Want to know how to open a spa/boutique/salon?
471031
You can read the article "How to Start a Hair and Salon Business" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol130/hairsalon.htm  The article provides a solid introduction to the business, discussing points such as services you can offer, startup requirements, and success tips\n\nFor in-depth information, I suggest reading the following books (either borrow from your library or buy from your favorite bookstore)\n\n- Start Your Own Hair Salon and Day Spa by Eileen Figure Sandlin \n- 101 Media and Marketing Tips for Salon Owners... by Nanette Miner\n- Creating an Excellent Salon: A Guide to Business Practice for NVQ Level 3 and Higher Qualifications \n- Milady's Standard System of Salon Skills: Hairdressing \nBeyond Beauty: Cosmetology Business Information and Resources \n- Salonovations' Day Spa Operations \n- Successful Salon Management\n\nYou can go to SCORE http://www.score.org for help in writing a business plan. They are typically retired businesspeople who are volunteering their time, so their service is free.\n\nAs for grants, it is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nNonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html... \n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "students, artists, academic researchers, libraries and financial aid offices." Entrepreneurs are apparently not one of them, so I take it they also don't have listings of private foundations who give grants to would-be entrepreneurs.\n\nhttp://www.cfda.gov\nhttp://www.grants.gov\nhttp://gtionline.fdncenter.org\nhttp://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol66/grants.htm\nhttp://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html
64757
You can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at  http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm. The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business. \n\nFrom the article, here are some tips:\n\n1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer. \n\n2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area to look for newly opened businesses, buildings or facilities. Then introduce yourself to the landlords ­ your potential clients ­ and request for an opportunity to bid on their cleaning contract. \n\n3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the facility (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)\n\n4.  Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the janitorial business. Aside from newly opened buildings, get a list of companies that are downsizing or laying off cleaning staffs.\n\n5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other building owners or entrepreneurs in your area.\n\n6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area. \n\n7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.\n\n\n\nFor detailed information I suggest you read the following books:\n\n- Janitorial Service Businesses : Strategies for Promoting, Estimating, and Bidding Cleaning Services \n- The Janitorial Contractors Bible \n- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business \n- Cleaning Up for a Living: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Successful Building Service Contractor \n- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business
795022
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* Spa Business Strategies: A Plan for Success by Janet M. D'Angelo\n* SalonOvations' Day Spa Operations (S Business Series) by Erica Miller\n* Start Your Own Hair Salon and Day Spa by Eileen Figure Sandlin\n* 101 Media and Marketing Tips for Salon Owners, Stylists and Managers by Nanette Miner\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
617363
I would suggest these places which are in the DC area:\n\n- Salon Isis & Therapeutic Spa in Silver Spring, MD (www.salonisis.com)\n\n- Christie Adam Salon & Spa in Fairfax, VA/ Fair Oaks Mall (www.shopfairoaksmall.com)
1079761
This site has an ebook on just that subject. It's the one about starting your own service business. I have it and my cleaning business is doing great. Hope you have great success.
262396
Hello,\n\nI would suggest that you create a blog, on your blog give tips on applying makeup, make up for different skin colors etc.  Update it once a week and make sure to have a link to your website where your readers/followers can purchase your goods.\n\nAnother thing I would suggest is to put an ad in the local paper recruiting "party reps".  These people can have home parties selling your products to their friends/families/co-workers.  They will build word of mouth for you, you will get sales and they will make money.\n\nAlso check out the links below, the first link is for marketing ideas on a showstring by Shel Horowitz.\n\nGood Luck
337151
You need to determine what type of market will your cleaning services tap - do you want to clean private homes, or do you want to service businesses and clean offices? A maid service will be limited to cleaning and maintaining households, while a janitorial business can service hospitals, retail stores, manufacturing facilities, offices, or even parking lots. Opportunities for growth abound in this business, as many commercial cleaning companies as they grow their business offer additional services such as drapery, carpet and window cleaning, lighting, green plants maintenance, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, security, landscaping, parking lot striping, pest control services, etc.\n\nMy advice is for you to read more of the business, so you can determine what you think you want and can given your present resources. The book "101 Best Businesses to Start" estimates that first year potential earnings for this business can be $40,000, while startup expenses can be $5,000 or even lower. Industry experts, however, recommend raising $50,000 for a startup capital in order to be able to invest in heavy duty cleaning equipment and have more resources to spend in marketing the business.\n\nYou may want to read the article "Starting a Janitorial or Cleaning Service Business at PowerHomeBiz.com at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm . \n\nFrom the article, here are some tips:\n\n1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer. \n\n2. Create little flyers about your business, and distribute it in areas where there are homeowners or parents. Some ideas include daycares, doctor offices.\n\n3. Create alliances with people who are in a position to refer your services -- examples include real estate agents (they can pitch your services to new homeowners in the area), daycare centers, etc.\n\n4. Networking is the most effective strategy to get ahead in the cleaning business. \n\n5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other home owners in your area.\n\n6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area. \n\n7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.\n\nFor more in-depth information about the business, we have compiled a list of books on the topic and you can either purchase the book or borrow them from your library. The list of recommended books on starting a home cleaning business can be found at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/homecleaning.htm\n\n- How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business (Author: Melinda Morse)\n- Start and Run a Home Cleaning Business (Author: Susan Bewsey)\n- Commercial and Residential Cleaning Services: A Resource Guide to Developing and Maintaining Your Own Janitorial or Home Cleaning Business (Author: Walter Fenix)\n- Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) (Author: Jacquelyn Lynn )\n- Start and Run a Profitable Home Cleaning Business \nAAuthor: Susan Bewsey
249275
I know there is one in nearby Saratoga Springs Called "Spa City Spa, that might be what you are looking for\nThere located at 54 Seward Street.\n\nHave a great day
33909
this is a tough one. how about pictures of clouds, smile faces, and your mom customers. Promotions could be free spa for mom's when they open an account. The spa may actually pay you to promote them.
571955
Hi Joy,\n\nSome possibilities that you may or may not have tried:\n\n* Referral program for existing customers\n\n* VIP program for high-value customers\n\n* Value-add services, such as pedicure, massage, etc - you could do this in partnership with other specialists\n\n* Free initial consultation with $x worth of treatment at no obligation\n\n* Regular 'maintenance' plan - ie: fixed price per month for a range of regular services/treatments\n\nThese are just a few ideas without knowing you or your particular salon or customers.\n\nEssentially, you should develop a marketing plan. You may find it hard to start the process, but once you get going you will find it easier to finish. You need to identify your key target markets and then establish the most effective way of attracting those people to your business.\n\nThe key to this is providing an unforgettable level of service, so people are reluctant to leave your premises and will tell others how fantastic your service is.\n\nAll the best of luck with it and whatever you do stick with it. Each success will provide you with more strength to continue.\n\nCheers\nAlister\nhttp://www.marketscience.com.au
1044047
Several ways, but here's a couple:\n\n1.  Call and speak to the business owner to set up an appointment to introduce your service/products.  Suggest ways that you can be of service to them.  Send follow up letter thanking them for their time and confirming your appointment.\n\n2.  Send information and then follow up with a phone call asking if they received your information and that you would like to set up an appointment.  Send a letter thanking them for talking with you and confirming the appointment.  \n\nIf they are not interested still send a letter thanking them for their time and periodically, send them a "touching base" letter or post card.\n\nYou never know.  At some point they may decide to use your service/ products.\n\nBest of Luck to YOU!
1086040
My advice is for you to read more of the business, so you can determine what you think you want and can given your present resources. \n\nYou can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm  The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business. \n\nFrom the article, here are some tips to help market your business:\n\n1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer. \n\n2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area and put your flyers in their mailboxes. Or if you see the homeowner, approach them and introduce yourself. It may seem scary at first, but the worst thing they can do is to say No.\n\n3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the house (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)\n\n4. Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the cleaning business. \n\n5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other home owners in your area. Ask your existing clients to refer you to their friends or acquiantances who may need cleaning services.\n\n6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area. Flyers in locations where many home owners congregate -- e.g. libraries (ask permission first), or even schools\n\n7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.\n\nFor more in-depth information about the business, we have compiled a list of books on the topic and you can either purchase the book or borrow them from your library. The list of recommended books on starting a cleaning business can be found at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/homecleaning.htm\n\n- How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business (Author: Melinda Morse)\n- Start and Run a Home Cleaning Business (Author: Susan Bewsey) \n- Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups)  Author: Jacquelyn Lynn\n- Start and Run a Profitable Home Cleaning Business \nAuthor: Susan Bewsey\n\nYou may also want to check the following associations:\nAssociation of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration http://www.ascr.org/ \nBuilding Service Contractors Association International\nhttp://www.bscai.org   \nInternational Sanitary Supply Association http://www.issa.com/
211605
You can start by reading the article "How to Start a Nightclub Business" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol141/nightclub.htm - the article has some information on startup requirements, key elements, marketing tips, startup costs and other information\n\nFor in-depth information, you may want to read the following books:\n\n- How to Setup and Operate a Successful Nightclub \nby Robert Smith \n- Club Design by daab \n- Start Your Own Bar and Tavern (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups) by Entrepreneur Press
981302
How about a weekend at the best spa salon in town, with the works!! Women dig the spa.\n\nAnd make sure you have flowers and cakes delivered to her now and then during the weekend. You can arrange that over the phone (or net) with the spa.
1140677
Ideally, what you need to do is think of yourself as a salesman.  Know as much about the business before going in as you can, so you can speak knowledgeably.\n\nRemember, in the back of their mind, the most important question is, 'What's in it for me?'  But, the answer to that is almost always more complex than $$.  Unless your designs are a runaway hit, they can't expect a huge cash influx, anyway.  What you offer (hopefully) is something to complement the salon experience for their customers.  Something that matches their customer's style.  \n\nAND, ideally, your work will visually enhance the decor of the salon, as well!  This may actually be your biggest hurdle; or, if you can creatively overcome it, your biggest strength!  How will your fashions be displayed in their space?  Have some ideas before you go in, but don't be afraid to ask the owner/manager if he/she has any ideas on how your creations could enhance the visual experience for their customers.\n\nI tried to cram a lot of thought into a quickly-typed response; feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to converse more.  Good luck!
430784
You can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm . The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business. \n\nFrom the article, here are some tips:\n\n1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer. \n\n2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area to look for newly opened businesses, buildings or facilities. Then introduce yourself to the landlords ­ your potential clients ­ and request for an opportunity to bid on their cleaning contract. \n\n3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the facility (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)\n\n4. Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the janitorial business. Aside from newly opened buildings, get a list of companies that are downsizing or laying off cleaning staffs.\n\n5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other building owners or entrepreneurs in your area.\n\n6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area. \n\n7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.\n\nFor detailed information I suggest you read the following books:\n\n- Janitorial Service Businesses : Strategies for Promoting, Estimating, and Bidding Cleaning Services \n- The Janitorial Contractors Bible \n- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business \n- Cleaning Up for a Living: Everything You Need to Know to Become a Successful Building Service Contractor \n- Introduction to Janitorial Service Contracting : How to Succeed in Your Own Cleaning Business
843491
The masseuses that make the most money are those who build their own clientele they see in home or at the clients house. There is no split between you and a salon or spa for the money you make. You also need to be product savvy. Many people want to 'accessorize' their massage experience by purchasing the oil.lotion you use, candles, relaxation Cd's, body wraps, etc, etc... Merchandising will make you lots of money. Being great at what you do will always be a big help!