Reports. Why we love them.

Reports, reports, reports! How I love my reports.  (Now don't turn away here- remember its just me: the World'ssimplest-easiest-way-to-get-from-here-to-there gal.)

Let me count the ways:

1. The big picture.  When you enter the dates, you can customize your report for the period you need to see the facts for.  How much did I make today?  How much did I make last week?  Month? Year?

2. Know your Budget for supplies.  10% of my income goes back into my inventory, equipment, back bar and supplies.  No more. Remember to OTHER BILLS that you came to work to pay????  If I cannot replace what I have used on this budget, then it must be time to reassess my work.  Do I need to raise prices, measure my batches of color more precisely for less waste, or quit giving away the farm and charge each client no less than my list price?  (guilty)  Any extra I didn't spend goes into my "slush fund" and goes toward my wish list items that I can hopefully catch a sale on.  Boy, oh, boy! do I wish someone had helped me do this earlier in my career.  It really would have shaped my expenses, education and ultimately helped me earn better money.

3. Income projection.  If you put in dates for the future week, you can actually project your income.  I try to avoid counting my chicks before the eggs hatch, but the knowledge of what is coming up can help you foster more business from the person already in your chair.  If you have extra time between clients, get the customer in your chair to upgrade their service. Try something new, or even spoil them with an extra few minutes of luxury head massage so they leave more fulfilled.  Build their loyalty!

Ultimately, don't put off running the reports you need to understand your business better.  Keep the management simple.

Who knew a financial report could make you happy?

The Value Of Referral$

One thing we felt was so important for SCHEDULE'em to include programmed into the software was a simple reminder for our customers to send referrals.  Every single email sent from SCHEDULE'em, every time.  Sweet.  

Our automatic referral program at SCHEDULE'em is such a powerful tool for our customers.  In addition to any other referral programs you might offer, or any other ways you ask, SCHEDULE'em has you covered.  It's just one more way we make you look awesome!  

You can find this "Automatic Referral System" under the settings tab.  Of course, you can edit it to suit your preferences, but our subscribers report that they appreciate this additional feature.  It's a no-brainer way to build your business without even thinking about it.

Sometimes asking for more work from a customer can be awkward to work into the conversation or simply overlooked as you take care of everything you want to do for them.  After making sure they re-book and have the supplies they need for home care, soliciting referrals is left off.  How sad, since our satisfied customers gladly do that for us, especially when encouraged.  

But have you considered this :  NOT asking is actually costing you money?  Let me explain:

One more way to make you look awesome:  SCHEDULE'em has and Automatic Referral Program built right into the software.

I just came across a valuable notebook from a training course I took years ago.  This advice that was given at those seminars still applies today.

1.  The value $$ of each client.  (average ticket value) $50

2. Client refers three people to you this year: (average ticket value x 3) $150

3. Each new client that visits 8 times a year: (line 2 x 8) $1200 each new client!

Now you can calculate the actual value of just three referrals, won't you be sure to at least ask?  

(Yea! SCHEDULE'em automatically does this for me!!!)

Bonus round:  What if 10 of your TOP/highest value ticket customers sent you three people?  Even if you are busy, this challenge gem is going to significantly change your bottom line!

Schedule'em Online Appointment Book makes referrals so simple!

"Just one more thing...  I need to ask you.  Will you refer me to your friends?  I really like working for people like you."