Business - Topic : keeping your business competitive

The Great Nail Tech Challenge

April 28, 2011  | Article

We at NAILS Magazine strive to help nail technicians become better on many levels. Better at running your business. Better at your technical craft. Better at maintaining sanity in your life. We've created this set of challenges to help you push yourself and break through some of your boundaries. We challenge you to get outside of your comfort zone and accept the tasks at hand. Do you accept this challenge?

On the Move: Relocating Your Salon

April 19, 2011  | Article

Moving your salon to a new location doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. Lean on the experience of fellow salon owners whether relocating down the street or across the globe.

11 Ways to Spruce Up Your Salon

November 17, 2010  | Article

Attention-getting design and visual merchandising — the art of placing retail products in a way that increases sales — can give you a major advantage over your competition. Even if you don’t have a hefty visual merchandising budget, remember that creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor don’t carry a price tag. A visual strategist at Chute Gerdeman Retail shares 11 Dos (and a few Don’ts) to help you prepare for a successful holiday season.

NSI Launches Business Development E-Book

November 17, 2010  | Article

A new business development e-book titled Building Your Clientele in 6-9 Months: A 360° Guide to Generating Income is available on the NSI website to help nail technicians across the globe.

Credit Card Program Makes Saving Seamless

October 1, 2010  | Article

We know we should be saving for retirement — or taxes, or that vacation — but often we can’t seem to find a way. A free service called Auto-Save from Integrity Payment Systems automatically deducts a pre-determined amount each time a client pays with a credit card and deposits the amounts into an interest-bearing, no-minimum savings account.

Universal Companies Helps Spas Advance with Education

October 1, 2010  | Article

Universal Companies’ education program — Advance with Education — offers targeted topics to cover the needs of industry personnel, from business owner/manager to nail technician, skin care professional, or massage therapist. Spas may choose from a wide range of webinar classes or workshops held across the U.S.

A Video Can Make Your Salon a Star

September 1, 2010  | Article

For many potential clients, the Internet is their first stop in the search for salons. While a salon menu, contact information, and great pictures of your salon (and even your nails) are a necessity, a snazzy, snappy promo-video can really help set your salon apart from the rest.

Catch the Momentum

September 1, 2010  | Article

With social networking, manufacturers’ advertising, and insider support, techs can be in the perfect position to catch the momentum when a wave of national attention sweeps over our industry. Are you poised to harness the power of the consumer press the next time there’s big news in our industry?

Client Appreciation

September 1, 2010  | Article

"It’s a small price to pay to help set myself apart from the rest of the salons in my area," says Melodie Hand of Nail Designs by Mel in Clayton, N.C. She’s talking about her new client gift packs, a special gesture to welcome new clients to her salon.

Is It Time for a Change? It's the Best Way to Stay Motivated

May 1, 2010  | Article

Veteran nail techs have seen significant changes in the nail industry, and they may fear the best years are over. However, growth is still possible when you stretch yourself and your business to meet the demands of the new customer. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

At ISSE 2010, Manufacturers Answer: How is 2010 looking so far?

March 23, 2010  | Article

From Jan. 30 through Feb. 1, beauty manufacturers showed their latest wares and chatted with their clients about the industry. In light of the economic recession, NAILS asked: How is 2010 looking so far? Have you made any changes to the way you do business?

The Pricing Problem

March 1, 2010  | Article

Part art, part science, pricing your services is one of the most important and delicate tasks you’ll undertake in the salon. And no two salon owners approach it quite the same. We asked readers: How do you decide how much to charge for a particular service?

Why Do You Charge More? Responding to Client Questions About Discount Salons.

February 1, 2010  | Article

Train your staff — and yourself — to answer this sensitive question so you’re able to respond quickly and confidently to clients’ concerns.

Just My Opinion: Step Up, Show Up, and Speak Up!

January 1, 2010  | Article

Motivating Across the Generational Divide

December 1, 2009  | Article

Recognizing what’s important to our employees and clients is more than knowing their favorite shade of polish or the names of their children; it’s about understanding that they embrace the things they do, in part, because of what the world looked like as they grew up.