SHEARIOUS QUESTION: What is the best way to build a solid clientele base when money is an issue for products and advertising. I am a booth renter.

SITUATION Review: You are not alone! Many stylists struggle with where to spend their money wisely when building a clientele. The good news is, building a clientele doesn’t have to cost a lot of money…it simply costs effort. 

SOLUTION: The easiest and most cost effective way to build your business is through referrals. Gaining referrals takes effort and time, so you must be willing to do the work and willing to wait for a reward. (Don’t worry…the rewards flow in every week if you keep at it). Here are three easy steps for building your business when you are strapped for cash!

1. REFERRALS: Start or amp up your referral Program: Get some business cards printed. Give three cards to every client at every visit and say, “I love serving you and would value the opportunity to take care of your friends and family as well. Would you help me out? (wait for confirmation) GREAT! Here are three of my business cards. They have your name on the back. Simply hand these to your friends and family and let them know that they will receive $10 off their first visit and you will also earn a $10 credit to be used on your future services. (be sure to keep track on their client card or within your software system).

2. REQUESTS: Make a list! Sit down and make a list of all of your friends, family and acquaintances. List all the people you know, who they know, business owners in your area, etc. Who are the people that you have a direct or indirect connection with that don’t currently come to you? You should easily have a list of 20-100 people. Your job is to either talk to them personally and/or send them a personal note. Let them know you are building your business and would love the opportunity to serve them. Give their first service FREE or HALF OFF. The goal is to get a new client, WOW them, and give them referral cards to hand out to help build your business.

3. REBOOK: Rebooking is often the most overlooked business builder. Rebooking ensures your future success. Whether you had one client today or ten get in the habit of rebooking every single person and soon you will see your books filling. Nothing builds confidence and security more than seeing a full book.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY: Building a full book should not take more than one year. However, most stylists quit when success is just around the corner. Stay the course, do the work, track your progress and soon you will be seeing the fruits of your labor. Referrals, Requests and Rebooking aren’t fancy…but they are effective! 

Have a Shearious Question? Let us know!  

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