Emma Boshart, Author at Bookedin

How To Grow Your Business Without Losing Your Balance

Emma Boshart — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:05:39 +0000

It’s easy to believe *some* people have discovered the secret to successfully growing their business while neatly keeping their personal life intact. No hiccups.

Have you ever had thoughts like that?

While *they* are out in the world pulling in the big bucks barely breaking a sweat, you’re:

Taking two steps forward, and running four steps back

Finding yourself cross-eyed with messages coming in from clients — all hours of the night

Forgetting what your family looks like {when was the last time you saw them?}

It can feel like *everyone* else has it figured out.

Well, it’s time to level the playing field. We’re ripping back the cover on the 16 most effective ways to grow your business… without losing your balance.

*Drop the mic* with your client service
Take care of your OG clients
Become a beacon for new clients
Spread the word via your biggest fans
Establish Fierce-Cat Loyalty
Avoid *this* to stay sane on social media
Show your face at networking events
Hosting {virtual} events
Become a pillar of your community
Wanna grow your business? Keep it simple
Pump the brakes on the hiring process
You are not a party of one {repeat after me}
It’s all about the boundaries, baby
The secret of your success? Defining it
Burnout doesn’t do a body good
Move it or lose it

1. Drop the mic with your client service

Showing you care about your clients is a *must-do* if you want to grow your small business. When your shop shows a personal interest in repeat clientele, you’re going to make a lasting impression. Whether it’s sending a thank-you email for visiting the shop or an enticing loyalty program, these *how-did-I-not-think-of-that* standards make you stand out.

Peek your competition. What are they doing? Take notes and come up with ways you can top them in ways that focus on removing friction for your clients.

One way that’ll blow their minds?

Appointments that can be scheduled & changed at their convenience using an appointment scheduling app. Add on automatic reminders sent out by email/text and they won’t even need to tie a string around their finger to show up on time. #clientwin

2. Take care of your OG clients

Think wayyyy back to when the doors swung open on your shop. Those special clients who were willing to look past the *just dried* paint, not-quite-finished set-ups & whirlwind of manic energy going on around them — that’s your original crew.

And they deserve to be rewarded. But how? Well, that all depends on your business & clients, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

Send out a personalized birthday gift to your *been-there-since-day-one* clients (ex. a gift card to a local coffee shop)

Write an IG post filled with love & gratitude to that special client

Offer a discounted service for every “10th” one your client books

Deliver personalized notes to your clients thanking them for their visit to your shop

Donate to a charity in their name

3. Become a beacon for new clients

If you want to grow your business… you need to stand out. Your industry of small business owners is jam-packed with carbon copies hoping to snag your potential clients before you have a chance to impress them. It’s time to be a flamingo in a flock of seagulls. The simplest way to do that is by defining who you are as a business. And be specific — AKA find your niche.

What’s unique about your business?

Maybe you’re a makeup artist who specializes in boudoir photo-shoots.

Perhaps you’re a fitness trainer who focuses on women over 40 who want to train for fitness competitions.

Or you’re the most expensive tattoo shop in town because your artists have the experience, credentials & portfolios to blow any other shop out of the water.

Whatever your differentiator is, you need to talk about it… on your website, social media, and to your clients. People see a bajillion* different images, ads & businesses a day — they only remember what stands out to them. You need to land on what makes you different.

*bajillion is not a researched number, but it’s pretty darn close.

4. Spread the word via your biggest fans

Getting reviews is simple. All you need to do is ask. { ← OK, I can feel you rolling your eyes }

Look, it’s not as difficult as you think. And the reality is, if you want to drive new appointments to grow your business, stellar reviews are a fab way to do it.

Here’s how (in two easy steps):

Send your clients a thank you email after their appointment with a link to review (you may send Facebook or Google)
To sweeten the deal, offer a discount on your clients’ next service.

Depending on your business (ex. tattoo shop vs. marriage therapist) the type of review will differ. For example, the likelihood of your therapy client praising you for getting her husband to finally admit he was wrong is low. You may get a *star* rating on Facebook or Google. Whereas, that gorgeous new half-sleeve is bound to get shared in full-color Facebook.

5. Establish fierce-cat loyalty

What does the culture look like in your shop? Hmmm. Have you thought about it? There’s so much to consider as you grow your business it’s not a shock if the *vibe* hasn’t been front and center.

Now’s the time to start poking around. Work from within to create a culture your team is genuinely excited to be part of. Your clients will pick up on your shop vibe the moment they walk through the door… positive or negative.

Plus, a happy team outperforms, is willing to go above and beyond (for you & your clients) & is more likely to take personal responsibility.

Ask yourself: What can I do to make this shop a place that doesn’t evoke the *Sunday Scaries* every weekend? (or *Tuesday Terrors* -depending on your schedule)
How can I make life more balanced for my team outside & inside of work? (ex. Online scheduling, up-front payments)
Does my team always come first? Do they feel safe coming to me with problems/concerns?

The more touch-points you have, the easier it is to check in with your team. Problems are identified sooner and quashed before they have time to fester.

BONUS: Your *this-place-is-the-bomb-dot-com* vibe will also be felt by your clients, increasing the chances they’ll tell their friends & family allllll about you… Good karma all around!

6. Avoid this to stay sane on social media

Social media can be a dangerous place when you’re trying to grow your business. Why? Two words — the comparison game {OK, that’s three}. I’m sure you know it well. When you’re working in a competitive industry it’s difficult to keep your eyes on your own page. Your direct competition *appears* to be THRIVING as seen through the curated lens of IG, making your feel disheartened at best and *i’m-a-failure-at-life* at worst.

So, while social media may be a necessity on the road to growing your business in 2020, use it wisely. First and foremost, choose a platform you enjoy. If you’re going to be in and out of there every day, you’ll need to dig being on there. Then, make sure your clients are hanging out there. If you’ve checked both those boxes, it’s time for some golden rules:

Set limits
Play fast & loose with the mute, block and unfollow button
Engage with your community daily (it’s a *social* app that requires you to communicate like a human for you to reap the rewards)
Mix up your media. Images, videos, short & long copy
Show off your personality. Your clients, potential clients & industry buds want to see who you are so they can connect with you on a personal level

Sidenote: If you have the budget, look at hiring a personal assistant (or VA) to take over social media if it’s not something you LOVE. For a few hours a week they can post, comment, follow, and engage on your behalf.

7. Show your face at networking events

Raise your hand if you love networking . No one?

Well, thanks to COVID, in-person networking events are on-hold for the foreseeable future… but online events? Still very much a thing. So, if the thought of being with a group of strangers gives you clammy palms and sends you running for the closest bathroom, 2020 has a silver lining just for you.

Networking remains one of the best ways to forge connections for yourself and your growing business. Here are 5 reasons that prove it:

It helps you understand the ins and outs & ups and downs of your business from others in your industry
It can provide new opportunities for growth
You build a community of mentors, *in-the-biz* friends, and potential clients
It’s a great way to increase your word-of-mouth referrals
You build authority by demonstrating your expertise

It’s always a good time to invest in your network and start building offline {and, now *online*} connections. Growing a business is hard work, and the best way to find the support and skills you need to do it is by putting yourself in the path of those who’ve already made mistakes, taken risks, and lived to tell the tale.

8. Pivot to hosting {virtual} events

Sure, it may be strange *out there* right now, and filling up your shop with clients isn’t possible — but you’re an entrepreneur — pivoting is what you do. Look way back to 2019… what events were you hosting? Can you make a few tweaks to make those do profitable online?

Here are a couple of examples:

Hair → Workshops, Tutorials, Lessons (depending on where you live your clients may need your help with everything from root touch-ups from home to interview looks. Use your ideal client as a guide and come up with ways you can keep your team, and yourself, busy and engaged until the world goes back to *normal*).

Fitness → If there’s one industry that has made a full 180 since the pandemic started it’s the fitness industry. Even with many places allowing gyms & classes to resume, clients have found comfort & convenience online. If you’re not ready to completely pivot your business online, consider ways you can implement a few special *events* to entice potential clients to your gym or boutique fitness center. It may be a virtual *meet & greet* giving them insiders access on how you’ve updated all safety protocol. Include a behind-the-scenes tour, followed by a Q&A. Or, a short series of online classes that leads to your in-person offers.

Depending on your clientele, you can also offer a free event or a mix of paid/free. Use your platforms (website, social) to promote and encourage your current audience to share far and wide. This is a dynamic way to grow your business. Not only are you demonstrating the skills of your team, but you’re also showing how flexible you are as a business during the dumpster fire that is 2020. #winnerwinnerchickendinner.

9. Become a pillar of your community

Watch the video here.

It’s impossible to succeed as a small business without the support of your local community. If you’ve made it this far, it’s time to look at ways to give back to those who helped get your shop off the ground.

Becoming active, whether it’s through sponsoring local events, making donations, or partnering with a charity is without a downside. It gets your face out into the community, builds trust, and demonstrates your expertise. Not to mention it feels incredible to give back.

Another way to incorporate community into your business model is by holding online workshops. This is your chance to experiment outside the confines of a more structured business and contribute at the same time.

You can offer a free online workshop teaching *easy interview makeup looks for Zoom* or hold an information workshop about *how to deal with anxiety* during COVID. Keep your workshops affordable and focus on encouraging clients of all backgrounds and affluence to attend.

10. Wanna grow your business? Keep it simple

There’s a lot of talk about automation taking over the world. Robots flippin’ burgers. Driver-less cars. Hell, the majority of people are talking to *Alexa* instead of looking outside to check if it’s sunny or raining.

And sure, that’s a bit *Ex-Machina* for my liking. But what about your business?

There are processes you slog over day in and day out that could be automated — it’s a matter of knowing what they are, and how to do it.

Here’s a tidy little list to get you started:

Online appointment booking: stop spending hours sending out appointment notifications and reminders, worrying about no-shows & last-minute cancellations. With an appointment app, you can automate your client booking confirmations, require up-front deposits, and say good-bye to the back & forth with clients over dinner thanks to your online booking (available 24/7).
Social media posting: use a scheduler like Planoly to create, schedule, and post to Instagram and Facebook. You can batch content ahead of time, add hashtags, and have the app post it for you.
IFTTT // if this, then that: a free web service that lets you create “recipes” to put the internet to work for you. Each recipe you create triggers IFTTT to do something automatically for you.
Email marketing: ask clients to give reviews by sending an automated email. To encourage them to take action, you might offer a small gift or coupon as a token of your appreciation.
Recurring bookings: who has the bandwidth to remember if their botox injection was 5 weeks ago or 7? Not your clients. Keep them looking their best by booking recurring appointments through online appointment scheduling. A reminder email/text will be sent out days & hours in advance to ensure they arrive on time (and have the option to reschedule/cancel).

11. Pump the brakes on the hiring process

There comes a tipping point when you realize if you want to keep growing you’re gonna need a bigger boat, *cough* I mean team. Oh boy, it’s thrilling and terrifying all at the same time. After learning the idiosyncrasies of this team, how will you find the perfect additions??!

Rather than look at these changes through a lens of dread, view it as an exciting opportunity to hire only the best. You’ll be creating a team that’ll grow your business to new heights.

That being said. If it’s taking longer than expected to find *the perfect fit.* Don’t jump the gun so you can wash your hands of the process. Waiting for a good candidate is ALWAYS worth it.

12. You are not a party of one {repeat after me}

When you’re growing your business, it’s natural to become (over)protective. Do these phrases sound familiar:

I want to do everything myself, after all… I know exactly how I like to have it done.

If I oversee everything, don’t make any big changes… nothing MAJOR can go wrong.

You know what happens when you try to do everything on your own… #burnout. As a small business owner, it’s important to take a complete inventory of your strengths and weaknesses before you get into the weeds. Ask yourself — am I the right person to take on this task (am I the expert)? If the answer is a resounding YES! Move forward with learning the new skill. If it’s a no, let it go and hire the right person.

NOTE: if you can’t be unbiased in your judgment, go over this with a trusted mentor or colleague. Try to figure out how you can optimize your strengths (business + creative) and build up your team to compensate for your *weaknesses.*

13. It’s all about the boundaries, baby

Ah, dinner with the fam-jam. After a wild 12-hour day, you plop yourself in front of a steaming hot plate of cacio e pepe and a nice glass of red… when the inevitable begins. Your phone starts buzzing. The husband shoots you daggers, and your kiddo doesn’t look super impressed either.

As your business steamrolls along you’re getting messages from your inbox, Instagram DMs, Facebook messages, and now via text. SO. MANY. TEXTS.

Unless you’re in a place where you can hire a personal assistant to *handle it* — the time has come to set boundaries. You want to love your clients {you really do}, and solid boundaries are the only way.

Say hello to online appointment scheduling.

A one-stop-shop that houses all your appointment booking requests TOGETHER. Yep, you heard that right. As a growing business, you need to put systems in place that are going to save you time and reduce stress. Burnout does not equal a business you love.

And the fun doesn’t stop there.

Your clients can book online 24/7 without you needing to do anything at all. After booking, they’ll automatically receive a confirmation notice by text/email, while you enjoy time with your much happier family. Oh, and major bonus. You won’t need to hand over your personal cell phone number anymore.

14. The secret of your success? Defining it

What does success look like to you? Is it having a 100-ft yacht off the South of France? Or maybe it’s a ranch and some land in Montana?

If you’ve never stopped to consider what success feels like to you, how are you gonna know when you’ve made it? Shocking, right. All those memes on IG hollering about what success is, the listicles telling you *exactly* how to get there… irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.

What if you’re already successful by your own standards and you don’t even know it .

Whoa. If you’ve never sat down to examine what success looks & feels like to you — it’s time. You can dive in by answering these two questions:

How will a *successful* business make me feel? (happy, overwhelmed, accomplished, complete)
What would make my business a success? (financial freedom, waking up to a calendar full of appointments)?

Then look ahead to what your life will look like once you’ve become *successful.* (Where will you live, what will you be doing)

Are you already there… or do you still have work to do?

15. Burnout doesn’t do a body good

A vacation (or in the time of ‘Rona #stayvacation) recharges your battery away from the hustle of day-to-day business. If you find yourself on the verge of burnout, it’s time to get the heck of the dodge.

When all you do is work, work, work, work… you and your growing business will suffer the consequences.

Take some time for yourself, with a *no-work-no-tech-allowed* holiday. Stay away from all devices, and yes, that includes scrolling through IG while you binge-watch Netflix or laze about in the garden {I see you}.

Before you jet away (or head to your backyard), set up an “out of office” message on your voicemail & email auto-responder. And I cannot stress this enough. ONLY take calls if a real emergency arises. Tell your team to call when the biz is on fire {JK, but for real, emergency only} and give your clients plenty of notice that you’ll be MIA.

16. Move it or lose it

Here’s the thing. The body & mind you have? They’re the only ones you get. EVER. So, whether you choose to treat them like a Porsche 911 or a 78 Cadillac Sedan DeVille is up to you — but you only get one go-round.

No one is saying growing a business is easy. It’s not. But when you shove your mental & physical well-being to the back-burner the effects are felt within your shop as well. Try and stick with a simple daily routine that keeps your body active and your mind sharp:

Keep a regular sleep schedule
Move your body
Meditate (even for five minutes)
Try breathing exercises to reduce stress & anxiety {I mean, not that we have anything to be anxious about this year, amirite??}
Practice gratitude

Don’t put pressure on yourself to keep your daily routine the same as you (& your business grow). If it feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole – make a change — sub in another activity that makes you feel empowered and stoked to get into your day.

Your best daily routine for a healthy life is personal. Don’t be thrown off course by the latest trends or well-meaning *barf* celebrity advice. Cultivate your daily rituals and use them to live your best life.

How do you find your balance?

Now that we’ve explored how to keep you *right-side-up* — hiccups and all — is there anything you’d like to add?

We’d love to know the lessons you’ve learned so far on your business-building journey. We can guarantee there’s another small business owner out there who’s struggling to find the answer to a problem YOU’VE already solved.

Drop your *how to* in the comments below . We can’t wait to hear from you.

6 Ways to Decimate Last-Minute Appointment Cancellations

Emma Boshart — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:52:36 +0000

We start out with the best of intentions. “Today is going to be a glorious day!”

Muahahaha. Famous last words.

Less than thirty-three minutes before your first client is set to walk through the front door, your phone buzzes:

“I’m not coming in — sorry.”

You cannot be serious.

As you slowly breathe in and out, trying to recall why you started this business in the first place, it hits you like a bolt of lightning — there has to be a better way.

Last-minute cancellations are the bane of a shop owner’s existence. Unpredictable, soul-sucking, and resentment-inducing. Yet—*not-a-necessary-part-of-doing-business.*

And preventing appointment cancellations isn’t the labor-intensive nightmare you’re picturing. Put appointment cancellations to bed with these 6 tips:

How to prevent appointment cancellations with a clear policy
Send appointment reminders for each booking
Make it simple for clients to reschedule online appointments
Require up-front deposits
Show gratitude
Keep an eye out for warning signs

1. How to prevent appointment cancellations with a clear policy

Your cancellation policy will be personal to your shop so it needs to state clearly in allllll the places. Make it super visible to your clients—here are a few places to get you started:

Website
In-shop
Receipts/invoices
Online booking page

Wondering what the *standard* cancellation window is for a last-minute policy? Unfortunately, there is no ONE multi-industry *norm*(sorry).

For a hair salon, it may look like: “please give us 24-hours notice if unable to make your appointment time,” whereas for a tattoo shop it could be 72 hours. There are a few different factors that go into determining this—the top consideration being:

How long will it take to fill the spot?

Using your services, target market and business model come up with a last-minute cancellations policy that’ll work best for you. And if your clients don’t provide the agreed-upon notice, they’ll be charged for your full service at their next visit.

2. Send appointment reminders for each booking

Your clients have busy lives. In 2020, that’s only increased in the strangest of ways. Many are working from home for the first time, while simultaneously looking after their kids and dealing with the daily stress of a little thing called COVID. So, it’s not surprising if their physiotherapy appointment time (booked three weeks ago) isn’t front of mind.

Enter the appointment scheduling software reminder.

There are a couple of effective ways you can do this:

Email confirmations & reminders

If you use an appointment scheduling app your clients will automatically receive two kinds of emails:

booking confirmation emails (these are sent to clients immediately after a booking is made)
reminder emails (these are sent to your clients’ email address before their booking).

With some providers (*cough* Bookedin) you can add a custom message from your shop as a great way to enhance your customer service. Write a friendly thank you note, including parking instructions, a survey link, details about your cancellation policy, or something specific that suits your business—is the perfect way to create a connection on your first interaction!

BONUS: These custom client email messages can be set for specific services as well.

Text messages/SMS reminders

Reality is, a lot of your clients’ inboxes are gonna be jam-packed. That’s when a friendly text message will help your clients stay organized and decimate last-minute cancellations & no-shows.

Automated text messages to your clients will keep them on track, here’s an example of what they might receive:

Immediately when the appointment gets booked
X days before appointment reminder
If the appointment gets rescheduled
If the appointment gets canceled
A few hours before appointment reminder

For all the details around Bookedin’s text messaging flow, click here.

3. Make it simple for clients to reschedule online appointments

If it takes over three and a half minutes for your client to figure out how to contact you… they’re likely gonna ghost if things go sideways in their day. Between teaching their kids algebra through gritted teeth, having to double back cause they forgot their mask (again) and having to wait in a *new-ride-at-Disneyland-length* line to buy groceries—they don’t have the time or the patience to search out your contact info to rebook an appointment.

MAKE. IT. EASY. Last-minute cancellations are brutal… but you know what’s even worse? No shows.

With online appointment scheduling, you’ll have a booking link you can add to your Instagram & Facebook. A calendar you can embed or link to on your website and multiple reminders that include handy links for canceling or rescheduling at your clients’ convenience. Ahhhh. A simplified scheduling process.

4. Require up-front deposits (or it’s a no on booking)

There’s no better feeling than looking at your calendar Monday morning and seeing every slot fully booked. So it’s devastating when you see team members sitting around (who should be happily serving clients) because their clients have canceled at the last minute. Not only are they disheartened with their loss of income, but everyone is frustrated knowing they could have filled those spots with *eager-to-show-up* clients.

Well, have no fear, up-front deposits are here.

The most effective strategy for addressing clients who cancel appointments last-minute is requiring up-front deposits for your services. Whether it’s a partial or full amount, with online appointment booking you can require your clients to pay with a credit card before they book. If they show up for their appointment or cancel within a time frame designated by you, they don’t lose out on their deposit. But, if they *no show* or cancel at the last minute, the up-front deposit acts as a *cancellation fee.*

This makes sure you’re not out hundreds of dollars come appointment day… without another client to fill the open spot.

5. Show gratitude

Sure it might sound a little *woo* but it works. If you’re not treating your clients with the utmost respect and appreciation… why would they go out of their way to show it to you? It might sound harsh, but we’re living in outrageous times, with a bajillion things pulling our attention and focus in different directions. To harness even a tiny piece of that you need to show you’re attempting to build a genuine connection with your clients.

Not sure how? Here are a few quick ideas that’ll make you stand out like the superstar you are:

Send out a small birthday gift to your VIP clients (ex. a gift card to Starbucks)
Write a blog post expressing gratitude to your client base
Offer a discounted service for every “100th” client booked
Donate to a charity in one of your loyal clients *honor*
Make sure you reply to all of your client’s questions with a genuine response (i.e., social media, email, blog comments)
Use your client notes (it’s more than just contact information) to keep track of the details in your client’s life that is important (What do they like to do in their spare time? Do they have any important dates coming up (birthday)? Are they obsessed with cats?)

This list could go on forever, but you get the picture. The more you try to connect on a human level (and succeed), the more difficult it will be for your clients to cancel last-minute knowing how it’ll negatively impact you and your business.

6. Keep an eye out for warning signs

Humans are forgetful

This isn’t so much a warning sign as it is human nature. We’re forgetful and occasionally plan other events or *gasp* appointments into the same time slot… and don’t remember until the last minute. That can be a call for grace if it’s a long-term client who is overwhelmed and is genuinely remorseful or time to cut the cord if this is a regular occurrence. Only you can tell. The best you can do is put the systems in place (text/email reminders, up-front deposits) and roll with it.

(You might be *eek) Low priority

A *just-scheduled* Zoom meeting with the boss pops up or the kids forgot they had a project that needs to be finished for tomorrow at 8 am… suddenly those highlights don’t seem so important… no matter how long your beloved client has been in quarantine.

Money, money, money, money… MONEY!

Not everyone’s cup runneth over. The A/C goes caput in 107-degree heat, or the brakes go on the car and your client is now out of the black and into the red—right before your scheduled appointment.

Embarrassment/Hesitation

This is massive in the fitness, personal training & psychology sphere. And not just for * first-time clients.* Sure, it’s difficult to show up for that first class, or the first session out of *fear of the unknown,* but your clients might be afraid they haven’t lived up to their end of the bargain in future sessions (didn’t get their work-outs in, weren’t able to fill out their journal exercises)… often that’s more than enough to cause last-minute cancellations.

Unreliable transportation

#relatable. Whether it’s a bus, car, Uber, or subway—the unpredictable can happen. Maybe your bus doesn’t show up, it’s full or you miss it by a millisecond, but that means you’ll now be half an hour late… and now what do you do? Cancel. Last. Minute.

Do you feel ready to prevent last-minute appointment cancellations?

It may not be realistic to cross your toes and pray for a utopia where 100% of your clientele show up for their appointments 365 days of the year.

After all… life happens. {2020 has been a swift kick in the *you-know-what* to remind us of that.}

How Twistid Ink Uses Bookedin’s Automation to Eliminate Overwhelm

Emma Boshart — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 11:00:04 +0000

Meet Elisha Belden, co-owner of Twistid Ink

Three years ago, alongside her award-winning tattoo artist husband Danny Belden, Elisha opened Twistid Ink. Their Inverness, FL tattoo shop combines their love of historical tattoo culture with the clean, simplistic atmosphere that celebrates the future of the art form.

On top of her daily duties as a shop owner, Elisha is the social media manager of TattooAwards, a content creator at tattoo.com and marketing manager at Saniderm. Phew.

Why Twistid Ink chose Bookedin for their tattoo booking app

After trying 30 (yes, 30) online schedulers, Elisha settled on Bookedin as their booking software. The biggest thing for Twistid Ink was having the ability to turn off the live scheduler. Elisha didn’t want her clients to schedule their own appointments, which can be a little tricky in the tattoo industry.

The second big feature Bookedin had was email customization. Elisha could change send times, frequency & whether they sent to email or mobile.

Finally, the fact she could put links right into the emails sealed the deal. That’s why Twistid Ink settled on Bookedin.

How tattoo appointment scheduling software changed Elisha’s life

When Elisha decided to switch to a tattoo booking app, two things changed immediately.

1 — Elisha found freedom. Automating her confirmation & reminder emails opened up time slots she didn’t know existed.

2 —Twistid’s vibe leveled up. With automation, the tattoo shop eliminated scheduling/reminder hiccups immediately found the professional feel they’d been searching for. Elisha told us it was *this feeling* was the reason they started sending emails in the first place. In Elisha’s words

“Everything was taken care of for us and it gave Twistid Ink a really professional vibe from the outside.”

You can read our full interview with Elisha Belden below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Twistid Ink (@twistid_ink) on Jul 17, 2020 at 10:00am PDT

Tell me a little bit about how your shop got started.

So, I myself, am not a tattoo artist, my husband is. He’s been working for about 15 years, give or take, and in other smaller shops in our area. I was in retail business management, I did area management, multi-store management, things like that.

It just kinda came down to, we weren’t thrilled with how things were operating where he was, and given my background and his background, we thought it was a great fit to open our own place. So we did. And we were incredibly pleased with the result.

We run it a little bit differently than a typical walk-in shop. It’s more boutique-style, more personal, one-on-one. And from the day we opened (just over three years ago), we were already booked out almost a month in advance. So it’s just been that way ever since, so it’s worked well.

What challenges were you experiencing in your business that led you to look for a solution like Bookedin?

When we first opened, I was manually doing all of our appointment reminder emails. I found it was really important for clients to have that information. So I was sending a confirmation that they had booked, they were getting a 24-hour appointment reminder, and then I was also sending out email links to different articles on tattoo.com. Those emails talked about how to prepare for your appointment, what to do beforehand, and tips for people new to getting tattoos, just so they had that information.

As we started getting busier, and these emails started getting more and more frequent, that was pretty much what I was spending my day doing. It was really hard to keep up. And then on the weekends, if we had appointments for Monday, I’d have to remind myself, “Okay. I’m at my kid’s softball game, but I gotta stop and send this email real quick.”

So I started looking for schedulers. I went through, I don’t know, 30 different websites before I stopped on Bookedin?

What made you choose BookedIn over other products on the market?

The biggest thing for me was that I had the ability to turn off the live scheduler, so I didn’t have to let my clients schedule their own appointments, which can be a little tricky in our industry. So that was one big feature.

The second big feature was that I could customize the reminder emails that went out. I could change the time frame that they sent out, how many times they were sent out and whether it went to email or mobile. Those were two of the big things, but the fact that I could go in and put links into these emails was a really big solidifier for me because it meant I could also then automate the reminder email with the links to how to prepare for your tattoo. So that’s why I decided to settle on Bookedin.

What specific improvements have you seen as a result of using Bookedin?

My time being freed up is a huge deal. I can just go ahead, plug the client in right when I’m setting up their initial appointment. And from there, their information is stored there. I have their email saved; I have their phone number saved, so it’s kinda like an address book for when I’m on the go as well because I have the mobile app and desktop.

It helped free up so much time for me, not having to copy and paste every single one of these emails. It was already automated and in there. And then the fact that the customers, on their end, were getting these reminders. I heard a lot of positive feedback about the reminders because I have it set to send two different ones.

So, we got a lot of positive feedback from clients on that, “Oh, hey. Thanks for reminding me.” And the fact that they can confirm their appointment through email helped as well.

Yeah, the biggest thing is it gave the shop a more professional feel, which is why we sent emails in the first place, instead of just, “Hey. This is your appointment. Have a good day. See you in two weeks,” kind of thing. Having emails going out makes it more clinical and more one on one. So it’s more like a doctor’s office versus just a regular tattoo shop. And that was a really big thing, being able to automate that process. There weren’t any hiccups. I didn’t forget anybody or anything like that. It was all taken care of and gave us this really professional vibe from the outside.

What would you tell other tattoo shops who are experiencing similar challenges like you were?

The biggest thing is just to be organized. Using programs like Bookedin really helps. When you’re starting out, you don’t wanna spend money on subscription fees and programs, but these things really do help your business.

It frees up your own time, it takes the “Oops” out of it. And it’s worth every penny you put into it. Just do a couple of free trials, find the programs that work for you. And that goes for your booking, your scheduling of social media, all those different programs. That’s my best advice to any business owner, is to try to automate your business as much as possible.

Do you have anything else to add?

The only thing I can say is that I’ve done the legwork, I’ve gone through all these different schedulers. If you’re looking to get an appointment scheduler or whether you’re looking to have your clients book your appointments for themselves, Bookedin is definitely the way to go.

It’s the most seamless, and it’s the least confusing program out there. It’s really simplified and easy, but so professional, all in one shot. So if you’re looking, just skip right to Bookedin. It’s the best one on the market.

The Must-Have Guide To Booking More Makeup Clients

Emma Boshart — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 11:00:37 +0000

What would it mean to your business if you were booking more makeup clients?

Whether it’s graduating from side hustle to full-time or adding another artist to your shop. A quick look around the industry reveals the opportunities are there.

We’re not saying it’s easy. If it was, part of the job wouldn’t be whipping out a #217 at the crack of dawn making yet another bridezilla’s dream day a reality.

But, small changes can lead to powerful outcomes. Let’s take a look at 17 ways you can begin booking more makeup clients today.

Bring your makeup brand into alignment
Stake claim in your confidence
You’re only as talented as your latest update
Build a consistent online presence
Let’s talk about Instagram
It’s time to take a chance on YouTube…
Book more makeup clients with a beauty salon appointment app
Create a showstopping website
Find a cause you love and donate your time
Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals
Form local partnerships to book more makeup clients
Build Industry Referrals
The secret to booking more makeup clients? Talk to everyone. (seriously. EVERYONE)
Networking in the time of Corona
Start collecting email addresses ASAP
Automate your follow-ups
Go above & beyond without hesitation
Bonus—Makeup in the time of COVID (pre & post-shutdown)

1. Bring your makeup brand into alignment

In 2020, the likelihood of you already having a presence on social media is pretty high. So, if you want to start booking more makeup clients, a makeover of your *digital brand* is the perfect place to start. If it’s been a hot minute since you’ve audited your online self… there’s no time like the present. Dig into how you come across on Instagram, Facebook… and Twitter {← dare I ask}.

Ask yourself:

Is this a good representation of my brand?
What do I want my clients to see?
Are my brand values coming through?
What message am I sending?

One of the greatest things about being a makeup artist is—you’re an artist. Your style is always evolving. You have the opportunity to experiment daily, play with new looks, and push boundaries. This is one of a few industries where you’re embraced for being a little *weird* or *eccentric* by societal norms. Embrace the real you.

The quickest way to build a following (that could turn into booking more makeup clients) is by letting your freak flag fly. Authenticity builds real connections… and stands out on feeds fraught with fakeness. As long as your brand is sending the message, vibe & representation you’re proud of to potential clients… go with it.

Play. Experiment. Be you.

2. Stake claim in your confidence

There’s nothing more magnetic than an artist who’s confident. It’s terrifying to sit in the chair of a MUA with shaking hands as they attempt a cat-eye with fluidline.*

Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses —then work daily to improve them. Spend time reflecting on what makes you special. Where do your talents lie? Can you put lashes on in your sleep? Are you the king of a matte red lip? Use these standout abilities to build a solid base of self-confidence. Trust me—you’re gonna need it. Effective self-promotion starts with a gold star perception of yourself. Start making deposits into your *brag jar* now.

*full disclosure, this was totally me. Cat-eye and fluid line with a #210 was my nemesis.

3. You’re only as talented as your latest update

Let’s suppose you’ve been a makeup artist for ten years. A lot has changed over the last decade. When was the last time you updated your online portfolio? Makeup is very visual, and whether you’re applying for a spot in a beauty salon or updating your site, you’ll need high-quality—*of-this-decade* photos.

If you’re panicking at the thought of putting together a portfolio {hi newbie!}, there are many ways to figure it out. Your first step is finding a team of collaborators you can work alongside to create art:

Ask other makeup artists, teachers, or creators (photographers, stylists, hair stylists) in your area if they can recommend you or if they have any recommendations.
Get online. There are many sites where you can register as a makeup artist to connect with other creatives and models for shoots. {One of the most well-known platforms to register your work on is ‘Model Mayhem’}
Social media is also an incredible way to find creative collaborators—seriously, it’s NEVER been easier to connect and build your portfolio.

Your online work is going to be your first impression, whether you’re brand new, or an industry veteran { ← well, unless you’re Pat McGrath or Sir John… then you get a pass}. Show off your skills with a portfolio that accurately reflects your brand. Get ready to start booking more makeup clients.

4. Build a consistent online presence

There’s never been an easier, more affordable time to promote yourself to a mass audience than 2020. The catch? You’ve gotta be consistent. It’s not a *set it & forget it* kinda vibe. Step one in booking more makeup clients on social media is engagement.

You’d be shocked at the amount of MUA’s that skip this step. Yet with the overcrowding in the market, you must set yourself apart from your competition. Sticking to a schedule of posting once a day is ideal—but if that’s too much, aim to post every other day.

Why the schedule?

Visibility: You stay front of mind. When your followers need their makeup done for their next event or if they have a friend in need—you’re who they turn to.
Growth: Algorithm baby. This is how you get new followers! {and eventually, start booking more makeup clients}

The beauty of social media is you’re able to connect with potential clients in a non-salesy format. When you’re posting three to four times a week, it’s easy to drop a “book your online makeup appointment now” post in… without feeling icky. You have the power to steer your brand in whatever direction feels good to you.

Now that you have a clear picture of what an ideal social plan looks like, how does your current account measure up? Ask yourself these three questions from your clients’ point of view while you review your social platforms/website:

What does she do?
How can she help me?
And why should I care?

If the answers to these questions are clear, and you have images (or videos) that back up the theme of your page— there’s a good chance your potential client will “follow” you, stick around, and hear what you have to say. If not, POOF! — you’ve missed an opportunity for a future makeup booking.

5. Let’s talk about Instagram

Your potential clients are spending the majority of their free time on their phones, doom-scrolling through Insta. When you have posts showing off your makeup skills & client transformations, they’ll wanna see what you’re putting out next. If by chance that prospective client is on the hunt for a makeup artist pronto, those videos and images might land you a message asking for more details about your work and rates.

When using Instagram as a way to book more makeup clients don’t forget to:

Have a link in your bio sending them to you online booking page
Use personality-driven language in each post to engage
Have a mix of clear images & entertaining videos
Include local tags to increase the odds of local clients finding you
Optimize your IG bio to attract your target client (150 characters max)
Point potential clients to your booking link in every post!

Instagram is the perfect place to play up the personality of your brand

The key to winning the internet? Be human. Sounds simple, but many *brands* switch off their humanity when they get online. Instagram is the perfect place for makeup artists to show off their creative skills and their personality.

If you want to book more makeup clients you need to build up that know, like and trust factor first—Instagram lets you speed up that process in many ways:

Instagram Stories → the ideal spot to show off your personality, speak to your target audience and engage on a deeper level. With the different tools IG offers you can ask questions, take polls, go live, offer a quiz… you’re only bound by your creativity.
IGTV → Use this medium for longer video content like tutorials, lessons, behind-the-scenes, even a demonstration of your consultations. Treat IGTV as your own public broadcast channel!

For example, video content of you working, lets potential clients envision themselves in your makeup chair. Plus, they get to see you in action. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the products you love, how you apply makeup, and your personality when interacting with clients. It takes some of the uncertainty out of hiring you for a makeup job if they’ve never met you before.

Beauty clients can book online appointments via your Instagram profile

^^^ Instagram: @georgiam.makeup ^^^ Instagram: @the_lash_line

As an artist whose main goal is to book more makeup clients, the last thing you want is for a potential client to hit your Insta page, fall madly in love, and not know how to book with you. #epic fail.

The moment you decide Instagram is going to be a lead generating machine it’s time to clean up your bio — here’s how:

Sprinkle in a couple of emojis
Use upper and lower case words
Add punctuation (this could include *, !, #, parenthesis)
Explain what your business is all about, what you do and who you serve. Your main goal is to convert your ideal client to booked (150 characters max)
Add your online booking link into your bio {or as the top option in your linktr.ee}

A major bonus to overhauling your Instagram page is that unlike a website, everyone on Instagram already knows how to navigate the app. They won’t get tripped up on where to go to find your link, or how to get in touch.

Bonus: Get in on Instagram ads

Advertising on Instagram is easy, effective, and budget-friendly. You have the choice of driving traffic to your online booking page, your DM’s, or your profile. Once you’ve decided where you want to direct your potential clients, it’s all about knowing your target market.

The ads are posts you’ve already created, so it’s as simple as hitting “boost post,” and you’re all set. The more eyes you can get on your boudoir photoshoot or latest fashion spread the better! You want to get your name out there to start booking more makeup clients.

6. It’s time to take a chance on YouTube…

Credit: Alissa Ashley

Don’t be intimidated by YouTube because it seems like a Gen Z wasteland, or the place your weird Uncle goes to confirm his conspiracy theories. Makeup artists can build a devoted following on YouTube, and it’s a fantastic platform for potential clients to check out your work.

Make a plan to post videos of the niche you specialize in (translation: the types of jobs you hope to land in the future), and focus on uploading tutorials to highlight those skills.

The more you can help the *every day* person master sought after looks—the more popular your videos will become. Show prospective clients you not only have the skills as an artist but that you genuinely enjoy helping people look & feel their best. { ← it’s that know, like, trust factor again}

7. Book more makeup clients with a beauty salon appointment app

“Love it!!!! I’ve had Bookedin for over a year now and I have to say I absolutely love it. Before Bookedin I was losing clients because I couldn’t always answer the phone in my spa. Now my clients can book anytime they want online and they get confirmations and reminders. I love it and my clients love it. Highly recommend it for any business.” – Ramona Oltean, Owner, Lemoni Beauty Clinic

Has the barrage of Instagram DMs, emails, text messages & Facebook messages you’ve got coming at you from all angles vying for makeup appointment times got you feeling overwhelmed?

The quickest way to booking sanity — a beauty scheduling app. Give your makeup clients the option to book securely through Instagram, Facebook, your website, and a dedicated online booking page.

You can stop stressing about missing opportunities, unintentional double bookings { ← no one likes an angry bride}, and the constant back and forth collecting pertinent details.

Your makeup clients will have the freedom to book appointments online when it’s convenient for them—and you won’t be tied to your phone 24/7.

8. Create a showstopping website

^^^ Visit Kiss and Makeup Memphis

Long gone are the days when you could bank on making your first impression in person. In our digital world, your website is the smiling face that represents your work—and personality. Think of it as the beating heart of your online presence. All roads (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Online Appointment Booking) lead back to it.

Look at creating a blog so you can write on different topics, such as new makeup trends, events & product reviews. It’s a *kill-two-birds-with-one-stone* way to drive traffic to your site with SEO & show off your knowledge. Potential clients love authority.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should be aiming for on a website:

An updated portfolio page with clear, well-lit images
A contact form so potential clients can reach you if they have more questions
A link to online scheduling OR an embedded online booking page
Testimonials from past clients (with photos) to build your credibility
A services page that details what you offer and how you work
A URL that doesn’t look like this: www.makeupartistname.squarespace.com (buy the branded URL)

HOT TIP: Using a site builder like Squarespace gives you access to beautiful pre-designed templates that you can customize to fit your brand – and it’s perfect for those of you who are a little technophobic.

9. Find a cause you love and donate your time

Giving back to your community (when you can) has never felt more important than at this moment. There are plenty of causes in need of support, so look for one you connect with.

As a makeup artist, you have the opportunity to inspire change with your skills and to create the type of interactions and discussions you want to have in your community. Donating your time is a great opportunity to share your gift with others on an inspirational level.

Whether it’s:

Working a charity fashion show
Providing makeovers for domestic abuse survivors
Heading to *Dress for Success* to help with interview looks

The people you connect with will always remember your generosity. If that leads to recommending your work to their network (ex. booking more makeup clients) and establishing your brand image in a positive light… amazing. But do it for your community and the goodness of humanity—not for more money.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals

A lot of us were raised not to toot our own horns. It feels weird asking people to recommend us for a job—well that stops now. You’re running a business, and everyone needs to know how great you are and how you can serve them.

The next time you’re at the coffee shop, and you overhear the person behind you in line needs a boudoir MUA, get out your card, make your introduction, and ask for that referral. All it takes is one step to get the ball rolling.

For those of you who work within the beauty salon setting, or have a shop with artists that span several industries (ex. hairstylist, nail tech, lash specialist, brows); you understand referrals are the lifeblood of business.

And a little incentive never hurts.

There are numerous ways to incentivize your clients, it’s finding what works for your shop that’s key. As an example, if you serve bridal parties regularly, offer the bride 30% off their next salon visit when they refer a friend who books. Or how about a free manicure to the bride if the party is over 5 people? Whatever works best for your business combined with your target market will equal more booked makeup clients.

11. Form local partnerships to book more makeup clients

Forming partnerships with local businesses is an excellent cross-promotion. Take a bit of time and search out companies relevant to your niche (the most straightforward example would be: Bridal MUA – bridal shops, bakeries, wedding photographer, wedding planner). Once you have a list, visit each of them to see if they can pass out your business cards to brides that haven’t booked a makeup artist yet.

In exchange, you can offer a few different things:

Commission for each bride who books an appointment
Promotion to your brides for each of their businesses
Determine an equal cross-promotion

I know this might feel a little awkward in the beginning (whether you’ve been a makeup artist for years, or you’re fresh outta school)… but making connections within your community is not something everyone does. And you know how much competition is out there.

12. Build Industry Referrals

^^^ You’ve all been asked to re-create *THE KIM*

It’s all about who you know. If you’re not down to meet people and build relationships—this might not be the industry for you. Whether it’s a paying client or the hairstylist you meet on location—you need to nurture those connections so they grow into relationships.

Other makeup artists not only offer you unparalleled support {who else will understand what it’s like to explain to someone that makeup cannot turn them into Kim K… not even Kim looks like that } but as they get to know your personality, work ethic, and skill-level may also become your best lead generation.

Don’t take the myriad of people you meet *out in the world* for granted. Gather emails, phone numbers, IG handles, and stay in touch. Follow-up a meeting with a personal thank you for their connection, hold a virtual event where you invite those who’ve helped you along the way {include past clients}, and offer free mini-training as a thank you.

Use that creative brain of yours to think up ways to show appreciation while also demonstrating your skills!

13. The secret to booking more makeup clients? Talk to everyone. (seriously. EVERYONE)

Simple advice? Sure… but it works. Talk to everyone and anyone you can about what you’re doing to grow your makeup business. It’s shocking how common it is to run into someone who knows someone looking to hire a makeup artist.

There’s also a big ol’ world of events out there filled with photographers, hairstylists, salon owners, estheticians, brow specialists, other MUA’s, creative directors…the list is endless.

The catch? You need to put yourself out there if you want to meet them.

You see, the more people you meet and have meaningful conversations with—the more likely it is your name comes up as a referral.

So get out there. Sign yourself up for a spot at the next wedding expo or special event happening in your city {related to your ideal makeup client.} Take advantage of your chance to sparkle, network, and show off your talents. Expos can be a great spot to book more makeup clients as most guests attending are ready to commit. Seeing you in action can be enough to seal the deal. But, even if go as a guest, you can get a good feel for how other makeup artists in your area are using the exposure to their advantage.

Your network is like your new cheer squad. They help you develop word-of-mouth marketing for your business. And as you all know, word-of-mouth marketing is the best *bring-me-more-makeup-clients* tool you have.

SIDE NOTE: In the time of COVID-19 most expos and conventions are on hold, so this ^^^ is gonna be off the table for now. However, there are so many events that have gone virtual. You need to do a little digging to find them, but don’t give up. Your potential clients are out there, and they’re looking for you.

14. Networking in the time of Corona

Since March we’ve been living in a state of uncertainty. When are things going back to *normal?* Is it safe to go back to work?

For makeup artists, the past few months have dealt a massive blow. You have to get all up in your clients’ faces to make them look gorgeous and when ‘Rona swept in, that became impossible. On top of that, most events and weddings were put on hold or canceled.

As society tentatively re-opens, it looks like some artists are once again back out there, albeit in a completely different world. With PPE, hyper-sanitation, and generalized anxiety—a clinical air hangs over most bookings.

And what about networking?

If you’re an established artist with a client base who consistently refers new business to you—not a huge deal. However, as a newbie or even a seasoned artist in a new location—what’s the approach to networking during Corona?

Well, it looks like you’re about to get more practice with your social distancing. It’s time to start networking… social media style.

Whether you start with LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook—it’s all about getting to know new people, local businesses, other professionals—and building a better network.

Here are three things to consider when you get started:

Social media is about being *social*—that goes beyond simply *liking* a post. Start making pals on each platform by consistently leaving thoughtful comments. No more: “nice post!” or “great look!” Put a little thought into what you’re going to say. It’s about building legitimate connections.
Shout out your peers, people you admire & clients. If you’ve begun to make solid relationships with other MUA’s in your area, start there. Be genuine and share what you love about their work.
Don’t send random connection requests (Linkedin), DM’s (Instagram/Twitter), or messages (FB). Sliding into someone’s space without first creating a relationship can backfire. We’re all busy with lots on our plate—don’t add extra work—add value.

15. Start collecting email addresses ASAP

If you’re not collecting email addresses on your website… What’s holding you back? Building an email list makes it easier for you to stay in touch with past clients and increases the likelihood they’ll reach out to you with more work. It’s also a communication channel that can’t be snatched away from you.

Each time a new email address is added to your list, you’re able to hold onto that indefinitely (unless they unsubscribe). Whereas, social media platforms are controlled by the internet overlords {mostly Zucks} with the *right* to cancel your account, ban you for life, or change the algorithm—all without warning.

There’s no time like the present to create a simple email opt-in that gives your potential clients a quick win (i.e., 10 Things You Need to Have in Your Makeup Bag After 35, A 5-min Smoky-Eye Tutorial). You can follow that up with a series of 3-5 emails introducing your business, your background, and how to book a makeup appointment with you.

Make sure the emails are written the same way you speak—this helps your prospective clients connect with your personality and hook them deeper into your business. These first touchpoints will set the stage for your business going forward.

Looking to have clients hire your makeup services for round two?

Start sending out emails that link to your online booking page for upcoming sessions (ex. Holiday-themed events) or explore client loyalty programs (ex. refer-a-friend, discounts). These emails work especially well during the holiday season. Past clients are more likely to need makeup for special events or photoshoots.

16. Automate your follow-ups

“Been using Bookedin for about 3 years or so and my clients love the texts messages letting them know their appt is confirmed or if I’m on my way. I love the app because it makes my life so much easier and professional any time of the day!”- Crystal Benaim, Mobile Makeup Artist

There’s no worse feeling than getting an email ten minutes before you’re about to head out the door to a Saturday morning makeup appointment. “I’m so sorry, I forgot… I need to cancel.”

Or sitting in an empty shop waiting for the bachelorette party that never shows.

No-shows are an issue for almost every service-based business, makeup artists are no exception. Your clients may forget, find an artist they’d prefer to work with or realize they don’t have the money to get glammed up for a Saturday night out.

As a business owner, you’ve got bills to pay and a calendar to keep full — so follow-up is key. You need to keep your clients informed of your policies (late, no-show) and give them the option of rescheduling if needed.

It’s time to automate your email & text reminders.

When you transition to beauty salon appointment software you give yourself the gift of automatic email/text reminders for your clients. Your clients can reschedule (with parameters set by you) and confirm automatically.

Stop chasing your clients and start focusing on how to get more makeup clients into your chair.

17. Go above & beyond without hesitation

It’s time to sweat all the small stuff. If you want your reputation to precede you {in the best of ways}, every client needs to get the personal treatment. We all want to feel special. When you’re trying to book more makeup clients, going above and beyond isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. If you can create an unmatched client experience you have a shot at building repeat business as well as a reputation that’s built on word-of-mouth.

Here are a few ideas to start with:

Create a face chart for your client so they can recreate the look afterward
Follow up to see if they liked their makeup and how things lasted
Record what colors look best on your clients & their preferences in your client notes
Offer a glass of champagne during consultations.
Send a handwritten thank-you note, birthday card, wedding congratulations

Bonus—Makeup in the time of COVID (pre & post-shutdown)

We can’t pretend there’s not a pandemic happening right now. But… and this is a big but… it’s not going to last forever. So, rather than a guide focused on how to book more makeup clients during the shutdown, we wanted to focus on the long-term.

Now. Back to COVID-19.

The reality of someone touching your face for an extended period of time, even someone you trust {mask or no mask} can be intimidating at best & unthinkable at worst. So, how are makeup artists pivoting their businesses to serve clients & stay afloat? If an in-person makeup appointment isn’t an option, artists are moving their services online:

Online classes (individual or group)
Tutorials (zoom or IG/Facetime)
Consultations
Lessons
Free virtual beauty sessions
Decluttering makeup bags, makeup shopping

The adjustment to translating certain skills into a virtual medium comes with a new set of challenges, but MUA’s are making it work. One issue artists are running into is that makeup is a visual experience—which like it or not, often requires more guidance. So, to keep online tutorials or lessons as helpful as possible it may require a break down of each step alongside your client. *Man-in-the-mirror* style.

Whether it’s how to get a daytime look for your client’s inaugural zoom interview or the bridal look your client never expected to be doing from their horribly lit bathroom—planning is everything.

You’ll want to offer a consultation before your virtual appointment making sure your clients have the tools & products they need. Nothing is worse than getting a flawless face, impeccable shadow, and then realizing your client doesn’t have mascara to complete the look.

If you’re booking online group classes, tutorials or lessons, try to keep the looks basic. *Punch-ups* can be kept to the parts of the face that are difficult to mess up. Now’s not the time for a three-step smoky eye or perfectly lined red lip.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

Use your target market and creativity to guide you. Maybe three levels of tutorials as a package would be attractive to your clients. Or classes on different looks (daytime vs. special event). Put it out there and see who bites.

COVID-19 isn’t a situation anyone wanted, but it’s what we’ve got. If you want to continue booking makeup clients, you’ll need to think outside the box and stretch your skills more than you thought possible. But you can do it… you’re a badass.

Are you ready to start booking more makeup clients?

Whether your makeup business is ready to go from side hustle to full-time. Or, you’re rocking makeup as your day job and looking to expand, implementing any of these tips could land more makeup clients in your chair.

Do you have a tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Drop your advice in the comments below .

The Colossal Hoax of Following Your Passion

Emma Boshart — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 23:00:39 +0000

“You have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to right. If you’re not passionate enough from the start, you’ll never stick it out.” —Steve Jobs

Oh, Steve.

*Follow your passion* is a super sexy-sounding mantra. I’ll give it that.

It’s also completely devoid of direction.

You’re led to believe one day you’ll be strolling down a deserted sidewalk, when out of nowhere, BAM!

Hit with a lightning bolt from above—THIS IS WHAT I’M MEANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE!

Except, you’re not living out a scene in some b-rated Lifetime movie. This is the real world, baby. With a mountain of bills to pay and mouths to feed.

Being told to “follow your passion” by every millionaire CEO? Not helpful. It’s borderline rage-inducing.

So we’re breaking down the five colossal hoaxes that is *following your passion.* And to really drive it home, we’ll also be exploring the three main reasons you’ll find more success chasing after your talent.

Hoax #1 – All you need is enough passion

“The things I ended up being really good at were the things I found myself putting effort into. A lot of people talk about passion, but that’s really not what you need to focus on. You really need to evaluate and say, ‘Okay, where am I putting in my time?’” – Mark Cuban

If you’re nodding in agreement with Mark Cuban, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, that message ^^^ is not the status quo. {HINT: it’s more like the gag-inducing meme above}

The message blasted over the loudspeaker? “All you need is a mega dose of passion, and everything will be fine.” Sadly, untrue.

Think about it this way:

Since as far back as you can remember, you’ve been *the friend* who styles everyone’s hair before the big night out. You’ve followed every stylist under the sun on Insta. And know what’s trending before it’s mainstream. So, you think—A-HA! Styling hair. That’s is my passion.

But then you get hired at a salon. You aren’t keen on the people you work with, the pay’s meh—and the hours? Not exactly the lifestyle you’d been shooting for.

All of a sudden you’ve lost the *passion* for hairstyling.

It doesn’t require a genius IQ to realize feeling fulfilled at your job takes more than passion, it’s:

Credit: 80,000 Hours Career Guide

Work you’re good at
A career/job that helps others
Supportive conditions: engaging work that lets you enter a state of flow; supportive teammates; fair pay; and work that fits your personal life.

And I’d be letting it slide if we didn’t talk about the even darker side of blindly following your passion. You know—the one that’s spurred on by quotes like: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

I don’t know about you but when I was younger I wanted to be a rockstar, a dog and Jem from the Holograms. And I had boatloads of passion. But that didn’t get me onstage or magically turn me into a pound puppy.

Sarcasm aside, you need to consider these three things before throwing caution to the wind:

Can my passion turn into a career or business?
Am I able to perform it at a professional level? {Just because you like something doesn’t make you any good at it}
Do I want the pressure to perform at a professional level?

Spoiler alert: most of the time the answer is no. If you love playing baseball, guitar, or singing karaoke… that’s awesomesauce.

But down here in the land of *bills-gotta-be-paid-every-month,* it’s not likely going to transition to a wildly successful career. Passion or no passion.

Hoax #2 – You’ll get struck with a raging passion

Despite the hours you spend reading the latest self-help book, or click-bait blog {Turning Your Passion Project to a Seven Figure Business }… you still find yourself hunting for that internal flame.

Here’s the truth: you do have a unique combination of talents. It might take a while before you realize what they are, or how you can use them — but they’re in there.

However, if you’re waiting for a voice-over style insight about your passion—there’s a good chance you’ll be met with silence.

That’s right. No inner voice booming with *your why*. No lightning bolt that strikes or flash leaving you buzzing with an epiphany to illuminate your path forward.

That’s why it’s frustrating when legit industry leaders ask you to *go within* and listen to some all-knowing inner voice that may never appear. THE RESULT: you feel like a failure.

And you’re not alone. Many people struggle to uncover a career-relevant passion. Yet most of us have no idea what we’re passionate about, or what kind of job we could love so much it never feels like work.

Let’s say you find joy tattooing your clients, but grind your teeth when it comes to organizing the shop {appointment scheduling software, filing taxes, managing social media}. Does that mean you’re a failure for not finding a career you love completely?

No. No. No. Nope.

You are not your work. And your work is not you.

It’s possible to find work you’re passionate about… or at least parts of it. The truth is, all careers & businesses are dichotomies of passion & hate. That’s what makes life interesting.

Hoax #3 – Passion is a static state

^^^ How realistic is this

According to a recent Stanford research paper the major flaw with *following your passion* is the theory you either have a passion or you don’t. And that your passions don’t change as you move through life.

Basically, you’re living with a “fixed mindset.”

The problem with this premise is the belief you’ll either fall ass-backward into your passion or you won’t… that the discovery is kismet.

“People are often told to find their passion as though passions and interests are pre-formed and must simply be discovered.” In the end, “urging people to find their passion may lead them to put all their eggs in one basket but then to drop that basket when it becomes difficult to carry.”

In other words, chasing a singular passion tends to make you less satisfied at work. Less likely to try and overcome obstacles because—no huge shocker here—work is often challenging, exhausting, and makes you want to throw in the towel.

Not convinced? Let’s look outside of your chosen career for a moment to get some perspective.

Think back to ten years ago. What was your taste in music, movies— even food? Depending on your current age, hot dogs with ketchup may have been your go-to dinner {no judgment }. But now you most-likely have the palate of *someone-worried-about-their-health.* Things change. Your excitement for new things expands & multiples as you realize there are innumerable options out in the world.

Now, if you look back at your career what do you see?

A decade ago you were excited to rent a chair in someone else’s shop. At the beginning of your journey as a lash specialist, it seemed like the bee’s knees. #finallymadeit

But today? Well, now you’ve opened your shop and have two full-time employees. The thought of working for someone else gives you the willies. Even though dealing with the headaches of shop ownership isn’t *pop-champagne-worthy,* the trade-off is worth it.

Your *passions* are always changing. Why? Because as a creative human, you never stop evolving. You’re growing, shifting & making more informed decisions.

Hoax #4 – Following your passion will drive you to succeed

When that alarm starts blaring after another fitful night of sleep {I mean, 2020… come on}, are you all:

“Damn, I feel so PASSIONATE today!”

Is that what catapults you out of bed, ready to slay the 64th day in July? Unlikely. The reason you throw back the covers and face the day? Money, responsibility, pride, determination… I could go on for ages before landing on passion.

But the message behind the megaphone? If you want to experience life with the same vigor as a *5-year-old-on-Christmas-morning*—then the one and only answer is passion.

For argument’s sake, let’s say you’ve somehow managed to uncover a profitable passion, and you excel at it. You’re a person who loves to take photos, photographs as well as Danny Clinch and decides to make a go of it. Makes sense, right? You should have a good chance at it since you’re an incredible photographer. Your passion can be profitable, and you’re talented.

Now, here’s where things get interesting.

You’ll need to build a website, get the proper equipment, figure out how to run a business, and manage appointment scheduling. You’ll have to give up your weekends and enter an already over-saturated market. Become a master of social media and understand the art of branding to stand out. Not to mention—deal with everyone from parents to brides to babies.

Hmmm— I wonder if you considered allllll of this when you set off to pursue your *passion for photography.* After all, most of these activities, ^^^ aren’t related to photography – the skill you excel at.

You see, if you haven’t looked at the reality of pursuing your passion as a business, it’s going to hit you like a ton of bricks. And when you pair that blindspot with a fixed mindset, you’re liable to drop the dream as quickly as you picked it up… because I mean … it just wasn’t meant to be.

Hoax #5 – Passion will bring you truckloads of cash

^^^ Said the millionaire. WHO’S STILL TOURING. With ticket prices well $100.

A lot of you are *creatives* in the most successful sense of the word. Working hard to keep food on the table and shelter over your head. Because unless you have a trust fund waiting for you—a job that exists in reality—is the only way that’s going to happen.

If you choose to put your interests (AKA your *passions*) before market demands, you’re more likely to end up with a pile of bills stamped *past due* on your kitchen table than picking out your new 2022 Range Rover.

Passion projects can take years to pay off financially—if ever. You’ve heard about them all: the script that’s gonna sell, the record contract rolling in any day, or that book proposal about to get picked up.

“Passion is not something you follow. Passion is something that will follow you as you put in the hard work to become valuable to the world.” – Cal Newport

In truth, passion and profit aren’t usually aligned. The things you love to do – hobbies, rallying for causes you care about – rarely support your lifestyle. Last time I checked, they cost money. But that’s not why you feel driven to do them.

Passions are things we do to feel good inside. We do them for fun. We do them for a challenge. We don’t do them for money.

Now that we’ve covered the five hoaxes, let’s set foot back into reality with three ways you can follow your talent instead.

Reality Bites #1 – Follow your talent

“We are told that talent creates opportunity, yet it is desire that creates talent.” Bruce Lee

Raise your hand if you’ve heard this one before — “Oh you’re so lucky! You must love being able to do tattoos all the time. You loved art in high school, this must be a dream!” *replace art with doing my makeup, playing with hair, painting nails, going to the gym… get the picture?

OK, maybe not those exact words, but you catch my drift.

Trouble is, the *art* is work — grueling, back-breaking, migraine-inducing work.

Let’s look at some examples to flesh this out:

A makeup artist who gets up at 4 am on Saturday & Sunday to work for hours on sleep-deprived, anxious bridal parties.
The tattoo artist who works 8 hours a day, hunched over, tattooing clients who are squirming in pain.
The hairstylist whose hand cramps, feet hurt, and spends too much time picking hair slivers out of her hand during a 10-hour shift.
A photographer who sees a never-ending lineup of screaming toddlers because *Santa Mini Sessions* pay the bills
The barber who’s so busy he barely has enough time between clients to eat lunch

None of these ^^^ people love doing the work. Yet, each of them has this itch to keep going. A need to grow.

Improving at a skill is rewarding. There’s joy in being good at something—and the quickest way to find fulfillment is to follow your talent {← not your passion}. If you do something well and combine that with your clients’ needs—you’ll never run out of business. #winner

Here’s how the *real world* works. The more skilled you become, the more your services will be in demand. It’s not a measurement of your *passion.* Clients will clamor for appointments based on your talent. Staff will line up for a spot in your shop because you offer a welcoming environment. Your power comes from your dedication to improving your skills.

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is one key to setting yourself up for success. Ask yourself:

What am I good at?
What are the majority of people complimenting me on?
What personality traits do I have?
Can I use this as a competitive advantage?
What are my natural abilities?

The sooner you start playing to your strengths, the more time you’ll have to build your competitive advantage and set yourself apart.

Reality Bites #2 – Make passion follow you

^^^ I think we could all use another Foo Fighters video right now.

Since the birth of social media you’ve been bombarded with *Chase your passion, not your pension* or *If you want to be successful in this world you need to chase your passion, not your paycheck.* And countless other *poke-my-eye-out-now* quotes.

All bullsh*t.

What kind of life do you want to live? Think hard about that one. Where do you want to lay your head at night? How do you want to spend your weekends? Do you want to go on vacation every year?

These questions matter.

Focus on developing a passion, not following one. Find a way to meet the needs of others while meeting your own. That’s what will give your work meaning. Passion may never be the foundation of your career… but it might be its outcome.

When you design your life, you can make your passion follow you.

Want full control over your hours & holidays? Be your own boss. Get a grasp on your strengths {and weaknesses}, prioritize your life, and get to work. Your passion for the work you end up doing will grow as you progress.

You can craft your career to spend more time engaged in the tasks you enjoy. Doing so makes you curious and forces you to grow your strengths. Work with a team that inspires you. Build a business that supports the life you envision—whether that means sticking to a mapped out plan, or pivoting when your needs change.

Reality Bites #3 – Make peace with the real world

This is only gonna hurt a little.

There are going to be days when you’ll hate your career. Work can be unrelenting, boring AF, and clients—more than a little frustrating. But ask yourself this—when did you sign a contract saying your business would be *sunshine and roses* 24/7?

And if you’re somehow able to unlock this magical *passion* within you & combine it with a profitable career… you’re not off the hook yet either. Even if you love what you do, it still feels like work. Pushing toward the one thing you’re passionate about means you have everything to lose. So make peace with the ups and downs.

HOT TIP: You don’t have to love what you do. Liking your work is perfectly fine. Don’t get lost in a false narrative—embrace the reality.

Are you ready to stop living your life based on a bumper sticker?

Want to love what you do? Pick something interesting. Pick something that’ll make you money—something that keeps you curious and creates the lifestyle you crave.

Then crank it up to eleven.

Work your butt off. Don’t stop improving your skills. Use the feeling you get from the small victories as motivation to keep moving forward.

This is how you get to do what you love.

It’s not about following your *passion.* It’s about looking for opportunities to build a life that makes you happy. The passion for your work will follow.

How to Get More Tattoo Clients—The Ultimate Guide

Emma Boshart — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:00:59 +0000

Ahh, the age-old question. How to get more tattoo clients?

OK, maybe it’s not the exact question that’s been floated around the last hundred years, but you get the picture.

From building a brand to scheduling appointments to scoring rave reviews… the battle to stand out among a throng of tattoo shops is tough.

So, rather than continuing to throw spaghetti at the wall hoping something, anything, sticks—this ultimate guide gives you a strategy.

Get a step-by-step breakdown on how to get more tattoo clients through your shop door minus the industry jargon and over-complicated tactics. The road to getting more appointment bookings begins here .

19 Ways to Get More Tattoo Clients:

Create a welcoming environment
Build your tattoo brand
Focus in on your signature style {by saying no}
Nail your portfolio
Have a clear marketing strategy
Social Media is a *must-have*
Not sure how to get more tattoo clients? Start with a website.
Make the move to online scheduling
Mind your *word of mouth*
Ask for more referrals
Business cards aren’t dead
Attend conventions {ya know…when it’s safe again}
Partner up with a cause
Have a client communication strategy
Put down the paper & pen
Automate your reminders
Ask for reviews
Update your public profiles
Keep learning

1. Create a welcoming environment

Your goal should be a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere the moment clients walk into your shop. If they feel intimidated when they stroll through those front doors, you’ll miss any opportunity to share your talent.

That’s not to say you need to give up who you are to bring in more tattoo clients. You want an experience that’s authentic to both your industry and who you are as an artist while still keeping in mind the comfort level of the clients you’re targeting.

The level of detail is up to you. You can dive into what color you paint the walls, the music you’re playing, and the art that’s displayed. The sky’s the limit here.

2. Build your tattoo brand

An entire blog post could be written about how to build your brand, but we’ll stick to the basics. If you’re looking into how to get more tattoo clients it’s all about consistency. The way you present your shop is important, whether that be on social media, your website, or IRL… it’s what determines the type of client you’ll attract.

If you’re opening your first shop, think about the type of clients you want to come through the door. Even if you have artists with all types of artistic niches, don’t let your branding become wishy-washy. Make your shop name easy to remember, have a logo that encompasses the vibe & feel {not just the *look* of your brand}, and aim for brand consistency. You want every touch-point to be instantly recognizable as *your shop* so potential clients build trust with you over time.

3. Focus in on your signature style {by saying no}

Having a shop with one signature style is unlikely and when you’re trying to beat out your competition, not in your best interest. What you’re looking for are artists who’ve honed in on their signature styles. To fill up your online appointment schedule day after day you need artists on your roster who know their strengths and their weaknesses.

If they’re unaccustomed to saying no to potential clients because a tattoo is outside their wheelhouse, they aren’t the best fit for your shop. After all, being known as a shop with specialists is a good thing. Tattoos are a lifelong commitment. Clients need to know the artist putting that piece on their body has chosen to dedicate their career to learning one discipline.

The faster you understand your niche, the quicker you’ll attract clients your shop is stoked to have booking appointments. That’s not to say that the going is tough when you first open a shop. It certainly can be. But if you want to be *custom* only, does it make sense to take clients’ begging for pieces off Pinterest *as-is*? Not really.

Sure, in the beginning, it’s going to hurt. But in the end, you’ll have a client list full of people you’re stoked to have in your shop. Not to mention a group of artists excited to come to work.

4. Nail your portfolio

This is true for every artist in your shop. Online & offline you want your portfolio to be representative of your current work… not from ten years ago. On top of that, spend a little bit of time figuring out how to take a picture that reflects the houuurrrss of sweat that went into the piece. Lighting, angles & clarity make a massive difference. The greatest tattoo can look beginner if you’re unsure how to capture it. No bueno when you’re looking to book more tattoo clients.

5. Have a clear marketing strategy

Let’s face it. In 2020, if you’re not online in some capacity you don’t exist. Is that fair? Absolutely not. But it’s the truth. You don’t need to be everywhere, all the time. Spreading yourself too thin will only produce a watered-down mess of your shop, your brand, and your art. So, pick a couple of platforms you enjoy, commit to a posting schedule, and hop to it. You’re shooting for progress over perfection here… but if you don’t start now, your shop & your talent will be invisible.

6. Social Media is a must-have

We’re all blessed {*cough* cursed} with teensy computers we carry around in our pockets day in and day out. Use this as a way to mainline your art to potential clients. Not only will you gain exposure for your work & your shop, but it’s an effective way to build relationships with current ones.

Instagram is a visual place you can use to keep things interesting by sharing engaging content. Invite your followers to like, comment, and share your posts. Mix in *behind the scenes* video so potential clients get a feel of what the in-shop atmosphere is like. But go further. Support other parts of the tattoo industry, give shout-outs to fellow artists, take your video *on the road* to events… GET SOCIAL!

Instagram is also a great place to let your current and potential clients know how they can book appointments with you. If you’ve moved past pen & paper bookings into the online scheduling world… let them know. With an ever-changing algorithm, you never know who’s seen what post. Make sure you’re reminding your followers how to book appointments through Instagram every time.

You can also add your booking link to your Instagram bio. It’s as easy as following these steps:

Edit Instagram Profile
Edit Website
Enter your booking link URL
Done

7. Not sure how to get more tattoo clients? Start with a website.

The Arts Corporation

Does your shop have a website? If you’re wondering how to get more tattoo clients, this is one of the most effective ways. Having a website adds credibility to your brand/business which builds trust and authority. When a new client is looking for a tattoo artist they’ll likely do one of three things:

Ask a friend for a referral
Google: who’s the best tattoo artist in their city
Google: what is the best tattoo shop in their city

If they ask a friend and your shop name comes up… awesomesauce. But the next step isn’t usually a call to book an appointment. It’s opening up the laptop (or the iPhone) to google your shop. If you don’t have a web presence or it’s an Insta page with 14 crummy pics…you’re quickly losing credibility.

Here’s what you should be aiming for on a website:

An updated portfolio page for each artist at your shop along with a bio
A contact form so potential clients can reach you if they have more questions
A link to online scheduling OR an embedded online booking page
Testimonials from past clients (with photos) to build your credibility
Branding that matches your aesthetic
A URL that doesn’t look like this: www.tattooshop.squarespace.com (buy the branded URL)

8. Make the move to online scheduling

Are you currently scheduling your tattoo appointments with a pen & paper? Or is it a mishmash of Instagram DMs, emails, and text messages?

If you’re wondering how to book more tattoo clients… make the move to tattoo booking software. Give your clients the option to book securely through Instagram, Facebook, your website, and a dedicated online booking page.

You can stop stressing about artist availability, double bookings, and no-shows. Clients have the freedom to can book appointments online when it’s convenient for them. Win-win.

9. Mind your word of mouth

Now, word of mouth is not something you can *control* per se, but you can encourage it. With current clients being literal walking billboards for your shop you need to give them something to rave about. Your team can make sure each tattoo appointment is dialed in on all accounts—from the tattoo to client service to the follow-up.

Great experience travels fast… terrible ones travel even faster.

10. Ask for more referrals

Don’t let your fear of feeling awkward AF stand in the way of asking your clients for referrals. Think it through first and then forge ahead. You don’t want to ask alllll of your clients to send you their friends… only the ones you love working on. And for them, well, they deserve a reward, right? Maybe a discount, or an incentive of some sort for sharing the love? Whatever works most authentically for your tattoo shop.

11. Business cards aren’t dead

Alright, business cards. It’s kind of like email. They’ve been declared DEAD more times than can be counted, and yet, if you get caught empty-handed at a convention or the coffee shop… oof. You won’t make that mistake twice.

If you feel too much like you’re Uncle carrying around business cards (and I beg you to think twice… you can get any style you like nowadays), then grab some stickers. When you tour around a convention, stickers range from shop logos to the artists’ work to a representation of the causes they believe in (like Jason Dunn with #fuckanxiety). Having a visual representation of yourself (and/or your shop) makes you memorable.

And remember, according to branding lure a potential client needs to see you at least 7 times before they feel confident enough to take the next step. (<– that’s booking an online appointment)

12. Attend conventions {ya know…when it’s safe again}

It’s great to spend time figuring out how to get more tattoo clients but you NEED to build relationships with other artists as well. Not only to keep yourself from going nuts {everyone needs a solid group to lean on that just *gets* them} but having a group of industry pals can also pack your shop.

The tattoo industry {like makeup & hair} runs on recommendations. If you build the right relationships, with the right people it can change your life. But to be clear, you need to be genuine and in this for the right reasons. An artist who’s looking to make *connections* can be spotted a mile away (in any industry) and that makes you immediately untrustworthy.

So, head to conventions looking to build relationships—not grow your business—when it comes to other artists. Here are a few other ways conventions are beneficial to your shop:

Guest artists → you have the opportunity to scope out other tattoo artists and see if they’d be a welcome addition at your shop as a way to entice new clients… or, maybe another shop will see you and think the same.

Writers & publishers → while most outlets go to conventions with interviews already set, you might get lucky and be approached to be featured in an upcoming publication.

Clients → thousands of tattoo lovers attend conventions. Some to get work done that day, others to peek into the lifestyle and many to scope out what’s available for the future.

13. Partner up with a cause

What changes do you want to see in your community? Start there and look into how your tattoo shop can help. Whether it’s sponsoring a local 5 km race to raise money for ALS or donating a portion of the day’s sales to a local charity you feel strongly about.

There are no downsides to becoming a good neighbor.

This one isn’t about getting mad publicity or being recognized for what you do. Being an upstanding public citizen feels good…again, there’s no disadvantage to kindness & good karma.

14. Have a client communication strategy

If you’re staring at a half-empty online appointment calendar wondering how to get more tattoo clients… it’s time to go back to the beginning. Client communication strategy. From the moment a client books a tattoo appointment until they leave a review… how are they feeling? Is the process as seamless as possible—or, are your potential clients hitting roadblocks preventing them from booking?

When you look at the journey your client takes from the very first interaction they have with your shop it’ll help you identify any possible shortcomings. Go through your entire booking process. Literally, take the steps (whether that’s physically or electronically). When you step into the shoes of your client it will give you an entirely new perspective that you can use to improve your client service.

15. Put down the paper & pen

It can be intimidating to move from a tattoo scheduling process you’ve always known. The one your artists and clients are familiar with. But, what if that booking process is beginning to show cracks… signs of wear at the seams. A double-booking here, a missed reminder there. No-shows leaving your top artists twiddling their thumbs with $0 days.

When is enough… enough.

Angel Caban, owner, Guardian Art Gallery told us this when we recently interviewed him:

“Everything we did was by hand, so appointments were held in a notebook by hand in calendars on computers, and everything was scattered all over the place. Nice thing about Bookedin, it was all in one, so I was able to make my appointments and to even take payments, so everything came together all in one, which was really nice.”

A booking app is just about the organization, up-front payments & convenience it gives you. Your clients get to book appointments online without having to create an account (when it’s convenient for them) and receive automated reminders in the places they’re checking every day anyway {hint: it’s not voicemail}.

16. Automate your reminders

No-shows are an issue for most service-based businesses, tattoo shops are no exception. Your clients might forget, get called into work, or have a bill come due and find themselves strapped for cash.

As empathetic as you are to those scenarios, you have bills to pay and spots to keep full at your shop so follow-up is key. You need a way to keep your clients informed of your policies (late, no-show) and also give them the option of rescheduling if needed.

Enter: email and text reminders.

When you take your shop from pen & paper to online scheduling you give yourself the gift of automatic email/text reminders for your clients. Your clients can reschedule (with parameters set by you) and confirm automatically.

Stop chasing your clients and start focusing on how to get more tattoo clients through the door.

17. Ask for reviews

When was the last time you checked out a new business (let’s say a restaurant) without first digging into reviews? Maybe I’m old school, but even when I’m digesting them with a big pinch of salt… I still want to hear what past clients have to say.

That’s why it’s imperative you’re asking clients to leave reviews. Whether that’s on Google, tagging you on pics they post via Instagram or giving you a testimonial for your website (don’t forget to ask for a picture). You want your clients to be shouting your tattoo shop and artists’ names from the rooftops (electronic and physical)!

But you’re gonna have to ask for it… as a species, we’re less likely to leave a review for a positive experience than a negative one. So blow your clients away and then explain to them how beneficial a little love for your shop will be.

18. Update your public profiles

We’ve covered this briefly but it’s worth mentioning again. Unless you’re *famous,* an out of date web presence is useless. How will potential tattoo clients know if you’re still working? They aren’t going to dig around to find out… it’ll be onto the next tattoo artist who is updating their public profiles.

Take some time each week to post to your Instagram page and engage with your community. Remember, it’s called *social* media for a reason.

19. Keep learning

As a tattoo shop owner and artist, you need to stay up to date on the important updates & changes within the industry. To keep drawing in fresh clientele, you’ll need to stay up to date on techniques, equipment, and (at least) be aware of new trends. Check out upcoming brands, vendors & be aware of artists on the rise. Bare minimum? Stay excited.

Did we miss anything?

When you ask, how do I get more tattoo clients? This is how we answer. But, the reality of the industry {all industries for that matter} is they’re constantly changing.

So, we’d love to hear from you.

Let us know what your best client-attracting strategies are in the comments. We’d love to hear how you’re innovating and so would our community .

How to Build a Business that Stands Out (and Thrives)

Emma Boshart — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 12:00:56 +0000

Running a service-based business is stressful.

And this year?

Well, let’s agree, IT’S. BEEN. A. YEAR.

As you move to stabilize, revolutionize, or build a business that stands out—there’s not a moment to waste.

Amidst the chaos we’re *calling* 2020 there are innumerable ways to rise above the noise. Yes, it’s knowing your clients (you’re smart, you already knew that). But it’s so much more than that.

Here are 15 ways to build a business that stands out (and thrives):

Put together an unforgettable brand
Your standout story will attract more clients
Show your clients why they should choose you
Let your freak flag fly
Deliver extraordinary service to build a business that stands out
Dig out & address your client pain points
Go above and beyond for your clients
There are no *days off* for client service
Use social media to build a standout business
Charge your value {don’t focus on price}
Approach business differently than your competition
Go narrow to build a business that stands out
Build a buzz around your in-shop experience
Show off those trophies
Build your business from the inside out

1. Put together an unforgettable brand

If you haven’t put much thought into your *brand,* there’s no time like the present. Creating a *can’t-get-you-outta-my-head* presence legitimizes you, helps attract your ideal clients, and gives you a leg up in building a business that stands out.

But, where to start?

You’ll need these three things:

Website (consistent colors, good navigation, mobile-friendly, well-written)
Legit email address (yourname@shopname.com)
A stronghold on your target client persona (Blake, age 32, a creative director living in NYC vs. females, aged 18-44, living on the East Coast, working in the creative industry)

Building your brand so your tattoo shop or hair salon stands out from the crowd makes an impression on potential clients. That’s why it’s so important for your *brand* to be more than a visual identity {logo, colors, fonts}. You want your presence to be felt within the vibe & culture of your business.

Dynamic branding not only helps you land more bookings with your ideal client; it helps attract new talent who resonate with your values & mission.

When used correctly branding will build lifelong, loyal connections with clients. Translation: they’ll keep them coming back to book more appointments. No pressure though .

2. Your standout story will attract more clients

Meet Eddie Murawski. He’s the owner of Uptown Barbershop in Naples, Florida {AKA Mr. Eddie Barber}.

Eddie’s wanted his own shop since he was 15 years old—after all, his whole family works in hair. But getting started was difficult… like, really hard. He grew up poor and found himself working long hours in a factory while still cutting hair on the side. As he dragged himself into work each day with a pit in his stomach, Eddie knew something needed to change.

So, he began reading business books, plotting his *comeback,* and gathering up the courage to leave his dead-end job. Within the last two years, Eddie has opened his own barbershop, currently employs 6 barbers, and has 73,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.

That’s a standout story.

Because here’s the thing, clients don’t book appointments with you solely because their bangs are getting too long or they want to lose the last 5 pounds. Behind each of your clients’ buying behaviors, there’s a need to feel something very specific. For example:

Clients don’t buy personal training sessions, they buy “feeling as fit as I was in my twenties.”
Clients don’t buy a cut & highlight appointment, they buy “feeling confident when I walk into my big job interview Monday.”

So, how do you fill up your online appointment book? You tell a story. Storytelling is the strongest way to connect with your clients. It builds trust, doesn’t feel salesy & storytelling is the most natural form of communication we have to build a business that stands out.

Think about how you can tell your story.

What brought your business to the place it is today?
Why should your clients book an appointment with you?
How can you address their pain points using the services you offer as solutions?

Before you know it you’ll soon forget about trying to book more appointments, instead, it will come naturally as a result of the connections your building with your story.

3. Show your clients why they should choose you

How do you want to be remembered? If you want to build a business that stands out, you need to give your potential clients something to remember. The simplest way to do that is by defining who you are as a business. And be specific.

What’s unique about your business?

Maybe your nail salon only uses non-toxic, natural, and vegan products.
Perhaps you’re a psychologist who offers virtual sessions to all clients.
Or you’re the most expensive hair salon in town because your stylists are beyond well-trained.

Once you’re able to answer the above question ^^^, you need to talk about it… everywhere. On your website, social media, and to your clients. People remember *different* and when it’s a good different? They’ll keep coming back for more appointments.

4. Let your freak flag fly

This tip might go against every bone in your body. Growing up, most of us did everything possible to blend in, be accepted, and fly under the radar. Now that you’re part of an overcrowded industry, understanding what makes you different is one of the most important things you can do to thrive.

Give clients a reason to choose you. And, if you look like every other tattoo shop, nail salon, or chiropractors office out there you’re going to have a tough time filling up your schedule with appointments.

Not sure how to embrace your weird? Think about these tips:

Be bold → that little idea that’s been growing in the back of your mind? Try it. As long as it’s not going to bankrupt your shop or alienate your loyal clients… why not? The craziest ideas are often the ones that pay off.

Look at your client service → how can you infuse your quirk here? Are you toeing the line on social because you’re afraid that cheesy, behind-the-scene videos aren’t cool in your industry? Give ‘em a shot and see what happens. Send out that GIF filled email that makes you giggle. Or give one of your most loyal clients their tenth haircut on the house as a surprise.

Your quirks will be very individual and that’s the best part. The more you expose them, the more ideal clients will start booking with you *because* of them!

5. Deliver extraordinary service to build a business that stands out

It sounds simple but providing above board service is the simplest way for your business to stand out. Look at what your competition is doing and come up with ways you can top it. Not sure where to start? Let’s look at a few different industries:

Status Quo	Extraordinary
Tattoo: pen & paper appointment booking	Online scheduling
Hair Salon: phone calls to confirm a booking	Automated email/text reminders
Barbershop: walk-ins	Online appointment based scheduling
Personal Trainers: scheduling weekly appointments	Recurring bookings
Therapist: in-office sessions	Virtual appointments

What do all these have in common (besides being available with appointment scheduling software)? They remove friction for your clients. Appointments can be scheduled & changed at their convenience, reminders are made on time and they’re held accountable to their programs with recurring bookings.

6. Dig out & address your client pain points

As mentioned a little earlier in this post, your clients are coming to you to solve a pain. It’s rarely as obvious as “I need to get my nails done,” the more likely push is “I want to express my style,” or “I want to feel confident on my date Saturday night” So if you want to win clients over, thus bringing in more online appointments, a great way to do that is to acknowledge, then alleviate their pain.

How can you solve your clients’ pain to build a business that stands out in your industry? Our current climate is ripe for adding or adjusting offers and services to help your clients and increase appointments. For example:

Holistic wellness packages focused on supercharging your immune system
Makeup sessions aimed at professionals who find themselves stuck in Zoom meetings morning til night
Psychologist consults offered virtually for couples struggling with quarantine {or the after effects}

Study your target clientele & your competition, then look for the holes. How can your business fill in the gaps to deliver a standout service?

7. Go above and beyond for your clients

The beating heart of every business is its clients. How can you show up in a surprising way that’ll knock their socks off? Sit back for a moment and think about what businesses you support. I’d be willing to bet, they know exactly how to wow you. Like the “good morning, Kelly” you receive each morning at your local coffee shop or the handwritten thank-you note popped inside your latest online purchase.

These personal touches are what turn clients into raving fans.

It might seem easier to do when you’re selling a product rather than a service, after all, most stores take your personal details (name, address, email) but it’s not.

Whether you’re a stylist or a massage therapist, you spend hours speaking to your clients… intimately. Those seemingly insignificant details like:

Your clients’ kids’ names
The in’s and out’s of the big project they just landed
Training stories about marathon they finally signed up for

All this juicy info can be jotted down in the client notes section for future reference. You can use those details to delight your clients in a way that’s fitting for your business, whether it’s:

Sending out a birthday card
Giving a discount on your client’s tenth appointment (as a surprise)
Picking up on past conversations at the next appointment

8. There are no days off for client service

Negative feedback spreads like wildfire through social media and word of mouth. Bad reviews stick in the heads of potential clients far longer than positive feedback. That’s why there’s no taking a *day off* when it comes to great client service isn’t an option.

A hard pill to swallow may come when your business is asked to accept a *no fault* mistake. When that time arrives, it’ll be up to you to decide what your values as a business are.

One piece of insight:

Clients prefer businesses that own up to their mistakes and take the necessary steps to correct them. You’ll often find when handled correctly, you gain your most loyal clients out of those *hard to handle* situations.

9. Use social media to build a standout business

Social media engagement should go beyond the promotion of your brow bar or holistic nutrition & wellness clinic. Inject your business into your clients’ everyday lives and routines.

Think about it this way. If your best friend is looking for a new colorist—are you going to point her in the direction of a random {albeit talented} person you follow—or the balayage specialist who takes the time to respond to your comments & shares regular updates on their shop?

Your business is based on relationships, so communicating on all channels, whether it’s social or IRL matters. Here are several ways you can share how rad your business is with potential clients:

Build strategic business partnerships to promote each other
Host events or classes {online now… in person post-COVID}
Create a YouTube channel to show off your personality & your talent
Live stream from your shop to show what’s happening behind the scenes.
Work with relevant influencers to reach their audience {they have access to an audience you might not be able to connect with}
Get creative. It doesn’t have to be all about advertising or promotion. Share your work, interesting ideas, and pieces that get you excited

10. Charge your value {don’t focus on price}

People will pay for excellent service. $400 for a haircut with Jen Aniston’s stylist? Sign me up… { ← I’ll look like her afterward right?!}

As a talented provider of service, whether that’s balayage, brow magic, physiotherapy, or personal training—you need to set yourself apart by showing off your high-quality work and unique expertise. But most importantly, you need to price it accordingly.

To be crystal clear. If you undervalue what you do, others will too. You’ll also drive down the price of work within your industry. See Upwork, Kijiji, and Fiverr as examples of competing on price over value. It’s a race to the bottom strategy.

The losers? Service providers.

You can look at it from another perspective as well. If you were looking to have knee surgery—would you feel safe choosing the doctor offering 30% off for first-time patients?

Research the market and charge competitively for the valuable service your shop provides. Now, that’s not to say you can’t run special offers, promotions, or discounts {unless you’re a doctor. Don’t. Just don’t}. Just do it thoughtfully. Make the promotions a perfect fit for your business, clients, and brand. As they say: Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

11. Approach business differently than your competition

If you find yourself struggling *how* to build a business that stands out… start by studying the best. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you need to tweak it.

What barber shops, nail salons, or physical therapy clinics are jam-packed with clients? Investigate what they’re doing well and see how you can emulate them—with your spin on it.

The biggest mistake most businesses make is looking at the top dog in their field and mimicking them to the letter… expecting the same results. That’s unlikely. Why? Because they’ve already cornered that market. You need to find the small things that make your business special.

Think outside the box.

Give a shout-out to your “client transformation of the week” on Insta or send flowers monthly to a loyal massage therapy client. Your *thing* doesn’t need to be huge, it just needs to be missing from your main competition.

For example, say you’re a brow bar in Pasadena and all the other shops take appointments by pen & paper, Instagram DMs, or email. Because of this, bookings are getting lost & clients aren’t getting responses for 48 hours.

Your brow bar can implement online appointment scheduling in less than an hour.

Now your clients can book online via your website, social media, or online booking page without contacting your shop. You’ve set yourself apart, used your clients’ mindset to make life easier for them (and you), and made it a no-brainer for them to transfer loyalty to your business.

12. Go narrow to build a business that stands out

You’ve heard the adage: When you try to serve everyone, you serve no one. And it makes sense. But when you’re staring at a calendar with far too many open appointment slots, it can feel hard to put into practice.

But let’s be clear. Niching down is especially true with service-based businesses. If you’re wasting resources on trying to attract everyone… everyone is gonna scroll right on by.

To build a business that stands out, you need to grab your ideal client by the collar and shout in their face: I’m the custom tattoo shop for you… and here’s why. You do that through branding, storytelling, imagery, and a consistent presence online.

13. Build a buzz around your in-shop experience

How can you get your business to stand out? A raving posse of loyal fans.

If you want to drive new appointments to your business in droves, stellar reviews and word-of-mouth referrals are the way to do it. Even if we don’t care to admit it, we’re all influenced by others {friends or not}. It’s how we make most of our decisions… especially choosing a new business to patronage.

Getting new reviews is simple. Ask.

Send your clients a thank you email after their hair appointment with a link to review, or ask your *three-times-a-week* personal training client if he can refer you to friends. To sweeten the deal, offer a discount on your clients’ next service for leaving a review or sending a referral.

Depending on your business (ex. nail salon vs. psychotherapy) the medium might shift. The likelihood of your therapy client shouting you out on Insta is low, whereas, those newly decorated talons are bound to get shared. Give it a think and plow ahead.

14. Show off those trophies

Who didn’t love winning trophies as a kid? Well, now you can enter competitions, take part in conventions, or sign up for courses to upgrade your skillset. All to proudly display your accomplishments for your new and old clients to see.

Get those awards up on your walls, on your social media, and shout it from the rooftop. Winning an award is not only a boost to your ego, but it’s a great marketing tool that gets your name out there and drives new appointments to your shop. Not to mention, awards & certifications tend to hold their value over time. { ← case in point, the first place ribbon you have from your 7th-grade relay. Still winning}

15. Build your business from the inside out

^^^ are your employees this psyched on the way to work??

As mentioned, word-of-mouth is one of the greatest forms of marketing. It comes with built-in trust. So, who better to spread the word about how fabulous your barbershop is than the barbers who work there?

Start from the inside out. Create a culture that’ll attract & keep top talent, while encouraging your staff to spread the word about how amazing it is to be part of your team! Here are a few things to think about:

Ask yourself: What can I do to make this shop/office somewhere my team wants to come Monday morning?
What processes can I put in place to make life easier for my team? {ex. Online scheduling, direct deposit}
Does my staff always come first?

Work from within to create a culture your team is genuinely excited to be part of. Your clients will pick up on your shop vibe the moment they walk through the door… positive or negative. Plus, happy team members are well-performing, willing to go above and beyond & are more likely to take personal responsibility when they feel respected.

If in doubt…manage your mindset

Of course, running a business is stressful, if it wasn’t… everyone would be doing it!

And 2020… well, after hearing *murder hornets* we’re officially on a break.

So, as you work to stabilize, turn around, or build a business that stands out you gotta maintain a positive mindset. Not in a fluffy kinda way, or a pretend everything is fine when your appointment calendar is empty kinda way.

We’re talking about waking up every day knowing you’ve got the skills to bring about positive outcomes. And knowing that no matter how many obstacles get thrown at you, you don’t give up. EVER.

With a kick-ass team by your side, you’ll keep doing better, improving your services, and bringing your business to the place it needs to be—standing heads and shoulders above the rest.

9 COVID-19 Phrases to Ban from Your Marketing

Emma Boshart — Tue, 26 May 2020 12:07:41 +0000

Six months ago, none of us thought we’d end up here.

Wincing as one brand after another hurls their unimaginative best at us via melodramatic music and inserts of deserted city streets.

As if the coronavirus wasn’t dreadful enough—you’re now subjected to a 24/7 assault of vomit-inducing *community building* cliches. All while you juggle grade 11 math problems, making lunch, deciding if it’s viable to move your offline business online, and trying to recall the last time you showered. Gahhhh!!!

If you’d rather rip your TV cable out of the wall, then hear #standtogether… but six feet apart… one more time. This post is for you.

We’re calling out 9 cringe-worthy phrases from the COVID-19 era { ← how is this already a thing?!} that we NEVER want to hear again.

1. In these uncertain times…

Also known as “in these difficult times”, “in these challenging times” and the final tired go-to—”in these troubling times.”

Here’s the thing. You and I both know these COVID-19 phrases are code for—we’re scared sh*tless, and know you are too… but, we still need to sell stuff… so here’s the best we can do.

It reeks inauthentic.

Yet, there’s a risk to big business if they take a stab at saying things in an *out-of-the-box* way. Many of you know people who are struggling or may face hardship yourself and let’s face it—they can’t afford to put out an ad right now that’s taken the wrong way or appears tone-deaf. They might have the greatest idea for a mood-lighting commercial, but if it falls flat, the repercussions could be brand-ending.

But there’s a lesson here for smaller, more intimate businesses.

How you handle yourself, your business, and your message with all eyes are on you, is and always will be of the utmost importance. Stay true to who you are, your values, and inject tidbits of your personality along the way to build powerful connections with your customers.

Related → Why Empathy is a Game-Changer

2. Pivot!!!

First came the beloved 90s sitcom Friends, using *PIVOT!!!* in its literal meaning… to turn. Next came the startup industry, as hoodie-wearing *Zuckerberg-wannabes* plowed forward with *move fast and break stuff* abandon. They live by the rule: if your idea’s not working… pivot!

Enter COVID-19. You can’t read a blog, email or Instagram post without hearing someone reference the *p-word.* And heck, we’re guilty of it too. It’s the one word that’s tough to replace with one more relevant.

Think about it.

If your business is looking towards re-opening {fingers crossed} in the next couple of months, you know things will look slightly different. No waiting room, reduced hours, and fewer staff. There’s an excellent chance you need to *pivot* in a few areas of your business: over the phone bookings to online scheduling, new late/no-show policies to keep appointments flowing—you get the picture.

3. What we’re seeing is unprecedented…

Is it though? Off the top, you’ve got The Spanish Flu of 1918 and The Plague. Not to mention The Great Depression, WW1, WW2. *Unprecedented* seems uncalled for.

Let’s call it what it is… scary, overwhelming & unpredictable. Just because it feels like the world was under-prepared doesn’t mean humans haven’t faced life-changing events in the past… we have, and we’ve survived.

The difference? We’ve got 24-hour news stations blasting hourly infection counts, horrifying headlines splashed across our daily news feed, and traumatic videos on replay… THAT’S unprecedented.

So, rather than feed off the terror of the *unknown*, you can take small steps to begin preparing for what you do know. Many of you will have a waitlist of hundreds, maybe even thousands of clients who need to be rescheduled in the coming weeks. What processes can you put in place to make the transition as easy on your clients as possible? Consider some of the following:

Post updates to your social media to keep your clients in the loop
Update your online booking page with *re-open dates* or *booking dates*
Email/text your clients with new procedures (i.e., in-business policies, late/no-show updates, booking details)

4. We need to start adapting to the new normal…

Ugh, this COVID-19 phrase. Again, we’ve got to put our hand up here. If you refer back to the Bookedin home page you’ll see us asking: Is your business prepared for the new normal? *gulp* Guilty.

What is normal anyway? That’s the question we asked ourselves at Bookedin.

For most of you, we imagined it’s getting up, sending your kids off to school, and heading into a *full-contact* day at work. There you spend the day interacting (face-to-face) with your clients, maybe you hit up a local hot-spot for lunch, before heading home to start your second full-time job—your family.

Sound about right?

Well, that’s not the *norm* at the moment… or for the foreseeable future {arghhhh, despise that phrase as well}. So, it made sense to invoke the *new normal* until we transition to something permanent, or fall back into our old ways.

5. Work from home, alongside its fancy acronym (WFH)

Within days the pre-COVID-19 phrase *work from home* began popping up on newscasts, late-night shows, and radio programs… and that was to be expected. As brick & mortar businesses shut their doors the luckiest could continue working from kitchen tables, couches, or if you were truly blessed… a home office.

We saw a meteoric rise in *virtual appointments.*

Ready or not—you began walking your client through root touch-ups, their morning workouts, and desperately needed couples therapy. #forbetterorworseinquarantine

The *eye roll* inducing moment came when the phrase morphed from situational to sales tactic. To see what’s happening, just take a peek in your inbox. How many emails do you have right now with a subject line containing *WFH?*

Retailers have created entire “collections” dedicated to your new remote positions—loungewear, activewear, even business on the top with optional pants on the bottom. All to take advantage of your new *WFH* wardrobe. Capitalism at its finest.

6. The COVID-19 phrase trifecta: social distancing, flatten the curve & self-quarantine

Three COVID-19 phrases none of us ever want to hear again: social distancing, flatten the curve, and self-quarantine. Pretty self-explanatory, yeah? First off, social distancing. A nightmare for both marketing and well… life.

You and your clients spend a significant chunk of time on *social* platforms, and as the pandemic has grown that hasn’t decreased. In fact, as your business has slowed, becoming more visible online is the key to building the connections that’ll carry you through to the other side of this mess. To keep your clients updated on when you’re re-opening, what you’re new setup looks like, and how you plan to keep them safe… you’re relying on social media.

Social distancing, no. Physical distancing, yes.

Next up, flatten the curve & self-quarantine. Both hella important, but from the daily press briefings to the *hostage-video* style PSA’s… these are two phrases I’ll be ecstatic to never hear pass through my eardrums again.

7. Now… more than ever

Hold on. Let me just grab you a pillow to scream into. I’m guessing that you, like me, don’t need Apple to tell you *we need each other now more than ever.*

Every second commercial break you hear the same haunting violin start playing. The scene is a vacant restaurant with an elderly owner gazing longingly out the window as a man’s voice reminds you—restaurants have always been there for you. Now they too, need you more than ever.

Oh. Come. On. You don’t need guilt piled on top of your worry… do you? Supporting your community definitely matters, whether that be a restaurant, barbershop, hair salon, or your Mom & Pop grocery store. It’s not the message… it’s the messenger.

8. Better days are ahead

Oh, really?! Thanks for looking into that magical crystal ball for us Karen. Though it’s really one of the more positive COVID-19 phrases out of the bunch, it’s equally enraging. You know better days are coming, it’s the reason you get out of bed each morning with the motivation to figure out how to make your business work when you re-open post-COVID-19 { ← well that and your kid jumping on you like it’s Christmas morning every. damn. day}.

You don’t, however, need to hear it 16 times throughout every 90-second commercial break or see it scrawled in fancy font 43 times on your Facebook feed. Thanks, but no thanks.

9. The twin terrors: We’re in this together & We’re here for you

Does Audi *separating* their four rings in solidarity with your lockdown make you feel like they’re in it with you? How about a billionaire checking in from his 20 ft yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean?!

LOL. The definition of tone-deaf. Though this COVID-19 phrase makes most of us want to shatter glass immediately when we hear it, there’s a vast difference when the sentiment behind it is real.

Your husband telling you not to worry ‘cause “You’re in this together”… super sweet.

A group of A-list celebs singing *Imagine* on Instagram to keep up our spirits? Vomitous.

That brings us to the now gag-inducing *We’re here for you.* Who knew Ford, Subway, Lowe’s, Lexus, Verizon… were all HERE FOR YOU?! Sweet. So that means forgiveness on car loans, free sandwiches, and reno’s for all, right? Yeah, not so fast. They’re here for you in the *thumbs-up from six feet away, come see us when you’ve got a pocket full of cash* kinda way.

Look… we know it’s a weird, scary & overwhelming time right now. If you’ve been part of the Bookedin family for a while you know we run on three core values: candor, empathy & fulfillment. That means we value openness, understand the struggles of running a small business & believe the key to life is to be of service… authentically. That’s why you won’t hear us using tired *Corona* tropes to force a sense of community or jump on the advertising bandwagon.

Instead, we’re offering our support as one small business to another with our expertise as an appointment scheduling software provider and our empathy as a teammate on the field.

BONUS: Panic Buying {AKA the great toilet paper shortage of 2020}

Panic buying instigates panic buying. As you saw stories, posts, and got texts from your family with photos of empty shelves it only fueled a vicious circle of feeling like YOU. MUST. BUY. NOW. When people are anxious, they feel the need to do something practical to stay in control—enter toilet paper hoarding.

I imagine there are corners of the globe where people are sitting high atop a mountain of Scottie’s wondering when on earth they’ll ever use it all… and how maybe, beans & rice would’ve been a better investment?

What is your if I hear this again it’ll be too soon COVID-19 phrase?

So, we’ve shared the COVID-19 phrases we can’t wait to see leave the zeitgeist… to say we’re counting down the days would be an understatement.

Now we want to hear yours. Pop your *turn the TV off immediately* phrase you can’t wait to see silenced in the comments below . Let’s rage out together.

How to Reopen Successfully Post-COVID-19

Emma Boshart — Tue, 19 May 2020 22:59:39 +0000

Being part of *team* brick & mortar wayyy back in January 2020 feels a world away from what business will look like post-COVID-19.

Waiting room a-buzz with clients, staff all up in their faces?

Not for the foreseeable future.

Walk-ins popping by on a spur-of-the-moment decision? Not a chance.

The next six to eighteen months will be an experiment in creativity. You might not have wished this transition on your worst enemy, but for an industry chock full of fresh ideas looking to upend the *norm*—the potential is electric.

Are you ready?

The *great re-opening* of 2020 is shaping up to be:

Like nothing you’ve ever experienced before
Focused on client service & safety
Dependent on creativity, flexibility & innovation

Now’s not the time to fall silent, but instead, plan, connect and plot your reemergence into this unknown, post-COVID-19 era. Let’s explore the most effective ways to move your business through the transition between shut down and re-opening.

Ask the tough questions {even if you’re scared to hear the answers}

If there’s one thing we know for sure—it’s that your priorities have made a dramatic left-hand turn these past few months.

The same goes for your clients.

Finding out how their focus has shifted is like striking gold in your business. During this downtime, you need to reach out to evaluate what’s changed. For example, in the past, your clients may have placed their top priorities on:

Speed
Availability
Convenience
Price

Is this still true? Or, are your clients leaning more towards price over availability now… you won’t know until you ask.

There’s an abundance of ways you can reach out before your industry starts opening up:

Send out a quick five to ten-question survey via email
Create a post on Instagram/Facebook asking for replies
Get on the phone and call your most loyal customers

TIP: You need to make the move from *nice to have* to *need to have…* NOW.

Think back to your most requested services over the last twelve months—a $250 balayage? 90-minute massage? Are these still relevant services for your clients? If your entire industry is edging on *nice to have* it’s time to brainstorm ideas around becoming irreplaceable in your clients’ mind. Though it may seem overwhelming at the moment, you can’t wait until you get the go-ahead to open your doors to take a crack at it.

As society begins to open back up, experts say safety will be one of the top concerns. To determine what *safe* looks and feels like for your clients post-COVID-19, you’ll need to ask for feedback. Once you’ve gathered their thoughts on safety, coupled with intel on your services, you can work to turn that information into a plan.

Related → Why Empathy is a Game-changer

Become spot-you-from-space-level visible

Global pandemic got your tongue? It can be freakin’ hard to know what to say, how to say it and when… so rather than plowing through {and making a whoopsie}—you stay silent.

Sorry to kick you out of your comfort zone but now’s not the time to fall off the face of the social media planet. Your clients and business need your face out there—loud and proud. #savesmallbusiness.

Staying visible online when you’re unavailable *offline* is essential to remaining top of mind. Here are a few ways you create visibility while also helping your clients:

Share your journey {the ups, downs, and in-between’s… show you’re human}
Give tips for at-home *care* relating to your industry
Ask for feedback on your current products and services {create a dialogue}
Share tutorials
Highlight your staff & loyal customers

Brainstorm ways you can take on a leadership role within your industry. Are there norms from the past decades that need to adjust post-COVID-19 { ← like making the leap from being a walk-in based shop to booking your appointments online?} How can you have a hand in implementing these changes?

Now’s the time to step up and be creative. Use your voice, engage with your clients, and work alongside your peers to see the positive changes you want within your industry.

Build your {online} community

How well do your clients really know you? Since you opened your business, you’ve likely been running off your feet, being pulled in a bajillion different directions… barely stopping for a moment to breathe.

Well, this isn’t the *break* you were hoping for, but here you are.

What do you want your community {online for now} to know about you, your business, your mission, and your values? You have potential clients out there right now who are searching for local business owners to support, root for, and hold up as shining examples of neighborhood gems… they just need to *find you.*

Tell your story on Instagram, via a Facebook live or send out an email to your list with a quick *top 10 fun facts about me*… it might seem uncomfortable at first but the potential unease is worth the risk.

You can also use this time to remind your clients how they can book with you when the economy begins to re-open. Get your appointment booking link front and center in your Insta bio, have a *book now* button on your Facebook page, and make sure to keep your community up-to-date on when you’re taking new online appointment bookings.

Putting yourself out there creates opportunities for your community to connect to the idiosyncrasies that make you special. It’s those niche elements that bond clients to you through thick & thin {translation: this COVID-19 mess}.

Temporarily pivot your business online

The timeline between today and *normal* life is fluid… like it or not, you’ll need to flow with the changes to make it through.

First up, evaluate if you need to move any of your current offerings online OR whether you’re able to ride out the storm offline. Don’t panic pivot because the *COVID-19 pandemic* headlines are screaming at you to do so. If you’re financially stable enough to sit this out, do it.

Not sure you’re comfortable with that idea? Then it’s time to evaluate the services/products you offer to see what’s transferable to an online-only option.

If there’s any bright spot in this storm, it’s the outpouring of creativity from all industries. Whether it’s a unique way to build relationships, create an additional stream of income, or maintain a connection to the world outside your 400 sq ft apartment… small businesses and solo entrepreneurs have been turning industries on their heads.

Ask yourself: What can I shift online to make money until we re-open post-COVID-19? { ← remember, this won’t last forever} Here’s some inspiration to get the ball rolling:

1. Online lessons, fitness sessions & consultations

This idea has already disrupted the fitness industry. Boutique clubs are offering their classes online for a fraction of the price, spin studios have sent members home with their bikes, and celebrity personal trainers are offering at-home sessions via IG Live. It’s never been more cost-effective to have a *fancy-schmancy* gym membership.

Tattoo artists are also seeing movement with online consultations. It’s their first step toward pre-paid online appointments that they’re booking when their shop re-opens. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start!

TIP: Get started with free online booking → Head here to set up your 30-day free trial. Within minutes you’ll have access to our Pro Plan features like recurring appointments, online payments, text/email reminders, and more. It’s like having a personal secretary at your fingertips.

2. Curbside drop-offs & follow-ups

Women around the world are kicking themselves for not tipping their hairstylists more as their roots grow in and bangs grow out. To keep us from going rogue with kitchen shears and box dye, some salons have created *home kits,* complete with detailed {translation: a six-year-old could follow} instructions to tide us over until that glorious day we’re back in the chair.

Other salons have taken it one step further.

They’ll put together your regular in-salon formulation (dye/processor, a brush, gloves) and drop it off on your doorstep. To ensure you don’t muff it up, you then schedule an online appointment with them for a Zoom date. Your stylist will walk you through the process step-by-step, leaving you to remind yourself to never question a price at the salon again. Genius.

3. Set up your online store

If your brick & mortar location sells physical products, it might be time to move those products online. Chances are, you’ve always wanted to do this… you just never had the time! E-commerce in-a-box sites like Shopify make setup straightforward and if you get stuck, they have a support team to walk you through. Once you’ve got your stock online, head over to social, and let your clients know.

4. Partner with companies to sell PPE

We’ve seen some incredible partnerships come together over the last several months and alongside complete pivots. If you don’t see any opportunity within your current business to sell online, there may be options to collaborate with others to do some good.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eliza Trendiak – Hairstylist (@elizatrendiakhair) on Apr 27, 2020 at 1:39pm PDT

Vancouver based Artel Salon partnered with Revol Girl, another local business that specializes in period-proof underwear. Together they create and distribute masks to help their community stay safe during & post-COVID-19… they’re even seeing local salons reach out for orders in preparation for re-opening.

Global brands like L’Oreal & Ralph Lauren have gotten in on the action as well switching large swaths of their business {hand sanitizer and face masks respectively}. If you feel called to help, put out your feelers and see if there are businesses you can partner up with to make a difference in your community.

5. Contests, giveaways, gift cards

Your clients and community are eager to support your business if they can… but, they’ll need your direction on the best ways to help. Depending on your individual situation that’ll vary, however, we have a feeling one of these options will work for you:

Gift cards → let your clients know gift cards are available for services and how they help you now (you can even offer a discount on them if you think that’ll drive up sales)

Sales/Discounts → don’t go crazy on the discounts. However, if you offer products you could consider having a flash sale or limited time offer that’s targeted to your clients (ex. five online classes for the price of four, buy one get one half off: shampoo/conditioner)

Contests/Giveaways → the sky’s the limit for holding a contest or a giveaway. Think about what will get your audience excited enough to participate and move forward from there. If you’re feeling stuck, we found a little inspiration for you.

Alexis is a talented LA-area tattoo artist who was offering one entry into a draw for a free tattoo for each person who bought one of her digital prints ($10). Brilliant. Not only was she getting her stunning work out into the world, but Alexis was also drumming up excitement to visit the shop when it’s safe to do so! Here’s what Alexis had to say about her experience during COVID-19 so far:

“With the uncertainty of when we will be able to work again, being an artist in these times Is extremely difficult. I wanted to create an opportunity to give a little hope to everyone. A tattoo raffle was a perfect option because it allowed my clients who purchased a ticket to receive a small gift from me while also simultaneously supporting me during these difficult times. It gave all my clients who won the opportunity to have something to look forward to during these uncertain times. I think we all needed a little pick me up and this was mutually beneficial for me and my clients. It really showed me how much my clients cared and supported my work. That alone made a huge difference to me.”

You can head over to her Instagram page to check her out:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alexis Xol (@alexis_xol) on Apr 25, 2020 at 4:46pm PDT

Find your focus for a post-COVID-19 reality

What will going *back to work* look like for you? Let’s pretend for a moment a giant flip is switched and everything opens up tomorrow… what services will you offer?

As a stylist, there’s a chance you’ll be focusing on color correction and root touch-ups for the first few weeks (*cough* months), rather than a head full of highlights. And as a physiotherapist, you could deal with an onslaught of *runners* who jumped back into it after 15 years of couch-surfing… instead of the semi-pro athletes, in peak physical condition you’re used to.

So, how will you adjust your focus? Take an hour and write all the services you think will be in-demand when the *grand re-opening* begins.

Now that you’ve made a list of the services your clients will want… how does that differ from what you offer? Are you prepared to make some changes? And where can you make the biggest difference to set yourself apart from your competition?

These questions deserve reflection… the answers will be game-changers.

Map out your new business plan

No one has a magic eight ball. However, by staying in touch with your clients, industry peers, and your community, you can begin to map out what going back to your business looks like for the first month, three months, & six months.

There will be unknowns. Not everything has changed from the first day you opened your business… but how can you prepare so you’re ready to go when the starting gun goes off?

Online appointment scheduling

Whether you need to lower your overhead cost or it’s time to change the *old way* of doing business, online appointment scheduling lets you control person-to-person contact by moving your bookings online.

Text & email reminders keep your schedule running smoothly as showing up on time becomes even more important to your day-to-day business. And, Bookedin’s in-app texting feature lets you connect straight from your clients’ booking. You can notify your client when it’s time to enter your business, allowing them to wait in their cars, rather than milling around outside the front of your building.

You can rest easy knowing you can require an up-front deposit in case of no-show appointments. The world may be topsy-turvy right now but you still have control over a few key things.

Setting expectations and following new safety protocols post-COVID-19

Some of your clients may champ at the bit to step back into your business, while others may wring their hands wondering:

What’s it going to look like?
How will I feel?
Am I safe? Should I wait?

All valid questions… that you can totally answer.

Truth is, the experience won’t look the same way their last appointment did. How can you paint a new picture for your clients to set their mind at ease, make them feel secure and, drum up excitement about coming back to see you?

There will be new state and government safety procedures to follow depending on your industry and it’s going to be up to you to communicate these guidelines to your clients.

Put together an email and a few social posts that outline what your new booking procedure will look like. Acknowledge the anxiety your clients are experiencing about their visit by using your experience, personality, and humanity.

Show & tell them the ways you’re making their *new appointment* one that’ll make them feel just as special as the *old days.* When you’re transparent about this transition your clients & community will know you care about their safety & well-being above all.

You can add specific information surrounding safety protocol (i.e., clients waiting in their car until you text them, masking requirements, temperature checks) right on your booking page. These details can also be added to your custom client confirmation and reminder emails to ensure everyone is informed and feels as safe as possible.

How are you feeling about a post-COVID-19 reignition?

Even with a solid plan of attack, it’s natural to feel tentative about the next steps… while strategizing & speaking with your industry pals can help… the unknown is slightly terrifying.

So, we want to know. How are you feeling about moving into a post-COVID-19 era of work? Is it a mix of excitement and fear or does this all seem overblown and you’re just ready to get out there and move on?

Let us know in the comments below . We can’t wait to hear from you.

How to Move to Virtual Appointments (Without Having a Meltdown)

Emma Boshart — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 23:13:29 +0000

Well, that happened quickly.

One moment your office is humming with patients excited to curb their sugar addiction or end their battle with migraines…

… the next you’re scrambling to transfer your practice from *in-office* to virtual appointments. All while juggling a toddler-gone-wild and your husband leading meetings six feet away. { ← who knew he was the *let’s table that, for now,* guy?!}

Welcome to #quarantine2020.

Before you chuck your day-old cup of coffee at the wall, take a deep breath… we’re here to make this transition easier.

Moving to virtual appointments doesn’t need to be *I’d-rather-eat-glass-level* difficult. The same goes for many other industries. Realtors learning to do real estate virtual tours. Chefs doing contactless delivery via mobile. And many more.

To prove it, we’ve outlined the basics to take you from in-person appointments to physically but not socially distanced {AKA virtual} … without having a meltdown.

What are virtual appointments?

If you’re not sure what a *virtual appointment* is we’ve got more work to do than I thought. JK.

All kidding aside, *pre-COVID-19* your practice would’ve been offering in-person appointments at a brick & mortar location, right?

Well, now Bookedin is going to help transition you to virtual appointments with a little help from Zoom. You’ll still be offering a menu of services, only now, you’ll be helping clients online. { ← from a safe distance of 6ft away}

Who can take advantage of virtual appointment booking?

Are you still on the fence if this is a viable option for your in-office practice? Here’s a sampling of industries moving to appointment scheduling software in the health care professional space:

Homeopaths
Holistic health providers
Wellness coaches
Doctors (prescription renewals)
Dieticians
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners (TCM)
Counselors
Therapists (marriage, physical)
Chiropractors

If your care services practice is on pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a way to continue offering your services… virtual care online appointment booking.

What parts of your business can transition to virtual appointments?

Now’s the time to put your left brain on blast.

Creativity is officially having its moment in the spotlight. Businesses across all industries are discovering resourceful ways to transition their services online.

For example, a hair salon in Victoria, BC is looking up client color mixes in-shop, dropping them off curbside {no touching!} and offering Zoom lessons on *how to properly color your hair.* No excuses to box dye now .

How can you apply this same principle to your practice? Take ten minutes to brainstorm what services transfer seamlessly, for example:

Consultations
Follow-ups
Evaluations
Full sessions (therapy, dietary, training)

Why are virtual appointments even happening?

The answer to this question may be obvious {let’s be frank, it is}.

As overwhelming as it may feel to reconfigure your practice… it’s doable with a few tweaks and a smidge of patience.

How to choose the right mix of platforms to transition seamlessly

Does it feel like adding one more thing to your plate in this *ready to yank your hair out* time may push you over the edge? Rather than throw in the towel, let’s break down your transition from in-office to virtual appointments step-by-step. We’ll start with your current in-office procedure.

Here’s what the workflow may look like:

Your patient calls to book an appointment
The receptionist checks your booking system for availability & books the appointment
A reminder is sent out by email, text or you call
The patient comes into your office where you treat them
A prescription/treatment plan is provided at the end of the appointment
The patient pays with your receptionist using a credit card machine or cash
The receptionist makes sure your patient books their follow-up appointment

Now, go through each of the above steps to figure out:

How you can replace each step with a *virtual* option.
The simplest way to make each stage barrier-free and easy-to-follow for your patients
What your budget will be for the next few months (before you start purchasing new software).

Finally–take into consideration both your comfort level with new technology…

Helpful Tip: When you’re looking for new tools to transition—what does their support look like and how quickly can you put it into place.

Once you’ve determined your new virtual practice workflow, run through it before you go live. Have a backup plan in case something goes awry {tech hiccups, disconnection}. And make sure to provide your patients with secondary contact info in case they get stuck, have questions or get frustrated during your new process.

How do I host a virtual appointment?

Hopefully, by now, you’re feeling confident with your new workflow and more hopeful about this whole *coronavirus* bump in the road–onward & upward!! The time has arrived to get your online appointment booking & virtual room all set up.

Part one: Set up online appointment scheduling

First things first, you’ll need to set up your Bookedin account. {if you’ve already accomplished this, please feel free to skip ahead to part two}:

Time’s of the essence right now, so we’re giving you Cliff’s Notes on how to get your business switched over to virtual appointment scheduling.

START HERE: Sign up for your 30-day free trial. {this has all the bells & whistles… it’s our pro plan baby}

Getting up & running is a breeze with our *set-up wizard.* Follow along step-by-step and you’ll be walked through the following:

Your business name, address, website & contact information
Services (duration, type, description, price)
Calendars (you have access to unlimited during the trial)
Business hours (watch how to set your available hours here)

SIDENOTE: If you need a bit more help with set-up, head here to watch the full walkthrough video.

Next, it’s time to go in and add the finer details to your business.

Customize your confirmation emails

Here’s where the magic happens. With the Bookedin scheduling app, your clients automatically receive a booking confirmation as well as two reminders by email and/or text.

Now that you’re switching to virtual appointments you’ll want to customize your confirmation email. You can include a link to your Zoom room so your clients know where to *meet* you, along with detailed instructions on what to expect and how to join.

Here are the steps to take after logging into your Bookedin account:

In the top menu, go to Settings > Email/Text Reminders

Under Personalized Emails, choose either “Add a message to all booking confirmations and reminder emails” or “Add a unique message for each service”.
Write your personalized message in the text editor. Use the formatting tools and the link tool to add a URL. {this is where you’ll add your Zoom link}
You can then click *Send Test Email* to see what your email looks like.
Click Save Changes

Heads up: If you selected “Unique message for each service” repeat steps 4 & 5 for each of your services.

Here’s a link that explains more details about custom client emails.

Now: Set up your online payments

Since you’ll no longer be collecting payments via your handy debit machine, I’d like to introduce you to online payments. After you’ve connected your PayPal business account you can begin collecting:

Upfront deposits
Pay later (after the booking)
Gratuities

You now have the flexibility to require a partial/full deposit before their booking is confirmed. With online payments activated, they will see a “pay now” button in all email reminders sent to them. This button will connect them directly to PayPal for easy, fast payment.

Here’s a video detailing the steps to set up online payments:

this link.

You’re now ready to customize your booking page:

Now that you’re set up to begin taking virtual appointments, let’s make sure your booking page looks perfect.

Log in to the Bookedin web and head to Settings > Customize. Here you’ll want to go through each option and tailor them to best suit your business.

In this section of the scheduling app, you can make changes to your:

Banner color
Logo/profile picture
Booking forms (add custom booking form fields → i.e., Address, postal code, DOB)

And finally… drumroll, please …

Let people know how they can book a virtual appointment with you:

Share your new online booking page on Facebook, Instagram, email, or copy your link and text it. The more you can spread the word, the faster everyone will know you’re *virtually* open for business.

Every time you post a photo (on Instagram or Facebook), type “Book an appointment online. Link in bio.” or something to that effect in your caption. It’s important to mention this every time you post. Your followers might not see all of your posts or they might just need a gentle reminder to book an appointment.

Here are the steps to share your new online booking page:

Mobile App:

Launch the iPhone or Android app
Tap Settings
Tap Online Booking Page option
Choose any of the share options or tap-and-hold the link at the top of the screen to copy to your clipboard

For complete desktop instructions, head here.

And we’re not going to leave you hanging… a few more ways to spread the word:

Add a Book Now button or calendar to your website
Set up a Book Now button to your Facebook page
Add your online booking link to your email signature (Your link will look something like this: directory.bookedin.com/business)
Mention online booking in your voicemail greeting

Now that you’re all set up with online booking, your clients will need only take two simple steps:

Navigate to your booking page
Book the next available appointment

People aren’t required to create an account or sign up for Bookedin. It’s as easy as finding an appointment time that works, completing your booking form and *booking it.*

Now, onto **Part Two: Setting up your basic Zoom acct:**

If you don’t already have a Zoom account you’ll need to create one by visiting zoom.us/signup.

Once you’re set-up, you can log in on the web at any time, here: zoom.us/signin. This login gives you access to the Zoom web portal where you can update your profile, schedule a meeting, edit your settings, and oh, so much more.

Here’s where you’re gonna want to head first: Meetings {it’s on the left side panel} > Personal Meeting Room.

Within that tab, you’ll discover a little button that says “copy invitation.” That’ll be the link you’ll use to offer your patients a virtual *face-to-face* appointment.

You can go ahead and paste it into the custom patient email you created earlier. Your patient simply clicks the link when their appointment starts and is connected directly to your room.

The genius part? You decide if you’d like them to have access to the room before you arrive, or if you’d like them to wait outside… just like your real office .

For a full tutorial on how to get started, here’s the link to Zoom’s quick start guide.

Conclusion: Bookedin + Zoom = virtual appointment success

What steps do I need to take before I launch my virtual practice?

Oh boy, it feels just like opening day of your practice all over again doesn’t it? This time you’ve been thrown one helluva curveball, but you’re a professional and adapting is what you do best. Second only to preparing.

Let’s walk through a checklist before you launch this virtual practice:

Complete a trial run {or ten} from booking to *virtual appointment* – no one likes surprises!
Outline the steps for your patients in their confirmation email
Devise a backup plan in case of technology blips or miscommunication (i.e., video freezes, internet interruptions, delayed appointments)
Provide a secondary form of contact in case of patient questions
Stay on track. You’re accustomed to a certain rhythm within your *in person* practice. This new way of doing things will be unfamiliar to you and your patients. Keep a stopwatch/clock handy and keep it moving… or, your day will veer off course before you know it.

One last thing before you go live…

Do a quick scan of the surroundings. Are there piles of toys, an unmade bed, bras flung over a chair? Consider what will be seen.

What needs to happen after my virtual appointment?

Now you’ve *officially* made the move from in-office to virtual appointments, how are you going to handle “after” treatment?

Will your clients need to follow up with you in the same way—booking a follow-up through you? Or will you choose to set up recurring appointments?

Well, did we keep our promise?

The current *climate* is changing faster than a 2021 Tesla Roadster off a red light. To keep up, you’ll need to pivot, re-adjust your offerings or even add a few limited-time-only services.

But here’s the kicker.

Business has, and always will be—changing. It may not be as wildly erratic as you experience during the times of *corona.* But it’ll never be static. And change is… magical. It’s the sparks that ignites innovation and the force that pushes industries to adapt and move forward.

So, be flexible, stay on your toes, look inside for what lights you up… and reach out if you need a helping hand .