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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Are you are a busy nail technician or salon owner in desperate need of making more money? Do you feel that you are really close to grabbing the “brass ring” only to find yourself unable to reach it yet again? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions then take a moment, kick your feet up and read about the 80/20 Rule and how you can immediately apply it to work LESS and make MORE.
Did you know the mysterious Google algorithm that determines your search page ranking favors websites that update their content frequently? So if it’s been a while since you’ve freshened up your site, a little tweaking may be in order; this will keep it interesting to both the search engines and to your clients.
This week, we pause for a word from our sponsor, Dashing Diva Professional. Thanks to them, we’re able to bring you 22 weeks of this exclusive business-building content in The 2010 Project e-newsletter.
As a therapist, owner, and manager who is working full-time in my spa, I wanted to share with my fellow nail professionals how we survive during this hard time by not limiting ourselves to one area of marketing. At Maisie Dunbar Spa Lounge, we don’t believe in overexposure. We expose our business in the following ways:
If you’re looking to build your clientele, there’s no need to discount your services, but you can run specials and use some creative marketing, says Sharon Frenz, co-owner of Fusion Hair and Nail Studio in Tomah, Wis. “I’ve gone from a so-so book to a completely full book in less than a year,” says Frenz, who shares these tips.
Everyone needs to promote more, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend more. Think about guerilla marketing. Guerilla marketing means thinking outside the traditional ways of marketing.
Nail salons are one of the more resilient businesses in stagnating economies, but the current downturn has reached everyone to some extent. Many salons are still thriving despite the slowdown — so what’s their secret? Seven techs share their experiences on how they’re beating the odds to stay afloat.
Written by a nail tech for nail techs, Dawn Marie Basset’s How to Build a Clientele and Keep It provides excellent tips and insight into building and maintaining a healthy appointment book.
History has proved that even during economic downturns, people will continue to pay for a little bit of “feel good.” Here are some ideas to make sure your salon can maintain a thriving clientele even in tough times.
Posted positive reviews are great advertising.
Nail friends, who are techs that we meet through the course of our work lives, truly understand each other. Meet my nail friends.
Salon owner Shari Finger answers your questions on building a clientele, regaining the trust of a discount salon-goer, listening to clients’ personal issues, and clients who mistreat their nails.