Hair salon coaching. Salon consultancy career development

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

The Salon Consultancy:  Business and staff development through coaching:

What is it that holds salon owners back from asking for help and advise seeking the help of a professional salon consultant?  What makes salon owners wary of accepting offers of help and guidance?

Why are many salon owners stylist's so hesitant to consider alternatives possible new a ways of looking at situation old repeating issues and problems.

Could a personal salon coach help you and your team,would you allow them to share their thoughts and experience with you?

These might be aspects of operational business improvement, salon training, staff development. What holds us back from facing up to personal assessment and growth?

                                                            We can hide behind a mask!

What is it that holds so many of us back from using a salon consultant or coach?  

After many visits to many salons talking with some owners who have been kind enough to allow me a little time I have concluded it's.

Three issues:

Trust, Fear, Money!

                                                     We can face up to things ask for help!

Not always in this order but one or all of the above. I see so many salon's struggling to find an identity.They have not established their brand they have no salon culture! Why is this? With so many salons all trying the same approach to find an endless stream of new clients. As one new salon open's one just down the road fails. Constant signs in windows experienced stylists required. Yet in these same salons. the staff are standing around or maybe seated on the nice garden set out front of the salon smoking.
I see salons that are far from being fully booked expanding hours opening Sunday's yet empty with broad staff standing around in anticipation of a walk in!

Is it not time to take a step back and really look at what you have and the direction you are going in ? If that direction is backward or stationary then you need help. Values, vision, goals.

We all need help from time to time a salon coach could be the answer. 

It is so easy to lose direction lose sight of the targets we set  that vision we had! Remember what excited you about opening your own business remember what you were going to achieve remember that vision. It's time like these that an out side set of eyes a fresh approach a fresh approach salon consultant or coach can help. Yes it takesSome investment but more importantly Trust and commitment to do whats suggested and required. 

Will it cost? Yes of course but it should be that you pay by result! Or that the results are such that it was a good investment. We talk so much about training continued skill up dates .Why not business maintenance and check up from goals to vision to staffing and training and development ? Time to ask some questions

Salon owners now more than ever are considering space rental this in the form of chair or booth rental.

A growing business model fro stylists who want more control in how they manage their affairs and indeed their clients. Salon owners embarking on this rental venture have a responsibility when developing a booth rental establishment to present a stylish and professional image. The booth renter responsibility is to the service offered but also maintaining the image and appearance to still work with the salon owner to develop the salon and culture no free passes. To develop a reputation as a place of excellence for creative and skilled professionals to work. Both salon and business owners and the stylist running a booth rental business need to work together embrace this new growing opportunity. Collaborate to develop a location a business that works for all parties. Share that vision!!!

What makes you stand out? What makes you unique? What makes what you do special?

If nothing it's time for a list to make some change.  Remember it's the experience not the discount ! Clients do not remember the discount they do remember the experience. ! What can you do about this?

One thing is very clear booth an chair rental is growing as a business option driven by the demand of the client. Salon owners have a responsibility when developing a booth rental establishment to present a stylish and professional image. The booth renter responsibility is to the service offered but also maintaining the image and appearance to still work with the salon owner to develop the salon and culture no free passes. To develop a reputation as a place of excellence for creative and skilled professionals to work. Both salon and business owners and the stylist running a booth rental business need to work together embrace this new growing opportunity. Collaborate to develop a location a business that works for all parties. Share that vision!!!

                                                         Reach out for that hand of help!

With regard to your salon consultancy requirements as well any salon coaching and career development             requirements you would like to address.
  

                                         " The Three R's' Reputation. Recommendation. Retention!

Never forget that our business is built on the Three R's:

It's not built on that constant looking for new clients, it's looking after what you have! It's investing in your self and your business and those around you. It's facing up to challenges it having the courage to ask for help. It's finding a salon consultant or coach that you and your team can work with it's sharing that vision. It's building trust to take the steps to take back the control of your business.
Every Salon is different people personalities principles but in many cases the issues are the same.
As a salon consultant my role is to listen. here your voice your concerns establish your wants and needs your vision and then help guide you forward.
With all the support material available to me and my own personal industry experience i feel that any issue sand challenges that a salon and business face are not insurmountable given some time patients and commitment. A willingness to take the steps required to make change happen a collaboration both thought and action between all parties you the owner your team or indeed booth renters and trust in a skilled salon consultant or coach.
Are you ready: what to re ignite that  Vision that passion that motivation: lets talk
Contact me at:
Back2myroots@gmail.com  call 07 828 902 455  Uk number:  Skype discussions  for over sea's.
To arrange a complimentary assessment session:

Remember really it's the salon client who makes all this work! 

Its relating to your clients addressing their issues, listening to them. Being honest open and genuine. remembering little things about them their life that last visit that last conversation. It's about service it's about the experience we share and give.

Remember it is possible to have a long term last relationship with your client care for them and they will care for and about you they will help you build a successful business.

Loyalty. Respect. The attributes we earn through our actions. The service we offer.The care we take.

Mike B2MR

Hair salon Stylist personal development

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

What is personal development do you give it any thought? Do you take any time to plan your career once qualified? Have you ever considered the many options available to you in the hair industry and thought about how best to improve your skills and knowledge?

Work on thinking about a plan of action for your career making some clear choices and taking action. Maybe this is not you and our happy just working as a creative stylist in a salon. Experience over the years has shown me that eventually this is not enough for most stylist they want more responsibility they want more control.To get this you have to have a plan a vision and some goals. What are yours? Are you ready to trust yourself take control of your future?

Investing in one self and ones future:

To succeed in at any level in Cosmetology demands quality.professional skill. Creativity talent and technical knowledge and ability. In the Hairdressing profession many individuals have great artistic skills.But they fail or let them sleeves down by not having or acquiring the technical knowledge to make those skills truly great. 

Would you like to gain more experience in other aspects of the hairdressing industry. Are your ready to challenge your self? Maybe your goal is to own your own salon. Have a freelance business. Maybe become an educator for an international hair colour company. A platform artist.Artistic team member. College tutor.Climb the ladder to salon management. All very worth while. Deciding on what path to take,where your true vocation lies is not easy so should not be rushed. Reaping the rewards from hard work and commitment is very satisfying but is it enough? Constantly pushing your self striving to be the very best you can is very challenging but so very worth while could this be you?

The Hurdles and obstacles can seem immense one has to stay committed and focused embrace the challenges. Be prepared to face rejection over come obstacles deal with the emotional challenges of an unchartered journey and adventure stick with it however daunting however demanding it is. Sounds like a great deal of hard work. It is but nothing is easy and it would not be a challenge or so rewarding at the end if it were handed on plate!

The big thing the key is you don't have to do it alone unaided there are many in this industry here to help and advise you you only have to search them out connect and ask for advise for help and you will get it.

With so many talented, focused, driven, motivated stylists and industry professionals help is always available. As an industry professional how can you create that edge how can you keep it? Become a specialist in your field the one people turn to for advise and guidance become a business success. What ever your choice be it.
To be a top stylist. Own your own business. Be platform artist.There are no short cuts but having a clear vision and an understanding of how things work.What path to take this can really help you over the hurdles and obstacles you may face while making this vision a reality.

Apart from having the right up to date qualifications .You must have a full and extensive record of your journey your training your education your soil level qualification and certification. Show a history of having attended education updates, prove creativity, demonstrate skills in service and consultation. Have an interest in business management staff management and training. Show a willingness to learn and commitment earn trust show loyalty gain respect.

Websters defines the word skill as ' The ability to use one;s skills effectively' Todays hairdressers must have a strong working knowledge of the hair, chemistry, the hair structure, the products available, trusting manufactures is no longer enough or safe! know this before you can effectively show your artistic and creative skills through colouring and handling chemicals and products. Again there are no short cuts to knowledge the more you understand who hair colour works and reacts on human hair the better prepared you will be to face the challenges that can and do arise.

What does investing in one self man? Is it costly? Is it worth while? let me tell you,Investing in oneself does not have to be financial- It can and could be a simple as time well spent! We must all look in the mirror and be honest about what needs  attention what needs some adjustment. The real key is knowing from the bottom of your heart.What you truly want where you want your career to go what lengths your are prepared to go to to make. Your dream. your vision. Your quest a reality.

Sadly this does not mean that financial expense is not apart of this, sometimes parting with hard earned cash is the driver and motivator. Seek help. Do the work. Reap the rewards. Self investment. How many people sign up for gym membership to get healthy drop a few pounds ? They go a few time then always find an excuse not to go eventually  the membership runs out or gets cancelled the Gym gets blamed oh it was costly it did not work for me!! when you pay the membership you still have to do the work someone else is not going to ride that bike and get fit or lose weight for you! Same deal with investing in education skill training knowledge you have to commit to the work the program. 

Help can and does come in many forms It could be useful books or downloads. Seminars. Courses. Presentations. Demonstrations. Webinar. Video links. what works best for you how do you learn what keeps you motivated stimulated your choice. The key is to have that vision of what you want where you want your career to go.  Research  your choices!

   

Think of your career as a bus journey.There are lots of people on the bus with you,some getting on and off others staying on for the ride.But hey your the driver take your eyes off the road and pops! your in control drive your career take your path.We are all in charge of our own destiny we have to make choices and live with the consequences challenging our selves and those around us for we are all linked through our industry our passion our commitment to development and change.

There are many professional bodies and groups ready to help and offer advise should you need any help please contact me and we can discuss a path a journey plan for you. I have many contacts and access to some really wonderful supportive material.

Mike B2MR

Hair salon the price of success!

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

This topic comes to mind because of the changes and challenge we see in our industry. As we struggle to look for new ways new initiatives. Ways to move forward and grow both as salon and as individual stylists. Or as team sharing the same vision a collaboration of views and thinking.
For change to happen we have to want it. We have to be prepared to work .We have to challenge everything we know hoping for change is not enough. We have to take a step back and see that we need to do things differently make positive changes.
We cannot expect a different out come or result if we keep doing the same things in some cases making the same mistakes or errors.
We have to take responsibility and stop blaming circumstances external forces or others! We have to avoid being drawn in to the competitive down spiral of the discounting for business game.

I was chatting with my wife Cindy with today. We were talking about hotels and how so many no longer offer the luxury items we so like. Those free bath products that pack of chocolates that complimentary  sparkling water.
It's not free it's factored into the price. The point being the bigger slightly more expensive hotels are still busy and doing well. Whilst the smaller cheaper one struggle compete and yes discount against each other creating a cheap discount market one where something has to give.That thing being service and the experience.  Competing creating a discount market is negative destructive some one has to lose !! Why is this?

We agreed it's because although the larger hotels are more expensive. They are providing an experience we feel pampered. We all like to feel special!! Are you getting the idea. Luxury, excellence, high standards of service delivered by highly skilled professionals. These are not in the same grouping as cheap discount short changed businesses struggling to stay afloat!
What do you prefer when paying for something special unforgettable or  a cheap very forgettable experience?

The Price of success is?
To honestly take a step back in some cases seek help takes a real want for change. Ask the questions. What should i change? How can i change it. Why should I ? Will it make a difference. If your honest it will. If your willing to take up the challenge to do things differently it will.  It's changing your mind set. It's suggesting specialisation. It's creating the place that is special. That place that clients have to be seen in have to be a part of it's creating that something so unique so special that experience thats unforgettable. Was this not your vision when you set out? It should have been!

It applies to your salon. It apples if your a booth or chair renter in salon. It's skill it's your creative talent but what remembered is the experience.Those extra lengths you go to that extra service you provide.
Maybe take some time for this needs some thought and reflection.

Ask yourself some tuff questions. Give your self some honest answer's:

What makes you stand out? What makes you unique? What makes what you do special?
If nothing it's time for a list to make some change.  Remember it's the experience not the discount ! Clients do not remember the discount they do remember the experience. ! What can you do about this?
One thing is very clear booth an chair rental is growing as a business option driven by the demand of the client. Salon owners have a responsibility when developing a booth rental establishment to present a stylish and professional image. The booth renter responsibility is to the service offered but also maintaining the image and appearance to still work with the salon owner to develop the salon and culture no free passes. To develop a reputation as a place of excellence for creative and skilled professionals to work. Both salon and business owners and the stylist running a booth rental business need to work together embrace this new growing opportunity. Collaborate to develop a location a business that works for all parties. Share that vision!!!

This web site my blog all set up to help and offer advise. but also to raise question get you thinking.I'm happy to help just contact me we can talk over your situation finds ways forward have a Skype call put am action plan in place. The development and resources page is there to offer help and support.
all you have to do is Ask reach out change can happen you just have to want it ! DO YOU ?
Mike B2MR.

Perfect red and copper hair colour

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Perfect shades of Red and copper hair colour.

I post this topic with a love for red hair colour and the challenges they pose mainly colour retention keeping those rich vibrant tones.

I found an interesting link that i will share at the bottom of the article even though it saddens me that it's promoting  home box colour and does not promote the hair salon and professional hair colour services.
so much for manufacture support for the professional.

When we think of reds there are just so many shades to choose from. Hot reds,warm controlled reds and copper shades all the way through to cool blue mauve reds. The red shades are the hardest to get to last keep that rich true colour. The rule is hardest to get into the hair last to come out!

Choosing the correct shade the right volume of Peroxide are all so key to good results using the natural pigment in the clients hair to give depth and longevity to colour. If we use to higher volume of peroxide we can lift the hair to much lifting out any red or orange and giving us a yellow orange pigment base. Always consider target colour and what will be exposed in the lifting process.

Faded dull with Grey root issue

All food for thought? But we also need to consider the formulation for root application the formulation to colour balance on mid lengths and ends.

Hot or bright roots seems to be a huge problem then we also have to consider a formulation for Grey coverage.

Hot roots are normally caused by lack of N natural series or a controlling green or blue base if to bright.

With the examples: Of red and copper below. I have tried to show that it is possible to change shade in this case red without damaging or causing stress on the hair.

As you can see the different shades chosen are all in the same family red, red copper, red brown they all work with skin and eye colour of the model.

                                                 

The Key to switching colour and shade is to do it in stages. Work up and down the shades slowly going from lighter to darker is easy tone on tone. To go Darker to lighter the key is to use the pigment you are lifting don't try for to many levels at once remember it's an ever changing journey not a race. Using this method you can constantly suggest new change with compromise.

A colour client will stay with you as long as your doing a great job so take your time explain  what's possible both short term and long ! have fun.

Rich vibrant even colour root to end

Always consider the environment you are working in the history of of previous colour application. consider and plan colour goals for coming months so change is possible with out over processing and or a poor job!

Take into account any issues during the consultation Grey issues can be resolved so you don't have a thin deposit or  hot roots . Remember Grey issues will require some amount of the N natural series in the root formulation the level of peroxide you choose is the other deciding factor.

The model above to the right  has a Grey issue but as you can see a rich vibrant even colour is possible

 As you can see from these last three shots. new shots same model new  deeper richer red almost brunette shade.  Why? Well as we are dealing with a little more Grey a to vibrant  copper could cause it to  look thin and with a possible bright roots issue.

A razor cut to create texture and movement no scissors used also added more texture with my claw finger razor's.

I hope that is article is helpful and that it creates thought about lift deposit and target colour. Remember consider the issues and the environment you are working on.

Two more shot of this colour and razor cut above and below all the same model to show that switching shades of red and copper can be done with some patients and consultation.

The change in the above shots in from a solid all over colour to mixed tones of high and low lights to stay lighter addressing the Grey issues.

For link on red hair shades and tones that work with ones skin check out.

                                                   http://www.squidoo.com/perfect-red-hair
Mike B2MR: