4 Tips to Grow Your Clientele Behind the Chair | Hairstylist's Business Guide
- ireneloveta
- Oct 18, 2023
- 3 min read
Whether you're fresh out of school or seasoned and wanting to grow, these tips withstand the test of time. I've been using these techniques most of my career and I'm at the point where I am no longer taking new clients in. The best thing I've gained from them, (aside for providing or my family), is a few life long friends!
Ready to grow your books with lifelong clients?! Here's how!
Tip #1 - Stop talking.
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Avoid talking too much about yourself during the first appointment. Send that precious time getting to know them; their hair type, lifestyle, hobbies, family life, etc.
(I'll show you why that information is useful in another post.)
Tip #2 - Use paper cards!
I know, paper is out, apps and websites are in. But hear me out, it is scientifically proven that your brain will remember what you read/write physically than what you type out. Additionally, I have found that people are more likely to give you their address when it's on a written format. That makes great info for my next point.
Bonus Tip: Use a Pencil.
Tip #3 - Write out thank you cards and snail mail them.
Do you ignore emails from companies? I do. To the client, you are a person that takes their money, therefore you are a company. Unless I am looking for a discount code or shipping date, I assume an email from a company is irrelevant. I will always be slightly thrilled from a handwritten anything though! It shows you are someone who will go the extra mile for them. Here is a sample of what I have written to a past client:
Dear ____,
Thank you for trusting me with your haircut! I know it can be scary finding a new stylist in a new town.
If you have any questions on the products I used, styling tips we talked about, or where to find the best coffee shops you can reach me by text at _____ or on Instagram at _____.
Welcome to the city!
Irene
Hand write it, don't print it. You're not their dentist.
Tip #4 - Bring up past conversations at their next appointment.
This is where a pencil comes in handy. At the bottom of the client cards is a note space. After each appointment write down small bits of conversations you had so you can bring it up at the next appointment. They feel valued when you care enough to remember. After a while of using this muscle, you will naturally start to remember without writing things down. Now, after you've had your consultation and are starting the service, you can bring up things like, "how are those kitchen renovations coming along?" "How was your nephews wedding? Did you end up wearing the blue or the tan shoes?"
You remembering small details about their lives really show you care. Which brings us back to my quote in tip #1: People don't care how much you know (about hair) until they know how much you care (about them). Hairstyling is a relationship.
You've got this! You too can grow your books quickly!
Need help finding these tools?
You can purchase my favorite client cards by Clicking Here (#CommissionsEarned help a girl support her Starbucks habit. *As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
