Recession Proof Yourself
From SalonLife Guest Blogger Winn Claybaugh:
Dear Future Professionals and Industry Friends,
The news media, the government, and even other business owners constantly talk about a recession, the onset of a recession, and how bad things are. What if those of us in the beauty industry collectively refused to buy into that belief system? Let’s decide not to participate in the recession because, as we all know, what we focus on starts to grow. If we focus on how bad things are, that’s exactly what we’re going to get.
That doesn’t mean we should bury our heads in the sand and pretend it’s business as usual. Now, more than ever, we must become proactive and give our guests an experience worth spending their valuable dollars on. Here are three things to consider:
1. Know your guests. Do you know what your clients really need? You might think, “Mary is out of work and can’t afford to have color this time,” when in reality, Mary might be looking for work and wants to look her best.
2. Give 110%. Before you blame the economy for a business slowdown, make sure you’re doing your best work. Is your workstation clean and beautiful? Are you giving every guest an exceptional experience? Are you creating an enjoyable oasis where your guests can escape from economic worries and other stresses? Assess yourself honestly and make improvements as needed.
3. Use your downtime wisely. If business is a little slow, use the opportunity to do the things you normally can’t. Provide education for yourself or your staff. Give your workstation (or business) a good cleaning or sprucing up. Plan some promotional activities, make flyers, or visit nearby businesses to promote yourself or your business. Get your team together and volunteer in your community. Activities like these will reenergize you and your team, and that enthusiasm will translate into increased business dollars.
Refuse to buy into the recession mind-set, and make things happen today!
— Winn Claybaugh
Dean and Cofounder, Paul Mitchell Schools
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November 12th, 2008 at 8:23 am
I agree with Winn. At least if the ship is really going down it will be a tidy one, and this will certainly help if you really need to find a lifepreserver. Never underestimate the power of preparation. It can be purely prophetic. Prepare for change!
November 12th, 2008 at 8:42 am
yes I agree also. It is time to make sure that our guests best interests are in mind. Our salon is participating in a ladies night out next thursday with other business in the area. I will be giving out small gifts and LOTS of business cards and coupons to come into the salon and recieve another gift ONCE THEY COME INTO THE SALON. the small promo gift will be just an incentive to get them to really come into the salon and see what we offer. it should be fun and energizing!
November 13th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Winn is a really inspring person. I saw him at the Premier Show two years ago and learned a lot. He has a great attitude and his ideas here worth listening to. Hal the problem today is that we believe things are bad. The press is driving much of this recession and we’re following blindly. I’m not ignoring reality but i think if you take the positive approach, you can lessen the impact. Thanks for sharing Winn with us.
November 16th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Here in Vegas, where the recession has hit very hard, I am not teaching doom of recession to the salon owners,nor the Beauty Business Professionals and in the beauty schools.
I am teaching them to rise above this situation and out shine the competition. Use all the networking tools used so well by sales teams in other industries.
Learn from the network marketing pros on how to join organizations, promote themselves, their team, the salon and spa.
Have higher expectations of the staff, look more professional, be available more hours, communicate with your clients,share clients with each other, create excitement! Remember everywhere you are, you are a billboard for your shop. Every client is a walking billboard for your work.
Client’s are a great source for referrals and now is a great time to offer specials for clients that bring other clients!
Yes, do all the things that Winn is talking about, but do them no matter what the economy looks like, good times or bad. Now go out and create more business!
As a CPA and creator of Client Keeper for the Beauty Professional I believe that the individual beauty professional can double their business, when they really turn on the tools and talent -
November 17th, 2008 at 11:02 am
I’ve been working in a Redken Elite salon/ Day Spa for somtime now. I have been thinking about renting a chair for some time know, and I just need a bit of advice on how to go about doing that. If someone can get back to me with info, It will be greatly appriciated.
Thank you,
Kristin
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Wow! This is so refreshing! I come from a small town with small minds that think that everything is going to hell.When you are differnt others fear you! I try to encourage people to think outside there box.Giving back to your community and reaching out not only makes me feel good but it does other people around me! We have to grow and be strong during this tuff time! Happy holidays to you all! I also agree that Winn is amazing speaker and his passion is what i needed to hear tonight!
Thanks you,
Evette