Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/325995
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 17 Because this type of spray tanning requires a lot of specialized knowledge, a skilled provider can gain very loyal clients who are truly invested in your services and will pay well for them. I have clients who fly me to national competitions so I can tan them on the day of the event. My appointment book fills up five months in advance. Few people work in this niche, and the demand is there. However, starting out isn't easy. There are tanning companies that sponsor the competitions, so advertising your own services at shows is a no-no, and 75 percent of competitors use whichever company is sponsoring the show instead of finding their own provider. The good news is these clients are highly likely to switch to a different provider based on recommendations from their trainers or other competitors—and once you have some top competitors on your client list, word spreads fast. Know the Sport To be successful in serving this market, you must develop an in-depth knowledge of the bodybuilding and fitness community, and network within that community. As a competitive sport, bodybuilding has been around for decades. Today, there are numerous variations: women can compete in bikini, bodybuilding, figure, fitness, and physique divisions, while men can compete in bodybuilding and physique divisions. For convenience, I'll use the word bodybuilders in this article to refer to all competitors, but within the sport it refers to those who compete on the basis of muscle mass. The other divisions require less muscle and focus more on visual appeal. Each division has its own distinctive look, personality, and tanning needs. There is almost certain to be a local or state organization for competitive bodybuilding near you. Competitions generally take place on Saturdays and there are many throughout the year. When I first looked at getting into this niche, I scoured the Internet, spending hours reading through bodybuilding forums and blogs, getting to know the "language"—workout programs, nutritional approaches, and everything else that goes into it. That, along with attending some shows as a spectator, is the minimum you should do to build your knowledge of the community. I also recommend going with a product line that has sponsored a bodybuilding show, so they can support you with relevant advice. If you enjoy working out, gain firsthand knowledge by training as a beginner in the sport under an experienced coach. Age, fitness level, and strength are not barriers when starting out. I took it to the next level by competing in the bikini division at a local event and gained invaluable insight into the lifestyle, mind-set, and needs of serious competitors. Spray Tanning Spray tanning is an integral part of bodybuilding competitions. For these clients, a good spray tan is not a luxury: it can be the difference between first place and failure. Not only does it help highlight the competitor's muscular development, but he or she will lose points for a tan that is too light or too dark. It's no wonder tanning bodybuilders is serious business. Muscle into this specialized niche BY ALLISON AULT BUILDERS