Archive for May, 2009
Does Your Salon or Spa Sell Prevention or Cure?
Posted by: | CommentsSwine flu is sweeping (well, more kinda trotting) across the world.
And on Friday I watched the film “28 Days Later” about a ‘Rage’ virus which escapes and decimates the the UK’s population. Good film.
Scary stuff – Tracey has had nightmares ever since.
As soon as there’s any kind of ‘viral outbreak’ the whole world seemingly goes into over-drive to find a cure.
And so it should.
For the pharmaceutical companies ’selling their wares’ (i.e. vaccinations – and yes they are a prevention but in effect a cure of the spread) becomes so easy it’s not a case of whether or not anyone will buy the ’stuff’ it’s a case of whether or not they can make enough!
However, had one of the big pharmaceuticals like Roche or Glaxo gone to the government BEFORE the outbreak and said:
‘Hey, I’ve got a feeling there’s gonna be a flu outbreak – you’d better spend a LOT of money with us so we can get everyone vaccinated’.
The response wouldn’t have been a little muted to say the least.
And herein lies a lesson for us ALL.
It is INFINETELY easier to sell CURE than it is to sell PREVENTION – even in your salon or spa.
It’s very hard to sell fire alarms to someone who has never had a fire. But, find someone who has and they’ll ’snap’ one up.
In fact (and excuse me, my memory has failed to remind me exactly where this was) in one area of the US where a fire-safety immediately dispatches salesman to areas where there are ‘bush’ fires because they know they’ll sell a bucket load.
Similarly, it’s much easier to sell:
- Creams that remove wrinkles than creams that prevent them.
- Tablets that help you lose weight than tablets that stop you getting fat (or is that exercise).
- Products that remove stains than products which prevent them.
- Products which remove scratches on your car than products which prevent them.
And on and on…
So, which do you sell?
If you HAVE to sell prevention then my advice is to look for something you can cure too…
Dedicated to your success,
Henry.
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4 Steps to Mountains of Salon or Spa Referrals
Posted by: | CommentsFor many salon and spa owners, the current poor economy means spending money on marketing has stopped.
But, profitable marketing is the last thing that should stop.
Without a steady flow of new customers things will just get worse.
However, not all client acquisition campaigns cost money.
The best free marketing strategy is simply referrals.
Here is a simple 4 step system any small business can use to maximize their referrals.
- ASK – As we all know, ‘if you don’t ask, you won’t get’ and that is certainly true for referrals. Most customers are happy to provide referrals if the service has been good. And if it hasn’t, that needs to be fixed anyway. The best time to ask is immediately after a ‘happy’ purchase.
- Set the Right Expectations – From the moment you acquire a new customer you should make it clear that you rely on referrals to keep your costs and prices down. To facilitate that you will be asking for referral contacts if they are happy with your service.
- Reward – When you receive a referral make sure you go back the person who made it and give them a gift to thank them e.g. a box of chocolates, something you sell etc. This will both increase that person loyalty to you and make future referrals much more likely.
- Follow Up – Once you have a new referral make sure you follow up with them quickly. Be sure to mention where you got there name (having asked if that’s OK), and give them something physical to pass on to other people. That may be vouchers, offer cards, sample etc.
In conclusion, now is the time to focus attention on existing clients.
There is more profit buried in their than most businesses would know what to do with.
Get out there today and put a referral SYSTEM in place.
Speak soon!
Henry Baker.
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