When it comes to branding your business there is one element that is 100% unique and no other lash business can duplicate it. What is it?
It’s you.
You are part of your overall brand, and you play a huge part in how clients and others see your business. The goal of personal branding is to create an association between you and the service you offer so that whenever anyone thinks of lash extensions, your business automatically comes to mind.
Brand vs. Personal Brand
To understand how to build your personal brand, you should know the difference between a personal brand and a business brand.
A business brand tells the story of your business. It’s built on elements such as your logo, company colours, catch-phrases, etc. It can be challenging to build a business brand that’s completely independent of you because most lash businesses are a one-man show.
A personal brand is all about you. It’s built on your personality, lifestyle, interests, and skills. Your business brand will likely grow or evolve from the personal brand you create.
You Are Your Brand
To build your personal brand, define your goal as creating persona or image that is synonymous with lash extension application. When people think about any aspect of what you do, you want to be the first thing that comes to mind.
Look the Part
One way to build your personal brand is to advertise your services by wearing lash extensions yourself. I’ve yet to meet the technician who can apply them to herself, so support a fellow small business owner. Consider making a deal to swap lash services and agree to recommend one another in the event you can’t service a client or need to take time off.
Act the Part
If you want people to see you as a service professional, you must act professional, courteous, and polite at all times. Remember that every interaction is an opportunity to showcase your brand. If you drive a branded vehicle or wear or carry branded apparel, remember that all of your actions will be associated with your brand so drive politely, treat retail and service workers with respect, and be friendly. Talk about your business every chance you get!
Be Intentional
Be meticulous when you determine the message you want to send with your personal brand. The more intention and focus you put toward building a personal brand, the stronger it will become. For example, don’t leave anything to chance. Carry business cards, make it a point to talk about your business during everyday interactions, and plan for intentional opportunities to promote yourself. An example would be setting a goal to talk to three people you don’t know every day about what you do or dressing the part and really highlighting your lash extensions when you plan to hand out business cards.
Be Authentic
Don’t be afraid to let people see behind the curtain from time to time. Your brand is only as authentic as you are, and people can often see through an overly fake persona. To be as authentic as possible, I encourage you to have FUN while you work hard to build your brand. If you are doing what you love, it will come across as authentic, and people will be drawn to your energy. Never be afraid to be your true self.
Make Meaningful Connections
Talking to people about what you do is part of building your brand, but to truly get people to start making that all-important association between you and your business, you need to make interactions meaningful and memorable. Bond over a shared experience such as having children or loving to shop at the same clothing store, remember names, and remember to ask how their spouse/job/pet is doing. Making interactions will make you memorable and solidify the connection between you and what you do.
InfinitiLash - Where Beauty Meets the Eye
If you want to learn more about building your personal brand, or how to market your lash application business, contact us to discuss our training programs, or to ask questions about our products, services, or the InfinitiLash Method. Visit us on the web 247 at infinitilash.com