At my salon, we feel strongly that MMA products should be banned from the industry. But while we spend a lot of time working on this crusade, we also need to stay focused on being the best we can be, and providing the best possible service to our clients. Here’s what we all must do to accomplish this:

Speed. Perfect your technique so that you can offer quality in less time. The competition is offering a full set in one hour or less and fills in approximately 45 minutes. Time is of the essence in today’s market. I’m not saying to rush your clients; I’m saying we must work on a definitive and consistent technique that all the salon’s nail technicians follow.

Application. Your speed and quality of application should not vary depending on your mood. Sometimes we have a bad day and it shows in our work; however if our procedures never change then our work will basically stay consistent.

Appointments. Some people feel walk-ins are the way to go, I feel appointments can be more of a convenience if you are able to honor that appointment time. It is much more of a convenience for a client to know exactly when her service will be performed and by whom rather than sitting in a “walk-in” line and getting a random nail technician to do her nails. Waiting in a walk-in line could add 20 minutes to the service time. But nail technicians must always be on time for their appointments!

Personal Service. Offer the little touches that let your clients know you care. Thank-you, birthday, get-well, and wedding cards are a very nice and inexpensive way to do this. So is serving coffee, tea, and cocoa. Holiday gifts and simple nail art are also very nice ways to say thanks.

I hope these thoughts help you build and keep your clientele. Stay concentrated on yourself more than the competition and you will be so solidly booked you won’t have time to worry. May the caring and educated survive. Good luck!

Renée Skrocki is a nail technician and co-owner of V.I.P. Nails & Tans Inc. in Riverview, Mich.

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