Networking with alternative sources

I have really gotten into marketing again. Years ago when I had my shop uptown, I loved reading marketing books and finding cool ways to advertise for little money. Mainly because I didn't have a lot of money to work with. I had even started working on a small booklet of my own on "100 ways to advertise for free or almost free." I think I still have all my notes!

Pretty good considering I was only 23 years old at the time.

One thing I never really delved deeply into, was networking, which is a shame because it's one of the easiest ways to gain customers. Find someone that already services your customers, and work together to share them!

A few months ago, I was sitting in the nail salon, getting my nails done, and my mind is running a million miles an hour *like always*. I realized a few things:
-A customer sits there for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes looking around, waiting for a place for your eyes to rest
-We have the same basic customer demographic - 18 to 45 females.
-Females in our area still like to get their nails done, especially for events like proms and weddings.

I decided to sit down and write a proposal up to the owners, sent it out a few days later, then gave them a call about it. They were awesome and said it would be ok for me to hang a display in their shop.

So Saturday, we went in to hang the display and I'm quite proud of it. I think it looks really good. I took what I felt was a really good cross section of my photos. I probably could have hung 20 but had to narrow it to 6!

As you can see, I used thick acrylic frames and used my own paper to cover the edges. No, I don't mean paper from my stash (well technically it is), but my own paper that I designed a couple years ago for design originals. The love theme set matches my color branding. (paper on the 16 x 20 was not from me - It's from Autumn leaves I believe).

Now a little about T & S Nail Salon and Spa. (Used to be Kevin's Nails). If you have not had your nails done for a while, even a simple manicure, or a nice pedicure (I still have never had one!) you should go visit these guys, but make an appointment because they can get really busy, especially on Saturdays! (I learned the hard way!).

They are always so friendly, and do an excellent job. I've been happy with my nails and have been going every 2-3 weeks for about 1.5 years now. Sam remembered Torrie right off the bat, and he's probably not seen her in several years.

Also, they have alterations there. I have not needed anything altered - I usually do that myself, but I know they do a brisk business because there's someone coming in for alterations almost every time I'm there.

You should visit them!

T & S Nail Spa and Alterations

521 S. Main

Maryville, MO 64468

Phone: 660-582-2263

Tell them Lana sent you!