I attended an advertising sales seminar last week, and the speaker outlined 10 characteristics a salesperson needs to succeed. Interestingly, these are 10 vital characteristics that are crucial for success in the nail industry as well, so I’d like to share them, somewhat modified, with you.

Believe in nail care. You must believe what effect proper and regular nail care can have on an individual’s appearance and self-esteem. Nail care should be more than just a job for you.

Believe in your product and your services. You must know that you offer a unique service unavailable anywhere else from anyone else.

Believe in yourself. Nails is an industry full of powerful egos, but you must believe you posses what it takes to succeed.

Be organized. Using an efficient scheduling system and streamlined techniques, you can get through many clients in a single day, deal with temperamental people and still manage your business.

Be a detective. Stay on top of new product technologies and know all the latest techniques.

Be energetic. How else are you going to last through the Christmas season with 15 clients a day, most without appointments and all wanting nail art?

Have patience and tenacity. Getting started in the nail business is not easy; you’ve got to plot your course, stick to it, and cultivate your clientele. It takes time.

Remember that you are a consultant. You develop a relationship with each client, who relies on you to know what is best for her (even when she wants something else). After a client leaves the salon, you continue to nurture this relationship to keep her loyal.

 You’ve got to be a chameleon, constantly blending and adapting to the situation and the environment. If a client comes in talking 90 miles an hour, you’ve got to shift gears to keep up with her.

You’re an entrepreneur. Most nail technicians are essentially running their own businesses, whether they’re actually booth renters or working on commission. It’s up to the technician to hit the pavement to build clientele. It’s frequently the technician’s own responsibility to get her own product.

You may adhere to most of these principles already, but it doesn’t hurt to review these simple ideas now and again. Good luck.

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