” I believe the best way to start a new year is to say I can,instead of I can’t.” – Jon Gonzales
2014 will be a year of many challenges for both hairdressers and salon owners. Business costs will continue to escalate, a fragile and unsteady economy, and business uncertainty are just a few of the challenges salon owners will have to face with confidence. Business practices that may have succeeded in the past are now outdated and obsolete. Finding answers and solutions to all these new challenges by trial and error is unacceptable.
Despite these challenges, I do believe that well managed businesses will prosper, because most people will continue to be in denial and will always be looking for excuses to fail. It is much easier to stay in their comfort zone. As salons continue to struggle and fail, those of you who are business minded and determined to make your business a success will be in great demand. Today’s consumers are crying out for upscale professional salons and hairdressers. Make sure you attend my intensive all day business seminar for salon owners and my success seminars for hairdressers when one comes to your area. I will release schedule soon.
I urge you to follow these tips with an open mind:
Review 2013 — Take time to reflect on 2013. was your business profitable? Review your failures, accomplishments, and lessons learned. Review your numbers and profit and loss statement. Did you make a profit? If not, why? Take a long look at your score card, numbers do not lie,then make adjustments.
Set New Goals for 2014 — What are your goals and aspirations- personal, professional and financial? With out goals or a plan of action you will waste time drifting aimlessly searching for solutions. Make sure you develop a plan of action to follow. A trial and error approach to learning in today’s tough economy is unacceptable.
Hire The Right People — Make sure you develop a comprehensive staff development program. Hiring the wrong people is one of the biggest mistakes salon owners make. Does your staff share your goals and vision about your business? You must create a team culture in building your championship team. Refer to my book Creating Your Salon for help in developing your own staff development program. Click here.
Invest in Your Salon’s Greatest Profit Potential —Educate and train your staff. Teach them how to be successful. Develop your own employee training program or follow mine. My new success seminar for hairdressers” Discover theSuccess Secrets Every Stylist Needs to Know.” will help you improve staff performance and productivity.
If we can show your team how to triple their income;you’ll triple profits. My seminar will show them how to stand above the crowd.
Evaluate Your Current Staff – Carefully monitor your productive and unproductive staff members. Are they performing up to your high expectations? If not ,what are you going to do about it?
Increase Salon Traffic — It is your responsibility to work hard at marketing and promoting your business and keeping your staff busy. Work hard to develop your marketing and advertising skills. Focus your attention on cost effective ways to increase salon traffic. Make sure you monitor the results of your marketing and advertising efforts. Why is your salon different from all the other salons in your community, what is your competitive edge? Are you taking advantage of the great marketing opportunities with social media and email marketing as well as mobile phone apps. These are just some of the questions you need to answer.
Measure Client Retention— Make sure you monitor your salon,s customer return rate and measure the performance and productivity of your staff. Customer loss is devastating to business growth and profitability. Negative word of mouth is the worst kind of advertising.
Get Help – Hairdresser Career Development Systems will be providing educational resources and seminars in helping you take your business to the next level. Your not alone, help is available.
Review Your Operating Expenses — The easiest way to improve profits is to cut overhead expenses. Review your 2013 expenses, and make the necessary adjustments for 2014.
It is my sincere wish that 2014 will be a successful and profitable year for your business, yourself, your team, and your families. As President of HCDS, I will continue to seek out information and find solutions that will help you meet the many challenges of career building and salon ownership. Looking forward to meeting you at one of my seminars or trade show presentations soon. Check out my educational resources. Click here.
Wishing you and your families a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
For continuing business tips and ongoing information please follow me on my Facebook business fan page. Click here
