It will be a part of your job to represent the salon you work for and to promote yourself as hairdresser. For the more sensitive or shy amongst us this might seem an alien concept, but to be succesful it is very necessary.
The first and simplest way is in your manner and appearance.
Your own hair is a statement. However you wear it should be clean, fragrant, well cut and well presented. People will be at your hair as a reflection of your practice.
Your manner of dress: Even if your image is of casual dress it should be a conscious and stylish expression of your character.
The way you handle yourself: should be confident and open. Your number one tool as a hairdresser is personal communication.
The second way is to leave a calling card. This could be literally carrying cards with your details on. Alternatively most people carry a mobile phone these days so you could offer your number or take theirs and send a text of confirmation.
Another way is through your work. If people see a haircut or colour they like on someone they may ask who did it. Every customer carries your reputation out of the door.
These are the most direct ways we can all promote ourselves on a daily basis. You can also promote yourself outside the salon via the web. Build a portfolio on a webpage. Join a social networking site. Create your own blog. I’m sure you’re more informed in this than me.
Go out and do work. Offer your services for a local fashion show. Organise the salon to create soiree with invited guests. Offer to do makeovers for your local paper in return for a credit.
The key is to realise your work as a commodity that you need to promote to the public. There are people out there that need your talents; to help build on this you could research the places you might find them. Do your market research.
It is a fact that when you tell people what your profession is you may end up doing a consultation rather just having a polite conversation, don’t bulk at this, take it in your stride and remember that hairdressing is a skilled vocation and not just a job. You are a professional now, even if in training.
great advice allison thanks xx