Nails Magazine

Career Handbook 2014

Magazine for the professional nail industry.

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A Beauty Tradeshow Meeting the people behind your favorite brands and previewing new products could give your business a serious edge. 1. Tradeshows require a bit of bravery. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions or introduce yourself to someone. Strike up a conversation over their nails or look at their name badge to see where they are from. Participating in a networking event makes this even easier. Carry business cards to make it easy for people to stay in touch. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people you follow on social media or even magazine editors. Those business connections could become priceless. 2. Approach educators at various booths. If they are doing a demo take pictures or notes and come prepared with any questions about a product or technique you may have had for a while. 3. Take advantage of the classes offered. Schedule your time accordingly so that you can make your way off the show floor and locate the appropriate classroom. At smaller shows, smaller class sizes make it easier to pick an educator's brain and compare notes with other techs in the class. 4. Volunteer for a demo so you get an up-close look and a hands- on lesson. It never hurts to put yourself in your client's shoes to really experience a service. >>> 5. Talk to professionals in different fields such as hair and skin care to gain a deeper understanding of the beauty industry as a whole. 6. Wear comfortable shoes. Tradeshows are large events with lots of walking, but they are also professional ones. "The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) takes great pride in producing professionally focused events, exclusively for beauty professionals. When you attend our shows, such as ISSE Long Beach, ISSE Midwest, or Cosmoprof North America it is best to keep with the professional theme when it comes to your attire," says Eric Z. Horn, associate executive director of business development at the PBA. "Overall, your presence and participation at the shows is the most important. Think professional, and add your personal touch to create your own show style." Mothers' hours. Twice a week for a six-hour block, Michelle Phoenix, owner of Wet Paint Nail Spa in Cambridge, Mass., welcomes munchkins to join their mothers' appointments. Infants can stay in their strollers; little ones can sit on their moms' laps; and there's a small area with coloring books and puzzles for the bigger kids. Consider this personal gesture if mothers are one of your salon's primary demographics. Have rules. If your salon welcomes children at all times, don't be afraid to impose a few rules. Create friendly signage with the policy so there's no confusion. Anything from "children must be seated next to you for the duration of the service" to "please use inside voices" is acceptable. If the child isn't behaving, notify his or her mother. According to the owner of Just Nails in Madison, Wis., Annette Sather, most mothers will get the message right away. No children, please. You can post signage for this as well by the reception desk. Some salons choose this option in order to preserve a certain level of relaxation for their clients, while others don't want the liability and have limited space. "Remember, there are dangerous chemicals, sharp implements, and hot paraffin around the salon," says Jo Laki, owner of Jo's Naughty Nails in Hamlin, Pa. However, some salons with a no-children policy will welcome children if they are having services. Clients with Children When clients walk through the door with children in tow, do you cringe or welcome them with open arms? To avoid any distress, have a defined policy on the matter. Here are three suggestions depending on the mood of your business: 44 | NAILS CAREER HANDBOOK 2014 how to surviveā€¦

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