Most of us have down time. This is one of my slower weeks of the year. So this week I do my paperwork, scroll these boards, set some of my plans in motion, make phone calls, and get involved with the community. I also research products, techniques, whats hot in fashion this year, and whatever gets my interest.

I am set up to do a pro bono event for the local high school next month. August is usually a slow month anyway. I will be face painting for donations at the local high school fair to raise funds to fix up the high school. My daughter is in her last year and many of my clients have children in the school. I have done these events for the Chamber of Commerce in the past and usually have a great time. Getting involved with local community events is great PR. Granted I already have a large percentage of these clients coming to me already but I am sure that by the end of this day I will have a few more. I normally do photo make up, or bridal make up, and find metallic butterfly's and or daisy flowers to be a refreshing break. I feel the more faces I paint, the more comfortable I get with painting faces, and it's just fun to see all the people walking around with my colorful work displayed on them. I have a vision in my head of something artistic, and wild I want to paint on someone's face. I have every intention to create this vision on someone. I am looking forward to the event.

I also built myself a website with my portfolio on it. It costs me $20.00 a month for the site. It shows my work, my style, what I do, and it's a playground for my clients, myself, and future clients to wander in. It's something you can work on during down time like this.

Do you have a vision in your head of something you would like to try on someone, but don't because you clients are paying you to do what they want, not what you want? Now is the time to try it. Get someone in your chair and swap that hairdo for a photo, or just keep yourself busy. Looking busy usually draws people to you. They want to see what your up to. Get out a video camera and video your hands doing what you do. Come up with a creative way to show people what you do.

According to my journal sheets February and October are my slowest months. I go on vacation in October. In February I hold my breath and pray for mother nature to wake from her slumber early. I am in the catskills of NY. Winters are rough and unpredictable here. I've had to reschedule many clients because they or I, couldn't get out of the driveway due to ice or snow. We all adapt.

Go take a class you always wanted to take. I try to set them up during my slow times.

Do research at times like these. I've been where you are. Don't let the disappointment get you down. If your seriously thinking of moving your chair elsewhere then look into it. Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to get up beat and positive. Maybe work both places until your sure where you want to be.

There is a class of people out there who do care. I find the working class to be the people who care. They not only want to look their best because their position warrants it, but they also like to relax a few minutes. I work evening and weekends, all the hours no one else wants to work because I prefer my clientele to be the working class and thats the only time they can come.  

I hope you find what your looking for. Good luck with whatever you do.

AMirage

Dear punkybrewster-

Welcome to the BTC Talk Back Boards!  Please take a few moments to read over the boards rules in the green box above.  Sounds like you are already getting some great advice.  This time of year is usually slow do to last minute vacations and back to school cost of clothing and supplies.  You will pick up soon.  Use your time to think of ways to build. 

Cindy Farr Hester  Asst Moderator

I am so glad someone else is out there that I can relate to! Unfortunately, we have to experience these downtimes... I've only been at my place for a year as of yesterday, so I am still building clientele. I feel like the weeks were I was making 3 times what I have made the entire month of July, were never real! Today was a good day, but anyways.

I got my book out and spent a few bucks on cute stationary and typed up some offers for the months of August and September to try and prepare myself and keep my clients coming in. I am offering 10/20/25% off of certain things and I just ordered more business cards. Hopefully things will pick up. They always do! I'm just so frustrated with never knowing what I am going to make!  I want a new car, but how am I supposed to know if I am going to bring in 4,000 a month or 1,200? I guess once I have been at one place or at least in the same town (previous salon was an hour away) for more than 2 years things will be much better. That was great advice everyone has posted!