Business
For the Good of the Team
Sure we love our clients and the work we do, but it’s our relationships with coworkers that can make the difference between a so-so work environment and a place we look forward to returning to day after day. NAILS asked readers: What do you do that’s special or unique at your salon to foster team spirit?
On My Mind: Rules to Live By
Since January is your issue, written by you and for you, we asked nail technicians to give us their “rules to live by” in the salon. Here are 10 that we couldn’t agree with more!
Just My Opinion: Step Up, Show Up, and Speak Up!
How to Stretch a Buck in the Salon
Mobile nail tech Sherry Baro wasn’t sure how the economy would affect her target market — seniors and adults with disabilities. So two years ago she instituted several measures to keep supply costs low.
by Judy Lessin
Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever
Log onto www.nailsmag.com/2010project for business building and winning marketing ideas.
VIP Keychain Cards Have Clients Coming Back
A little keychain card can encourage client retention in a big way.
Pedicure Slippers
Beech Sandals’ Pedicure Slippers have toe separators to stretch toes and the sole of the foot for comfort, and to help keep polish from smudging after a pedicure.
Pro Nail Care: Salon Secrets of the Professionals
New from Firefly Books comes Pro Nail Care: Salon Secrets of the Professionals.
Week 22: An Economic Wrapup
Well folks, this is it — the final installment of The 2010 Project. We hope you’ve found some useful information in the 22 weeks we’ve been sending out this e-newsletter. From suggestive retailing tips to using downtime to your advantage, we included a little something for everyone to help grow or sustain your business in the rough economy that has plagued 2009.
Week 21: One Salon Dreams Big — And Gets a Little Help From Uncle Sam
Kyle Simonson, founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Simonson’s Salon and Spas, found a down economy was no obstacle to the continued growth of her four-location enterprise. Simonson’s Salon and Spa is one of three small businesses that have come together to build a new retail development in Maple Grove, Minn., as a result of a federal stimulus bill which enables the U.S. Small Business Administration to reduce or eliminate fees on 504 loans.
by Judy Lessin
Week 20: Thanking Your Customers for “Shopping Local”
Now, more than ever, local retailers and independent store owners (like nail salon owners) need to not just want business, they also need to remember to thank those who are giving them business. The economy is still tough, the competition for paying clients is definitely still tough and yet not enough store and salon owners are letting their customers know just how much they care. So this holiday season, reach out to your clients after they have reached out to you.
And the Hoodie Goes to...
The third time was the charm for A Finer Touch Nail Spa in Grandview, Mo. After being nominated for the past three years as best nail salon by “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” A Finer Touch finally brought home this national award.
Week 19: Educate Yourself to Give You Business a Boost
With 2010 right around the corner, and New Year’s resolutions floating around your mind, what better time to rededicate yourself to new experiences in the new year? A great way to build your business is to reinvest in your greatest asset — yourself (and if you are a salon owner, your employees too). There are so many different options for continuing education. Here’s a quick refresher of where you can go to increase your knowledge.
by Hannah Lee
Week 18: Do You Need to Jazz Up Your Menu?
When you look at your service menu does it stand out from the crowd? Or is it simply a list of service names (manicure, pedicure, full set) and prices? If you were to hide your logo, would your clients know that it’s your menu and not the salon’s down the street?
On the Road: Bijou, Gem of a Little Salon
Contributing writer Michelle Pratt visits Bijou in Skaneateles, N.Y.
Motivating Across the Generational Divide
Recognizing what’s important to our employees and clients is more than knowing their favorite shade of polish or the names of their children; it’s about understanding that they embrace the things they do, in part, because of what the world looked like as they grew up.
Tearing Down Business Barriers
Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act needn’t break the bank and may be as simple as doing what you are already good at. Take five parts hospitality, one part research, two parts active listening, and add a dash of compassion to create a salon that’s accessible to all.