Last week Sandy inspired me to talk about how we need to be more effective when giving a grand tour. We talked about planting seeds and letting your guest know about the services we offer. These are some of the ideas I have implemented into giving a salon tour. I now say, "This is our nail department. We offer acrylic and gel nails. We also do manicures, paraffin treatments, and Shellac polish that lasts up to two weeks without chipping." I have now mentioned several services we offer. This makes the client ask questions; it promotes conversation.

I take them to our pedicure room and tell them, "We have six pedicure thrones with heat, massage, and whirlpool foot baths.” I mention, "This room is ideal for bridal parties, girls night out, and mother/daughter pedicures. Men also like this room, because it's in the back of the salon. They feel more comfortable knowing people won't see them getting a pedicure in the front window." Now, I have the client thinking and asking themselves "My husband can get a pedicure without being embarrassed? Who do I know that is getting married? This room is awesome — who can I suggest it to?" They may ask "What if the bridal party has more than six people?" I tell them "You can bring in simple hors d'oeuvres like cheese and crackers or a dessert. Half of the party will get pedicures while the other half enjoys snacks and conversation, then we flip flop." (no pun intended) All of a sudden this a is fun way to celebrate and get the bridal party together before the big day.

"This is our hair department, we specialize in highlights and hair color. Many of our stylists are Redken Certified Colorists. They can color your hair, add dimension and shine, and give you that sun kissed look with highlights or lowlights. They can give your hair movement and texture with a new haircut and style. We also have special occasion hairstyles available for your special events."

When touring our spa I say " This is one of our facial rooms. In this room we provide body waxing and bikini, underarm and leg waxing. We also do facial waxing, eye brow arching and lip waxing services. We also provide Body Bronzing, where we exfoliate your body and apply a sunless tanning cream evenly for you. This way you won't streak, look orange, or have an uneven application." All of a sudden, they're reminded that spring break is coming and they need a bikini wax. They also realize they don't want to be on the beach looking pale — maybe they should try Body Bronzing.

"This is one of our massage rooms. We offer trigger point, deep tissue, and pregnancy massage. We also have hot stone massage, where we massage your muscles using smooth warm stones on your body. These stones allow the massage therapist to relieve knots and muscle tightness with the use of heat." Again, this gets them thinking about the baby shower they have coming up. They mention a pregnancy massage would be the perfect shower gift.

Can you see how by simply mentioning the services we offer, we entice our client to try our other services? They may not even know that pregnancy massage, Shellac, or Body Bronzing exist. This has dramatically changed the way I give a tour of my salon. I now offer ideas and plant seeds for future visits and the purchase of gift certificates.

Try this method in your own salon. You'll be amazed by the interaction and response from your clients. Ask yourself whether you are you giving a salon tour or are you giving The Grand Tour? This is one more way to make you stand out above the rest and become the BEST!

— Jill