The past two weeks have been great, but as I looked at scheduled appointments for this week, there were quite a few empty spots. So that presents me with two challenges: maintaining my uphill climb in my book and continuing to grow my client base. How was I going to fill all of that time so I didn't nose dive? By looking at the full cycle of my current clients. Most nail clients are either seen every two, three, or four weeks, depending on services received, so who hasn’t made follow up appointments? After some research, follow up phone calls and e-mails, some spots got filled (but not enough to make me happy), I’m out of the salon to network once again.

I’m lucky to have a group of women around me who own their own businesses, including some current clients. One of them sent me another great business owner as a referral this week, and another invited us to an event in a small community on the other side of town. The event was titled “I didn't get what I wanted for Valentine's Day!” and it brought out a great group of women to check out about 30 local showcased businesses. The esthetician and I attended the two hour meet-and-greet, and handed out more than 75 samples, fliers, and packages with a first time visit coupon and salon promotion material. The turnout on a cold and rainy night was very positive, and we have some information from those potential clients to follow up on over the next month to fill up those voids in our schedules. The cycle continues, and in time I know that what I’m doing during my slow times will pay off to fill my book quickly.

—Adrienne, nail tech