I have enjoyed many hobbies over the years, but few have created the memories and moments (past and current) that I’ve collected as a hunter. However, I have often found that many people don’t like what I do. Most do not know (or care) that I am a hunter education instructor and have taught firearm safety to a significant number of Georgia youth. So, I took a step to not only change public perception of hunting, but at the same time, also provide a food source for local people in need.
Of course, it feels great to give back; but equally beneficial is the positive exposure these activities can generate for your salon.
I started a chapter of Farmer and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH); a national non-profit venison donation program. Each year in December, my chapter donates over 500 lbs. of deer meat to the Abba House, a local shelter for abused women and their children. It goes a long way toward supporting the harvest of a renewable, managed resource for those who are food needy. This donation satisfies eight months of their meat budget and allows monies to be directed toward other areas of need, such as clothing and books. When the meat delivery is made, a photo is taken and then submitted to our local newspapers. I can’t change everybody’s mind; but I can tell you that this program has changed a few. I also can’t explain the overwhelming feeling I get when those folks say, “Thanks!”
So, let’s draw a parallel to the indoor tanning industry.
Think for a moment about how people in your town perceive your business. If you already promote your salon locally and enjoy good publicity, congrats to you. But thanks to abundant and unceasing negative media across the country through the years, the perception of indoor tanning and your salon is probably not very good. Some of the attacks on tanning have been the result of the health claims made by people in our industry that include statements such as “indoor tanning can lower blood pressure, reduce cavities, decrease heart disease, treat blood clots, Alzheimer’s and more.” However, sunlamps and sunbeds are classified as cosmetic devices under the auspices of the Food and Drug Administration’s 21 CFR1040.20, and no one can make claims about the health benefits of these products. In fact, because of these types of claims, more and more dermatologists and health advocates keep lining up in disapproval of our industry.
In March of this year, a paper that detailed some of these claims titled, “Evaluation of Indoor Tanning Health Claims” by Balk, Fischer, Geller and Weinstock was delivered to the New York State Office of the Attorney General.
You may provide great customer service and offer fantastic pricing on some of the best tanning equipment that money can buy, yet your business still may be viewed in a negative light by members of your community. So, how can you hurdle this barrier? In a word, it’s philanthropy. That’s right – giving back. Many salon operators may engage in an occasional community service campaign, but how many of you actually have a calendar set up to consistently execute these programs? For many folks, the holidays are a particularly difficult time, so now is a great time to kick-start your program.
Begin by starting a “Tans for Cans” campaign or similar food donation at your salon. For a specific period, offer a free tan or upgrade for a minimum donation of five or ten cans. Network with a local food bank or church program and organize deliveries of the food collected. Capitalize on promoting this and all events that you sponsor through social media like Facebook and Twitter. Don’t forget to take photos! Provide the names of the people in the photos and a brief paragraph about the activity to submit to your local paper. Make it a “slam dunk” by first contacting the newspaper to get the name of the person who handles charitable community activities. So, you have December locked up … here are some other ideas to round out your calendar:
January: After the holiday, start the New Year with a clothing drive. Publicize the event by cooperating with other local businesses to really get it moving. Donate the clothes to a local charity or church organization.
February: Start a campaign to write letters to those in the military. Not all of the men and women who serve have family and friends who keep in contact. Visit saveoursoldiers.us for examples of letters that can be written online and sent via their free service.
March: Our furry friends need lots of love! Put a donation jar on your front counter to collect for a local charity, such as an animal shelter.
April: After winter, your season should be in full swing. Sign up for the Adopt-A-Road cleanup program. Typically, a sign with your company name on it will be posted by the road you have “adopted.”
May: It’s prom season, but not every high school girl can afford a prom dress. Organize a used prom dress donation campaign and cross-promote with a local dry cleaner to clean them.
June: Keep the community clean-up going by donating time to “Adopt-a-Stream” or a similar lake/river beautification group.
July: Break out the hammers! Get your team out there pounding nails in support of a local low-income housing initiative.
August: Old folks need love too! My father is in a nursing home, and I know that not all of the elderly folks there have family and friends who visit. Drop in to lead a sing-a-long or book-reading.
September: Kids are back in school and not all can afford new supplies, like backpacks. Check with a local school, see what they need and coordinate a donation program at your salon.
October: Of course, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. Tell your salon guests to wear pink on specific days in exchange for free tanning upgrades. Give away pink rubber bracelets or other pink “swag” in exchange for donating to a research organization.
November: It’s high school football time – most players’ parents have to work the concession stands during games and miss all the action. Reach out to the team’s booster club and volunteer your team to work the food and drink sales. It’s lots of fun, too!
December: Alternate “Tans for Cans” with a care package program for those serving in the military. Visit operationgratitude.com for more info on one such program.
Of course, it feels great to give back; but equally beneficial is the positive exposure these activities can generate for your salon. In addition, you’re helping to teach the young people on your team about the concept of philanthropy. So, take a proactive approach to changing the community’s perception of your business, and of YOU as the owner – and make sure everyone hears about it! This basic template will help you make it happen; but brainstorm with your team to create the right program to fit your community and get to it!
