The Value of Goodwill in the Office and In Your Community

How Can You Get Involved?

Opportunities, in many instances are missed because the primary focus tends to be on enhanced relationships with customers only.  The focus has to shift to take advantage of opportunities to boost trust and goodwill with employees, suppliers, and others who make major contributions.  How much better could your organization be if you developed and fostered excellent working relationships with both internal and external customers?

Did you know that promoting goodwill can not only boost your organization’s likeability factor and overall image in the community, but it can also translate to additional earning power? There is no definite formula for success when it comes to fostering good relationships, but here are some easy steps you can take that will set you in the right direction.

1. Be an engaged, active participant in all your business relationships. Successful business relationships, like friendships require involvement from both parties.  Make it a habit to establish regular conversations and two way dialog with your employees, suppliers, vendors and other external resources, not just when you need an additional commitment from them.  Become a great listener and take action on items that need improvement.  
2. Don’t call on colleagues only when you need something.  Engage in goodwill by establishing a  two way dialog with colleagues by calling, having lunch or sending a card or note just to check in.
3. Offer positive feedback and compliments to those who exceed goals. If your employees have exceeded goals and made major contributions to your company's success, it’s customary to compliment and reward them on a job well done.  A kind word goes a long way boost the feeling of goodwill in the office that spills out beyond.  The opposite is also true. If everything is negative, that transcends the office as well.  Periodically express your gratitude for your employee’s hard work with an award or promotional gift. Promotional items like apparel, household items and electronics are popular gift items that say thank you for all you do!
4. Actively participate in community events. For example, here are some quick ways to make it happen: (a) Local elementary and high school sports programs regularly request and seek sponsors. Lots of sports programs have experienced funding cuts.  Contact them, they are likely to need your help. (b)The arts are also a popular choice and there are opportunities to sponsor plays, dance groups, art exhibits. as a way to build goodwill. (c) Look to add local artists’ work to the walls in your facility. Lobby areas can provide excellent backdrop and exposure for local artists.  (d) Health organizations also provide opportunities for participation in events that lead to improved health.   

Each time you participate in community events and your advertising is heard on local radio stations and seen on t-shirts, local bulletin boards, bumper stickers, signs, websites and public places, you are building goodwill.  Over time, customers become your best sales force, because they believe in your  company, not just in your products or services.  Partner with other small businesses to help with events. Local coffee shops, bakeries and music stores will often share event costs in exchange for being added to the advertising. 
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Salon Marketing Tip #2

Do You Love Your Customers?
Here are 10 Ways to Show It

February 14th is Valentine's Day, a holiday that celebrates love and is observed by exchanging flowers, cards, candy and gifts. It also presents an opportunity to reach out to customers and further enrich their experience with your company.

So, what are you doing to commemorate this holiday? How can you show your salon and spa customers that they are important? Here are some ideas that you can quickly implement that will make points with your customers and get potential customers into the door. If you need help, please contact us for more information.

Pick the best way to reach your customers,and choose a rock-solid message and promotional items (custom signs, novelty items, napkins, cups) that will polish the look of your facility and give customers a way to remember you after the event.

During the month of February consider these ten suggestions. You might combine these or partner with complimentary service providers to make the event even more spectacular!

1. Limited Offer - Have a time limited offer for day, week long or month events that include a special with a Valentine's Day theme.  Maybe a different special each week.  Offer print coupons in the shop and offer online specials on your website and/or Facebook page.

2. Promotional Giveaways - Visit our site and order heart shaped promotional items, or t-shirts in red with your logo to give each customer. Package the items in a nice bag or box. Give this special gift to customers.

3. Spotlight Couples - Highlight services for newly engaged couples and their wedding parties. Planning is in full swing for 2012 engagements. Spring and summer are popular for weddings. Services for couples could result in double the business.

4. Have Open House - Have an open house with free hair, manicure, make up and spa demonstrations or mini seminars on beauty and wellness tips. Provide a computer on site that allows customers to register for future events and provide their email address so that you can follow up with them.

5. Offer Free Samples - Provide free product samples, keepsake gifts and promotional items to your customers. Remember, that effective marketing means your prospects will remember your name and know where to find you after the event is over

6. Raffle or Giveaway - Hosting a Valentine's Day raffle or contest where you give away a dinner, a spa service, movie or event tickets and gift card or even a pamper gift basket.

7. Kid Friendly Giveaways - If you provide services for kids, include a kid friendly special or give away.

8. Complimentary Beverages and Snacks - Free refreshments hot and cold beverages, snacks, appetizers and hor dourves. Order custom napkins, drinkware and/or promotional items to give your customers.

9. Share the love! Offer free luxury services, or other specials and discounts for couples, or groups when members book services together on the same day. Great to attract offices, churches, teams, neighboring establishments etc.  Offer a group massage or service for your employees to recognize their hard work all year long.

10. Event By Design - This event should be designed to reward your best customers as well as customers that bring in great deal of referral business. An invitation only meet and greet event can provide a first glimpse for new products and services. An event that provides access free services that are different from the norm will make them feel special and possibly result in additional sales down the road. No matter what you decide on the reward, make it worth their while. Include plenty of freebies and/or free or reduced price items.

If the event is a success, you might consider doing it on an annual basis with some minor tweaks to keep it fresh and interesting. Ask for feedback from your customers on how the event went and things they would like to see in the future. If you haven’t begun already, start planning a Valentine's Day promotion with an incentive for existing customers to share the positive experience they had in your shop.