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.