I am so excited — I’ve made a lot of business progress. After researching ideas, I discovered that existing nail tech networking groups were either a little expensive or out of my area. So I decided to create my own online networking group: The Society of Nail Technicians. This group will provide online tele-seminars for group members. This way we can share ideas, have industry educators speak directly to members, and connect with other members to grow our businesses. I have contacted other nail techs who also want to share in the group. It will allow me and others to be educated right in our homes and network with members all over the world via telephone once a month. The first meeting is scheduled for January 10, 2011. Nail techs can join online and have access to all the membership information. I will post more information as time goes on.

So I decided to be open on “Black Friday.” As a new salon owner, I thought it would be a smart business decision. Guess what? It paid off. I had a number of people visit the salon.

I sent out a text alert offering two specials to all of the people I know. With text messaging as an immediate connection, potential clients were able to learn about the specials quickly and forward them to others. We will send our weekly specials from now on, every Monday. I also plan to add a place on the website for people to sign up to receive the “Text Specials.” This idea came from a local restaurant that offers a text special. It offered a lunch special for one day only and sent the text the day prior. The text spread quickly and people who were not on the text list signed up that day. Judging by the traffic, the restaurant made a lot of money and increased its web traffic. I advise others who are looking for marketing ideas to see what is working in your area and go for it. You can learn a lot from other industries.

With the holidays approaching, your marketing has to be creative, effective, and result producing. I also have meetings scheduled with local business owners to offer their customers specials. I have invited them to the salon for services (at a discounted rate) and to discuss networking. The new year has a number of opportunities for building business relationships that could last throughout the year. I would love to hear your holiday promotion ideas and tips that have worked.

Until next time, the journey continues.

—Alica, Upscale Nail Bar & Boutique, Griffin, Ga.