Accessible Nail Tech Networking

Can you afford to travel to shows and networking events all over the country or even all over the world? They are amazing experiences, aren’t they. Wait, what you can’t? Not everyone can prioritize a trip to an event at the top of their list even if they are serious about education. Sometimes family and household expenses take priority whether we like it or not. So does this give you a good excuse to be locked in a little bubble at your nail salon, never networking or connecting with other nail professionals? Not in this day and age! Networking can be done online in a plethora of ways. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started, and I would love to see some of your favorites in the comments!

BeautyTech (http://www.beautytech.com/index.htm)

BeautyTech.com is a site that has been evolving and growing since 1994. Web Goddess Debbie Doerrlamm has provided articles, forums, salon listings, and even a nail shoppe! Visit often as things are always on the move here.

Nail Tech Connect (http://www.nailtechconnect.com)

New from BeautyTech.com’s Debbie D. is the nail tech site that promises to feed your addiction to nails. Create a profile so you can start exploring and be in on the beginning of the next page in nail tech networking online. Find videos, live chat, forums, photos, groups, and more.

Salon Geek (http://www.salongeek.com)

Salon Geek started out with humble beginnings, bloomed into the place to be for techs in the U.K., and has grown to include salon professionals from all over the world in all the fields of beauty. If you have a passion for your field, this is a fun place to share and exchange ideas.

Nail Tips (http://www.nailtips.com.au)

This is an Australian-based forum for nail techs that gives help and perspective from the “land down under.” No matter if you are new to the industry or seasoned, pop in and check things out!

Confessions of a Nail Tech (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Confessions-of-a-Nail-Tech/176206332397158)

At the end of a long, crazy, or even great day, sometimes it is nice to share or vent with peeps that just “get it.” Here is a place to let your hair down and tell it like it is!

Doug Schoon ‘s Brain (http://www.facebook.com/doug.schoon)

Ever wish you could get some top-notch expensive education at a price you can afford without the travel? Here is the answer to your nail knowledge prayers. Doug Schoon is an icon in the industry and has taken education to the next level with Doug Schoon’s Brain, a free, educational exhibit open online to all every other month.  You can view 3-D images of the nails at microscopic level, which will give you a deeper understanding of the nail itself and give you a scientific knowledge base your clients will surely appreciate. Friend Doug on Facebook to be in the know on Brain openings.

365 Days of Nail Art (http://blogs.nailsmag.com/365nailart)

This may be a blog, but it has a daily post that is a nail art design done by everyday techs. Visit often to find new ideas and inspiration for every level of nail artist.

Nail Art Gallery (http://nailartgallery.nailsmag.com)

This is a unique place to share your art and ideas and browse the art and ideas of others, leave comments and feedback, get inspired, and try new things!

Nail Talk Radio (http://nailtalkradio.ning.com)

How would you like to connect to other techs live in real time? Here is your weekly chance! Every Monday Nail Talk Radio broadcasts live with interviews of fellow industry professionals, product reviews, nail news, and more. As a bonus you can log into the chat room and chat with other techs live while listening by computer or telephone. Callers can even win prizes with weekly giveaways.

Now there are no excuses for you to remain ignorant in any way shape or form when it comes to nails. Get out there and network online, then consider saving your pennies to take it to the next level someday and network in person!

—Holly