatives at an alarmingly good rate!!!

I can understand that you are keeping it positive and telling your customers that you are busy, but you never know this may be back firing on you and holding them back from recommending you because they think you already have enough clients.

Just a thought, but it won't hurt to give it a try and best of all its free!!

 

[EMMA AT ELITE]

Hi Guys,

I did my L&P course with CND in oct 2006, and have since added calgel (soon to be replaced by shellac ) waxing including intimate, and xen tan spray tanning.
The thing is I am not busy at all, when people ask how I'm doing I kinda bluff as I'm rather embaressed about it.
I have done leaflet drops, handing out leaflets, leaving them in hairdressers, leaving business cards where I can.
Tried doing offers, am currently renting space at a leisure centre (this has generated a bit more business) but If I'm being totally honest and swallow my pride 10-15 customers a week is really busy for me, some weeks I have none.
I'm using great products not cheap rubbish I take great pride in my work and my customer service and appearence. All clients seem to be really happy with my work, I just don't get it?
Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
Really hate having to admit I'm doing so badly but I really want to make a decent living at this and be successful and hoping somebody can help.
Thanks in advance xx

It sounds like you are doing everything you can do, I think you main problem could be location!
Have you thought about looking for a room or salon to rent in the same area?
I would imagine in a leisure centre you are missing out on walk-ins, and passing trade, people need to know where you are, they cant just walk pass & see you.
Have you thought about a recommend a friend offer?
Sometimes when I have had quiet times I do stupid special offers like half price back massage - £10, how about offers like this? You may be doing them for less but at least it gets the clients in.
How long have you been in the leisure centre?
Where was you working before?
x:hug:x