Read This…if You Have Very Little Time…

Quick story…about four months ago someone sent me a very compelling email.  The person explained that if I had no time (or very little time) to market to my clients consistently…then they had the perfect solution. 

They had a software program called Infusionsoft that allowed a person (like me) to setup specific emails ahead of time for clients who fit a certain criteria.  These emails would be sent out automatically if the client met the specified criteria.  For instance, if the client was a first-time client they would get a “Thank You” email, if they purchased Product A but did not purchase Product B they would get a different email.  You get the picture. 

Well, it all sounded great.  I mean I have to be honest…if I could automate more of what goes on around here that would be great.  And if my clients got specific emails to either remind them to do something or to promote something that they didn’t really know about…I would get more sales.  There’s no question about it. 

But here is what they didn’t tell me.  It was a lot of work!  And the program was super complicated.  My staff struggled with it for 2-3 months before I finally threw in the towel.  A couple of grand down the tubes.  Ugh! 

Now, let’s be clear.  In theory, this should work like gangbusters.  In fact, I found another program called Office Autopilot that does everything that Infusionsoft promised and more.  So, at the end of the day, it was worth going down that road because eventually I found the gold. 

But, it got me thinking.  How many of you are struggling with the same thing? 

Case in point.  HairMax 11.6 has this super cool feature that allows you to automatically send out an email to “First Time clients” about 5 minutes after they walk out the door.  So, as they’re walking out the door, on their smart phone (which they always check) they would get a personalized email from you…thanking them…and asking them for feedback. 

I can’t tell you the emails I get from salon owners who use this.  They’re literally blown away at the feedback they get from clients.  I just got this message the other day…from Amy who is the salon owner of Laschi Salon & Spa in Reading MA: 

I still can’t tell you how blown away I am when the clients respond to the first time client emails we send after they check out.  So many people thank us for thanking them. I have learned so much from them too.  It’s such a great tool!   

I get emails like this all the time from salon owners and I think it’s great.  I love giving people tools that really work.  I’ve seen other systems try and use surveys and other things to get feedback from clients.  They don’t work.  This simple email does…period. 

But this works for one reason only.  It’s automated.  And nobody has to do anything other than what they normally do every day.  Which is to cash out the client.  Look you and I both know…that if the project requires an ounce of thought or follow through…it’s virtually doomed.  (Remember…I tell it like it is).  

So, why don’t more salon owners use these tools that they already have? 

Two reasons.  (A) They don’t know about it or (B) They find out about it, get excited, and then never follow thru.  I mean, be honest, we’ve all been there.  Our lives are hectic.  We have people pulling at us all day long (employees, clients, family).  It’s a wonder that we get anything done sometimes. 

Well, this is your wake up call.  If you have HairMax 11.6 right now then take 8 minutes and watch the video “Creating a Wow Factor for Your Salon” at the link below. 

http://www.hairmaxsalonsoftware.com/hairmax-update 

It will literally take you 5 minutes to set it up and it really works.  In the video “Creating a Wow Factor for Your Salon”,  I give you the exact email (word for word) to use.  There’s no need to come up with a better one…this one works! 

And if you’re on some older version of HairMax…what are you waiting for?  Watch all four videos and see what you’re missing.  Remember if you have no time – you need more automation!

Which (by the way) is what the newest HairMax feature is all about.  The HairMax Online Appointment book is a way for you to empower your clients to do more of your salon’s work…namely booking their own appointments.  Seems like a total no-brainer to me…see link below. 

http://www.hairmaxsalonsoftware.com/online-appointment-book 

Anyway…enough railing for one day… 

P.S.  If you’ve been sucked into the Demandforce camp recently…be on the lookout for something that blows it away (literally).  I‘ll be introducing it over the next few weeks.  It takes salon marketing and customer service to a whole ‘nother level.   

As always, aim high…and dream even higher… 

Steve Sampson