Communication is key in any relationship: our husband, wife, family, and friends. It is paramount in your business relationships as well.
When was the last time you sat down and actually sent a hand written thank you note to a new or regular salon/spa guest to thank them for their business? In these days of cell phones, World Wide Web, Blackberry (which I thought was only a delicious fruit), iPods, e-mail, and all the multi-tasking we do, handwritten communication like writing notes, letters, and cards is slowly becoming a lost art.
It is time to remember the good old days when people would keep in touch in such a beautiful way. Sending formal thank you notes, postcards, quaint greeting cards, and letters on pretty paper, scented with a spray of perfume or a seal of wax with ones initial on the back of the envelope is almost unheard of today.
Perhaps the time is now to think about taking a moment of time to sit down with your favorite beverage, relax, and tell your salon guests, old and new, just how you feel. Stay connected with your clients; without them, we have no business. It only takes a few minutes and there are so many ways to do it.
Recipe for Corresponding Successfully
Take a trip to your favorite stationary boutique for something that suits your style. Take time to browse. Don’t rush; choose fun colored pens or a scented ballpoint-writing pen. Shops like these also do custom print orders. Why not order some note cards or paper with your custom logo or name on them? Make it personalized with your company name or, if it is not your business, it can simply have your name alone.
If you are limited on time and/or budget, go to your nearest dollar store or craft store and you will find some colorful and formal note cards and writing paper… for only one dollar. You might even find some other items to decorate the envelopes.
A classic and traditional way to say “thank you” effectively, that never goes out of style, is through the thank you note that comes engraved with “Thank You” on the face of the note card and you write your message on the space inside. These are easy for you to write. They get the point across. Here is an example note that works for us in my make-up studio business:
Dear Claudine,
I so enjoyed meeting you and teaching you a few new make-up tricks! If you have a question, I am just a phone call away. I look forward to pampering you again soon.
Your personal make-up artist,
Noreen
Before I seal the envelope, I spray the card with one of our best-selling fragrance items. They open the envelope and the scent brings them back in their mind to our business. Scent is a powerful thing! Then I enclose a mini coupon called “Beauty Bucks” that offers her a discount off her next visit at the make-up studio or on our online shop. And who wouldn’t love a beauty bonus and a lovely note at the same time?
Another idea that was successful for me was a note card that had a teapot and cup on the cover. A correspondence I sent to some favorite clients I had missed seeing. They are nice to have as clients, I enjoy their company when they come, and they usually spend $300 to $500 in one retail visit. I wrote: “Take time for tea and think of me!” Included in the envelope was a green, jasmine, or chamomile tea bag. They loved this promotional note and it made them come in for weeks on end.
A third treat I’ve done at the season’s change, is greeting note card with a twist. On the cover, it had my studio name and inside I wrote: “We miss you! Come, see what’s new, and let me pamper you!”
Included in the card was a packet of flower seeds that are called Forget-Me-Not. The great part is I found the seeds on sale for three cents each. I bought up everyone the store had. This was also a lovely way to bond with clients and communicate, which builds customer loyalty.
The note with the flower seeds brought more business for me than I ever expected. They also called or personally told me… “How can I ever forget you, Noreen? I love coming to your sweet retreat.”
Are you getting the picture?
Once I sent a note to Donald Trump that expressed how much I loved his book and his business sense. He was going through a divorce and his company was up and down at the time. He took the time out of his most busy schedule to write me a note and sent me a photograph (autographed) of himself. The note truly warmed my spirit and was not a reprint… it was the real thing. Now look at him. He’s bigger and better than ever. I enjoy him to this day.
Don’t tell me you don’t have time, because when you really think about it, you actually do.
Another way to keep in touch is with postcards, as they are even cheaper than cards and newsletters and make a big impact for your business. We mail so many out on a monthly basis the local post office staff know me! They even comment on how wonderful and fun my cards and offers are. In addition, some have even gone so far as to ask me to add them to the mailing list.
You can do many themes:
Thinking of You
Time for Your Beauty Check-Up
Where Have You Been, Beautiful?
Happy Birthday to You
Top 10 Reasons to Shop our Studio
Most Wanted Beauty List
Kiss and Make-up With Us
You’re Invited for Cosmetics and Cocktails
An Invitation to Our Afternoon Tea Party
Join Us for a Beauty-Filled Happy Hour
You’re Invited to Our Holiday Open House
These all bring a smile to your client’s face, keep you fresh in their minds, and bring them back in your door.
Conclusion
Just to be thought of is a treat in itself, make them an offer they simply cannot refuse and you will have a client forever! As you can see, these are thankful and thoughtful ideas to get you going. Use your imagination and come up with some ideas of your own. Let me know how they go.
Please don’t stop being thankful for what you have and for your clients. Always stay in their minds… never let them forget about you. It’s the little things that make a big difference.
Noreen Young is an internationally known make-up artist, educator, and motivational speaker. She is an author and has a series of “how to” videos for the beauty professional. Young is a consultant to cosmetic companies, salons, and day spas. She can be reached by e-mail at noreen@noreenyoung.com.
