Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/97567
11 2 Clever Ways I've Marketed My Business 1. Wrap Tic Tac containers: Create an eye-catching ad, print it out, and adhere over the existing Tic Tac label. 2. Create a persona that represents the salon: Our "Princess Melissa" would go to the elementary schools dressed in princess garb and hand out popsicles and talk to moms in the carpool line. 3. Have a luau: This is a huge draw for the business. We set up colorful tents on the lawn and grilled chicken skewers and coconut shrimp along with other goodies. We had door prizes, which were donated not only by us but also by other local businesses. This gave them incentive to advertise our luau! 4. Join a networking group: You would be surprised at how many techs do not see the benefit of being involved with business networking groups such as BNI. BNI is industry exclusive (meaning only one member per industry may join a particular chapter) and made up of men and women. 5. Fit your personality to your business: I'm usually a very serious person, but I've 4 colored my hair pink, driven a little green VW bug with giant magnets on it, and I wear pink nearly everywhere I go. It all goes along with the persona folks expect from someone owning a business called "Tickled Pink." 6. Have a fabulous elevator speech prepared at all times: When you meet people in public you have 30-60 seconds to introduce your business. Create a killer hook about your business to entice the person to ask questions on the spot. Make sure you have a business card to give out. 7. Participate in school festivals: Where there are kids, there are adults and potential clients. This means, in most cases, providing a door prize for the event and a child-friendly activity for the kids. While one person helps the kids with the activity, another talks to the parents about your business. These events are usually free with the exception of the door prize and the little cost to the activity. 8 8. Speaking engagements: Get yourself out there and educate the community on your business. Offer to speak at venues where you'll find target clients. Diabetic foot care is one of my specialties; this gets me in the door with health expos. 9. Host events: Each month we host a party: Party Lite, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Avon, Bra Fit Clinic, etc. This not only provides an opportunity for a sales rep to introduce herself to our clients, but we do this with the expectation that the rep also invites her clients to the party. It is done like an open house. It's a fun night out, and we generally end up with people booking appointments at the party. 10. Be a drop-off location: We are frequently a drop-off location for local civic organizations that are doing collections for a cause (canned food, toy drive, etc). They generally advertise where their drop-off locations are, which drives traffic through our door. Also, it helps us give back to the community. 11. Make your gift certificates interesting and attractive! MELODIE HAND, CLAYTON, N.C. 148 | NAILS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2013 11