Ah, the "rebel" client. You know the one—they treat your carefully crafted aftercare instructions like a suggestion rather than a lifeline for their newly perfected look. It's enough to make even the most zen esthetician want to pull out their perfectly groomed hair!
Picture this: You've just given your client the most flawless set of lash extensions this side of Hollywood. You hand them your meticulously prepared aftercare instructions, feeling proud of your work and confident in their ability to maintain it. Fast forward to their next appointment, and... oh no. Those lashes look like they've been through a tornado, a rainstorm, and a heavy metal concert—all at once.
"Did you follow the aftercare instructions?" you ask, trying to keep your voice steady.
"Oh, those? I thought they were more like guidelines," they reply with a sheepish grin.
Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone in this struggle. Let's dive into some strategies for dealing with these instruction-averse clients without losing your sanity (or your business)!
1. The "Spoonful of Sugar" Approach
Remember Mary Poppins? She knew that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. In our case, we're not forcing children to take actual medicine, but we are trying to get grown adults to follow simple instructions. (Sometimes, it feels like the same thing, doesn't it?)
Try this: Instead of handing over a boring list of dos and don'ts, make your instructions fun and engaging. Use colorful infographics, add some humor, or even create a short, entertaining video. The goal is to make following instructions feel less like a chore and more like a fun part of their beauty routine.
2. The "Scared Straight" Tactic
For some clients, a gentle approach just doesn't cut it. They need to see the potential consequences of their actions (or inactions) in vivid detail. No, we're not suggesting you traumatize them, but a little shock value can go a long way.
Consider creating a "Wall of Shame" (keep it anonymous, of course) with before-and-after photos showing what happens when aftercare instructions are ignored. It's like those "This is your brain on drugs" commercials from the '80s, but for beauty treatments. Seeing is believing, after all!
3. The "Accountability Buddy" System
Sometimes, all a rebel client needs is a little nudge in the right direction. Enter the accountability buddy system. This could be a friend, a partner, or even you (via text or email reminders).
Set up a system where someone checks in on them daily to ensure they're following instructions. It's like having a personal trainer for their beauty routine. Who knows? They might even start looking forward to these check-ins!
4. The "Choose Your Own Adventure" Method
Remember those books where you got to make choices that affected the story's outcome? Apply that concept to your aftercare instructions. Create a flowchart or decision tree that shows clients the different outcomes based on their choices.
For example: "Did you sleep on your back to protect your lash extensions? If yes, turn to page 2 for your fabulous results. If no, turn to page 3 to see what a tangled mess you've created." It's interactive, engaging, and drives home the importance of following instructions.
5. The "Tech-Savvy" Approach
For those clients who are always glued to their smartphones (aren't we all?), consider using a digital form or app to deliver aftercare instructions. This way, they can't claim they "lost the paper" or "forgot to bring it home."
The Grand Finale: Positive Reinforcement
At the end of the day, everyone loves a pat on the back. When your rebel client finally follows instructions (and they will, with these strategies), make sure to celebrate their success. Offer a small discount on their next service, give them a sample of a luxury product, or simply shower them with praise.
Remember, transforming a rebel into a rule-follower is a victory for both of you. They get better, longer-lasting results, and you get to showcase your best work without premature wear and tear.
So the next time you're faced with a client who treats your carefully crafted instructions like last week's junk mail, take a deep breath, smile, and deploy one of these tactics. Who knows? You might just turn that rebel into your most loyal, instruction-following client yet!
And if all else fails, well... you could always frame your instructions and hang them in every room. (Just kidding—kind of. But hey, clear signage never hurt anyone!)