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Balance in the Workplace

Salon professionals are no strangers to long workdays, and during some seasons, even long workweeks. The business atmosphere for salons is very competitive and many have to offer more value year after year just to survive. And more value for the customer can translate into longer hours for salon owners, managers and employees alike. Extended workweeks may be necessary to meet the need and to produce results, but they can also add stress and strain for workers, not to mention cause other issues. This is where management and leadership come into play. To strike a balance and stay competitive without burning out your salon employees, consider these tactics: Expectations Be clear about how much you expect employees to work. As a salon owner or manager you want to make sure that employees realize you don’t expect them to put in the kind of hours you do. Otherwise they may assume that you expect it, which may weigh on their happiness and productivity. Minimize Stress Burnout from extended hours may can come from the work itself or even more so from the stressful environment in which employees find themselves working. Consider holding quick debriefings each week to ask employees what stressful problems came up that could have been avoided, and put systems in place to prevent those problems from reoccurring. Offer Flexibility Flexibility in the work environment can be an important asset individual salons can offer over their corporate chain counterparts. Consider allowing flexibility in hours whenever possible for doctors’ appointments, to pick up children at school / daycare and to attend school functions or to run a few errands over an extended lunch break during quieter times. Also, take time off during slower business seasons or whenever possible and urge your employees to do the same. It will help prevent burnout. Be Fair If you want to keep talented employees, treat and pay them fairly. Overworked employees can be understandably sensitive to an imbalanced workload where some employees work longer hours or on more complex tasks than others. This is a surefire way to upset your best workers, so be sensitive to the issue. Be Appreciative When employees do an exceptional job, such as work extra hours during a busy season, acknowledge it. The appreciation can come in any form but stepping up to give them a verbal acknowledgement in always appreciated. Regardless of how you handle your salon work schedule, remember that a happy worker (at any level) makes for a happy work environment! Do you have any suggestions for finding balance? Comment below…
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Solving the Salon Insurance Quandary

Do you really need business insurance for your salon? Absolutely! You know the saying… crap happens! Well, that’s the cleaned up version anyway. Unexpected mishaps are the worst enemy of any type of business and making plans to deal these situations in advance is just a good business practice.  Why Have Insurance? Not only are most businesses required to have some form of coverage by law, the idea of preparing for the worst just makes good business sense. Fire, theft, and employee, let alone client accidents or lawsuits can destroy a business and even tap personal assets, like your home or savings. Outweighing the Costs Insurance costs should be considered from the initial concept of opening a salon and factored into the overhead expenses. Nobody wants to pay high premiums, but having to pay out-of-pocket for any claims (which DO happen) can cost much more in the long run. One small disaster, let alone a major catastrophe, can cause the quick demise of a small business that is not insured. A common misconception is that small business insurance is expensive, however in the grand scheme of things, not having insurance could be MUCH more expensive. The Basics Go for insurance solutions to at least cover basic property and casualty risks (liability) and then decide what sort of deductable is right for your situation. The higher your deductable, the lower the premiums. However, don’t shoot yourself in the foot with an unreasonable expectation should something go wrong. The best suggestion is to not have a deductable higher than your business savings account. An account with a balance that you never draw from, except in the case of a claim. Managing Risk Risk management, in the realm of insurance, is the process of understanding, evaluating and addressing possible risks in your business that may cause an insurance claim. Managing risk is also the key to successfully keeping insurance costs under control. Recognize and act upon areas of concern including potential risks to both employees and clients. Install safety precautions as needed, provide regular monitoring and claim evaluations to help prevent future claims, and examine all reoccurring claims.  If something in your salon causes injury, property damage, or any other claim that costs you money, it needs to be identified and corrected right away. Insurance Types There is no standard answer for the types of insurance a business should carry but as a business owner, you are liable for what happens in and around your business. Therefore, at the very least, liability insurance should be a top priority to protect  both your business and personal assets. As far as workers’ compensation insurance, requirements vary from state to state so do some research in your area. Regardless, some form of workers’ compensation coverage should be in place to cover employee medical and disability expenses, but also to cushion the complications of employee claims. According to the insurance industry, employees versus clients make the majority of claims. Make sure you are ready for the proverbial rainy day with the right insurance.    
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Communication – 6 Things Every Salon Owner or Manager Should Know

Communication is a simple concept and in theory should be easily achieved, however in reality it’s one of the most difficult skills to master. More of an art form than a science; communication is about knowing how to express ideas. When done verbally, as we usually do in salons, communication is more about how to listen, understand, encourage, and influence. Here are several techniques to help improve your communication skills. Always Be Positive Communication can be positive or negative through both verbal communication and body language. Listeners can sense negative thoughts and feelings and will tend to react accordingly, so think before you speak. Also, be conscious of your body language, as it’s more obvious than you think. Be Enthusiastic Passion comes through when a person is really excited about whatever they are talking about. It’s not really possible to win favor with someone when you are not excited about the topic yourself. Engage and enthuse your listener with your own excitement. Side Step Being Condescending Make every effort to avoid talking down to anyone, no matter your position or rank. Remember that employees are your greatest assets and for them to be enthusiastic for you and your business, they need to feel appreciated and part of the daily operations. Unhappy employees move on or become negative in the work environment, which in turn affects your daily operations and eventually your customers. Listen, Listen, Listen In order to communicate effectively, listening must be a big part of the equation, even if you disagree with the other person or persons. If you are not truly listening to the other side, you’ll miss opportunities to consider another perspective, but also to allow employees to contribute to the business and feel appreciated. Keep an Open Mind There is usually more than one opinion on any subject or way of doing any task. Being open-minded during the communication process means that you are considering the best option to whatever you are discussing. Effective communication also allows others to be heard and their ideas to be considered. Be Thoughtful & Say the Right Thing In business, people often forget the feelings of others. We all like to be treated in a certain way and employees and customers are no different. In addition to listening to contributions that others may have, also take the time to say; “please, thank you, and you’re welcome” at every possible opportunity (and mean it). A little appreciation really does go a long way! In a nutshell, effective communication can improve your employee relations, your salon’s daily operations and your bottom line. It does not always come easy, but the end result is well worth the effort: Happier employees, happier work environment, happy clients, and eventually a better bottom line. Simple stuff!
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Learning to be an owner

Hello: I am not sure what this website is really about! I am just a stylist of 17 years that took ownership over a salon. The salon is a leased space in which I am so crazy in love with the clientele. No they are not mine, but in a space that gives me the availability to offer my sevices! The space is in an assisted living commuinty, I would love to build a safe space for all clients. I adore this commuinty and want to make sure that everyone is getting the same love and care in every commuinty! It really takes a special person, even to make anyone over 80 years old feel sexy!!!!! Trust me they are beautiful!!!!!
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How to Successfully Open a Salon

Have you always dreamed of owning your own salon? Before signing that lease or ordering your business cards, ensure your success by avoiding the risks and pitfalls faced by many small businesses during the startup phase. Here are some of the main reasons small businesses fall short right out of the gate: Not Enough Capital Many new salon owners launch their businesses with the misconception that the business will grow and profit despite major under-funding. Without proper funding, you will not have all of the needed resources to help your business properly launch, let alone prosper and you risk potential failure. To acquire the required resources, capital will need to be raised from various sources. Beyond your own savings, consider financing through a bank or private funds, and even from family and friends. Do be careful not to put all of your funds into the salon, as you’ll have nothing should things go south, so to speak. Lack of Planning Informed planning is essential in starting your salon so begin with market demographics and cost estimates, which can be resourced from your local chamber of commerce. Bad Location   For a salon, location is everything! Lower rent payments mean nothing if you don’t have any customers or if clients, let alone staff, have nowhere to park. Before deciding on a location, check into what major draws are around you (for walk-in traffic), how secure the area is at night, what sort of issues or even planning the city or shopping center has for any developments that may affect you and your location. Not Knowing Your Competition You have to be prepared to deal with competition, which can be tough when you’re the new guy on the block. It’s best to know what you’re up against, so take the time to get to know your competitors. Take note of what they’re doing right, and how you can position your business to get a piece of the same market. Not Getting the Word Out Even though word-of-mouth promotion is the most credible way to grow a loyal clientele, it does not pay your rent while trying to initially build. Be sure and allocate funds for advertising, promotions and social media to spread the word even faster. Not Anticipating Growth Although you shouldn’t count on it to happen right away, you do need to be ready with a plan in case your business grows quickly. Otherwise you could have chaos on your hands or, even worse, it could cause your business to self-destruct from the inside out. The only way to avoid this problem is to plan early on for growth so you will be prepared for it when it does come. Do you have any other words of advice for those looking to open a salon?  
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Marketing Your Salon Website- Part 2

Whether you are just launching your website or have been online for years, here are some ways you can easily take your business to the next level. Continued from part 1: Search Engine Marketing and Optimization Search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo are the most convenient way for Internet users to find salons in their area. The goal is to position your website to come up near the top of the list in an Internet search based on your site’s key words, as well as other factors. To do so, the title metatag on your site should say something like “best salon in (insert your town or area),” as this is likely how someone will search for a salon in your area. If you have specialties that set you and your salon part, such as color expert, color correction specialist, wedding hair, etc., make sure this information is also mentioned. Pay-Per-Click Ads Search engine optimization takes time so in the mean time consider a sponsored ad on a search engine. Google’s AdWords and AdSense programs are a good place to start and can be effective for a boost of web traffic. Email Marketing Email blasts through a service like Constant Contact or Mail Chimp are other great online option for getting the word out about your salon services. This can also be a touchy method, especially if you plan to send mass amounts of unsolicited emails or spam to potential customers. You do need to be aware that spam marketing is restricted by law and will generally result in annoying your market and causing much grief. A much better approach is to build your email list by soliciting email addresses from existing customers, referrals, and voluntary sign ups. This not only keeps it legal, but also ensures that your emails will end up in front of the right market. Blogs Blogging and or Vlogging can be very effective tools for stirring up business online. These online journals or video journals / posts can contain a variety of information ranging from opinions, ideas, DIY hair styling, hair care tips, and links to other relevant sites, etc. The advantage of a blog is that it gives you the opportunity to communicate with your customers on a regular basis and can even help establish you as a respected authority in the beauty industry. Another benefit is that as your blog or vlog grows, your search engine ranking will increase and you’ll have more opportunity to gather email addresses for your salon’s eblasts. Stand Out from the Crowd In marketing, it’s important to stand out from your competitors. The same thing is true of websites. If your site looks like every other one out there, you’re missing the opportunity to do something special that can grab someone’s attention and inspire them to try your services. Through Different Eyes It’s hard to be objective about how well your website looks and how effective it is in reaching your market. In addition to measuring the success of the site through Analytics, and documenting the reach and success of your ads and eblasts, be sure to ask for feedback so you can make the site and your online marketing really work for you! Have some website marketing ideas that have worked for you? Please share below!
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Marketing Your Salon Website

So, you’ve finally decided to create a salon website. Good for you…And welcome to the 21st century, by the way. Having a website for your business is a valuable tool that not only informs existing clients, but is also a draw for potential clients. Here are some suggestions for getting the project going and marketing it once the site is up and running. Research Prior to building your website, check out what your competitors are doing for their online presence. Analyze what does and does not work and then, short of copying the look and feel of what they are doing, draw on the experience to make your site the best it can be. After you’ve launched, revisit competitor websites at least once a month to see if they’ve updated. Simplicity Today’s web user wants information quickly but does not want obstacles on the way. Instead of an elaborate site that has many levels and a ton of information, consider a simple structure that’s easy to navigate with visuals that speak to your market. In addition to pretty images of hair and even shots of your salon, be sure and include the following information on your site: Salon contact information including how to book an appointment, a simple “about us” statement, pricing for your services, and access to press pieces, testimonials and reviews. If you want to include information about the talent within the salon, do individual headshots of your crew and assemble a quick bio or statement for each one. Be sure and list experience and areas of specialty for each one. Access to social media is also important on your site. Be sure to include a “follow us” or “like us” button and link for each of the various social media platforms in which you have a presence for your salon. Copy Although there needs to be enough written information to make your site useful, avoid the temptation of long blocks of copy or a writing style that does not suit your market. Since the wording is how search engines call up information, you want any wording on your site to be readable (versus just in a graphic) and well targeted so your salon can be found. In addition to using a voice that your market will appreciate, make sure you are using terms in the copy that reflect how a client might search for your services. Market Your salon website will be useless unless your market knows it exists. To attract visitors, market your site through search engines, on your business cards, in your salon (like at the front desk, on receipts, etc), and on every business listing or form of advertising you do. To reach further, consider setting a budget aside for online advertising and or to consult with a digital marketing professional. Monitor To monitor traffic on your site, be sure and use any number of free web analytics tools such as Google Analytics. Update There’s nothing worse than building an online presence and then, no matter how beautiful it is, not updating it. Your salon’s website is a valuable tool that needs to be kept up to be truly efficient. Set up reminders on your schedule to revisit and update your site on a regular basis. Looking for ways to help market your site? Check out part 2 here!    
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How to Motivate Employees

Ever wonder why your employees are not as motivated or dedicated to your business as you are? As a salon owner, you want your enthusiasm to carry over but your employees simply see things differently. Not being the owner or having a stake in the business, there’s just not as much in it for them as there is for you. It is, however, possible to motivate your employees without giving them a share in the company. Here are some suggestions: Teambuilding Employees want to feel like they’re part of a team, as it gives them a sense of worth that goes far beyond the paycheck. Make sure they know that you understand that every contribution counts and that it takes all members of the team for the salon to function effectively. As the salon owner, you also take on the role as a coach. It’s your responsibility to clarify each team members’ role and to help them understand how they fit into the overall team. Also, involve employees in the decision-making process and truly listen to their input. This sort of teamwork mentality encourages everyone to reach for the salon goals together. Reaching Goals Just as you have goals for your business, your employees have their own goals for their careers. Encourage them to develop a career plan and do your best to help them accomplish their goals. Usually their goals can be incorporated into the company’s goals, which present a winning situation for everybody. Props and Perks Although you don’t want the financial side to be the only form of motivation, do consider some sort of a reward to employees for hitting a personal or salon goal. If nothing else, be sure you acknowledge each of them for their contributions and successes. Gratitude really does go a long way. Leading by Example The best way to motivate your staff is to be enthusiastic and a positive role model. A positive team-oriented attitude becomes infectious in a nurturing environment, especially when everybody is working toward the same goals. What would help motivate you (as an employee)  or your team?
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Making a Memorable Impression

In today’s market, having a successful business has less to do with basic marketing and positioning (although you do need those things) and more to do with building a lasting impression so that others want to share the experience. Chances are that at least once in your life you’ve had such a great experience at a local business that you felt the need to tell others about it. Why not position your salon to be so share-worthy that clients can’t resist telling others about your service? Word of Mouth Influence The great thing about word of mouth influence and people talking about your salon positively is that it the most influential form of marketing available to you. It’s easy for you to talk about your business being great, but when someone else does it, it carries a lot more credibility. Social Sound Off With the vast array of social media platforms in use these days, people have the ability to easily talk about what is on their minds. It’s a perfect platform to sound off about how great your salon is, so why not make it easy for them to do so. Opportunities for Impressions Salons are a service-based business, so if you make your service exceptional, people will remember and comment accordingly. The moment they step foot in your salon, they are critiquing everything: The first impression of the facility, the way they were greeted, the coffee that was served, music that was played, the conversation, the cleanliness of the stations, and, yes, even how they liked their hair. It’s not just about the service they came in for, it’s the attention to detail that they remember. It’s all the little things combined that matter…And how welcomed and comfortable they felt while in your salon. Be Memorable Make sure that your entire salon is on board with this service-first attitude so that your team can work together towards the common goal….Great comments, reviews and LOTS of shares! What are some ways your salon works hard to ensure a memorable experience? Do tell!  
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Procrastination De-Rationale

Been putting off looking into why you, well, put things off? Here’s a top list of procrastination reasons that you may not even be aware are holding you back from succeeding. We all put things off, however for a small-business owner procrastination can serve up some serious consequences. Supplies go unordered, repairs continue to be unfixed, bills unpaid, and eventually your staff or even worse, your customers, are affected. This naturally hurts where it counts with customer service and eventually your bottom line. A rewards system sometimes works to help you step up and get things done, but to really shake off the procrastination cloud, you’ve got to dig deep into the reasons behind it. You may be procrastinating due to:

Fear of failure tops the list. If you don’t try, how can you possibly fail, right? Wrong! Since failing is part of any successful business, facing your fears and clearly understanding the worst that can happen with such a failure, the problem usually becomes dwarfed by the possibilities that success can bring.

Fear of success is another game-changer. If you succeed in your endeavors, does it scare you that life may change for you? Ask yourself what the consequences would be for succeeding and face the reality of what the change could mean for you.

Burnout is a very common excuse for putting things off. If your business is starting to feel like a grind, it’s time to find a way to freshen it up. Try taking a break to refresh and then re-tackle the issue by breaking it down into smaller tasks.

Distraction – There’s a ton of it in the salon so many important task get pushed back to deal with more immediate concerns. The problem is that these tasks tend to fester and are perceived as larger than they really are. The best advice is to schedule a time, much like a booking, to start on the project and allow a reasonable amount of time to complete it. DO whatever it takes to stick to the schedule and then reward yourself in some way for completing it.

Lack of ability. If a project is outside the comfort zone, it makes getting started that much harder. If the skill will benefit you later, it might be worth learning now, so take the time. If the skill won’t be useful to you in the long term (updating your fashion boutique’s website), hand it off to an employee or contractor, and focus on the tasks in your wheelhouse.

Getting overwhelmed. Sometimes a project is so big that it’s just too overwhelming to start. Break it down into really small part and tackle one part at a time until it’s complete.

Emotional Reasons.  If a task is too much for your for emotional reasons, don’t sweep these feelings under the rug. Face up to the emotion that’s making you stall, and realize the only way to get past it is to complete the task and move on.

 Do any of these ring true for you? If so, own up, take initiative and get past it. Have suggestions to curb procrastination? Do tell!    
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Quote-able Success

Some great motivational and success-driven quotes that are appropriate for why we, as hairdressers and or as salon owners, do what we do….

 You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them. ~Michael Jordan

 Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time. ~George Bernard Shaw

 The best reason to start an organization is to make meaning; to create a product or service to make the world a better place. ~Guy Kawasaki

 The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself. ~Mark Caine

 People who succeed have momentum. The more they succeed, the more they want to succeed, and the more they find a way to succeed. Similarly, when someone is failing, the tendency is to get on a downward spiral that can even become a self-fulfilling prophecy. ~Tony Robbins

 Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life — think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success. ~Swami Vivekananda

 Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better. ~Jim Rohn

 The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. ~Denis Watiley

 Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. ~Jim Ryun

 People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing. ~Dale Carnegie

Have a favorite success-oriented quote you’d like to share? Sound off below!  
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New Years Resolutions

Oh the New Year is upon us! It’s this time of the year that we all go on a quest to better ourselves through any number of resolutions.  Here are some of the most popular resolutions for 2015…Is yours on the list?
  • Lose weight
  • Get in shape / go to the gym more
  • Eat better
  • Eat less red meat
  • Give up sugar / gluten / carbs
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Drink more water
  • Get more sleep
  • Stop smoking
  • Spend less time on social media
  • Less time gaming
  • Watch less TV
  • Travel more
  • Learn a new language
  • Read more
  • Learn to play a musical instrument
  • Spend less money / start saving
  • Spend more time with family
  • Adopt a new pet
  • Donate time to charity
  • Become a local big brother / big sister
  • Take up a new sport
  • Swear less
  • Go out on more dates / date nights with better half
  • Spend more time with friends
  • Improve professional skills (this one better be on every salon pro’s list!)
What’s on your resolution list for 2015?
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Motivational Quotes – Success

In case you hadn’t noticed, this uplifting series of motivational quotes is all about, well, success! Enjoy!

“The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success.” ~Bruce Feirstein

“Successful entrepreneurs are givers and not takers of positive energy.” ~Anonymous

“Whenever you see a successful person you only see the public glories, never the private sacrifices to reach them.” ~Vaibhav Shah

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” ~Anonymous

“The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” ~Colin R. Davis

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” ~Ralph Nader

“To be successful you must accept all challenges that come your way. You can’t just accept the ones you like.” ~Mike Gafka

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” ~David Brinkley

“Nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.” ~Anonymous

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.” ~Robert Collier

 “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ~Maya Angelou

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” ~Vidal Sassoon

What are some of your favorite success-oriented quotes?
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Motivational Quotes – Part 2

We kicked off this multi-part series last week with some of our fave motivational quotes. Here’s another installment of words of wisdom for this week.

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” ~George Lorimer

 “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” ~Wayne Dyer

 “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.” ~ Anatole France

 “You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals.” ~Booker T. Washington

 “Make up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.” ~Swami Vivekananda

 “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~Walt Disney

 “Good things come to people who wait, but better things come to those who go out and get them.” ~Anonymous

 “If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.” ~Anonymous

 “Success is…knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” ~ John C. Maxwell

 “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” ~Anonymous

What are some of your favorite quotes that get you motivated and keep you going?
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Motivational Quotes – Part 1

As creative individuals and business owners, we all need a little motivating to keep us on track and help push us to achieve even greater success. Here are some of our favorite words of wisdom to help inspire you to keep going.

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone. “~Michael John Bobak

“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” ~Herman Melville

“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” ~Winston Churchill

“If you want to achieve greatness stop asking for permission.” ~Anonymous

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.” ~John Wooden

“To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” ~Anonymous

“If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary.” ~Jim Rohn

“Opportunities don’t happen – you create them.” ~Chris Grosser

“Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” ~Albert Einstein

“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~Anonymous

What are some of  your favorite motivational and success-driven quotes? Please share!
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Who is Inspiring Your Potential Clients?

Zoe Elizabeth Sugg is an English fashion and beauty vlogger (video blogger) and internet personality. She is best known by her fans and viewers on YouTube as Zoella. The 25 year old former interior design apprentice from the U.K. began her first YouTube channel in 2009. Today Zoella has over 5 million mostly teenage subscribers who in turn influence their parents and spend their money. Zoe is not alone in the vlogging world: There are a host of internet personalities with lots to say on hair, makeup and fashion. They have outstanding self-taught hair styling skills; show their loyal fans how to do and use the latest and greatest, and are getting rich from their efforts. Perhaps there is something to be learned from all this? Here’s my take away! • Clients are hungry for information. • They love seeing new things. • Many salon professionals are missing an opportunity to share what they know. Here are a few thoughts that came to mind on how you might capitalize on this. Firstly, it might be really smart to subscribe to a few vlogger YouTube channels to see what they are saying and how they do it. Zoe had my attention at 5 million subscribers! Now I know that not everyone is cut out to be an internet personality, but I’m sure that writing a blog or creating an interesting Facebook and Pinterest page full of things that you like that your clients (and potential clients) would love to know about isn’t too difficult. How about sharing your take ways from NAHA or if you didn’t attend, then perhaps the last color classes you attended. The bottom line is that if you become interesting, then people will become interested in you, which translates into more new clients. More to come. . . . . .
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What Has Being a Mentor Meant to You?

We asked several salon professionals about what being or having a mentor  means to them, how it has helped them and how they and their salons pay back into the system…Let’s listen in: How do you define mentoring? Mentoring is that personalize attention and learning opportunity given by one professional to another without expecting anything in return. Evan C. – Palm Spring, CA How important is a mentoring culture within a salon? Having been a salon owner myself, I personally believe that mentoring and the mind-set that goes along with it is essential to the growth of any salon. Having a well-integrated learning and teaching culture based on the teamwork of the salon as a whole always makes for the best possible work environment. Patrick D. – Oceanside, CA How does your salon participate in mentoring? Our salon has a great teaching environment for assistants and new hairdressers. Every established hairdresser is required to step up in some way to help strengthen and grow the next generation, which I think is great. Micah S. – Seattle, WA What are ways someone can be a mentor? Offering regular education in the salon and making sure to personalize some of it just to new stylists is a good place to start. Kerri C. –Baton Rouge, LA To take the time to explain a cut or color technique to someone who needs the help. This sort of one-on-one teaching is the best way to pay it forward. Craig C. – Alexandria, VA I make it a point to talk at my local high school on career day and sometimes donate my time at job fairs or at local beauty schools and community colleges. It feels great to donate the time and help others who may have an interest in our field. Ashley M. – Stamford, CT How do you decide whom to mentor? I am happy to donate my time and to take someone under my wing, but I need to know that they will respect my time and be thankful for the gesture. To find the right person, I watch new salon professionals and look for that special spark of interest that goes above any beyond the rest. Sandi C. – Phoenix, AZ How do you know that your mentoring efforts are working? We’ve had many salon receptionists go on to beauty school because of the exposure to the business on a daily basis. I’d like to think that some of that decision was prompted by one or more mentors who saw the interest and nurtured it. Stephanie C. – Silver Springs, MD How has mentoring helped you personally? I got into the business because of a salon owner who donated their time to take me to a few hair shows. They even let me come in to their salon after hours to show me some basic cuts in the very beginning. They helped me enroll in beauty school, to pass the state board and even gave me my first assisting job. I am forever grateful to my mentor and have passed the torch to several others in her honor. Jessica M. – Ogden, UT Now it’s your turn… What has mentoring meant to you?
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Assisting 101 – Guide for Future Salon Professionals

The job of a salon assistant is to make the stylist’s life easier and to do everything in their power to ensure that the client’s experience is a truly positive one. Here are some suggestions to give you a leg up and make your first job in the industry an absolute success. The golden rule with assisting is to be on time…every time! Simply make it a practice to arrive early, that way you can line things up for the hairdresser and make their day go that much smoother. Know the basics inside and out, but be ready for other salon professionals give their advice. Listen to and be thankful for all advice that others have to offer. In this industry you never stop learning and humbleness goes a long way! Be friendly, helpful and always keep a positive attitude, no matter what. Good manners, acute listening skills and a positive attitude will go a long way and can even be a bit infectious. Work hard. Don’t whine or complain and get the job done… no matter what. Look and act the part. Be stylish while following your salon’s dress code carefully but don’t overdress to the point that you are uncomfortable. Always have your hair, nails and makeup done, but not overdone and keep everything you wear tasteful. Think like a hairdresser but be as efficient as you would want your assistant to be for you. Pull the client’s card or call up their information if the salon stores client information online. Have the tray set up and all color ready to dispense. Keep an extra towel in reach, clips at the ready and always know where the stylist’s tools are, even if they tend to misplace things. Be ready with foils without having to be asked and step up to fold towels or smocks, even take out the trash without thinking twice about it. Take extra time to clean the stylist’s brushes and keep the workstation organized. Keep drawers or cabinets in order and well stocked, remove any cups or trash left over from a previous client and sweep up hair as soon as possible. That way the station is ready for the next guest. Once the station is secured, make sure that all color bowls and brushes have been cleaned and put away and that the information for the next client is ready to go. Do everything in your power to keep the stylist on schedule just shy of taking away from the client’s experience. Take breaks (off of the floor) when it’s appropriate, grab a bite to eat when you can, but only after the stylist has done so themselves. When interacting with clients, be friendly and helpful but never try to befriend them or show up the stylist in any way. Don’t bring up your personal life unless the client specifically asks. The stylist you are assisting needs to trust you as well as know that you can handle yourself with their clients without stepping over the line. When it comes to assisting, days can be long and the work can be very demanding, but if you can master the needed skills to maneuver your way around, you’ll do even better once you go out on the floor on your own. All in good time, future stylist…all in good time!
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FISHING FOR SUCCESS

Passion, inspiration and artistry are the foundation of the beauty industry. We’re a creative bunch that works hard and pours our emotion into our profession. That’s what makes us artists! Unfortunately, passion and emotion can sometimes lead to frustration and reaction when faced with conflict. After all, who hasn’t felt burnt out with team members (or their boss) and instantly fantasized about jumping to a different pond? If you feel like you’re stuck treading stormy waters, take a moment to step back and really evaluate the situation. Here are a few steps you should take to ensure you’re on dry ground with a solid plan. START WITH AN EVALUATION OF YOUR CURRENT SITUATION I know it sounds cliché, but make a list highlighting the “pros” and “cons.” “Pros” should range from the conveniences your current job offers your personal life (driving time, close to the kids’ school…etc.), to anything else you like about your environment. “Cons” should include what you don’t like about your current situation. Sometimes the smallest things can trigger emotion to a point of frustration and before you realize it, a torn magazine cover can become the end of the world! Once complete, take time to determine if there are items on either list you can change. Sometimes it’s good to set the list aside for a day before evaluating your notes. This gives your mind a chance to “cool off,” and can help you separate your emotions from honest evaluation. Now decide which list is stronger. If you realize your “pros” are stronger, study your “cons” to see if there are any opportunities to influence change. Becoming the bridge to a better work environment is great for the entire team. A good first step is to make sure communication is open in the salon and everyone is working together to create a harmonious work environment. If the “cons” list is the winner, it may be time for some serious adjustments in your professional life. Start by asking yourself if you’re willing to start over. Any time you move locations, you run the risk of losing clients and sometimes friends. It’s a big step so be sure your decision comes from a professional perspective and you’ve removed as much emotion as possible. YOU’VE DECIDED A CAREER MOVE IS INEVITABLE. NOW WHAT? Spend some time visualizing the perfect professional environment. Where do you see yourself happiest? There are many options available. Maybe you want to rent a chair or your own space. If so, try to think through all of the possibilities. Do you currently have a large enough clientele to support your professional AND personal expenses? Write down your expenses including rent, insurance, electricity, phone bills, retail inventory, shampoo, conditioner, treatments, color inventory, sundries…it’s a really long list. Don’t forget to factor in accounting and tax expenses too. If you’re an organized person and the thought of managing all of the business specifics excites you, then you are probably the perfect candidate to rent a booth, suite or even open your own salon. If the thought of managing an independent business makes your hair stand on end, then maybe finding a commission salon is a better idea. Be sure to do your homework and find a salon that is the perfect fit. Consider what is important to you and make sure any potential new salon has everything you want (and more). What retail brands do they offer? What is their education schedule? Will you be sharing a booth with another stylist? Do they provide back bar and styling products? Do they offer health insurance and a vacation plan? Don’t leave anything out – consider what is important and make sure you’re moving toward your personal goals. If you don’t, you’ll run the risk of quickly burning out and wanting to move again. And trust me, salon hopping is bad for everyone involved! YOU’VE FOUND THE PERFECT SALON AND LANDED AN INTERVIEW! NOW HOW DO YOU GET THE JOB? Be Prepared There is a world of available resources for interview strategies. Start with the internet, you’ll be surprised at how much good advice is literally at your fingertips! Before any interview, make sure you do your homework! Study the salon’s website to feel comfortable with the image they’re portraying to the world. You don’t have to be an expert on the salon, but it really helps if you’re familiar with their culture. Think about what products they use, how long they’ve been in business and if they work with local charities to raise funds. The person interviewing you will definitely notice you’ve taken the time to do a little research. Interview Etiquette On your way to the interview, imagine there’s a secret camera in your car and the salon manager can see you a mile before you arrive. This will help you get your thoughts in order. Once there, don’t park at the front door of the salon. This is valuable client parking and someone from the salon team may notice your blunder and assume you don’t care. Remember, there’s a secret camera on you and the salon manager can see everything you do. When you arrive, set the right first impression. A recent survey of more than 2,000 hiring managers revealed that close to 33% knew in the first 90 seconds of an interview if they would hire the candidate. First impressions are determined by the way you dress, communicate and act. This will sound impossible, but try to RELAX and be yourself! Think of an interview as a conversation with a colleague. The salon manager wants you to be the perfect fit as much as you want the job. If you’re nervous about interviewing, practice with friends to feel comfortable maintaining eye contact, smiling naturally and sitting up straight. You want the manager to see you as a team member and feel confident that the salon clients will love you at first sight. Answering Tough Questions Preparing for the inevitable BIG questions that come up in every interview is crucial. Know your “value package” and be ready to discuss the size of your clientele, your current average service charges and your average retail sales per service dollar. If you’re not clear on these things you may come off as unprepared or unorganized. If you’re new to town or are an immerging new stylist, try to talk about the importance of excellent client service and home care maintenance. This will show your understanding of building and maintaining a good clientele. Always keep in mind that you want the interviewer to feel confident that you will be a great asset to the overall success of the salon. Two frequently asked questions during an interview are “What are your greatest achievements?” and “What are your greatest challenges?” Both can throw you off track so be prepared with solid answers. Any time you talk about an achievement or challenge, keep it positive and brief. With achievements, keep it real, recent and relevant to their business. Be proud of your accomplishments but don’t brag. For example: “Last year I decided to work on improving my retail percentages. I took a class on retail success and focused on following the lessons taught. Within three months I increased my retail sales 5%, and by the end of the year I was able to sell an average of 30% retail to every service dollar charged.” Keeping your achievements relevant to the salons best interest will show the interviewer that you are focused on success. If you answer with a personal achievement like weight loss or buying a new car, the interviewer may be impressed with your achievement, but it won’t really make them think of you as an asset to their overall business. With challenges, try telling the interviewer about something you had a problem with in the past, but have been working on to resolve. For example: “I can do hi-lights with one arm tied behind my back, but was having a problem perfecting platinum blonds. I recently took a High Lift Color class, however, and it has really improved my results. I feel much more confident about formulation and what to do if things get off track during the service.” This shows the interviewer that you are not afraid to admit if you’re having difficulty with something, but are smart enough to find a solution rather than make excuses. Starting with a positive attribute also gives the interviewer confidence that you know your strengths. Asking the Right Questions At this point of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions for the interviewer (salon manager). This is your chance to turn the tables and interview them. Make this an opportunity to see if you’ve found the perfect fit. Always be respectful, but also keep in mind your professional goals. An excellent way to find out how someone manages their business is to ask them a question about how they work with their team. For example: “What is the one thing that drives you crazy in the salon?”  Their answer will help you understand how they handle conflict. Be sure to ask any questions with a smile on your face and a pleasant tone in your voice. You don’t want them to think you’re a diva, you just want them to feel comfortable with you and confidant that you’re a team player. Another good question might be: “Who are the industry leaders you respect most?” Hopefully they’ll have a diverse list, indicating they gather inspiration from a wide variety of influencers (personal and professional). Don’t be afraid to ask them why after they list a few names. This will actually help them open up to what inspires them. You will have a better understanding of the type of manager they are, and will be able to determine if your personalities are a good fit. This is also the point of the interview where you’ll want to gather information regarding the salons compensation package. You want a clear understanding of their service and retail commission policies and any other benefits offered. You don’t want there to be any surprises once you’ve joined the team. Wrapping Up the Interview Once the interview is over, make sure you maintain that one mile rule you implemented on the way to the salon. It would be a shame to blow a great interview with a negative comment about your current salon or clients. You would be surprised how quickly an interviewer can change their mind if they see a different person leaving the salon than the polished and professional person they were just interviewing. Stay courteous, professional and positive. Remember to follow up with a “thank you” note mailed within 24 hours of the interview. A hand written note shows the salon manager that you care. It will also reassure them that you will treat the salon clients with caring respect and professionalism. After that, do something you love with friends and family to celebrate your new career! You’ve worked hard to build your future so don’t be afraid to pat yourself on the back for a minute. Always remember your power as a hairdresser. You have the ability to make people feel beautiful – be sure you honor that by creating the best work environment for you! That is a HUGE part of what makes you happy, healthy, successful and POWERFUL!
Written by: Doug Smith
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Happy Hairdresser & Hairstyle Appreciation Day!

Hairdressers do more than color, cut and style hair! Think about it – what other legitimate profession includes laying your client back in a chair while soothing them with warm water, cleansing and conditioning their hair and giving them a scalp massage that strips away the stress of their day? It doesn’t, however, simply stop there… The next step in this luxuriously personal interchange includes listening to most clients’ deepest secrets and desires – sometimes before anyone else in their life hears the same news. Of course, this impromptu and completely “off the record” conversation is gracefully advanced by the Hairdresser with expert advice on the latest trends in fashion, food, daycare, home décor, exercise and a mile long list of other activities. The pièce de résistance that transcends the advisory nature of a Hairdressers day, however, is the fact that each appointment ultimately gives guests a killer look that accentuates their best attributes. As a bonus, a great Hairdresser then recommends the perfect home care products to maintain their new do while painstakingly teaching each guest how to achieve the same look at home. Who else has the power to do all of that while enhancing the way someone perceives themselves and the world around them? Did you know that hairdressing as a profession dates back thousands of years? Here’s a quick history lesson.
  • Ancient paintings and drawings have been discovered depicting Hairdressers exorcising their craft
  • Aristophanes and Homer have both mentioned hairdressing in their writings
  • Hairdressers received high status within some African cultures because it was believed that a person’s spirit occupied their hair
  • Specially decorated cases designed to hold the Hairdressers tools were used in ancient Egypt and wealthy men often had personal Barbers within their home
  • Ancient wealthy households in Rome and Greece had specially trained servants whose primary responsibility was to cut and color the mistresses tresses, and to shave and cut the master’s hair
We’ve come a LONG way since the career of our ancient hairdressing ancestors, but the undeniable fact is that without a Hairdresser, the world would be a giant hairball of stubborn gray’s, frizz and split ends! Without Hairdressers there would be NO Runway, NO Red Carpet, No Wedding, No Family Portrait and No Prom… Well, at least none of these events would have the finishing touches a Hairdresser provides. HAIRDRESSERPOWER.COM celebrates the Hairdresser and all they represent! We’re amazed daily by the great Power and Artistry this great community possesses. New Hairdresser, Sheri Mack of Wallingford, Connecticut recently told us that she is “humbled by every client that trusts her to change the way they look!” She supports her passion with as much education and inspiration she can find. She recently worked at the 2014 Fall Fashion Week in NY with Plitzs Fashion Marketing Company and finds great inspiration in the guidance of industry legend Tabatha Coffee. Check out her great work! We think she’s on the right track baby! 1 We also heard from veteran Hairdresser, educator and artist Sarah Star who shared her mentor is her mom, Jan Lea of Kansas City, Missouri. “My mom raised me in the salon, showed me how empowering this industry is and she never stops learning and improving business. She is a perfect example of how you can be successful in this job while being artistic and free!”  So there you have it. From all of us here at HAIRDRESSERPOWER.COM, to all of you in the industry… HAPPY HAIRDRESSER & HAIRSTYLE APPRECIATION DAY!
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eLearning, Your Ticket to Success

What has eLearning got to do with becoming a successful salon professional or running a business I hear you mutter? Well, nothing. . . if you happen to have the money and time to attend every major hair show and private class put on by the Grand Masters of the world every year. So now can we talk?. . . . . video education is not new, it has been around since the VHS was invented, but eLearning is. . . CLICK HERE to watch an interesting video featuring some amazing statistics on eLearning. Vivienne Mackinder has been a pioneer in the field of online learning for the salon industry; check out her website HairDesignerTV and see the amazing amount of incredible courses offered. Now let’s bring it home to the everyday salon life for a minute. We currently have practical applications of eLearning with the Salon Handbook (or Employee Manual). If you are an employer, you should have a Salon Handbook that clearly outlines team member “do’s” and “don’ts” of conduct, performance expectations, achievement rewards and misconduct consequences while working in your salon. Many chain salons hire new people so often that they have trainers who go from salon to salon armed with PowerPoint presentations teaching this stuff. eLearning completely replaces all that and puts the responsibility of learning the “do’s” and “don’ts” firmly and squarely in the employees’ hands. Some eLearning courses require the learner to take competency quizzes to ensure that they have not only read the information, but understood it too. Look for more courses being offered online as time goes by, especially mentoring courses for the newly licensed salon professional. If you have any questions about eLearning, or would like to learn more about the possibilities for eLearning, feel free to connect with me via my profile on this site. You can also visit benchmarks&blueprints for further information, including online resources and business building strategies. More to come . . . . .
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Are You Still “Investing” In Your Career?

I recently attended “Champ Camp” as the guest of Inspiring Champions President and Founder, Lauren Gartland. WOW!. . . . . what an experience! I have been in this industry for a while and like many of you been to lots of training courses and events. I know, been there done that, and we probably have the same t-shirt too, but hang on! During this event, I was reminded of HOW MUCH WE NEED positive reinforcement and togetherness in our professional lives. I do this stuff for a living and I was so. . . into this bliss. Back on earth, I couldn’t help but think about the hair stylist I recently spoke to about continuing education, and their answer. “I chose to be a booth renter so that I could make as much money in as few days as possible. I don’t have time for continuing education, besides I’ve done all that” I don’t know how to respond to that, do you? I know that grass roots education is alive and prospering in salons all over the land. Skilled professionals are standing up and offering their skills for (very reasonable prices) to those who are willing to invest in the rest of their career. Here is a link to a SoCal based group that teach the GREAT stuff we all need to know or be refreshed on. https://www.facebook.com/TheUnionHairGroup So, are you investing in the rest of your career, or getting as much for as little as you can? We have family friends who are GP’s (General Practitioners) and I asked how often do you need to take continuing education to serve your patients properly, and they said, to be on top of every new development, we need to update at least 4 times a year. Hair stylists are cutting edge people aren’t we, how are you doing?? More to come. . . . . .
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Owning A Salon Doesn’t Make You A Boss…

I’ve been in the salon business for almost 13 years, but now realize that I’ve only truly been a “boss” for about 2! I was working 5-6 (fully booked) days a week behind the chair believing I was successful. I was super busy, but found myself looking around at the empty chairs in my salon and started to wonder – “Why aren’t my stylists experiencing the same success?!?” Realizing that I was the busiest stylist in my salon… but getting paid the least because I was covering expenses… I decided to take a class from industry business educator, Gail Fulbright, where she asked me the simple question – “Was I working IN my business, or ON my business?” Instantly my eyes were opened and I was inspired to implement change. In January of 2013, I decided to step away from the chair one day a week to focus on bookwork, payroll, inventory management…etcetera. It was so rewarding!! For the first time I wasn’t having to write checks to vendors between clients, or forced to take the books home at night to keep on top of my finances. Starting this year (January, 2014), I’ve reduced my time behind the chair to three days a week and can tell you that I am already trending to be more profitable than any other year in my salon’s history! Originally, when I heard Gail say how she “doesn’t have to be behind the chair anymore,” I thought “yeah, easy for you to say, you’re in California!” Actually, I had to realize that it has nothing to do with where you are, how many employees you have or the size of your salon… It does, however, have everything to do with becoming a good mentor and strong leader for your employees. Change is one of the scariest things, but when implemented correctly, can be one of the most rewarding. Now, I try to read a new business book at least once a month and have also begun to focus on learning from other people’s mistakes (instead of suffering through my own). I even take the time to work at our reception desk one day a week, and let me tell you, it’s hard to make that transition – but I have learned so much about how important that job is to my salon’s success! The days I reception, our product sales and pre-booking rates are the highest. More importantly, I’m able to learn from my time at the front desk and then work with our receptionist and stylists to give them “tips” on effective customer service. I also have more time now to create email promotions, do Facebook updates, send Instagram messages, update product displays,  strategize meeting agendas…etc. Because of my involvement and interest, I am now confident that our clients are being properly checked in, made comfortable in my salon during their visit, and their check-out is easy and efficient. I have also recently posted a “gratitude chart” in our salon hallway. Every staff member has been asked to write three things they are thankful for every day they work. Two should be general comments of gratitude, and the third should be something positive about another staff member. At the end of the year, we will gather and review what we wrote. The purpose is to demonstrate how focusing on the positive, combined with encouraging each other, can have a huge effect on how we view our work and our clients. Little things like that make for great team building, and now that I actually have the time to do these things, I can see my team’s growth and guide the entire group in the right direction. I would love to get advice from any other owner/stylists. I find that I get the best advice and ideas from other people in our industry, and would love any feedback or questions. Please post your comments and let’s grow our power together!
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Inspiration for The new man’s style in 2014

As a stylists , I find inspiration everywhere I’m at, mostly through fashion, music, and other artist. My conclusion for the new man of 2014 is simple. It’s going back to the 50’s. Classic looks have made their way out of those small towns and into the lives of the rebellious youth in many large cities. Denim shirts, worn-in boots and accessories made of bone, leather and rock can be found in hip neighborhood boutiques. Radio stations are flooded with the sounds of the Deep South (Black Keys and White Stripes) and Appalachian Mountains (Mumford & Sons and Lumineers). High-end barbershops are also thriving due to the passion for classic designs. I really think people notice detail. As a stylist, I’ve found my inspiration and focus gravitating around precision clipper and scissor over comb techniques blended with modern textures and contrasting lengths. For a man, it’s crucial to have a perfect, proportioned haircut. If you can master this, you can master any female style. A few tips for these classic styles. When starting a men’s classic cut, let the power of over direction work for you. Simply over direct from front to back to establish your guid, then knock out the corners. direct the hair towards the back of the head. Start from the top with your scissors, them bust out the clippers. Try to stay away from guards, use clipper over comb, it’s more precise and gives you control over the taper. Cross check from left eye to back right area of head, do the same thing on the other side. Here’s a list of the products I use for these classic men’s styles. ENJOY dry wax ENJOY styling cream ENJOY styling gel ENJOY texture cream. ENJOY Stylist: Mickey Taras Amy T’s Urban Beauty Lounge www.amytaras.com
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It’s Valentines’ Day!… well… almost…

Can you believe there’s less than a month between now and Valentines’ Day?!? Considering we’ve just finished putting away our holiday decorations and started on those pesky New Year resolutions, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it – this early in the year – to offer any sort of promotion to clients in your salon. Here’s the reality… CNN recently reported that consumers spent an average of $130 dollars in 2013 on a gift for their Valentine. Collectively there was nearly $2 billion dollars spent on flowers and another $2 billion on chocolates. I personally think we could capture some of those “romantic dollars” with Gifts of Beauty! While recently reflecting on  the success story of industry leader Alli Webb, co-founder of  drybar®, I was inspired to write this article. Alli, along with brother Michael Landau, built a new beauty niche  by relying on consumer buying habits as part of their formula for success. Starting in 2010 with a single blow dry (only) salon in Brentwood, California, their growth was exponential. Sheer determination, attention to detail and keeping their finger on the pulse of promotional activity helped propel them to an almost 2,000 employee national chain of salons approaching 40 locations. All in three short years! Alli’s business savvy, creativity and relentless enthusiasm for success inspired me to share a few easy steps you can take to create a terrific gift package for clients and their loved ones as a Valentines’ Day gift.
  1. Create a “buy 1 and get 50% off the second” service deal, or involve your product supplier in helping you put together a “gift with purchase” retail bundle
  2. Call on a friend (or client) who is a graphic designer and share with them your promotion idea(s) – then ask if they would be interested in designing a one page e blast type sales sheet featuring your offer. As a thank you, consider offering the designer a free service or promotion to compensate for their time and talent
  3. If your customer list is current, e mail the promotion inviting clients to call or come in to the salon and buy their Valentines’ gift
  4. If you don’t have a current e mail list for your clients, you might want to think about creating one. HAIRDRESSERPOWER Salon Software offers a FREE 30 day trial featuring client record capabilities that will make it easy for you quickly collect information
  5. Next, print copies of the e blast and place them in frames at each station in your salon as a conversation starter. Mom’s and daughters are a great target audience
  6. Remember to make gift certificates for the promotion and have them available at the front desk for purchase
  7. If you are being aggressive with your discount or offer, consider scheduling appointments for the promotion on slow days, or slow times of the day (some money is better than none on slow days)
Good Luck . . . . More to come.
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A New Year and a New Start?

I’ll bet that many of you reading this will have already made your “more of this and less of that” New Year’s resolution list? But have you taken a moment to think how most of our list items are centered on things that improve OUR lives somehow? The end of a year and the birth of a new is usually a time that most of us spend a moment of reflection on the past and then hopes for the future. As you lay out new plans for the coming business year, take a minute to ask yourself, “How am I going to give back this year” or “Can I pay it forward for someone who is struggling and needs help in some way?” I had lunch with a friend and well known industry icon, over the holidays, who told me that the greatest reward they get from doing their job is seeing the passion in young salon professionals ignited during a hands-on workshop. This got me thinking about what would happen if all of the talented stylists and former educators out there in salons made a conscious decision to “mentor” young talented salon professionals in their area? Our industry needs the wisdom of those who made it great to rise up and shake off the dust of stagnation and disappointment, because there are thousands of needy young people adrift in a sea of competition – floating in a boat without a rudder. Our young people need strong leaders and disciplined coaching to learn the “finesse” our industry masters possess. Then, we can see the bar raised, and higher prices paid for better quality work by better trained salon professionals. Everybody wins. . . . More to come.
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Because Who Is Perfect? Get Closer.

The Holiday Rush and New Year thrills can be overwhelming as we wrap up a terrific year, but humanity always finds a way to remind us who we really are – and to simply “get closer.” We here at HAIRDRESSERPOWER.COM celebrate every hairdressers’ power to instantly make someone feel beautiful. A kind word, warm touch and our incredible ability to influence the way someone feels about themselves is just one of the many ways we celebrate our craft. We are part of a global community of artists who honor each individual and have an uncanny ability to draw out inner beauty, putting it on the world stage for all to see. Pro Infirmis, a Swiss organization for people with disabilities, recently embarked on an amazing project that perfectly demonstrates the power of making someone feel beautiful. In our humble opinion, this project, designed to bring awareness to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, transcended its mission by simply celebrating the beauty of its participants. Designed to provoke reflection on the acceptance of people with disabilities, artists painstakingly crafted shop mannequins into exact replicas of five volunteers. The mannequins were then used in window displays of clothing stores on Bahnhofstrasse, a luxury shopping street in Zurich. The effect was astonishing! Each model had the opportunity to view their body replica privately and one woman proclaimed: “It’s special to see yourself like this, when you usually can’t look at yourself in the mirror.” She then embraced her mannequin with a smile that exuded gratitude. Once displayed, the gaze of passersby can only be compared to watching someone view a magnificent sculpture in a fine art museum. Amazement and admiration are the first words that come to mind. As we progress into a new year, let’s take a minute to reflect and remember that everyone is perfect. Everyone is beautiful. And we, as hairdressers are blessed with a passion for celebrating each person’s individual beauty. Happy Holidays to all, from your friends at HAIRDRESSERPOWER.COM To learn more about Pro Infirmis, visit www.proinfirmis.ch/de/home.html (site is published in German, French and Italian) Because who is perfect? Get closer. Directed by Alain Gsponer Music: Lost At Sea by Dave Thomas Junior Models: Jasmin Rechsteiner, Alex Oberholzer, Urs Kolly, Nadja Schmid and Erwin Aljukic
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Taking Care of Business… Taking Care of YOU!

I was recently at the gym on the elliptical machine and noticed an extremely overweight couple working out with a trainer. Instantly I was overwhelmed with inspiration and admiration for their determination! It made me want to work harder, go faster and really “feel the burn.” Think about it; this couple somehow found the courage to do something about their health (and most likely save their lives). Looking around, I realized there was inspiration in every person working out. Many were just like me – trying to stay healthy and control the results of busy work and bad eating habits. Of course there were also the people who look like professional athletes, disciplined and dedicated to their exercise regimen (and kind of intimidating…but in a good way). The overwhelming thought that came to mind, however, is how grateful I am to be surrounded by inspiration. Health is very personal and everyone has their own comfort level with fitness and care. As hairdressers, we spend so much time making others feel good about themselves that we often neglect our own health. We stand on our feet all day, bend over washing hair, hold our arms up with blow dryers and brushes for hours, often skip lunch and rarely take a mental break from the many personal stories we hear from our clients. With a work schedule like that, it’s easy to fall into poor eating, poor hydration and poor mental health habits.  It’s not just about working out or dieting, it’s about taking pause to ensure we’re the absolute best version of ourselves possible. Recently I found myself in what could only be described as a physical funk. I couldn’t figure out why I was tired, cranky and always hungry (no matter how much food I shoved in my mouth). I was busy and wasn’t taking time to check in with myself, focusing on my own health and wellbeing. Fortunately I’m surrounded with great people I can lean on for support. So… a good friend and I have re-engaged in our own healthful journey and are taking time to work on ourselves. Here’s what we’re doing: We talk about our eating habits and share ideas for low fat, high protein meals. Sometimes we even cook together and share recipes. We take time to talk about work and our personal lives – and really listen to each other. No judgment or strong personal opinion – just true friendship, sharing and trust. We go to the gym together, encourage that extra push, and generally have a great time. Most importantly, we take time to laugh! Laughter is the best medicine for a healthy life. The point is, we rely on each other for encouragement. I’m certainly not a nutritionist, certified trainer or therapist. I am however a friend. I also allow myself the luxury of trust and reliance on close friends for encouragement. I’m super lucky and VERY GRATEFUL! As individuals we’re usually left to “grow a pair” and find our own strength – and that’s important! But when you find your strength and then supplement it with the support of friends, you’re in pretty good shape for a happy and healthy life. How about you? What are your triggers for better physical and emotional health? How do you find your inspiration? Are you taking the time to work as diligently on yourself as you do on your clients?  I hope so because it’s TOTALLY worth the thought, effort and results!
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The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be

If you have been around me for any length of time, you will have heard me say the words that are the title of this blog The Future Isn’t What It Used To Be. The truth is that I have never been so excited about the possibilities for the future of the professional beauty industry, and here’s why. As a student and observer of the salon industry for the last few decades I have seen the “passion and fire” for education in stylists fizzle out. I have watched trade show attendance dwindle and the endless lines of people waiting to get into an education theater to see the latest collection from this or that BIG name disappear. In its place I see droves of people wandering aimlessly up and down the aisles dragging huge bags full of the latest goop and gadgets that spew forth from every vendor in their path. Why will it change in the future you may ask? The answer is easy, WE HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE IF WE WANT TO KEEP THE SALON INDUSTRY A PROFESSION! I believe we will see the change start when salon owners decide what kind of business and service they want to offer. The salon industry has already begun to marginalize itself with some owners in the booth rental business and others who want to build a team driven salon business. They are completely different business models and therefore should be categorized differently. There is no doubt that we have many doing both right now, and many more on the fence trying to figure it out. One is we based and other me based, which long term is going to be a problem for owners. There are so many talented hairdressers who began with a fire in their belly for the salon industry and chased their dream of owning the best salon with the best staff offering the best services, and been badly hurt along the way by walkouts and other issues. I see that many have given up trying to raise the bar, and in despair settled for leasing a chair to “just do my thing”. So where are the industry changers of the future you may ask? I say, if this blog has stirred something in you, then you are a perfect candidate. Look, our clients are totally confused and highly suspicious of us! Why, you ask? Ok let’s talk about the cost of a haircut for starters: A customer can pay anywhere from $8.00 to $80.00 for a haircut. Both are named the same thing and other than the neighborhood the salon is in and perhaps the decor, there is no other marketing justification given for the cost variance. I believe that there will always be a demand for value pricing but we should not give away the farm to get a customer in the salon. We all know that there are good haircuts and bad, and as the old joke goes, the only difference between the two is a couple of weeks. However, the truth is that there are those who have spent many years and invested lots of money to take advanced hair cutting courses at prestigious academies around the world to truly master the craft. There are salon owners who regularly invest in advanced education and provide solid training programs for their staff. These are the ones who have paid their dues and earned the right to ask a premium price for their work. The problem, is that the consumer doesn’t know about it. If we switch gears (no pun intended) for a minute and take a look at the auto industry, we will see how they have managed to educate the consumer on the difference between a value priced car and a luxury car. At one time luxury meant a nicer interior and a few more bells and whistles, but today, the quality of the engineering and safety features in addition to the nicer interior, separate an ordinary car from a luxury car. Car makers have taught us a new language so that we can appreciate precision engineering and the ultimate driving machine experience. We expect to pay more for this and willingly do so if able. Change in the salon industry has to begin with educating the consumer on the difference between the removal of hair to clean you up and a personalized precision haircut to define your look . Once the cost/value of a haircut has been established in the minds of the consumer, we will see the salon business start to flourish. So how do we start the process. I suggest that more hairdressers begin blogging about the education classes they attend or give if you are an educator, and publish them on the salon website or include them in e-newsletters the salon sends out to their clients. I recall speaking at an industry event a few years ago to an audience of hairdressers in which I asked them to go back to their salons and raise their haircut price by $5.00 if they thought their work was worth it, there was a gasp of horror in the room as I said it, followed by outbursts of “they won’t pay it” or “they will all leave me”. It was apparent that many felt that they were already charging too much and therein lies the problem. If your work isn’t worth what you are charging in your mind, then you better make improvements until it is. Salon Today recently published their top 200 salons of 2012 list, along with some current financial statistics reported by the top 200. It is interesting to note that the average cost for a shampoo, cut and style in the top 200 was $48.04 although they reported the average transaction from a top 200 salon was $74.22. Some reading this will be saying, well my average is much lower than that and some will say it is higher, but the point here is that even with average transaction being this size, they still list the average salon profit as being 6% after all expenses are paid. Is it any wonder that we have such a failure rate, when clearly, many salons are barely staying afloat. One of the easiest ways a salon can increase their bottom line is to overhaul their retail business and radically re-engineer it. Many salons have retail sales under 10% of service sales which is appalling on one hand and a huge opportunity on the other. This problem is not new, we have been beating it to death for decades, but not much has changed. The PBA reports that 7 out of 10 clients leave the salon without ever having a home care product conversation with their hairdresser. It is time to change that. I will be speaking more on this subject, and you can too. Come on industry changers, speak up!
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Guide Your Team To “Second Step Mentality”

“It is estimated that close to 200,000 hair, skin and nail beauty school students graduate every year in the US. Within five years, 8 out of 10 will no longer be practicing their craft. . . . . WHY? There are many factors, but none more striking than the realization that not enough “newbies” are being mentored by owners and co-workers through an assistant program. In speaking to many salon owners about this problem it is apparent that mentoring is perhaps becoming a lost art? Many newly licensed salon professionals have a false perception of their skills, while others arrive into the salon with an unrealistic sense of entitlement. The facts are that everyone in the “food chain” has a responsibility to reach out and help save a career – and it is happening. Just recently we learned of  groups of salon owners getting together to provide technical training for each others staff. We learned of a salon management software company who is reaching out to manufacturers, distributors and industry experts in an effort to pool talents and resources to provide ongoing training for salon professionals. This video by a salon owner speaks to the problem and offers up some solutions. Developing a customer first salon culture requires training and an understanding of “second step mentality.” Second step mentality is thinking ahead to anticipate and prepare for your clients needs. For example: Many hair stylists are in the habit of looking at the appointment book either the night before or in the morning before the day starts. The usual motivation is to see how busy the day is going to be, but that is as far as it goes.  Second step mentality practitioners look one or more steps ahead and begin preparing for each appointment by reviewing previous service and retail product purchase history, along with any prior consultation notes, preferred beverage etc. because they want to give the best guest experience. Have you ever gone into your local coffee shop and the “barista” smiles and hands you your favorite drink without asking? That is second step mentality at work and you better believe it builds customer loyalty and salon success”. On-Stage Salon Success Skills training course teaches this and more. Here’s Video 1 FREE