Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

I have known stylists to donate their time to fashion shows and other events in an effort to meet people and impress them with their work.

Yours is a business that thrives on word-of-mouth. When you begin to please clients with your talents as a stylist, they will tell and refer their friends. Your business/clientele will grow.

Focus your energy on clients that your salon doesn't cater to. It may be young women, senior citizens, handicapped women, etc. Then, figure out what this group of people are looking for (if you don't know - start asking them wherever you see them) in a stylist that they haven't yet found. Finally, spread the message of how you specialize in helping this group of people meet the need they're looking for.

If you don't already have them, consider adding photos of hairstyles you have done (friends, relatives, etc) and include them on flyers and Facebook page. Hang photos on community bulletin boards. Offer an incentive for first time, try-me clients. The others are right; you need a business/marketing plan. Select a 'do-good cause' to attach to your business (research or cure), designate a day to invite people connected to that cause to try your work, knowing that a $ portion of the day's proceeds will be donated to the organization. Notify local media of the 'event.' You'll be able to add to your photo inventory, too!

Best of luck,
jag
MarketBase

This question has been asked before by others so you can search past questions for other answers.

The good thing about being at a salon where you're getting no business is that you can leave and nobody will wonder why. You have to determine if that salon is part of the problem.

If you are doing "new" stuff and everyone who comes to your salon is getting blue hair, you might be in the wrong place.

That said, I've known stylists who give the first cut for free. You could do that with color, but you have product costs that you don't want to eat.

If you can set your own prices that also helps. If you are allowed to do house calls, even better. Think of all the new moms who don't have time to get out of the house.


Michael

Well its good to know that your are doing you like.Your chances of excelling are more when you like your work.
But the problem you are facing is Business Acumen.
Your forte is Styling...you have to sell the sole point in all your communications.u r the best person to do tht.

Apart from this, identify a target market first.For example you target students as they are more in all such things.
Since you have time, go to college campuses and offer free styles.This will build a rapport and give you instant recognition.Create a database and start following up

U need some investment in the start to keep going.hire a mktg professional who takes care of all ur PR and mktg.

Service is the most imp. aspect in your business.Apart from your talent, your one to one communication, ambience of your salon, your rapport with clients etc will determine your overall success in the longer run