originally featured in www.thetease.com
During the lockdown, so many Hairstylists couldn’t wait to get back to work, back to normal. But, what followed was anything but. At first, we had the juggling act of fitting everyone in. However, what followed, for many, was a big drop off of clientele. Hairstylists needed to find more clients to ensure they could stay busy and earn a living!
You see, my story starts with me going to Beauty School in Houston, TX. I took my State Board exam one day and then moved to the Washington, DC area the very next day! So, if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to build a clientele –– whether you’re starting from scratch, have relocated and need to build again or are coming back from the pandemic needing to fill your book. Of course, I had no friends or family there to help me start building a clientele. And, amazingly enough, there weren’t any clients lined up waiting for me to do their hair!
After a series of trials and errors, filled with sitting around waiting for clients, I soon realized that no one even knew I was waiting! I had to figure out how in the world to let people know I was a good stylist and that I wanted to do their hair. On the way, I discovered a few things that really worked!
Start With The Clients You Have.
Step 1 is to go back to your appointment book in June, or whenever your shutdown ended and identify anyone you haven’t seen since. Give them a quick call, just to see how they are making out! This has been an incredibly...interesting year to say the least. Your text or call may be the bright spot that someone needed that day. Often, when I reach out to people, they say, “I was just thinking about calling you! I really need my hair done. I’m so glad you called.” Of course, then you can go ahead and set up their appointment.
Create a Great “Holiday” or "New Year" Special.
Whether they’re coming in for the first time or a return appointment, most people need multiple services: a haircut, a color touch up, maybe some highlights and a deep conditioner. Create a package that includes some of your most popular services (at full price) and maybe add in the deep conditioning treatment for free or a discount. That way, clients are getting a deal and are still spending a significant amount (at least $100) with you. It’s a win-win.
Get Social.
Finally, promote your offer on your social media pages (in addition to offering hair care tips)! Also, instead of waiting for people to reach out to you, reach out to them! For example, make it a habit to DM anyone who likes your post and say thank you. Take time to ask how the pandemic has affected their hair. Do they have any questions about their hair? Or maybe, offer them a short PDF or video of your most frequently asked questions (FAQs). And of course, invite them to take advantage of your special offer! Social media is about building relationships, and when you do, you’ll attract more interested clients!
Try those suggestions, and keep delivering great service and hairstyling. Soon, you’ll find yourself with all of your appointment slots filled, potentially earning more than you were before the pandemic! Be encouraged; there are a lot of people who want your services, but they just haven’t found you yet! Get excited and get into action.
P.S. Be sure to check out the Bonus Tip to keep you busy after the new year too! When your clients come in, at the end of their service, give them a thank you gift that will give them a discount for their first visit of the new year!
P.S.S. If you'd like to meet for a virtual 20 minute Strategy Session to plan for 2021, there are a limited number of spaces available this week, and it's only $20.20! Visit https://profitplan.as.me to choose a time, once scheduled you'll receive a confirmation email and a link for the fee. Let's set your 2021 up for success!
Miki Wright, founder of www.BeautySuperStars.com, is respected as a Leader in the Beauty Industry; from her work as an Award Winning Hair Designer, highly praised Platform Artist, Competitor, Educator and a Business Coach who gets results. Wright has been a long time Educator for Hair Shows such as the International Beauty Shows, Bronner Bros. and the ISSE Hair Show.
Wright was the owner of one of the first African-American owned spa facilities in the country! In addition, her salon was selected by Salon Today Magazine as one of the “200 Fastest Growing Salons” in the country, for three consecutive years! Her salon was featured in the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and Essence Magazine, which brought Black women from across the US into her salon and spa for pampering!
She helps Hair Stylists and Salon Owners to ‘get more clients and make more money'. Miki recently launched Beauty SuperStars Talk to showcase the stories and celebrate the excellence of Black Beauty Industry Professionals. Join her LIVE every Tuesday at 7pm ET at https://youtube.com/mikiwright or listen to the Podcast on the while you're on the go!
Be sure to visit www.BeautySuperstars.com for your FREE Financial Survival Guide for Hairstylists!
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