How To Get Clients…And Keep Them Coming Back!
Paul DiGrigoli, owner of award-winning DiGrigoli Salons and School of Cosmetology in West Springfield, MA, believes hairdressers can do what no other professional can – not even a doctor! “We can make someone feel and look amazing in 30 minutes!” said Paul. His passion for growing and mentoring successful, happy stylists has been Paul’s mission from the beginning. In his BTC bestseller, Booked Solid, Paul shares insights into what it takes to get the clients you need to sustain growth and how to keep them coming back.
Paul’s Top 10 Tips to Stay Booked Solid
1. Be on time. In fact, be early. It’s a sign of respect for clients’ time and their loyalty to your business. If you get a late start early in your day, it can impact your schedule the rest of the day.
2. Dress in a way that tastefully honors our profession. At the same time, have fun and be unique in your wardrobe expression. Make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing and be comfortable. When you select wardrobe, test it at home to make sure you’re comfortable. Bend, twist, lean and move as you would throughout the day and make sure the outfit works.
3. Be prepared. Don’t just show up. Take the time to review the appointment book and make mental notes on who is coming in and the services requested. Get your tools and products ready for use and make sure your station is clean and inviting.
4. Greet the client with enthusiasm. Welcome your clients by using their first name in your greeting. It makes them feel known, good and important.
5. Ask what I call, “Knock-Out Questions.” These questions will guide you on how to proceed with the service and demonstrate that you are listening to what they want out of the service. Do you prefer your hair long, mid-length or short? Do you wear your hair on your face or off your face? Do you use a blow dryer, curling iron or a flat iron? How much time do you spend on your hair every day? Are there any specific products you like to use? What kind of work do you do; what are your lifestyle preferences?
6. Keep learning. Not only will continuing education keep you current on the latest cuts, trends, hair color and product advancements, but ongoing education keeps you inspired and fresh.
7. Manage your time. You want to be fully booked, but you also need to be able to keep pace with the schedule, not allow yourself to get burned out and make leisure time for family, friends, other interests and most importantly, for yourself.
8. Use your resources. Turn to those around you professionally and ask questions, seek feedback and listen. Whether a mentor, teacher or colleague, we learn from each other. Resources also come in the form of style magazines, books like this one, conferences and trade shows. They all can provide information and inspiration.
9. Surround yourself with great people. With hairdressing and with life, I encourage you to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good, support you and want you to grow.
10. Love what you do! Get inspired and keep a great attitude. Your clients will love to be around you, and they’ll tell all of their friends about how much they love having you as their stylist. When you’re positive and joyful, when you take pride in your work, then you will find yourself booked solid. You’ll create raving fans, not just satisfied customers.
