How to keep your Beauty Biz strong through a crisis!
P.S this post goes for most small businesses, and yes you should still be posting most days, I know, I know it's easy to want to shut yourself off at a time like this but hear me out!
“To Stay on the map, you’ve got to keep showing up”
Have we all managed to get our head around this mess yet? What a crazy time for us all but in the words of Dori “Just keep swimming”
Now, back to business.. This is not the time to stall! We need to be present and a support for our clients now more than EVER. Just because you aren’t seeing your clients physically doesn't mean you don't need to remain seen.
I want to also add that it’s ok to feel whatever you’re feeling right now and this is affecting us all in some way, I know it feels scary and out of our control especially where our business & work life is concerned, remember this has NEVER happened before and we are all feeling a little lost right now & wondering what to do. So... take a deep breath and focus on what you can control right now, one of them being staying active online and if you haven’t been in the past now is the time to start that. I promise you, it will help you feel that you are still growing your brand or business and you’ll have something that’s still in your control that will benefit you when we are free to roam once more.
OH and don’t forget to let go and have a little fun too, it can't be all work and no play!
So, how can we support our clients right now and also continue to grow our business in the middle of this storm?
What an amazing thing (thank the lord) that we can connect with everyone but more specifically our clients current and future, anywhere in the world! It's actually a great time to get to know your clients probably even better than if we weren’t in lockdown, follow them back on social media so you can build a better relationship now you haven’t got daily life getting in the way. Perfect way to get a better insight on your client’s personal style etc. Most importantly, connect!
Remember to reach out and respond to your clients swiftly right now, specifically the ones who have had to postpone appointments and let them know you feel for them and are there to help in what you can, to make it a little easier for them.
Do not stop posting!
Believe it or not (most) of your clients care about you too, they want to see you’re ok and keeping your business alive also. Now is not the time to ghost them. You also want to remain seen to potential new customers and even better if you can be seen as someone who doesn’t give up on their business or them when the shit hits the fan!
Trust me, I know how easy it would be to just turn our heads and deal with this when it's over, I also feel like I could just focus on home life only right now, don’t do it! They need you to still show up and we will absolutely need them when this is done.
Wondering what to post?
I know it can feel a little awkward and it's hard knowing what to post about right now, don’t ignore what’s actually happening (preferably not too dramatically), tell them how you’re feeling about it, how you’re continuing to work from home if so, how you feel for them too! Your clients will appreciate your transparency now. If you’re feeling brave and are a creative with time on your hands, ask your clients what they would like to see, looks, hairstyles etc.
Go through your phone and find old pictures that you haven’t used or if you don't have many give some of your favourites an edit, show it closer up or see if you have a before and after. Chase up photographers you may have worked with and ask them if they can share any images you might not have yet. If you’re just starting out use inspo pictures from pinterest, the main thing is to keep active on social media and get seen!
If you are really struggling with the social media side of things then please at least contact your clients via email, whatsapp etc, but stay in touch with them, offer some support, get that diary organized, client forms up to date, work on your webiste if you can, whatever it is that keeps you in control of your work life, do not stall!!
Going forwarD with your business still intact..
Now another super important thing right now to take note of, I know times are really hard and we are all feeling a bit desperate but now is NOT the time to sell yourself short, don’t be offering free work or discounts for when this is over, this is not your fault either, you have a business to keep afloat and probably a family to feed too. More on that another time maybe, but the right ones for you will be more than happy to pay your usual prices and if not they are not your client. Please don't lose value in yourself and your business because of this 💕
PHEW, am I finished? Well done if you got this far!
So go and pour yourself that 2nd (ok 4th) cup of coffee add a little bailey’s if you must and let’s get to work!
Hang in there and stay safe,
With Love, Chloë X