The Perfect Consult, Can It Happen YES!

    I know I have touched on client consultation in one other feed on this blog.  The reasons for me posting so many feeds on consults is because I feel it is one of the most important things a nail technician can do.  In nail technician school they didn't touch on the client consult card as much as I feel they should have.  I figured for every 1 of me there are 100 more out there.  I strive to teach myself as well as other fellow nail techs as much as I can.  Foolproof tips on keeping client retention, customer satisfaction, and the bottom line!
   That first meeting between your client and yourself is the very first impression.  I know you have heard this before, but first impressions are a must!  It can make or break you!  The client consult is when the client will either decided to use your services at the salon or simply break for the door and never be seen again!  It sets the stage for your relationship to your client for years to come if all goes well, and a rebooking client is set cash flow!
   Client consultations help maintain their clientel and deliver satisfaction.  It is far easier to keep the clients you have than to try to get all new clients, so in that aspect client consults should make you more eager to go out and get that info.  Clients do not like to be treated like a dollar sign, they like to be treated as if they were the queen of England. 
   Every answer a client puts down is an answer that can help better you on giving the best service possible and to know what products to use.
   With sites like Angies List now out on the internet, it makes giving the absolute perfect service manditory or you will sink like the Titanic!  There are two reasons a client is searching for services: to feel good, or to solve a problem.  Most of the time clients are there as an escape to the normal hustle and bustle of every day life (a retreat).  I have witnessed many girls at school when having clients talking about personal stuff to the client or to another tech.  This only leaves the client wondering am I being talked about ten minutes after I leave.  Not only does it make a client wonder if they are being talked about, but it doesn't set such a tranquil setting to relax, now does it????
  You need to sit down and think about what it is you want on your client consultation card.  Medical information is a must (not knowing if they are on chemo or something else), personal (how hard are they on their nails), and services.

Aromatherapy THIS I KNOW YOU HAVE OVERLOOKED

    My mother always told me that I had the most sensitive sniffer there was.  It's true, if you burp I will smell what you ate.  Kinda disgusting, but it has its pros, for example, when my hubby wears his cologna it smells so good that it turns me on.  Weird right? or is it? Did you know our noses can distinguish up to 10,000 smells that enter through the fine hairs that line the nose and on to the limbic system of the brain, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning. Research shows that when a person smells a fragrance, brainwaves are affected. When lavender is inhaled, alpha waves increase and promote relaxation. When jasmine is smelled, beta waves are spiked and produce alertness.
    According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, "Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." Essential oils for aromatherapy may be applied directly on the skin (after being diluted), burned in an oil diffuser or used in numerous professional products.
    There are several different essential oils. Educating yourself on the different plant and health benefits they provide should be your first step in discovering what aromatherapy can do for you. Buying an aromatherapy book is good investment.  Here's a few aromas and what they actually do:                                                                                                

Lemon - Lemon is an energizer also helping as a disinfectant. It also has natural bleaching qualities.
Lavender - Lavender is a great stress reliever, promoting peace and well-being.
Hyssop - Hyssop has been around for centuries. It has healing properties that have been used by many throughout the years. It helps with cold and flu. It can also be used as a skin-improving agent, helping fight against blemishes.
Jasmine - Relaxing and soothing properties. Sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.
Basil - Helps with concentration. Also used in a wide variety of health conditions such as, upset stomach, headaches and flatulence.
Chamomile - Used to promote sleep, relaxation and meditation.
Sandalwood - This is still burned in many homes today in incense form.A very sweet woody scent helping promote relaxation and spiritual harmony. Also, help with dry hair and skin.
Rose - There are many different types of roses. They all have some differences in healing properties. Rose is known for its soothing and calming abilities. It can also help with various skin problems.
Peppermint - A true energizer. Often used to combat fatigue and muscle aches and pains.
Eucalyptus - Powerful decongestant. Used for centuries to help with cold symptoms. It also has antiseptic qualities.
Ginger - An energizing scent, ginger is widely used to help with nausea.
Nutmeg - Used by some to help with sleep and indigestion.
   Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in different countries around the world. Many people have used aromatherapy to improve their mood, health and overall will being. Many people in our face-paced society are rediscovering the natural benefits of aromatherapy in their everyday lives.
   So, whether you believe in aromatherapy or not, science proves that it does affect a person's mood. Knowing that aromatherapy may increase your clients' moods should motivate you to at least try incorporating some aromatherapy into your menu since clients tend to tip more and request additional services when they are happy. Not to mention, the affect the fragrance will have on the client remembering the service you provided.

There are multiple ways to include scents:
• Provide three to five oils to choose from as an aromatherapy add-on.
• Try themed holiday services including; chocolate, pomegranate, cinnamon, vanilla spice, gingerbread, peppermint or cranberry.
• Use organic candles throughout your salon to give it it's signature scent.
• Use an oil diffuser in your space.

FOR RENT or for hire? It's my business right!?!?!?

    Once you have graduated beauty school, the next question is where am I going to work?  I realize I have touched on this topic a little here and there, but this thread is about what to look for and what to realize when finding that right little salon just for you.  Booth renting can be an enticing option when you are craving flexibility without the responsibility of an employer dictating your schedule. Some of the perks of booth renting include taking charge of your hours, choosing your products and keeping all your earnings. On the other hand, if you are looking for an environment that provides mentorship and education, booth renting may not be the right choice for you.
    One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located?  A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
     Another aspect I tend to look for is parking.  Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs.  Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking.  Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can.  It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
    Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?"  Do you like children?  I can tell you what I DON'T deal well  when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand.  I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech.  I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients.  You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
    One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself.  I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly.  I've found others aren't the same.  Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state.  I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into.   The horrible enviornment took its toll on me.  If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit).  Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business.  Are there any thieves among them?  Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off. 
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
    The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
    Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine.  When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
   Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it.  I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it.  I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama.  So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.

2 Rules You Can Break

  There are many rules that one is to follow in the salon setting.  Theses cliches, misconceptions, when followed an actually lead to disaster.  Here are two of my top ten.  These two rules are what I find that will kill a business!
  Rule 1: The customer is always right!   It's sad to say but no matter how good you are and how polite you may be, you will always have clients that push you.  There are flakes that conveniently forget their appointment time.  You always have the person wanting something for free.  You even have enemies that want nothing more than to trash your reputation.  Thinking the customer is always right can more than likely send you straight to bankruptcy.
  Rule 2: The nice girls always finish last.  Nice techs actually build good clientel.  Some nail technicians will cut corners like skimpping on the message, using inferior products, and treating customers like a number (one in one out).  Clients can sense this bad behavior and most of the time will not come back.  You should refine your servies and strive to give the best possible session you can.