Use the lead up to christmas to make january 2016 busy

With just a few weeks to go, salons are starting to get busy, the Christmas rush is well and truly under way. This is an ideal opportunity for hairdressers across the country to talk to clients and get them booking in for the start of 2016, says Emil McMahon. Salons tend to have a dip in business at the start of the year and while the time can be used productively by investing in training and development of the team, the time could also be filled with clients. What are the best and easiest options that can be actioned immediately with salon teams so that they can encourage clients to book in early next year? The list of possibilities are endless, it’s up to salons to decide which best suits. An offer that has minimal impact on the top line is naturally the best option as this keeps the till ringing and the cash flow flowing. Introduce a friend: This can be a way of getting new clients through the door and by offering both client and friend a gift, for example a complimentary blow-dry at a later date, it can be a simple way of getting more people through the door. Complimentary treatments: Ask your product supplier for help with supplies of in-salon treatments and offer a luxurious massage and treatment free with a cut and blow-dry. Book now and receive a free product: Another one where your suppliers can help you meet the cost of a gift. What a lovely surprise for a stylist to be able to say to a client, “book today and I can give you a free bottle of shampoo”. Book now and get extra loyalty points: If your salon has a loyalty scheme, offer double points with a booking made for January, a sure fire winner as everyone loves ‘double points’. Hubby goes free: A great way of encouraging clients to bring their other half (hubby, wife, partner) to the salon. Yes, it’s a free cut and blow-dry but it may well lead to a new client long term. Book for January, receive a complimentary nail polish: If you have nail technicians in salon, this is a brilliant way of showing clients the effects of a professional nail polish service and could help your nail and beauty businesses blossom throughout January. Timing is key  Use this festive season to make January 2016 a busy and productive month for everyone. Emil McMahon offers independent training for salons. Contact [email protected] or 07885 985843 for more details.