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SEARCHThis month we asked nail techs: Do you socialize with clients outside of the salon? Why or why not?
I so
cialize with clients outside of the salon on occasion. I will always invite clients to social gatherings such as brunches and art gallery openings, but I always keep it on a professional level. Sometimes it’s nice to get all dolled up and socialize with your favorite guests in a different environment and treat them to a few cocktails and fine dining at a new restaurant. I find that it brings loyalty to a new level. I know my guests appreciate being treated to a nice dinner once in a while — after all, they pay my bills all year so I am happy to pick up the tab from time to time!
Nellie Neal, Get Nailed by Nellie, Minnetonka, Minn.
I will be in my third year of business come June. I have yet to hang out with any of my clients outside of the shop. If you’d asked me when I first started, my answer would have been no, absolutely not. But I see these women — some who have been with me right from the beginning — sometimes twice a month. You learn about their daily lives and can’t help but think of them throughout the weeks. I would totally reconsider because it’s become more personal, not just business.
Beth Albrecht, Nails by Beth, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Do I socialize with clients outside of the salon? The short answer is yes — with one. I do not try and make this a regular habit because I do believe there should be a professional boundary between myself and my clients. However, I do have a client I have become closer with and see outside of the salon. Her name is Nichole and we met when she moved into town and was looking for a new salon. Within a couple of visits we discovered we attend the same church (different services) and connected even more through that. She has been a blessing in my life, and I am so glad we met. As for my other clients, I try not to cross that professional line and keep them as just clients.
Anne Van Spronsen, McIntyre’s Salon and Day Spa , Portage, Mich.
I had a tough life for a while, and when I came to my new salon, I had a few women who helped me through everything. I am Facebook friends with nearly all of them. I am moving away shortly, leaving my current salon. I hope to keep in touch with them. I have a few important life events happening shortly after I leave, and they want to stay in touch and see my life continue to get better.
Hope Szymanski, Nailtique, Whitewater, Wis.
Next question:
What have you learned by visiting nail salons other than your own? [Answers will be printed in the September 2015 issue.] Share your opinion on the topic by e-mailing your response by June 15 to Tracy.Rubert@bobit.com. Please include your name, salon, city and state, and a high-resolution headshot with your response.
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