Tough times in business call for radical actions and a cool head.
With the rapid onset of COVD-19 in the last few months, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. What will the next few months bring? We all are. And, to say these are tough times is, of course, an understatement.
But, even if we’d like to run and self isolate, the sooner we tackle this, the sooner we can rise above the turmoil and keep our businesses going.
Whatever happens, you need a contingency plan. So, I want to share a few ideas in the hope they help you stay afloat during this tough time in your business and indeed an unprecedented time in all our lives.
Firstly and importantly, remember this. We’re all in this together. And, because we’re all in it together, you can and should call on the support of your customers. They will want to support you.
But in what way can your customer do this?
Gift Vouchers for future services.
Of course, gift vouchers may not be for use right now, and you may think it’s a bit of a long shot, but before you dismiss this. Just try it. If it’s to be successful, it’s all in how you deliver and communicate your message.
If you can encourage your loyal clients to buy a voucher either for a friend or for themselves to be used later in the year; two things will happen.
- You’ll get a cash injection into your business NOW.
- Your customer has something put away for when the sun shines upon us all again.
To encourage this, add a bonus with this offer. It could be a complimentary service with every voucher over $150.00
Product Sales.
Encourage your customers to buy in advance. Homecare usually starts to runs low within three months.
You have choices on how you offer this.
- Suggest your clients buy their next cleanser or moisturiser in advance, and store away in their bathroom cabinet in readiness for when they need it in a few months from now (please be sure you’re not selling advance stock that is about to expire).
- Activate an auto-send through your messaging system and offer to post products now if they can’t get in to see you or in 3 months. Be flexible and give your client as many options as possible to make it convenient.
Product sales are going to be a lifeline in your business, especially if your clients decide to hold off visiting your salon or clinic in the foreseeable future. If you’ve got an online presence or it’s been on your mind to ramp it up, now’s the time to activate your plan. It’s time to get things going!!!
Product Vouchers.
Just like your gift voucher for future services, you could arrange a product voucher your clients can purchase in advance to use when they need it in a few months from now. This voucher could be for $500 or more which your client spends over time. Again, this could also come with a bonus. A complimentary online skin consultation would be excellent and a great way to keep in touch with your client. Or, perhaps speak with your product suppliers and get them to support you with a special offer. Remember, your supplier is just as worried as you, and should welcome your initiatives and ideas.
Reassure your clients.
If you’ve not done this already via your digital newsletter or social media, it’s time to do it. Timely communication will significantly reassure your clients of the actions you’re taking over and above your usual hygiene practices.
LED Light Therapy.
The no hands facial!! With social distancing on the tip of everyone’s lips. How about increasing your marketing and communication for LED Light Therapy. This treatment could take the place of your usual facials. Not only is it AMAZING for the skin, but as you know, so calming to the senses; and who doesn’t need that right now?
You could give it a cute, catchy name and promote it as a pre-paid package of 4 or 6 treatments (whatever you like) to get the cash flowing through your door. Again, make the offer irresistible.
Important: Reassure your clients that you thoroughly wipe down and sanitise your device after every treatment.
You may think all of these ideas are a long shot, but before you dismiss any of this. Just try it. If these ideas don’t work, nothing is lost. However, if they are to be successful, it’s all in how you deliver and communicate your message.
These are just a few ideas. They may help, or perhaps they’ll ignite your imagination to think outside of what you’d typically do in your business.
One last tip. Get on the phone. Maybe it’s old fashioned these days, but it’s also personal, and we all need that right now.
If you have staff who are not busy at the moment, create a script and get them calling. It could be just to check in and say hi. Showing you care and going beyond your usual marketing activities is GOLD.
Your customers have been loyal to you, show them some love now and you’ll find the support you get back will last a very long time.
I’ll be coming up with more ideas as they come to mind, to tackle these tough times in your business, in the meantime, stay safe and where possible, keep a calm and positive attitude.
Do not let the COVD19 tsunami bowl you over, leaving you wondering what happened when it’s all too late. Act NOW.
Need help with your communication? Why not get in touch, I can help you.
This too, will pass.
Best,
