New Year's & Valentines Day

[Manuel P.]

Health & Happiness in 2005.  I've been viewing this website for the past three months and finally registered.  Thanks to all who have posted here in the past, your questions and comments have been very helpful to me.  I'm struggling with the New Year thing.  I work at a full service salon and spa, rent my space and work (against) two other MT's.  Advertising is of course up to each individual.  I've started what I call a tickler for Valentine's Day.  Something I pass out to patrons entering the salon and leave out for people to pick up and read what special package I'm offering for Valentine's Day.  That I have covered.  My question is about the NEW YEAR angle.  The other therapists are doing something like buy 1 get 1, buy 2 get 2 and so on.  I'm not one to sell myself short and I really think this kind of advertising cheapens my work.  Does anyone have any ideas to get new clients for the month of January.  I must admit that I do body wraps and scrubs also.  I welcome any suggestions.  Thanks!  

 

[lenzo l]

Boobie, what's your offer for Valentine's Day?  Perhaps you can use that to build January momentum?  Joe E.

 

[Erika]

Thanks for the response.  My Valentine's package is a champagne exfoliating salt glow and a rose petal massage.  

 

[Katy needs Sustagen!]

You don't say where the other MT's are marketing themselves........only to the clients already coming into the salon?  Why not market to people OUTSIDE the salon.....they won't be seeing what the other MT's are offering.  Ask other businesses if you can display flyers or brochures at their place of business.....maybe an exercise sales place, perhaps a gym that does not offer massage, maybe at nail salons, perhaps a weight management place...like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers.  This is the time of year people are looking for renewal.  Think of some things that people may be doing to enhance themselves in the new year and see if you can eforum.xxx along with that.  I'm sorry to hear that things seem to be so cut-throat there at your establishment.  Seeing as it is a new year, perhaps it might be a good time to sit down with these other therapists and see if you can all come to a mutual agreement......such as NO drastic price reductions without total agreement from everyone.  If I worked in an environment like yours, I would want the other therapists in the place to have a mutual respect for one another.  Your environment seems hostile and competitive.  Yikes!

 

[Happy-2]

Thanks KneadedMassage.  Last I heard one of the therapists is planning to do an insert flyer in the newspaper some time in January.  The other therapist has done the same in the past (she got a few clients out of it).  I plan to do this mid to late January for my Valentines package (very costly).  Great idea on going outside the salon.  I dedicate one day a week to do marketing.  I hoof it to surrounding businesses and introduce myself, give them a business card and menu and flyer for my special of the month.  It has taken some time for response but persistance has paid off.  I read the "Fishbowl" posting and like the idea.  I tried doing something much like it in November at local golf courses (those people spend so much money just to hit a little ball on some grass) unfortunately I couldn't get a placement.  I'll try it again.  Who doesn't want something for free?Yeah, it seems very competitive at the salon.  But to your face, their all so nice.  You know?  I can be aggressive but I'm not good at confrontation.  I would however, appreciate mutual respect.  One day I hope to open my own wellness center.  I have big dreams.  I'll get there.  Thanks again.  Anyone else?

 

[MENTAL PATIENT]

I did my January offer (coupon format) during my holiday e:campaign. This week is up to par, but we'll see what the rest of the month brings. January and July are notoriously slow months for salons in my area.Since we are already *in* January, and you cannot pre-market it, why not try to capitalize on what you've got. Contact everyone of your clients (thru email, phone, or postcard... or a combination of all 3). Offer a referral bonus or gift.  Many people have noted before that your clients are usually very happy to help you build your business if they are happy with your work ethics and your treatments are effective for them. They *don't* however, automatically talk you up. (I have one great client who wouldn't refer me to her husband because "he has his golf, I have YOU!") So, ask them directly to help you by referring a friend in January. Reward them with an extra half hour free (in January) or some other bonus. Just an idea, but you getit. Use what you've got!Then next year, prepare in advance by promoting January sales during your holiday season rush!Good luck.Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[pow pow]

Thanks sagetherapist.  I have always done a refer 3 get 1 free program.  You're right about how clients don't talk you up.  In the past 4 years I have only had the opportunity to reward 2 clients for participating in the referal program.  I do like the direct request approach.  I'll send out mailers and talk to my clients when they come in.  Every one of my clients get off the table saying how wonderful my work is and yet I can't seem to get them to work for me via word of mouth.  I guess I got behind for January when in December I was working so hard to promote sales & gift certs.  Next year it will be different.  By the way, if you don't mind, what is your "area"?Thanks again.

 

[Momma]

May I suggest a different approach to how you reward for referals?Try offering a $5 or $10 discount for each new client they refer to you.  Instant gratification...they will be more likely to send people in, (instead of waiting for, say 3 of their buddies to come in) so they can reap the rewards.  There is less to keep track of (on your part and theirs as well.)  And it shows you are gratefull for EACH and EVERY referal, not just when it hits a certain amount.Just a thought.

 

[Happeh Gurl C:]

Love the idea Kneadfulthings.  A discount on every new referal sounds great.  Thanks a bunch!

 

[spirit]

I wanted to add that I really like kneaded's idea of going to some weightloss/health club's for the whole "renewal"thing... New Year ~ New You Depending on where you live you can cash in on the crappy weather...shoveling too much snow? آ snow blower got your back out of whack? آ tired of the gloomy season? آ type of campaigns. آ Oh, just noticed your in Cali...guess the whole sucky weather thing won't work for ya!  You stink

 

[Daddy B]

Thanks everyone for all of the fabulous ideas.  I'll take 'em to the bank.