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It is a proven fact that there are 3 categories of products that consumers are loyal to: 1. Skin Care 2. Treatments that Deliver Results 3. Foundation and Mascara WE know that BeautiControl has the best products available, but there are many consumers who have no idea who we are. Notice that I didn't say, "what we sell" because what we sell is far less important than "who we are".  The fact is, as a BeautiControl Consultant you aren't selling a product...you are selling YOU.   YOU are the most important product that you can offer.  Service is something that you have 100% control over and is the thing that consumers today are starving for. To most effectively attract and retain customers, it is important to understand the differences in terminology in order to most effectively develop your sales strategies: Consumers:  A Consumer is anyone who buys personal care products.  These are the people who have either never heard of BeautiControl or are not currently using BeautiControl products. Customers:  A Customer is someone who has made a single or very sporadic purchase from you. Client:  A Client is someone who was introduced to you as a consumer, became a customer and has developed an on-going relationship as a client. As you develop your strategies, there are 3 key factors to introduce your business to consumers and develop them into clients: Contact Service Relationship It is highly unlikely that a complete stranger is going to knock on your door and as to buy a product.  Developing a contact strategy is crucial in order to build a client base.  The best way to find business is to let people know you are open for business.  Incenting your current clients and customers to help generate leads for you is one of the easiest way to build a business.  If you don't have an existing client base, the Spa is the most effective way to grow.  At the Spa, you are introduced to multiple people who can introduce you to their network of friends and family.  Facebook and other social media outlets re also a great avenue to showcase your business.   After you have introduced these consumers to your business through the Spa, it is time to turn up the volume on the service that you deliver.  Going the extra mile for your customer will help establish trust and put you on the path to transitioning them into a client.   Once your customer has made a repeat purchace from you, they have become a client...but the job is far from done - in fact, it is just the beginning.  The relationship that you have with your clients is something that needs to be continually rewarded and nurtured.  Let your clients know that they are appreciated and valued.  Random acts of kindness and gratitude will be rewarded with loyalty and retention.   April is Client Appreciation month and a time to recognize your clients and let them know how much you value them.  Client Appreciation, however, is not a once a year thing...it is an every day thing.  We often get busy and forget to show our gratitude for things that we may take for granted.  For some, this comes very naturally.  For others, it may be something that needs to be put on the calendar.  Either way, both you and your Clients will feel valued in the process. To help you spur some ideas and develop your relationship strategies, here are 12 ways to show your Clients how much you care about them: 1. Greeting Cards There are dozens of major and minor holidays throughout the year and each provides a great reason to send a card. 2. Personal Notes Thoughtful and unexpected thank you notes can be sent after client appointments, following a purchase or whenever a client has done anything deserving some appreciation. While sending an e-mail may be quick and easy, you will make a better impression by sending a note in the mail. 3. Invitations Though it is important to recognize all of your clients, it is just as important to pay extra attention to your top clients. Spending personal time together  gives you a chance to cultivate the relationship by getting to know each other better (in the sales world, this is called “face time”). Consider inviting your top contacts to lunch, dinner, sporting events, charity functions or other events where you can spend time together. 4. Small Gifts Flowers, books, a mug full of candy and other token items can make thoughtful gifts for clients. These can be sent on special occasions such as birthdays, holidays or anniversaries, or can be sent for no reason other than to show your gratitude. 5. Food Everyone loves food. Consider sending cupcakes from your local bakery, providing a catered lunch at your client’s office or dropping off a tray of cookies. 6. Gift Cards Sending a gift certificate for free products or gift cards for items or places your clients will enjoy can have an added benefit: they will think of you when it comes time to redeem the gift! Options include coffee shops, restaurants, movies, bookstores, office supplies or anything else your clients would appreciate. For even more mileage, consider partnering with another business and send each other’s gift cards. 7. Referral Rewards The highest compliment you can receive is a referral to your business. This gesture deserves recognition in the form of a thank you note, discount on services or small gift card. Always acknowledge when a customer sends business your way. 8. Reverse Referrals If your clients are business owners, look for ways to refer business to them. This is an unexpected gesture that is sure to set you apart. 9. Customer Appreciation Days Designate one or more days each year to celebrate your clients. You could offer a customer-only secret promotional sale, give away lunch if you have a physical location or provide a special bonus to those on your mailing list. 10. The Gift of Information Gary's Blog, BeautiCoach, BeautiBuzz...each of these are free resources for you to send to your clients. Research topics/trends and create your own client newsletter.  Your client will be more "in the know" and will remain with you longer.  11. Host Events Host a party or an open house at your office or a restaurant. If your clients are geographically dispersed, you can hold a virtual event by inviting them to participate in complimentary online seminars. 12. Life Events If you know that your client is getting married, having a baby, being promoted or enjoying another major life event, send an acknowledgement—even if it is a simple card. Your gesture will not be forgotten.  Take every opportunity to surprise and delight your clients.  Don't underestimate the power of words. While we all like to hear phrases like, "You've Won!" or "You Look Great", there are 3 phrases that touch me more deeply than anything else:  "Thank You", "I Care" and "I'm Sorry".  These simple words make me weak in the knees, and as simple and silly as it sounds, the words that will secure me as a Client for life.    

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