About Zaara King
Beauty business and mindset coach, Zaara King, has over 13 years’ experience in the beauty sector. She has worked on a mobile basis, in a salon and from home, and is founder of The Beauty Build community: a space for pros to access free training, support one another and stay motivated. Zaara also hosts The Beauty Build podcast and is passionate about helping professionals to earn more, work less and establish ambitious and motivated mindsets.
This year is passing by so quickly, and it may seem premature – but you need to prepare for the Christmas season. It tends to be the busiest time of year for nail pros, which is great, but it can be overwhelming if you fail to prepare – especially if you work alone and don’t have colleagues to spread Christmas spirit and keep you motivated.
Here are my top tips to help you feel ready for the festive season and ensure your appointment book is full:
1. Open your Christmas diary early. This can help you fill bookings in advance. Create a waiting list and if a space opens, tempt those waiting with a treatment package. It’s a great way to build excitement, urgency and ensure maximum bookings and revenue.
TOP TIP
The time between Christmas and New Year is often known as ‘Q5’ for small businesses. Make the most of gift ideas, vouchers and and service packages during this time, to boost your revenue.
2. Set goals for the month and streamline your service menu. The end of the year is the best time to weed out any services that you don’t enjoy doing or that don’t generate desired profit. Your treatments are in demand at Christmas, so make the most of every booking.
3. Ensure you take time off.
Too many years went by when I missed out on festive events.
If you want to go ice skating, see Christmas lights, shop at markets and drink mulled wine with friends, be sure to block out time in your diary.
4. Remove additional admin tasks. Let clients manage their bookings via an online system. If
If you need a business hub to help, I offer coaching via my Four Figure Focus membership. This helps professionals grow businesses that give them more freedom. Scan to sign up and use code SCRATCH for 50% off your first month’s membership.
you don’t currently use one, try Solo (www.booksolo.co) and use discount code: ZAPTT7L. A good software system should send out confirmations, reminders and your business’ Ts&Cs to clients prior to their appointments, which frees up time spent answering social media messages.
5. Implement strict policies. Consider how you can deter cancellations. Many clients over-book themselves during the busy festive season, so cancellations, rescheduled appointments and no-shows can be rife. Take deposits and ensure clients agree to your policies before booking treatments.
6. Encourage rebookings for the new year. Don’t let panic set in if your January schedule is light. Tempt clients to book their next few appointments when they visit you for festive beauty services. In my business, I gave each of my clients a Christmas card with an enticing offer that had to be used in January or February. Those months were never quiet once I discovered the power of preparation!
The festive season will likely attract enquiries from new clients seeking a treatment before a Christmas party or New Year’s
Eve celebration. You need to offer amazing experiences so that you’re kept in the forefront of their minds – and become their go-to for future services. s. s, Christmas is such an exciting time, and if you enjoy yourself, your clients will too. Start planning for Christmas now. I wish you every success!
Out & about
I was a judge for the 13th
Scratch Stars Awards
and attended
The Scratch Stars Party
in London on Sunday 6 July, to see who scooped this year’s titles. I caught up with
Scratch Stars Polish & Paint Artist of the Year
, Danielle Brindley (pictured below with Ashton Cole of @whiteopaltreatments),
Scratch’s
Helena Biggs and
Scratch Stars Online Educator of the Year
finalist, Becci Hollis of @blossomacademy_.
#FABFOLLOW
One of my clients, Lynds of Black Canvas Nails, Bournemouth, is not only an amazing nail technician, but has created an online arena for nail techs seeking business support. She describes The Black Canvas Society as ‘a space where alternative nail techs can find tools, training and real talk without gatekeeping or fluff’. Follow her on
Instagram
: @blackcanvasnailsbournemouth and scan to watch
Scratch’s
interview with the pro.
The Beauty Build podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
/zaaraking.coach
@zaaraking
@zaarakingbeautycoach