Getting discouraged

Hi:

Just wondering how you get yourself out of the rut when you become discouraged.  I am regretting quitting my stable job I hated to follow the dream.  I am only booking a few appointments daily and spending so much time marketing and making contacts.  My bank account is dwindling and I am worried. 

 

Any ideas or have you expereienced this also?


thanks for any advice! :) 

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Permalink Reply by Sharon Petteway on September 18, 2012 at 6:37am

I am in the same boat. I'm not even getting a few appts a day, more like one or two a week.  I work a part-time job also just so I have a little money to live.  I do networking events, advertising, website, FB, free facials... It is very discouraging.

Permalink Reply by Faith Redd-Walker on September 18, 2012 at 11:30am

I too am in this boat but you can't give up on your dream. I have viewed this as a test/trial period and I know that better days are ahead. My best advise is to keep on working at it and pursuing this since its your dream. No one said it would be easy but you took a leap of faith that so many aren't willing to take. It's only a mistake if you give up. I would also suggest trying out Lori Crete's Esthetician Mentor System. I plan on purchasing the full thing in the near future as soon as I have saved up. But get on her email list and she provides great tips and motivation. Things will get better for all of us!

Permalink Reply by Sandra Hicks on October 7, 2012 at 11:18am

That was very encouraging Faith ! Like ya'll have already said, it has been hard for me too. Especially after the month of July, business has taken a nose dive. I rent my room and  I feel very discouraged right now but I just keep on trying. I Love what you said ; "It's only a mistake if you give up". I've been following Lori Crete's emails too. Hoping I will be able to afford her system soon.

Permalink Reply by LaToya Rochelle Williams on January 2, 2013 at 1:31pm

Thank you! This was such an encouraging post because I was really about to give up. God Bless!!

 

Permalink Reply by Sheila Gordon on January 2, 2013 at 2:13pm

Don't give up Latoya!!!  We are all here to support one another!

Permalink Reply by Lauren Snow, ASCP on September 18, 2012 at 4:58pm

One thing that may help you which was recommended to me at one time is to do your own private practice on select days, and work at a place like Massage Envy or another established company for your steady income. Maybe you devote 50/50 time to each, and as your private practice gains momentum, you can gradually ease out of the big business to your own? Another suggestion is to work outside of the industry and continue your private practice like Sharon does.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Hicks on October 7, 2012 at 11:21am

Yes, I agree with this too. I work 3 days for myself and 3 days at a spa. However considering changing my part time job to something that is not in the industry for a while.

Permalink Reply by Tiffany Carmona on September 18, 2012 at 8:18pm

Hi Angela.. I know it seems rough in the beginning... I know! I too have been there but keep working at it and building your clients. You will start to see your client list growing. Do as much networking as you can and keep at it. I part time job may be a great option in the beginning until you are steady. Something not in the industry so that you can meet new people. Good luck and KEEP GOING!!!! 

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on September 18, 2012 at 8:27pm

Hi Angela

How long have you been in the business?  If you are a newbie, a few appointments daily is a good start.  My first year I may of had 5 clients a week if I was lucky.  It can be challenging financially but it is SO worth it to be the one in control once you get to that point. 

It takes time and patience to build a practice.. It took me three years (this is my 3rd yr) to get to a point where I'm booked two weeks in advance.  The first year I didn't do much. I had "teenager issues" with my daughter and didn't spend as much time in my rented space as I could have.

Here's a few things that I did to gain more clients:

1. I took my show on the road and provided facial services at weekend retreats locally.  I offered a small discount if they rebooked a service with me.  Think about business's locally that you can connect with and will allow you to leave business cards like local hotels, B & B's, gyms, medical offices related to women's health, etc..  that may need skin care services for their clients

2. Donated gift certificates to local charities for raffles and auctions.

3. I gave business cards and brochures to EVERYONE I ran into!! Servers in restaurants, at the gym, etc...get the point (my husband and kids did this for me too).  My daughter used to bring friends home after school,  the ones with real bad acne..( I had a home spa also at that time) and I would do mini facials on them for free and they would tell their mothers.  Mom's are now clients.

4.  I rewarded my clients that I already had with a free service if they sent me 3 referrals ( my 5 clients quickly turned into 15 clients

5. Consider something like Groupon or Living Social or a smaller similar business structure. I did this my second year and have gained hundreds of new clients.  Just be careful about what you offer and don't go too low in your prices

6. Create a website, Linked In, Facebook page and Yelp page.  I found a fabulous Branding Marketing expert on Craigslist who is rebuilding my website and has created a logo for me. We trade services sooo no money out of my pocket there....yea!!

7. Take care of YOU... Exercise, eat right and do whatever you do to feel spiritually connected, pray...meditate and visualize yourself a success.!!

One important thing to remember is that you need to continue your education by attending advanced courses and attending trade shows.  Keep motivated by reading and reseaching everything about skin care.

I think the suggestion about getting a second job could be helpful BUT if you can handle your finances with your esthy business alone or with other support I would say don't get the second job. It's too easy to give up on your dream when you have one foot outside the door so to speak.  You will be more motivated and have more energy to build your business if you don't have another job.  If you do decide to look for another job stay within the industry.

 

These are the things that I did that has brought me to where I am at today.  I hope this helps you.

Stay well,

Denise

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Angela Brill on September 19, 2012 at 5:51am

thanks for the great ideas!  I have been working with some local business and offering mini facials is a great idea also!

Thanks for the advice and I will keep you posted on my progress!

Permalink Reply by Susanne Schmaling on September 19, 2012 at 10:27am

Wonderful information Denise, thank you so much!

Permalink Reply by Denise Ivers on September 20, 2012 at 2:00pm

You are SO welcome!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this message board! I've learned so much from everyone here.!!

 

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