Communication Tips to Build Client Relationships

Becoming your own boss has the potential to supercharge your business and significantly increase your earnings. If you’re considering making the transition into business ownership, be sure that you make the most of your Lone Tree salon studio rental by focusing on what matters first: salon relationships. Whether you’re seeing a guest for the first time or your client has been a loyal patron for years, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication. Honest communication with your clients is an essential component of the beauty business, but it can be challenging to get the conversation started. In need of a little guidance? Here, we share our tried and true guidelines for client consultations and relationship-building:

Questions to Ask During a Consultation

Consultations should be part of your process for both new and established salon relationships. Discussions are a valuable tool for yourself and your patrons, as you’ll get a feel for what their goals are and will be prepared to meet (ummm…exceed!) their expectations. Here are some examples of questions and conversation-starters that we brainstormed at a recent education event with rock star stylists Olivia Smalley and Nikay Higgins, and our audience of 50 experienced stylists.  See what you can add in for your consultations:

• “Tell me about your hair.” Whether brand new or an existing client, after your initial meet and greet, invite your client to talk to you about their hair. This open-ended conversation-starter will give her or him an opportunity to chat about what they like/don’t like (if they don’t like something from their last visit with you, or another stylist, you definitely want to know), products they’re currently using, their hair history if they are new to you (I tried bangs once – ugh, and oh I will never go dark again) and share concerns that you should be aware of. After you’ve learned a bit about your client’s unique needs, you’ll be better prepared to create a plan of action.
• “If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about your hair? What are your hair goals?” Once you’ve discussed the past and present state of your client’s hair, it’s time to learn more about what they’re hoping to achieve.
• “How much time do you currently spend on your hair, and how much time would you like to spend on your hair?” These questions are critical for helping you set realistic expectations for your client, while also making certain they meet their goals.

Product Recommendations

If you’re part of the Indie family, the sky’s the limit when it comes to product sales. With our wholesale professional beauty supply program, you’ll earn rent rewards just for purchasing the products that you and your guests love. Clients trust your expertise, and there’s no doubt they’ll want to experience salon results at home after you’ve worked your magic on their hair. To encourage them to keep their hair looking fabulous on a daily basis, keep a small selection of trusted products in your salon studio. We recommend keeping one go-to product on hand that you recommend to all your clients.  They will love you for it.

Photo Etiquette

Photos speak for themselves and are an excellent way to market your business–for free! We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but it’s essential to respect your clients’ privacy and always ask permission for a photo in advance. Ideally, you’ll send a text reminder about a week before their session to ask if they’d like to participate in a before-and-after photo comparison. If they agree to appear in photos, send out a friendly reminder that you can’t wait to see them and for them to come camera ready.  And just in case, we recommend keeping a jacket or two on hand that fits your brand look.  You can always ask them to slip it on, so they fit with your brand look and colors on your social feed.

Tips to Build Your Client Base

Not sure how to make connections with potential clients? New networking opportunities are everywhere, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! For example, if you meet someone with great hair, try giving a compliment and introducing yourself. Be sure to keep a business card handy (complete with social media handles) to expand your outreach.

Lone Tree Salon Relationships: Communication

Building lasting relationships with your clients is the ultimate key to success for your business. Whether you’re working on new or established clients, aim to end each session with honest communication. Be sure that your guests know that you’re happy to make adjustments if they decide they are not 100% satisfied with the results. In most cases, clients who don’t return were simply too uncomfortable to let you know they weren’t happy with the service. This is an easy fix–just be forthcoming about the process and help them feel comfortable and confident when communicating with you.

Becoming a business owner and investing in a salon studio rental is an exciting step! If you’re looking forward to venturing out as an entrepreneur, you’ll need to ensure that your communication with clients is top-notch. Interested in additional business advice? Our team is always here to help Indie-preneurs achieve their aspirations. When you become an Indie, you’ll never want for business (and personal!) support. Whether you’d like a budget analysis, marketing tips, or simply a listening ear, we’re here for you and believe in your ability to succeed! When you’re ready to tour one of our sleek luxury locations in Boulder, Denver, or Lone Tree, please contact us today to start the process.