This is such an exciting time to enter the nail industry. In the summer of 2010, even if you didn’t yet have a nail career in mind, you couldn’t help but get excited about all of the media coverage of “the two-week manicure,” hybrid gel-polish colors designed to stay on nails for 14 days without chipping. This sort of new technology —  which we’ll see more and more of in the future  — gets consumers excited about visiting salons and gives you, the newly minted nail tech, an arsenal of innovative products to make every client happy.

As a new nail tech with a fresh perspective, you have the advantage of one-upping established techs in your use of convenience technology. Ten years ago when a client contacted a nail tech after-hours for a next-day appointment, by the time the tech got back to the salon and called her back, it would probably be too late. Today, you can use smart phone, iPad, or Facebook apps (one to try is Schedulicity) to give yourself and your potential clients access to your appointment book 24-7. You can “tweet” last-minute openings via Twitter.com. You can also give clients your cell phone number and let them text you appointment requests. “Most of my clients I’ve had for many years have my cell phone number and don’t abuse it. They text me if they’re running late or need to change an appointment. It’s the way of the future for sure,” says nail tech Dina Cruz of Bella Capelli Salon in Campbell, Calif.

The NAILS Career Handbook is a great starting place to find out how to use both new and established technologies to grow your new career. From online resources to help you prepare for your state board exam to easy nail art tutorials and of course several pages of professional nail products, we’re here to get you started off right. I especially urge you to take The Great Nail Tech Challenge, a checklist of business-building challenges that will keep you motivated throughout your first year. Even though you’ve completed beauty school, there are plenty of opportunities for you to keep learning.

Congratulations on your graduation and on your great career choice. And be sure to visit us at www.nailsmag.com/careerhandbook any time you need additional inspiration.