Taking my show on the road

Three times a year I attend a women's art retreat in Santa Cruz, Ca. I'v been going to this retreat as a weekend getaway for years. Last year I approached the organizers and asked if they would be interested in having me offer facials and back treatments to the attendees. I offer a "Retreat" special pricing and have had excellent results. I place my brochure and business cards and post flyers around the resort. Several of the ladies that have seen me are local and are now regular clients. Some just want a very relaxing weekend and don't get regular facials. One lives over the hill in Boulder Creek and comes regularly for treatments. It is alot of work getting all my equipment there but it has definately helped me grow my business, get the exposure I need and has been worth the time and effort. The last retreat I attended, last weekend, I decided at the last minute to take some products to sell. My approach is never pushy, I just make recommendations and I let the client know I have product for sale if they are interested. I was surprised at how much I sold. I'm going to look into other retreats in my area to see if others are interested.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrea Stein on February 28, 2011 at 1:33pm

I used to do something similar years ago by revisiting the town I once lived in for a Spa day. It was a great way to reconnect with old friends and clients. Apparently it inspired several to become aestheticians and massage therapists as well!

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on February 28, 2011 at 4:09pm

That's a great idea Andrea!

We do have to be creative in finding clients and most importantly keeping them. What else have you done to attract clients? It's tough starting off. I'm busier than I had expected for my second year but still have a lot of down time.

Permalink Reply by Andrea Stein on March 8, 2011 at 11:08pm

Hi Denise, Ive been really busy with a Groupon ad Ive run. Attracted new clients that bought the Groupon as well as those who didnt but saw the ad. Even client that procrastinated over getting a facial but bought product have now decided it was a good deal and time to get that facial. Great for up-selling product and add-on services as well. Im a quarter of the way through the buyers and am beginning to get repeat business as well. Yeh me!

Permalink Reply by Julie Rodriguez on March 22, 2011 at 11:00pm

Denise & Andrea – Fantastic ideas! I am looking for new and creative ideas for building my clientele. I've never heard of a Groupon, but you can bet that I'm going to google it as soon as I've finished typing... :)

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on March 25, 2011 at 8:41pm

Hi Julie,

Besides Groupon, check out Trubates.com. I've been on this site for almost a month now and have had excellent results. I'm located in San Jose and I think they are also in Napa. They allow you to advertise up to 3 specials and you have control over how long you're on the site.

Good luck Julie!

Denise

Julie Rodriguez said:

Denise & Andrea – Fantastic ideas! I am looking for new and creative ideas for building my clientele. I've never heard of a Groupon, but you can bet that I'm going to google it as soon as I've finished typing... :)