Preparing for a client event takes time and planning. So far, we have covered picking a date, selecting the event type, sending out invitations and getting employees to volunteer. The next step is to plan and set up your social and media center. My business partner and Summit Salon Consultant MaLissa Young decided to set up a check-in area for our event. She set up a separate table with balloons and had an employee there to greet our Top 100 clients and their guests. Yes, we could have had them check in at the front desk, but we wanted to keep that open for clients pre-booking future appointments and product purchases. We wanted to welcome our clients, check them in, and to give them direction.

Register: We had our clients and their guests register by filling out an entry blank with all of their information. We requested the usual information: name, address, phone number, e-mail address, etc. They were told that their entry blank would also be entered into our drawings for products, gift certificates, and prizes. One entry blank provided us with their information and it entered them into our drawings. For the new clients, we entered the information into our computer system. For our Top 100 clients, we looked up their information to make sure that we had their correct information and also entered them into the drawings.

Drawings: We had several items that were displayed for prizes. We asked the other retail stores in our mall if they wanted to donate anything. This was a great way to get them involved and get them some recognition since the Top 100 already come to our mall. We also asked our distributor if they wanted to donate to anything. Our distributor sales consultant Mark Bonin from SalonCentric donated several items. A lot of times the companies they represent send them promotional items. He provided us with many of these cool items.

Facebook: We set up a laptop computer near the front desk so our clients could have an opportunity to checkout our Facebook page. This is a great way to get your clients to “like” your page. We made it easy to get logged in and like our page. This was a great way to get new fans. They will forget when they go home, so have a computer available if possible. Tell them this will keep them up to date on all of the specials and monthly promotions. We also post last-minute openings and specials on Facebook. We recently started the “Fan of the Week” on our Facebook page too. This picks someone from our page weekly. We then announce them as the “Fan of the Week” and give them a product or promotional item. This is a great way to entice people to like your Facebook page. We also were able to give away a lot of items we had hanging around as prizes.

Camera: Don’t forget to take pictures of the event and to post them on Facebook. We did complimentary brow waxes, Shellac gel-polish applications, and makeup touch-ups. We were able to take of before and after pictures. It was awesome to see the differences! You could see from the pictures that our clients and staff had a great time.

E-blast/E-mail: We also have an e-blast that goes out monthly. This will tell clients about new promotions and happening in our salon. Again, having them sign up while they are in the salon is easy and convenient.

Text Club: We have a text club as well. Our clients were able to send a text to a certain number right there from their phone. This again is promotions and last-minute reminders specials. When they send the text they automatically receive a text back for $5 off. We recommend you only send out two texts a month.

That covered all of the media and social aspects of our salon. This is a great way to get out Top 100 connected to us as well as their friends. Check back in two weeks for more on planning client events — we’re only getting started. Keeping your clients connected through text clubs, e-blasts, and Facebook — one more way to help you stand out above the rest and become the BEST!

— Jill