Working hard for a reputation as “the” party prep place? Think outside the box and use your social media and networking skills to build your makeup and hair services beyond the wedding season. You’ll have to invest some time and effort but you can make this happen! Here are simple, inexpensive suggestions; some may require legwork.

1. Think Outside the Box

Brainstorm a list of events where clients are willing to invest in looking their best. Family reunions, retirement parties, promotions, class reunions, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, milestone birthdays, office Christmas parties, and anniversaries are just a few.

2. Create a Buzz

Develop a specific marketing plan to build this additional revenue model for your business. You’re going to need some great photos. It may be worth it to invest in professional before and after photos of your work and add to your online portfolio. Your social media postings about your business should have intentional photos of your makeup and hair skills along with taglines indicating the event. Generate awareness in your off and online community that your skills are available to all who need them during the important events in their lives.

3. Be in the Know

Take some time to peruse the local newspaper and/or local event blog looking for announcements about celebratory events. If you see a notice about an event, begin your social media posting on your ability to help prepare for the event. For example, the class of 1979 is having its 40-year class reunion. Reach out to the class reunion chairperson and offer a class reunion party package. If you know of hospitals or larger corporations in your area holding annual Christmas parties, ask if you can place an ad in the company newsletter offering party packages to help everyone look their best.

4. Create Partnerships

Network with other businesses.Partner with bridal salons for bachelorette parties. Check out retirement centers for options to help seniors. Talk to photographers about referrals when they are booking family holiday photo sessions or engagement announcement photos. This is where your portfolio will come in handy, your portfolio shows these businesses you are worthy of their referral.

5. Reach Out to the People Who Already Know You

Don’t forget your current clients. Let them know you are available to help them look their best for their special life events. When your client is talking about preparing for her class reunion, offer to host a reunion party to help your client and her longtime girlfriends with their hair and makeup.

This is a niche area of business that can be rewarding with some planning and creativity on your part. Get busy as the life of the party!

Photo: 4 PM production

Breaking It Down

In this post, we talked about how you can become ‘thee’ party prep place in your community by implementing some thought, planning and a little effort. This additional revenue source and niche business model has the potential to take your reputation to the next level as you focus on being the ‘go to place’ for anyone wanting to look their best during life’s milestone events. Not sure how to increase your visibility? Check out these two online classes:

Sales and Marketing Basics Online Class

There is nothing basic about this online class as you learn ways to talk up your talents, create a referral and rebooking strategy, and dive into social media marketing.

Persuasive Speech and Communication Online Class

How you present yourself both off and online is the secret sauce to managing your reputation. This online class gives you the tools to have clients and potential clients alike take notice and start booking you for all their beauty needs.