PBA :: Progress :: Spring2007 :: Networking Tips
Tips On Creating a Successful Networking Group
Don't be intimidated! Start small and grow organically. Imagine the benefits to your business and then communicate that to the owners and managers you invite. Be prepared for initial hesitation from some participants-it takes time to build trust and understand the benefits of networking.
Pick your date. Mondays are fantastic. Many salons are closed on Mondays, and our existing networking groups have found that it is the best day to meet.
At first people hold back info, but once it is communicated that the intent is to make the industry stronger, then people will open up more.
Tina Morschauser
Rejuvenation
Call and ask to speak with the owner. Remember to be chipper and as positive as possible. Explain who you are and your intentions. The worst they can do is say no.
Rowena Yeager
Studio Wish
I basically created a database of owners in the area [starting with a local magazine's top 50 salons article] and mailed out invitations-some were PBA members but most were not. If I was able to get the email addresses, then I sent invites out that way, too.
Serena Chreky
Andre Chreky, The Salon Spa
One great idea was to share with everyone three things you do well and three things you want to know about the other salons.
Tina Morschauser
Rejuvenation
We all contribute to the agenda. Anyone with an issue or question submits it, and we have a discussion on solutions. Kind of like a face-to-face List[serve]. We exchange resources, discuss ideas and share triumphs.
Kendall Ong
Mane Attraction Salon
It gives you such strength to know you share ALL of the same challenges, and you are okay and to keep going. Being an owner can be such a lonely place. If we all share, we all win eventually.
Donna Gardner
Retreat Salon and Spa, Inc.
Reserve a meeting space. A restaurant is perfect. Ask to speak to the catering manager. Some groups have found that a continental breakfast is best and most affordable. You may also want to try a local community center, church, distributorship or even your salon.
Reach out to existing PBA members in your area. You can receive a list from PBA of all current, resigned and prospective members in your area. Call 800-468-2274 (480-281-0424) or email info@probeauty.org with your request.
Reach out to other salons in the area. This is a fantastic opportunity to recruit more members for your association! Call the employee-based salons in your area that you respect.
Send out invitations about a month in advance. Often a handwritten note can be more effective and is less likely to get lost in spam filters than an email invitation. If there is a cost for refreshments, room rentals and so forth, make sure to include that in the invitations.
Do a meeting reminder. Send a postcard and/or call owners about 10 days prior to the event.
Create a meeting agenda. Try to include some ice-breaking activities. Make it fun AND informative. If attendees need to prepare some information before the discussion, send out the agenda ahead of time.
Be sure to have new PBA member applications on hand. You may print them directly from the website or request that some be sent to you by contacting Member Services at 800.468.2274 (480-281-0424) or info@probeauty.org.
Gather contact information. Make sure to get email addresses from all attendees. You can send a follow-up email with notes and points of interest from the meeting. You can also send a reminder about the next upcoming meeting.
Ask for help! You want to network, right? Well get started by reaching out to the existing networking group leaders! They are fantastic resources as you plan your own group. Don't be afraid to drop them a line to ask their advice. PBA's Membership department is also here to help you get started. Call 800-468-2274 (480-281-0424).
