The “Beauty” of Networking as a Beauty Entrepreneur

“No man (or woman) is an island.”

This well-known phrase from poet John Donne, means that no one can get through life alone – we need each other. If we want to succeed, we need to develop relationships and lean on one another. Your skills as an artist can take you a long way, but the people you surround yourself with to support you as a beautypreneur will contribute to your success.

We need each other!

What is networking?

Networking is talking with others working in the same industry to develop mutually beneficial professional and social relationships. Starting a conversation, a relationship or a friendship with another PMU artist could result in sharing ideas, or just simply supporting one another through the process, in a way that benefits you both. For example, you could learn PMU tips and tricks from someone you meet at a trade show to take back to your salon.

That’s the beauty of networking.

Your goal is to meet people in your industry or a closely-related field who can help you grow as a person or brand. Maybe you learn insider tips and tricks for how to grow a PMU business. Perhaps you meet potential clients who turn into paying ones. You may even learn to master new strategies to improve social media marketing for makeup artists. Or you find your business bestie that understands what you’re going through because she’s also on the same path.

How to Network

Virtually

Social media is a great place to start. Not only can you cast a wider net with your branding and advertising through social media, but you get to keep in touch with clients and people in the PMU business that you admire but cannot meet face-to-face.

To network through social media platforms, stay engaged with your following by taking the time to reply to messages and posts.

Support the pages of those in your profession that you respect. Send a message introducing yourself and praising their work.

Over time, a virtual friendship can grow into a deeper, meaningful relationship in which you gain referrals, insight into new skills, tips and tricks of the trade or inspiration.

In-person

There is no substitute for networking face-to-face within your industry and community. Getting involved with a professional PMU organization is an excellent way to network. Personal interactions with others at trade shows, continuing education classes, or even social gatherings outside of the beauty biz will take your trade to the next level.

  • Seek out social and professional opportunities. Start with local meet-ups with professional and social organizations relevant to your business or of interest to you.
  • Focus on building relationships instead of building clientele. Put people first, and the business benefits will follow.
  • Set a goal to have a meaningful conversation with one person at first and then build up to a handful from there.

Have trouble remembering names? Lots of people do. Try this trick: ask for their business card and then write something positive and memorable about them that you can refer back to later.

Four Benefits of Networking

1) Creates a Support System – It’s always helpful to surround yourself with people who understand you. Other business owners and beauty entrepreneurs can identify with what you’re going through, whether you’re at the beginning stage of opening a business or considering additional certifications. Surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs will encourage and inspire you, and uplift you when you need it.
2) Helps You Stay Trendy – By “trendy,” we don’t mean fast fashion. We are talking about current beauty industry trends like valuable tools of the trade, new PMU applications or business software that allows you to do more for your clients and provide higher quality services. We learn through observation, so watching and listening to what others are doing can help you become a better artist.
3) Helps You Grow Your Business (or others’ businesses too) – Learn what worked or didn’t work for others, and take those lessons back to what you are working toward yourself. You never know where inspiration will come from, or if you can inspire someone else. Get ideas about everything from managing employees to handing out client swag bags. A little further along in your career, you might be the positive example for others that they needed to see!
4) Builds Your Business Prospects and Leads –The more people you get to know, the more they get to know you back. Advertising your business is about getting your name out there. You could meet people who can positively influence your business. The relationships you build could lead to more word-of-mouth referrals, “shoutouts” on social media or partnerships. You might even meet people who want to book your services for their own PMU needs.

***Bonus*** Networking forces you to hone your conversation skills. You’ll become more confident and comfortable speaking with people.

Networking Is a Two-way Street

To make a friend, you have to be a friend first. Be willing to scratch someone else’s back before they scratch yours because one thing is for sure–the more positive you put out in the world, the more you get back. So, go ahead and plug a related business on your social media page first. Recommend another PMU or beauty artist to a client looking for a service you don’t provide. Your goodwill will be returned to you.

Go Further With Networking

An African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Your expertise, skill and talent in the beauty industry have taken you this far. Forming relationships with others in your industry and social groups will take your business even further and can impact others in a positive way. You stand to gain enriching and supportive friendships, valuable business connections and leads, and priceless information and strategies.

Highstoke Media Network

HSM Network

 

Highstoke Media NetworkGetting ahead of the game today requires businesses to be able to adapt to a world marked by innovation and change.

Taking a step back, evaluating what has been done, and figuring out where you want to go is essential for any organization. Changes are here and we are excited to share them with you.

This year, Highstoke Media has faced a substantial growth and we have taken time to understand our role in the beauty industry and what we intend to achieve.

We have realized that the scope of our business project has far exceeded our expectations. As time went on, it became more clear to us that our mission is to walk alongside not only with Permanent Make up artists but business owners of the beauty industry and help them to make their dreams come true.

First, our mission was focused on worldwide PMU artists but now we want to help all beauty professionals to build and expand their business while they impact their community.

The Beauty Growth Network  

Since we understand that community makes all the difference, we are here to introduce you to Highstoke Media Network, an online community for beauty entrepreneurs and professionals, a place where their questions are answered and they can feel part of something bigger.

Highstoke Media is on a mission to create a community of beauty professionals where they can learn about how to take advantage of their potential and define their own definition of success.

We are here to provide valuable information and inspire action through the content we are creating. Highstoke Media is here to support entrepreneurs who are chasing their dreams. We are here to grow together.

Our goal with the Highstoke Media Network is to support beauty professionals by providing them with a safe environment that not only allows them to find new clients but also where they can feel confident and  can discover all the tools and information they need.

Highstoke Media Network

Our Program: Brow Clients on Demand Plus

Over time we are seeking to develop programs that facilitate the objectives set by the beauty professionals. That is why we are proud of our first program focused on Permanent Makeup artists. Brow Clients on Demand Plus (BOCD+) offers PMU artists a method to get more paying clients with guaranteed bookings. This program handles both the marketing (directing dream clients your way) and  sales (booking appointments, closing deals, and directing deposits in your bank account). 

This is just the beginning of all the great things we have planned for this year. Stay tuned. for more announcements.

How to become a successful Beauty entrepreneur?

successful beauty entrepreneur

At Highstoke Media, we have learned that our passion is to support and partner with beauty entrepreneurs. We have experienced the feeling of uncertainty and doubt that came with setting up our own business. That’s why we want to share some insights and advice to help you make it as an entrepreneur.

  1. Establish a clear business plan

Beauty EntrepreneurA good place to start is creating your own business plan. Take your time to define your business advantages and weaknesses, what you offer; what makes you unique in the market. Also, don’t forget about focusing on the strategies that you will use to grow and create brand awareness in the industry. 

In this stage, you should think about every possible scenario, which could happen in your business. The idea is not to be scared, but to be ready and create possible action plans. For example, in the case of a new confinement, what should you do? What is most important, how would you deal with it? 

  1. Be careful with financials – remember you’re just starting out

Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for start-ups. In order to avoid unnecessary costs, you should resist the temptation to upgrade your office/studio to the max or have unnecessary expenses.

Whenever you make an investment, you must consider the benefits it will bring to the company and determine if you can afford it.

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Beauty EntrepreneurNew beginnings are not always easy. When it comes to business, getting advice from people with a lot of knowledge can prove to be the best tactic. To be successful in this industry, it is not necessary to know everything, but rather to know that there will always be someone who knows more than you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

There are plenty of resources for networking, knowledge sharing, and advice available. Networking is more than just finding new business opportunities; it is also a great way to find support and ideas for the future. Please do not be afraid to seek advice from the people around you.

  1. The best asset you have is yourself. 

Beauty EntrepreneurIt is common for entrepreneurs to forget that each of us should take a break once in a while. Since it is your own business, commitment is greater, but you must rest, exercise; eat well, and most importantly, set boundaries. You do not have to work endlessly!

Take time to spend with your family and friends. Quality time can help you to breathe, oxygen the brain and can help you to be more efficient at your work. As an entrepreneur, you should forget working on your time management skills. 

Here is a post where you can read why it’s important to take some time for yourself

  1. Always learn new things

Beauty EntrepreneurRunning a business is a continuous process of learning and growing. In addition to practical skills, you should also develop emotional capabilities. Browse free and low-cost online courses, try to listen to podcasts, watch TED talks or documentaries of your industry. There are also great conferences where you can learn up-to-date industry trends and network with like minded beauty professionals, like the Vegas PMU Conference.

It has been said that the only thing you have that cannot be taken from you is what you have learned.

Over the years, we have learned that each process should be enjoyed and now you are off to an exceptional journey. Don’t worry; we are by your side to help you.

 

As a Beauty Entrepreneur, you are your top priority

Beauty entrepreneur

Being a beauty entrepreneur means changing priorities and doing as many things as possible. You are focused on growth and usually you think you don’t have enough time to complete all the activities that are being required. This can be overwhelming but don’t worry, it’s normal and you are not alone. 

As a business owner, you may spend long hours doing the hard work since there are limited resources or it may be hard for you to delegate. 

Today’s demands on our time can be challenging, especially running a business. No matter what your lifestyle demands, you have to avoid burning out.

However, we are here to tell you that it is important to take some time for yourself. Most of us prioritize our business needs above our own in an effort to not feel guilty for not working as hard as we would like, but this is not healthy.

Here are some reasons to explain to you why it might make sense for you to take some time out for yourself.

 1. Relieve stress 

Beauty EntrepreneurIt’s easier to feel exhausted if you don’t prioritize your “me” time. When you are constantly under pressure, your stress levels increase, and eventually you burn out. It’s necessary to recharge your batteries, and lower your stress levels by taking some time out

How do you define “me” time? “Me” time doesn’t have to mean doing something by yourself, it can simply mean doing something you enjoy. This could be reading a book or our blog post , going for a walk with friends or watching a movie with your partner.

Also, you can try new alternatives such as meditation (you can use an app to guide you), try a new recipe or even take a relaxing bath.  

2. Be productive by resetting your brain.

A never-ending list of tasks and working from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep is not ideal. Our brains aren’t built to focus for long periods of time. Taking regular breaks helps you stay focused. A pleasant break can refresh you and get you back on track.

3. Make it easier to concentrate and solve problems.

When the brain is constantly thinking about a matter, it becomes increasingly hard to see the problems from a different perspective and find out an efficient solution. Many times, you will discover that the solution will suddenly arise to you simply because you are not trying to force it.

 4. Self-discovery time. 

Beauty EntrepreneurSometimes we need to take a step back and evaluate where we are. What matters most to you? Where do you stand? Where do you want to go? In the chaos of the daily routine, sometimes we lose sight of what we really want. When our actions are not aligned with our goals, we can lose ourselves. 

 You should remember that quality over quantity is what matters most when it comes to your “me” time. No matter what your schedule looks like, make sure you take ten minutes to focus on something that inspires you. Disconnect from technology and take a break.

 We hope this information can be useful for you. See you in our next post.