Here are some bite-size ideas for you to consider while pondering your salon, spa, nail tech, etc advertising venues and other ways to increase client volume or enhance your current customer's experience.
1) Change decor (plants, sculpture, style books, posters, etc) a couple times a year. If I see the same magazines on the same table one year later, yuck. More points lost if it looks like they're still in the same position and covered in dust.
2) Music, please. But be careful- the wrong music or loud music can also be very aggravating. Play it safe with the Lite rock station, which is relaxing and has a little something for everyone.
3) Use free internet tools to stay on top of trends in your industry. Ever heard of GigaAlerts? Formerly known as "Google Alerts". It can help you learn what people are searching for and talking about, and you will know about that awesome new technique or product before your competition does.
4) Join an internet forum to schmooze with your fellow stylists across the country- for instance, the Hair Boutique forums cover a jillion different topics from curly hair to African-American hairstyles.
4) Karma. It may take a while, but you get what you give. Participate in local charities and do what you can to help people, as a company/business.
5) Don't be uppity. Hey, you can be sophisticated AND personable at the same time. I can't count on one hand all the hair stylists and boutique / salon owners I've met who gave off a distinctively snooty aura. You want to give me the stink-eye while you've got your scissors to my hair? WRONG ANSWER. And if you're the owner / manager, don't let your stylists act the fool, either.
6) Get yourself some high-quality business cards and don't let one satisfied customer go out the door without one.
7) Don't underestimate a good sale, coupons, etc. Make sure you have them frequently... don't be known as that salon in town that ALWAYS charges full price for everything because you think everything you touch, including your clients, turns to gold. See #5.
