The holiday season is upon us. The phone will soon be ringing off the hook and extended hours will be in place. Whew! The key to survival and success is defining your goals and planning for them. Be sure to create a written list of items you would like to accomplish and give each item a completion date. Here are some tips to help you survive the season and end the year with a bang.

> A salon party will entail quite a bit of preparation. Set the date, menu, and theme — and maybe even your sales goals. Once the date has been set, you can send invitations or evites to your guest with “regrets only” information. Your party is a great time to have pre-wrapped gifts at a deal that clients can purchase and take with them while they are feeling merry. Don’t forget to follow-up your invitations with an e-mail blast to your entire guest list.

> Focus on your gift certificate announcement. Gift certificate sales tend to show an increase right after Thanksgiving until around January 1 or 2, according to SpaBoom.com. Maybe, you want to offer a special like “Spend $100 and get a $25 certificate for yourself or someone else.” If you are not already doing so, you may want to consider selling gift certificates online via your website. This is a wonderful tool because you can sell gift certificates 24/7 and clients can either print them or e-mail them to the recipient. Make sure you place certificate announcements strategically throughout the salon.

> Retail, retail, and more retail. Use the holiday to create pamper baskets. Make money on your top-selling items and add some products that have been collecting dust as an added value. Everyone wants a bargain and baskets are a great way to present a gift that offers a lot for a little. If you have not been retailing, here is an opportunity to try selling items like body washes, lotions, candles, and teas. Make sure to have your products fully stocked. You won’t have time to run out and pick up product.

> Assure that you will have pre-booked appointments in the new year. Offer a discount of 20% for new services booked during the holiday season or at your holiday party. Not only will this fill your January book but you can also get clients to try new services or continue booking pedicures if you are not in a warm climate. Here in Chicago, we get them in with a complimentary gel polish application with the purchase of any of our “foot facials.”

> Schedule some time for you and your family to enjoy the holiday season. Do your holiday shopping, wrap your gifts, trim the tree and, yes, attend a party or two. When the holiday ends take a mental health day or two and celebrate your holiday success. May the New Year bring you peace, health, and prosperity.

LaShaun Brown-Glenn is the owner of Nails Naturally Hand and Foot Spa in Chicago. A success coach and owner of Speaking On Point, she also offers group coaching, one-on-one coaching, and webinars. For more information, go to www.speakingonpoint.com or call (888) 983-3444.

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