“Your” Resource for Professional Solutions & Growth
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E-CREATIVE INSPIRATION This month's coaching request comes from Fahmida in Pakistan. The requestis how can we learn more about haircutting and styling no matter where inthe world we are. The WEB is a great way to educate yourself. The sources and links can provide education that bring the best to you. Here are some web site you'll enjoy looking at....along with my notes attached. www.ncacares.org - The National Cosmetology Association is the worlds largest network of hairdressers and connections. You'll find many good resources at this site. It really pays to be a member of the NCA if you live in the USA --- but it you don't live here there are international connections to look at through this site. www.behindthechair.com - This site is full of connections on haircutting and styling. You'll find alot of advertising but you can latch on to some great idea's on styles and products. www.videoshelf.com - If you like learn by viewing then this site will give you a connection to purchasing videos. www.isnow.com - This site comes from Chicago, Illinois USA and has a good connection to education. www.lorealtechnique.com - If you click on the "technique" tab you'll find step by step directions on hair coloring along with formulations using Loreal products. It can inspire your creative ability using the hair color you currently are comfortable with. www.trendportfolio.com - This has "HOW TO" style books for ordering. www.novostyl.com - this site also have style books to order with more of a European edge to it. It's a little more difficult to understand this site because of the language even when you click on English.....but the style look great! www.beautytech.com - This is an extensive site with alot of valuable links and information. Closing tip: Here's a phrase that nervous clients calm down with: "I'm going to take really good care of you!" Always, Ted @ Your Salon Coach Back to Top |
INCREASING RETAIL INCOME - Part 1 Retail income is an important part of a salon's success and financial growth. Providing hair, skin, and health products for home maintenance will build your credibility as you educate your clients. This service provides loyalty for continual business growth. Retail income is a NECESSITY for your service business......but what is the basis for success? LISTEN FOR THEIR NEED NOT YOUR GREED! 1. Listen for their NEED! If you are truly listening to your clients--they will tell you what they NEED. When you hear their "need" - you are now in a position to offer help. Example: Your client confides in or complains to you about their dry scalp and flaking. Your options: A. Turn a deaf ear and say: "Yes, it's that time of year and I have it to."......and proceed to talk about yourself. or B. Examine the issues to find a remedy. Offer in salon scalp treatment, followed by suggestions on product for home use [RETAIL INCOME]. When the need is satisfied by LISTENING - everyone benefits. 2. Not your GREED! It's difficult to have "continued" success if greed is ahead of need. It's so important to provide solutions and value which will build trust and loyalty. Rather than simply "pushing" the larger size products which cost more.....but provides more income, why not try this? Provide various sizes and product choices. "This product will indeed help control your dry scalp. We have it available in this smaller size, but if you want to save money it's available in the larger size which cost less per application when used on a long term basis.....which would you prefer"? Your Assignment: For the next few weeks - just try implementing this mind set---- LISTEN FOR THEIR NEED -- THEN PROVIDE SOLUTION AND VALUE. Then: Reply to: coach@yoursaloncoach.com and let me know how it worked. You can also call me personally at 1-877-535-4247. Back to Top |
INCREASING RETAIL INCOME - Part 2 Retail income is vital to salon survival. Did you know in 2006 it is estimated that for every salon that opens their doors for business SIX salons will close theirs? For a healthy salon, retail income should account for about 20% of the salons revenue. How is the pulse of your RETAIL business? What are the NEEDS of your clients? Do you know how to make retail sales support the other offerings of your salon? Do you have the entire product in stock to satisfy customers when they make a purchase decision? Are your clients speaking to you about issues your product lines do not address? Do you have a plan for adding new products that address changing customer needs? If they are unable to travel to your location for product purchase do you have ways to provide product to them without there coming to your salon? If you have doubts on these questions….then Salon Coaching can assist you in keeping your doors open and your business growing. You’ll be amazed at what a 30-minute phone coaching session for only $75 can do for you! Call today: 1-877-535-4247 Back to Top |
INCREASING RETAIL INCOME - Part 3 Fact: Retail income is a result of: 1. Listening to the clients need . 2. Product knowledge to satisfy the need. 3. Product AVAILABILITY at the time of decision making. AVAILABILITY can be viewed as: - Available in the Salon - Available at a discount via telephone or on-line by direct sales. Now don't close your mind---think outside of the box!!! Why should you consider "Direct Sales" as part of your business retail income? Brian Tracy provides thought to consider seriously. [www.briantracy.com Brian is one of America's leading authorities on the development of human potential. He is the author of 23 books and has trained 2 million people in 23 countries. Some of his clients include IBM, Verizon Wireless and Bank of America]. Brian says: "Why direct selling? It's simple. It's the business of word of mouth. And, whether you realize it or not you are already in it - you just aren't getting paid for it. Owning your own direct selling business allows you to capitalize on something you already do and take advantage of one of the best kept secrets of the wealthy and happy: 'passive' or 'residual' wealth." Direct selling provides you: 1. Expanded line of quality product. 2. Low cost investment. 3. Low inventory . 4. Available 24/7 to clients needs. 5. Income that can provide continual growth. Where do you start the process? Ask Your Salon Coach! You'll be amazed at what a 30 minute Salon Coaching Session via telephone for only $75 can do to change your life? CALL TODAY! Ted Halone Your Salon Coach Back to Top |
A NEW LOOK AT MARKETING Whether you’re a one person, sole proprietor doing business as an independent contractor, a small independent full service salon or a Spalon with a large staff, one common bond is this: Your income comes from servicing clients one at a time. Now how can you attract and retain new clients? Why not expand on what you’re already doing best – “GATEKEEPING”! Gatekeeping? Perhaps you can think of it this way. You’re like the Town Directory. How often have you been asked: “Have you seen any good movies?” “Do you know of a good eating place?” “Do you know a good mechanic?” Doesn’t that sound familiar? But why are you being asked? It’s because of who YOU know, and the fact that you are TRUSTED! You’ve developed that trust by informing your clients – “That haircut is not right for you…. but this would look better.” So why not expand on doing what you already do well – REFERING people. The buzzword in the business environment is “NETWORKING”. It used to be thought of as “The Good Old Boys Club” once you made it into their circle of the “Old Boys”, you’d have business directed your way. Not so today. Networking has expanded into the real world of business professionals. Imagine being in a room with an events planner, a florist, a realtor, a fashion coordinator etc. having their undivided attention. You can educate them on who you are, what your business involves and who your perfect client is. Can you see business directed your way? Each of these business people not only need your hair care service, but know of others who need you also. How do I know? “Been there…. doing that!!” and I won’t quit. After exploring options in the industry, I decided to stay behind the chair and rebuild and redirect my business. I knew my strength was in hair coloring. I knew it - but how would anyone else? I was invited to meet with a group of business professionals. What I found was a group of potential “consumers” who also know people who needed my services. But there was more. Here were business professionals who had services and marketing ideas that would assist in moving my business to a new level. It’s almost ten years of doing this form of marketing through networking, and it just keeps getting better. Where to start SELECT AN ORGANIZATION. Look in your newspaper under business or check the Web. Many will post their time and location. On a personal note, I chose Business Network International [BNI]. My reason; it is the worlds largest networking organization has a proven format. Additionally, I could do this form of marketing before I began my workday behind the chair. ARRIVE EARLY You’ll find you can get to know a lot of people in as little as 10-15 minutes. They’ll want to know who you are, and what you do. Be prepared to tell them. The goal is to assist each other to grow your business. BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARDS What better way to get your business cards and marketing material in the hands of potential clients? They’ll expect it of you and ask you for it. PREPARE A COMMERCIAL It’s great to have listening ears. People will want to know 1. Who you are. 2. What you do. 3. Where you are located. Learn to be brief and to the point. Networking is gradual education. When you decide to make networking a part of your advertising business plan you can gradually inform your consumers of every aspect of your services. BE POSTIVE When you display a positive and enthusiastic attitude – you will attract the same for your clients. Is NETWORKING for you? This an old expression says it all… There are those who MAKE things happen Those that WATCH things happen And those that say: “WHAT HAPPPENED?” Networking makes business happen! My success and growth as an always-busy hairdresser is the proof. Suggested Resource Reading: The World’s Best-Known Marketing Secret by Ivan R. Misner Ph.D. & Virginia Devine – Bard Press Business by Referral A Sure-Fire Way To Generate New Business By Ivan R. Misner Ph.D. & Robert Davis Bard Press Masters of Networking – Building Relationships for Your Pocketbook and Soul By Ivan R. Misner Ph.D. & Don Morgan M.A. Bard Press Confessions of Shameless Self Promoters By Debbie Allen Success Showcase Publishing Back to Top |
WHY USE A SALON COACH? Where do you go to get answers to such questions as: Should I open my own Salon? Should I hire employees or should I consider having independent contractors? How can I control inventory costs? How can I boost retail sales? Who will help me resolve conflicts that arise? Should I stay in the business or try some other line of work? How can I build my client base? Have you considered working with a Salon Coach? YourSalonCoach.com was developed because of a NEED. Independent salon owners, franchise owners, cosmetology Instructors and individual hairdressers at one time or another will face challenges where in their mind they think: “ I wish I could talk to someone about this.” What is being asked for is an outside resource that can provide insight and objectivity with a fresh set of eyes along with experience in the industry that provides assistance over the hurdles in their career/business path. Your Salon Coach is simply the resource you have been looking for. How does coaching work? This is what you might be asking yourself. Here are some steps that will outline basic salon coaching. Step One: INITIAL TELECONFERENCE You need to have confidence and trust that your salon coach is a match for you. A simple phone conversation will enable you to determine if the coach is a match for you and you a match for your coach. Be sure to be upfront with the issues you need to address. Your coach will expect honesty in order to build the trust you need to move forward. Step Two: SALON ASSESSMENT A “Salon Assessment” is a term used to describe a sit down session to talk about your issues. You may be asked to provide a priority list of your top five or more concerns or issues. This will enable your coach to focus in on your project and develop an action plan. The salon assessment normally involves two hours of dialog either in person or by telephone. During this session you can expect to be asked direct questions and given coaching tips that may be outside your current way of thinking. Be sure to LISTEN…keep your mind open and if necessary provide more information to clarify details. Remember your coach is on your side to provide long-term advantages for you. Step Three: ASSESSMENT REPORT Your coach now processes the information and develops a written action plan for you, your needs, and your goals. This will be provided in a written report although some coaches prefer to convey the results orally via telephone or further in person contact. You now have more than just ideas floating in the unsettled mind. If your plan is on paper it will provide a concrete guideline for your career path. Your coach will not make your decisions for you but your coach will encourage accountability….and isn’t that what you are asking for? Step Four: TELEPHONE FOLLOW-UP Usually a scheduled teleconference within two weeks of receiving your report will build the trusted relationship and motivate action as you move down your career path for success. At this time you should be considering the follow up sessions on a regular basis with your coach establishing a time line to complete your goal. This short-term investment pays long-term dividends to your career growth. Salon Coaching is all about your career path and having groomed professionals to guide you to your success so you need not travel down the road of hard knocks through trial and error. That road is expensive and hinders your growth. So, why use a salon coach? Let’s rephrase it….why wouldn’t you use a salon coach? Back to Top |
MASTERING AUTOMATION Salon growth is a challenge in itself. Growing the business without automation presents an even greater challenge. Did you know distributors nationwide indicate only 10% - 15% of the average salons are automated? How can you keep pace without automation? Put simply: you can't---you'll be left behind in the dust. Observation Plan: For just one week observe every appointment you make with other businesses and every dollar you spend....how are the business transactions conducted? How is automation and technology used? Actions Plan: (1) Investigate how you can duplicate and implement automation into your business. (2) Work with a computer expert to purchase equipment that will best serve your business needs. (3) Invest in quality salon specialty software that does more than you need for the moment. Yes, this will take time and money. You will probably want to allocate funds from your education budget for this project - after all this is exactly what it is....education in automation technology. The end result will keep you in business - just as technical skill in current hair trends drive new clients into your salon...mastering technology will assist to keep them coming back--- because they haven't been lost in the "card file box"! Need more help? Talk to Your Salon Coach! Ted Halone Your Salon Coach Back to Top |
EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION - Time to say “good-bye". Whether you are an Employer, Employee, Leaser or Renter there may come a time when it’s time to move on. A recent survey indicated three common factors leading up to this critical departure are: COMMUNICATION TEAM WORK TRUTHFULNESS COMMUNICATION – When either party determines that their message is not being heard or acted upon the breakdown affects business. Either what is being said is not understood; or the other party decides to not act on what they have heard. When the individuals reason for action or lack of action continues, negativity results that can and will affect business. There may exists a valid reason; however if it’s not communicated the unresolved issues accumulate to the point of intolerance. TEAM WORK – When two parties communicate and agree on a common goal the business of each will prosper. However the team work breaks down when one party is not fulfilling their responsibility; or becomes unwilling to do so refusing to communicate “why”. Results: intolerance. Proper communication can reverse the negative affect and again energize the team work. If the team spirit totally breaks down it’s time for one of the parties to take action or the entire business can suffer as a negative attitude can erode the teamwork of the entire business. TRUTHFULNESS – Truthful speech is essential in business. Business decisions are based on information available. When the information delivered by either party is not truthful, or in fact is slanted to make either party appear better than what reality is---the results will be negative. TRUST will be lost! Businesses have not survived long term when truthfulness is missing. COACHING TIP When and if you are in a situation where you have determined termination is the only answer----evaluate these three factors. When you have endeavored to resolve the relationship and it has not improved communication, teamwork and truthfulness – then perhaps it is time to dissolve the relationship. Consider the losses, and there will be losses, but also determine the long term benefit to the business. This may be the time to hire Your Salon Coach as your sounding board. An unbiased third party evaluation can provide needed insight as you assume responsibility for your final decision. IN THE KNOW: If you want to know what is really happening in the industry- then check this out! http://www.beautyindustryreport.com Mike Nave provides information that is truly timely and beneficial for your business advantage. Back to Top |
TURNING YOUR CLIENT REFERRALS INTO NEW BUSINESS. It is always encouraging to hear your client say: “I gave your card to a couple friends of mine because they like my hair and wanted to know where I got it done.” Then you wait for the “friends” to book their appointment……and wait…….and hope-----just maybe they will. Did you know that studies show that only 34% of referrals turn into new business. What can you do to make the referrals more productive? Can you acquire the names, address, phone number or e-mail address of the potential new client? Follow through providing them with a personal invitation to show that you are interested in providing service for them. If you are unable to acquire the information – it is wise to have “ready” a written invitation with a new client incentive to give to the client who passed your name. (They will be willing to give this to their friends.) The point is to be proactive to turn the referral into new business. When the new client does arrive make sure to mention the connection and your appreciation of their visit for your service. It is also wise to thank the referral source with a reward. This will motivate the action to continue and your business to grow. It has been identified that individuals who are proactive with their referrals have a 90% close on acquiring new business. Isn’t your business worth it? For other ideas on building new clients by referral: go to www.YourSalonCoach.com – click on “Coach in Your Car”. Back to Top |
“HIDDEN ELEMENTS” – Making a difference in your profits! “Hidden elements” is an expression taken from the martial arts. “Katas” refers to imaginary moves. In Chinese style they are called “forms” Essentially it refers to aspects you don’t understand until they are pointed out to you. Who is the best one to point out some “hidden elements” that you may be missing? YOUR CLIENTS! One challenges may be that your clients do not want to “hurt” your feelings; after all, they do like you and your work---so they will put up with the “hidden element” until it is intolerable. Do you see dollars going out the door? Ways to find you’re “Hidden Elements: 1. Provide a CLIENT COMMENT BOX. I may provide some insight. 2. Send out CLIENT EVALUATIONS: Information may not be forthcoming as the client may sense they can be identified. 3. Hire an EVALUATION EXPERT to interview your clients so an anonymous report may be provided you. This expense will increase your profit and bring up the professional level of your business. 4. BE THE CLIENT / OR HIRE A SECRET CLIENT: Take the time to walk into a salon and see how you are treated from the moment you open the door. Is this the “experience” you enjoy? When you notice something you do not like----is it happening with your business as well? How would you correct the matter? Do you feel comfortable telling the business owner how you feel? The composite of small negatives can create loss of revenue. When issues are brought to your attention and you take positive actions - corrected “hidden elements” will make a difference in your profit. YOUR SALON COACH NOW OFFERS: DREAMS TO REALITY IN 90 DAYS! 1. We listen to your DREAMS. 2. We identify your CHALLENGES. 3. We work with developing a 90 ACTION PLAN. GUARANTEED OR YOUR NEXT 90 DAYS FREE! Back to Top |