Skin care is a job that involves a lot of contact with the public. But what if you're naturally shy? Will it hurt your business?
Luckily, the answer is "No, it doesn’t have to!" Although there’s no quick and easy cure for shyness, it can be managed. Experts suggest that taking a genuine interest in others and concentrating on serving their needs can help overcome self-consciousness. Volunteer work, where a shared cause gives you something to talk about and connect over, has also been shown to be highly effective in helping shy people learn to better engage with others.
Practice the types of encounters you fear, with a friend or family member playing the role of the client.
Learn some conversation-starters to get the ball rolling. For example, you could compliment your client on an item of clothing, ask how they heard about you, or how their weekend was. Later, note any hobbies or activities they mentioned, so you can ask them about those topics when you next see them.
There are many books available on overcoming shyness, and some great resources online. A good place to start is www.shyness.com. If you still feel stuck, you can benefit greatly from one-on-one training with a professional counselor.