By Kristi Valenzuela, Crystal Focus

There is a great book I would like to suggest you read. It’s called YOU, Inc.: The Art of Selling Yourself,by Harry Beckwith and Christine Clifford Beckwith. This would be a great investment in your education as a nail technician. It describes how to do what you love, love what you do, and discover that the ultimate power is in YOU. Who do you need to be to capture the client, get her to return, and gain her full loyalty as a customer?

It starts with you — how you look, how you act, and how you are “being.” Let’s take a look at a few things that should always stay on your checklist of professionalism.

How do you look today? Trust me, every new client — and every returning client — is going to notice what you are wearing today and rate you on how well you put yourself together. People are just human, and whether this is a conscious act of judging or an unconscious scan and decision, people can’t help it.

Did you take the time to put yourself together in a way that looks like you planned your outfit, spent time on finishing your hairstyle, and put your makeup on before you left your house rather than in the rearview mirror as you were driving to work? Even if you wear a smock to protect your clothing from messy pedicures, your makeup, jewelry, and shoes say a lot. Plus, you have to take your smock off sometime; are you following the professional dress code of the salon?

I believe if you spent an extra 15 minutes every day this year getting ready — preplanning your outfit, hair, and makeup — you could increase your income by at least 15%. Why? Because you were focused in the morning and you will feel better all day long. Being more confident and more professional will only lead you to more money!

How are you acting? Think of an actor on stage or in a movie. He has a script, a costume/wardrobe, and “stage presence.” You owe it to your clients, your coworkers, and the salon owner to be your best today, or fake it! I realize that sometimes you feel only 50%, due to feeling sick, or tired, or stressed. But your clients don’t have a choice to pay you 50% of your service fee … so give them 100%! In other words, “fake it till you make it.”

How are you being? My mom once told me when you go on a date, watch how the guy treats the waitress, and listen to how he talks about his mom. This is how he treats everyone, and could be a sign of how he would treat you. Thanks Mom! Good advice.

People are paying attention to how you treat and talk about others. Are you positive, professional, and polite? This is an important life discipline, whether you are at work or on your day off.

How did you treat the front desk person when she accidentally made a mistake in your appointment book? Are you supportive or psycho? How about when the stylist ran behind on your client’s haircut and color appointment and delivered your client to your table 15 minutes late? Did you complain, or did you agree with your client’s complaint? Even if your client complains, reassure her that everything is OK. Never speak badly about the other team member in front of your client, even if this is the fifth time this has happened. After the appointment have a pleasant and professional talk with the service provider, or talk to your salon manager to help you with this ongoing challenge.

The focus is on YOU! Create your checklist of how you want people view you, and what you need to do to accomplish this. The power is in your hands. Get started today!

Up next: Challenge #7 — Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated, Cross-Marketing Your Friends