As a freelance artist, independent stylist, business owner, you’re never really off the clock. You never know when opportunities might present themselves to market yourself and gain some new business. Something as simple as a trip to the grocery store may turn into an interaction that results in a new client. In these cases, it’s important to be prepared.
Have your business card ready
The most traditional way to do this would be to have business cards. Business cards are fantastic to have on hand, but there are also a few digital alternatives as well. Most smartphones offer users the opportunity to easily share contact information.
- The Samsung Galaxy series has made it so that two people merely have to touch their phones together to share info.
- iPhone users can easily text a contact to someone else. Make sure that you have an address book entry for yourself, complete with your first and last name, phone number(s) and e-mail address.
There are plenty of applications that share contact information, however it requires both people to have the app, which is something that should never be relied on.
Play up your website or Facebook page
It is important to have business cards with your online addresses. Along with your salon’s address and your phone number, include the address for your Facebook page and website. Instead of spending an entire conversation focused on the features of your salon, people can take a look on their own time. Make it easy for visitors to pull up a lookbook or portfolio at these online locations to see the full range of your services.
Strike up conversation
This may seem like simple, silly advice. But how many people do we see each day that we don’t talk to? Lots! Strike up a conversation with someone new each day. You will be shocked to find out that you often have more in common than you would have thought. This is often the perfect opportunity to network. You never know who might have connections that would be beneficial to you. Being outgoing is a skill that entrepreneurs need to hone. Keep in mind that word-of-mouth advertising is still the most effective form of advertising, so make sure that you are viewed in a positive light by the people you interact with every day, or just once in a while. At the end of these conversations, invite people to like your page on Facebook in order to keep the conversation going.
Close the deal
Always be ready to book an appointment, even on the go. Carry your schedule with you or have an online booking option via your mobile phone. If people still seem hesitant, ask for their business card or email address so that you can follow up with them later on. Put the burden of booking appointments on your own shoulders, making it easy for clients to say “yes.”
Remember that every interaction that you have with another person is a possible business connection or customer. Of course, your marketing campaigns can drive your business to success, but your everyday behavior and how you present yourself are deciding factors as well.
Author Bio: Valorie Reavis
Social Marketer, foodie, closet geekA marketing professional who has focused primarily on the hair and beauty business for of the past decade, Valorie now runs linkup marketing, a digital marketing agency for the hair and beauty professional. Valorie works to engage clients in the marketing process and help them successfully engage with their clients and community. Energetic and passionate about the industry, Valorie focuses on blending traditional and digital media in order to bring salons closer to their clients.
