I have been thinking of ways to market myself and network because when I get out of hair school I want my career to blast off. Often I think of ways to set myself apart and to be the best stylist that I can be. This is what I have come up with:
You are your own walking billboard
If you are going to be a stylist then you need to look the part. Lately I have made a conscious effort to have my hair done and wear a foundation to even out my skin tone. It has paid off so much, every time that I leave my house I get a complement on my hair and my "look" in general. Even just going to the gas station I get comments. Its such a great way to start a conversation about what I do.
Have business cards
There have been so many times that I have said to myself, "Gee, I wish that I had a business card to give to that person," and I don't. When someone gives you a business card you usually put it in your wallet and carry it around and when it is in your wallet you look at it pretty regularly. By giving someone a business card you are giving them a constant reminder of who you are and what you do. That is why it is so important to have a unique business card that they are going to want to look at.
Have a Facebook page
I have recently with in the last few weeks solely for my Stylist Career. I put inspirational quotes, pictures of my work and update everyone on what I am doing. Everyone seems to really love it and it is awesome for marketing myself. When I am bored at school and dont have any clients I put something up telling everyone that I have a "rare opening"
and to come see me at the salon. It works really well.
Trade work
Trade work has opened so many doors to me. I have met models other stylist and photographers that all want to build their portfolio. Typically I have been organizing my own photo shoots and have a photographer and model come to my house and we set up and do a shoot. But thanks to Facebook and the beauty of tagging people I have been getting alot of people asking me to come and help them on their shoots.I am so busy all the time and photo shoots are my favorite part of what I do.
Networking
Whenever I am asked to work on a project or to do someones hair I always say yes.When one door opens then so does another and another. Its like that web game you used to play as a kid, I know this person who knows this person, who knows this person that is Brad Pitt's best friend. Everyone knows someone so if I am asked to anything I always say yes because then I can take a picture and tag that person on Facebook or #tag them on twitter, then everyone that they are friends with gets to see my work. Awesome way to get my name out.
Personality
Even when I feel like I want to fall over and die, I put on a smile and fake it. My personality has gotten me so far. Being able to talk to clients, make them laugh and just listen to them has helped me retain my clientele. Nobody wants to have their hair done by someone that just stands there and works. People pay for conversation.
Bring your portfolio everywhere
I was doing hair for a runway show last night and one of the models asked me if she could see my work. I grabbed my phone and showed her my portfolio. She loved it and asked for my number and where I went to school. She also told me that she defiantly wanted to work with me again and that she wanted her hair cut with layers. I basically just booked a photo shoot and a haircut just for having my portfolio handy.
I think that you can apply these to any type of business. These are just some things that I have learned so far, I am sure that I will learn a lot more. I hope you all liked this.
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