My successful business model

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:

Regular postings of fresh new topic's

I think that it might be time to share a journey taken by myself into building and establishing a home based hairdressing business. Without any advertising fully booked successful in one year lets call it 0 to 50 that was the turn over year one.

My Journey:

At the time I was working as an educator and platform artist for a large North American hair product and hair colour company.Whilst really enjoying the shows. The travel. The events it had it's down time and just doing salon hair colour education update was not challenging enough.
I decided to set up a salon at home to fill in the down time and keep doing hair. This would be a small one man business built using my skills creativity and knowledge. My mandate would be to offer the highest standard of. Hair colouring. Colour correction, and razor cutting.

I would be using the skills and knowledge that educations had provided me with. My goal and vision was  to build up a strong clientele a loyal following. Built up on recommendation word of mouth. No advertising very defined boundaries and work ethics and working hours.

I will cover boundaries, working hours and indeed charges as we move on.

Have a business model a Vision:


This business model was not conceived on a whim it was built on experience gained over many years in the Hairdressing industry.

Ask your selves this question. Why do we spend so much.Time. Money and energy looking for. New clients.Promoting the salon generally searching for that quick fix of success. Those big fully booked pay out days? When all the success we could ever want is right at our fingers tips.

What is this secret. Here are some easy tips that work and we will re visit and cover in some depth.

*High Standard of service.

*Honest consultation.

*Friendly but professional attitude.

*Skilled and knowledgeable.

*Affordable pricing.

*Regular hours.

*No waiting.

*Trust and defined Boundaries-house /salon rules.

*Very personal one on one service. keeping up to date client records history formulations.

*Product knowledge

See not a huge list but the keys to being very successful with a business that builds and maintains it self. keep it simple so lets go thorough the list in some depth.

To start this business i had to draw on my past experience with hair salons. Having managed a hair salon in Central London experienced ownership i had a good idea about business set up.

Experience of working with salons in Ontario, Vancouver and on Vancouver Island also helped me set up this small business. Contacts and relationships made with sales representatives also helps. Yes reps can be your friend.

When staring a business it is very important to get some advise from certain bodies.

*Bank business account

*Accountant

* Distributor

* check into Licenses, registration that me be required.

* keep clear records,invoices and receipts.

 High standards of service:

What does this mean to me. It's being attentive. It's being welcoming. Its the atmosphere. The scene you set and create . This was me projecting me. Who I am. How I work. I would think of my salon as my space, as my play room, my sand box.

Service. This is being. Attentive. Caring. Willingness to listen. To be honest. Ask the right question. Make your client feel at easy comfortable. This is so important it sets the scene for open and honest discussion that all important consultation.

I would also take this time whilst getting them settled to explain how I work and why. Give a brief history of my self and career my belief and mandate.

This is a good time to show how knowledgeable you are and also show a little authority on the subject matter. That being hair and colouring. Of course answer any general questions that may arise. It is also a good time and way to assess the client. To get a feel for who they are. What their expectation might be and so how demanding they may be. We will touch more on this.

This moves nicely on to Honest Consultation.

This is such an important time to have the art of conversation and use and asses so much. The key is to be frank and honest about  the clients goals expectation. It is this time that you get to ask questions get a history of past services.

It is your time to assess the condition the look . You start to get an idea of what might or might not be possible. Remember the art of the consultation is to get your client to open up not just about past hair colour and style. But  you can also lead the conversation asking the questions to get the client to open up. Instead of. What do you want? How do you feel about? What would you like to see? In a perfect world. How do you see you style and colour? Remember. Honesty on your part as the stylist is the key.

Normally when the colour mistakes are apparent the truth is impossible to ignore. The poor client is so embarrassed upset and apologetic.  So much so, that one really wants to help and fix this problem if at all  possible.This would in some cases be correction.

The client usually admits that it was a money issue a crazy moment or a few drinks with that got out of hand with a friend it seemed like a good idea at the time! found an old box under the vanity and thought it would be a great time at 3 in the morning to “streak” their hair. I don’t have any issues helping these clients for me the challenge is correcting it the reward is success a happy client she made an honest mistake at home and now seeks professional help a humbling experience in it's self.

Usually they have learned from the mistake  after all we all make mistakes first time one feels sorry for them repeat offenders well they are on their own, most however are more than willing to go through the steps to fix the situation.

Then there are the liars.  I know this is harsh, but usually when you ask someone a direct question and they knowingly misinform you, that’s a lie.  As a stylist how can we make an informed decision to fix something when blatantly given the wrong information. In most cases they have been deceived by marketing adverts and promotion that suggest an easy to use instant make over in a box trouble is these kits cannot cover and address every hair situation or scenario it can be complicated! from a stylist point of view we need to know the truth in order to perform the right service. This is not possible when a client make a choices not to give all the information or answer question honestly.

Here is an example of a normal client consultation:

  

A client is looking for some sort of chemical service, not always a major change. let’s say going lighter.  We will take a close look at the hair during the consultation and figure out what we need to do to get as close to the desired result without damaging the hair.  It is at this time when we’ll ask the client their past history.  whilst at the same time looking and feeling for indications of damage. If we see any sort of banding, we know some sort chemical affected the hair.  It’s a pretty simple fact, hair grows approximately 1/2 inch a month.  If there is a any sort of line of demarcation. We know there was something “done” to the hair,  and we can tell when it happened by how far it is away from the scalp.  When we ask the client why this band exists, they can’t give a reason.  When we’d tell them that something had to be put in their hair to create this band they will not admit to anything.  To be fair with so many over the counter products these days misleading the consumer it is possible that they were unaware the product used would cause this issue.  In some cases one would repeatedly ask the question and they’ll repeatedly plead their innocence/ignorance. stale mate helps no one!

The main thing not to forget is why the client is sitting in front of you.What can you do for her! The client, service, consultation, listening, honesty, humility, staff training and continued Education updates for all staff.

In some cases after a consultation it is ok to suggest that giving the hair a break from chemical service is the only way forward. If they will not commit to this. Then take my advise stop!

If a clients has hair that is really badly done. Over processed damaged beyond help. Unless they want to listen to you take your advise. If you don't feel that you can improve on this. If it will not be an advert for you.Then why would you get involved it's ok to say No!

If it's is not going to be a good advert for you. Not going to be representative of your talent and ability.

Why get involved?

Consider this. 
Badly done over processed hair. As soon as you agree to fix it you are taking responsibility for all that has been done in the past! Consider is it worth it! If you decide to take this on them make them sign a client waive release form.  

As a stylist consider are you fixing this. Because you can or do you have something to prove is this. I can do! Or EGO driven.

For me having boundaries being able to say No is Ok it's honest it's real it's professional!

Friendly welcoming but professional:

Is this possible you may ask your self? Yes it is, it's the key to success. For it makes your client feel special wanted important. Now you don't have to be all gushy nor false. It's more about keeping a conversation real and about them.

That being said sharing some of your own life is also ok. Just not that. Did you have a nice week end are you going on Holiday stuff!!! 

It's all about the three things to remember about your clients. People. Places. Things. listen to what they tell you take it in remember key things work life family it show you care and do listen.

Keeping it professional that is giving sound advise not bowing to silly demands those boundaries established are still key.
For example when they re approach the subject of cutting their husbands hair by stroking your ego saying how good you are. Thank them remind them that you don't do guys hair. but say nice try though! I would always say i don't enjoy male company however nice they are!

Remember key points about last hair do ultimate goal. If in doubt keep notes review before they arrive.

Its ok still shows you care. You are building trust. The three R rule works very well when building these trusting relationships.
                                         "Reputation.Recommendation.Retention"



If you need some helps in your salon with how to improve your business and grow your client base then take a moment and look at all the helpful tools available at Salon Success.
                                                               http://www.karendavidintl.com/
Mike B2MR

Hairdressing tips and tricks.

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:

 A place to share thoughts post comments and idea's on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

What does this mean exactly? For me it's sharing anything and everything.It's not about short cuts or breaking rules! It's sharing all those things that we learn and experience along the way. Those things that could save you from a pitfall or at least help you get out of one!

What does it cover ?Anything and everything. All that is us. All that make us stylist, salon owners, business owners, it covers skill knowledge, both technical and practical, life skills, people skills, business skills.

None of us are perfect. None of us know everything. But some know more than others, I'm not talking qualifications I'm talking about experience those skills we have learned along the way.Thus allowing us to share what we have learned along the way.

It is my opinion that however good we are. However much we know. What ever skills we have if we do not share it pass it on use it to encourage others then it's all rather pointless.

To keep it to your self to have bragging rights to crow about how good you were are !! That's all Ego and a waste of time. Giving back sharing is key to personal growth and greater success.

With all the blogs and articles I post my one goal is to share both experience and skill and knowledge.

I have been so fortunate in all the hairdressing industry has afforded me . The experiences I have had. The opportunities I have had. Some of the amazing people I have met and had the good fortune to work with.

I would very much like an opportunity to share this with as many stylist as possible to encourage mentor to challenge them to push themselves. 

To salon owners to encourage them to work with staff and team members. To share and discuss what a salon is and should be. How to get the very best from your en-devours. How to offer the highest of standards of service skill to your clients. whilst increasing sales and client retention.
I had  a young stylist write to me today asking for advise . Having left college wanting to build up a clientele get busy. Yes as we all know it's not easy it tales commitment and hard work, However i do feel that Salon owners and managers have to help the new stylist who is committed to working hard. A guaranteed basic wage for a given period. Also a new stylist should be given all new clients to the salon for an agreed period. This shows both support and commitment. After agreed period the stylist should have proved a good client retention level and indeed added to it through recommendation.
If this is not the case the stylist has to take responsibility for both standard of work and service offered.  

In these challenging economic times. Having a few skills, refusing to constantly assess, honestly reflect on how things are.This a very dangerous path to walk. 

The salon is a place that is unique as are the people who work in it. As are the clients we attract. But the list of what a salon is. What it has to do to run smoothly is huge. It truly is quite a complex structure built of relationships ,honesty and trust.

Appearance, atmosphere, Image, reputation,

Staff, skill education, knowledge, people skill, passion, motivation, service, team players, dedicated. humility. sales through knowledge, respectful, caring.

Owners. Managers. Organisations. skills. Fair firm. Visionary. Sympathetic. Articulate. Service. People skills driven focused. Passion commitment. Knowledgeable . Skilled adviser. Respectful Caring,

Products: knowledge. Sales. Technical skills. On how to use products. Understand use and application.

These are all parts that together make a salon work and be successful can you tick them all off? Maybe most but a few need some attention. I think in most cases we would all be able to add to the list but also circle the need attention items. The million dollar question is Do you want to address those weaknesses!!! either as a salon owner or as an individual do you want to invest a little time and little money to reach new levels have higher standards reach new heights.

Tips and tricks is me offering to share with you all that I know and have experienced from. Salon ownership and management. To platform work. Education and sales. Artistic team member. Successful busy stylist. Communication skills. Consultation skills.

Hands on technical skills from cutting to hair colour to updo's what do you need help with.

From one on one to small salon groups what are your needs.               

Contact me to start investing in your business your self your future. With my skill experience and knowledge and connection with other like minded professionals help is close at hand.
I can connect you with an online support program for you and your salon. So what are your needs?  

Mike B2MR

                             http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/


                             A useful link for material that can be of so much use to both salons and stylist's                        
                                     http://www.karendavidintl.com/index.asp?pageID=2145887365

Hair stylist's. Image, attitude, focus, vision.

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR: Regular postings of fresh new topic's

A somewhat contentious subject: But worthy of discussion and debate I'm sure we will not all agree !!!
but that is healthy.
I don't know if this is a global issue but it certainly is an issue in the countries I have worked in. Is it an issue where you are.  Its a topic that I dwell on given my passion for our industry.

Commitment. Attitude. Image. Vision:
Why do so many young people start training and give up. Or just turn to it not knowing what else to do. in some cases just getting pushed into it just because of lack of academic qualification. Hoping it's an easy meal ticket! to a not to demand profession.
Why do so many stay in the industry poorly trained? Little or no motivation complaining acting out and being totally un-professional. Why is this?
I'm hoping this will create discussion because like so many issues in our industry it's one that is sort of pushed aside never really addressed or looked at.
In these economic times we seem to heading down that path that has been trodden many times apprenticeships programs for youth employment. incentives for salons to take on trainee's. Is it just another way of playing with unemployment figures or real industry commitment.
Then we have the colleges and the day release system. The standards of what is being taught is out of touch with reality. So bogged down with paper work health and safety issues. The tutors in many cases are un motivated and out of touch .The students having failed in the academic world don't now want to be in class room setting. How will this ever change if never addressed.

My reason for this topic is not to just rant about an issue not just to use my blog a platform to moan. It's to bring up the topic and hopefully put a positive lean on it!
How can it change? What can we do as professional salon owners. How can tutors improve and help to change and or improve things.
Firstly by being honest with all the youngsters thinking of a future in Hairdressing.This means taking the time to discuss with them their goals and dreams find out if the service industry is for !It's not for every one. Find out how committed they are to study and self improvement.
We need to lead by example.We need to raise standards. We can all make a difference if we are willing and committed.
It's about giving back. It's about sharing. Its about being honest. It's about communication and most of all positive honest discussion.

We have to take the time to honestly explain the training process to young people coming into the profession. Tell what to honestly expect. We have to help them value and respect them selves.
In-fact many Stylist's could learn from a little reflection on these subjects .They could in many case's do with some help. I have come across many in our professions with self issues. Maybe our industry attracts this .We all have a story. We come with baggage. We all have a past. We all have a story.
We also all have creative passion. For hair dressing. For being a stylist. Being a colour technician. Being successful.

From being honest with young people coming into our profession. We have to then also look at help and assistance for those either new to the business or struggling. This can be newly qualified stylist's or salon owners struggling with staff issues and to make ends meet.
We can only do this if we are all honest. If we are struggling we reach out ask and seek help.
Is help available? Are there people that care ? yes yes yes!

My trust in the generosity. The commitment to our industry has never been as strong as it is at this time.
I have had the good fortune and the honour of sharing thoughts view's with a team in Australia. Cool ha the world gets smaller every year!
Karen and David Lynch have proved to me that showed me that I am not alone in my thinking. That our industry is full of positive hair dressers.They have shown me that. Sharing experience and vision can and is very rewarding.
They run a very Successful business offering help support mentoring. Sharing first hand experience gained from many years committed to the hairdressing profession.
One has to believe that if we truly have a passion for what we believe in do it. Success and rewards will follow. It's that universal concept of giving something away to get more back!
It is why I write and share so much information and experience. I have faith that it will open doors allowing me to educate and share with others.

                                       Help is at hand in the form of Online assistance .
                                 Offering so much support in every aspect of our industry.
                                             Salon Success Club Online Coaching!

Are these issus you have ?

• Use mystery clients in a positive way
• Employ the right people (at the right time)
• Market your salon without costing a cent (or very little and it works!)
• Grow your salon profit and find where all those profit leaks are
• Turn your reception into a money making machine
• Have your team on your side - all working together, with you
• Feel the energy and excitement about your salon business
• Fill your salon book with top clients
• Give the experience your clients really want (not what most staff think they're wanting)...... 
• Stay motivated every day so nothing stands in your way!
• Grow your salon business with long term results (so you can relax when you're not there)
• Push through the barriers that hold you back
• Keep your clients returning and referring heaps more to your salon
• Double Your Salon Sales (yes you can)
• Coach your team to be star performers
• Get great results when dealing with team issues
• Pay your team effectively so you BOTH winand so much more!

                                Get ready to rekindle that excitement of when you first went into 
                                                        business OR as a new salon owner you'll feel                                                                confident you'll get it right first time!
      

Here is a link for you if your ready to get help advise support for both you and your business

                                     http://thesalonsuccessclub.ning.com/page/online-coaching

Is it not funny how you can start sharing thought's writing them down and where it can take you. With all the material available to us The tools we need success is possible it takes work and commitment it's not a free ride.
Be it starting out wanting to train or wanting help to grow improve or indeed expand a business everything is possible.
Books . Dvd's. On line down loads. Support with real professional. It's all just a click away. But are you ready? I hope this opens doors for discussion. Mike B2MR

The salon the consultation building relationships with clients:

                                           Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR: 
 regular postings of fresh new topic's.

A place to share thoughts post comments and idea's on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.
copy right pending

How do we respond to the issue's and demands that face us in today's salon? How do we get that edge? How can we compete and attract new business and indeed retain our existing client base? Should we discount? If so how? If yes why? Should a long term client expect special treatment? A deal?
It's is my view that if we are doing our job properly we should not have to discount. What is properly Service, attentiveness, skill, professional knowledge.creativity.
If you go to the dentist every 6 months do they offer discount for their service? I think not.
We need to cherish our clients outstanding service consultation genuine caring.
For me as a stylist giving back would be working with community to help raise awareness on certain issues, Charity work fund raising. Making a difference improving things for many. Not just giving out the odd discount to make someone feel extra special!
Check out raising funds locally for cancer relief. your local addiction centre. Maybe a children's charity, Aids research, choose a cause that works for you and your staff support it as a team and as a business.
When asked for a discount you can say 'sorry rather than discount we support our given charity'
  

How many new clients come through our door only to leave never to be seen again? Maybe instead of constantly trying to attract new business we should concentrate on the business we have. It is a fact that over 25% of clients that visit a salon never return.Why is this?

Let look into the topic of Service that ultimate salon experience:

This by definition is a total package of pampering making our clients feel very special affording a very unique standard of service this can be the environment created the atmosphere furnishing image all key to this experience.
This being said we must not detract from importance education knowledge and communication all the tools required for the ultimate consultation. In so many cases the consultation is either very short rushed none caring uninformative.

It does not matter how much time energy and money are committed to the visual the comfort level the service the overall  experience if the  package is not supported by honest caring hands on service from a knowledgeable stylist.
The consultation should be your time to shine but it's also your time to connect with your client  make them feel at ease discover the issues the history of the their hair what brings them to you.
Discover what you can do for them how you can take a journey together to reach there desired goals discuss condition, image, look find out what makes your client comfortable putting people at ease yet taking control comes with experience assure them that everything is possible it just takes time patients and a game plan.
I read one comment that suggested turn the conversation to what they client needs and wants! How can we do this if we do not take the time to discover who they are and what those needs and wants might be!

We have to take the time to ask all the right questions and listen to the response, it's not about us or what we think is needed it is up to us to discover unlock those inner needs. The skill is patients and asking the right questions. It is my experience that women do know what they want sometimes by finding out what they don't want we get an idea of a direction to move toward.
The skills we need go far beyond those of just wanting to do hair. To truly succeed we need to be skilled and versed in so many fields communication public and human relations.
I also think that it's very important to touch on the topic of boundaries we cannot please every client we cannot take the same journey with everyone. Sometimes after a consultation we just know that this is not going to be a fit have the courage to say you don't think this will work trust me when I say you get more respect and it will not effect your business to have clear and defined boundaries.
In some cases it's all about the deal. If the deal is the expectation of discount maybe this is not who you want to work with. making some one feel special and look great offering sound advise solving hair issues is the business we are in. If it takes a discount to make someone feel wanted and special. then maybe they need to find a discount chain. the chances are they will never be happy with their hair or the salon or stylist!
It is not failure to not get involved it is failure to let your EGO say i can deal with this rather than admitting it's not a fit and adviser maybe a different stylist or salon.

So Lets take a look into our make believe salon: Have that consultation together. This could be you the stylist or you the client!


It could be any where any town on any high street maybe as you read you will think hey that's me that's us.

I'm booked into a local salon having been recommended by a friend that the stylist here was very attentive very talented offered excellent service. I'm excited a new stylist a new vision a new look!
My friend had been on a Saturday and said the place was very busy another good indication or so we like to think .
I work Saturdays Tuesday is my day off My appointment booked  i arrive a little before my appointment I hate being late.
It's 10am as i enter the salon a young lady look up from the reception desk she is on the phone  smiles and indicates i should take a seat.
It's early i know but the places is empty! The receptionist look up having finished on the phone and says can i help you i inform her who i am and that i have an appointment with [ stylist ]   she looks at the book vague look on her face then says oh sorry she is not in today i have booked you with [new stylist] not the one recommended, Oh that's a shame i was recommended oh they never work Tuesdays  hum so why was i not told this when i made the appointment instant unease. Two very young looking stylist appear from the back of the salon talking with each other as they get nearer to the reception i am introduced to one of them as your next client [ warning lights are going off]
This young person takes me to a chair stops chewing her gum long enough to introduce her self to me and say what are we doing  for you today all the time talking to me in the mirror looking at her self.
Time to leave  !!
Are you laughing yet of course this is not you! is it? Trust me it happens all the time and then stylist wonder why they loose business and clients. Yes maybe a bit extreme but i have seen this situation many times.
What should this experience for our client be this person who we want to build a relationship with this person the we hope will recommend us and the salon for the service and skill we provide and offer.
The Service the consultation and linked they are both key to success.
From the moment a client enters into a salon the experience begins those first impressions the look the feel of the place the atmosphere.
That first greeting that welcome normally receptionist or a salon staff member who job is to meet and greet , this is a hugely important role if given this role, don't turn it down it's a way to hone your people skills.
With new clients some salon will have a questionnaire this is great for both stylist and client it show the salon cares it puts the client at ease whilst waiting for her appointment maybe whilst having a coffee or tea.
From a stylist point of view it gives us back ground information so we can ask the right questions during our consultation without information how can we give sound advise.
Once this has been filled out as a stylist i think it's important to come a meet your client introduce your self to the client you should already know your clients name this should be on your personal day agenda sheet.
[yes a list of clients for the day the service they are hoping for and weather they are new or return or recommend clients]   I say hoping for because with out having a consultation all the facts how can we decide what is possible !! we cannot.
Trust me when i say i have seen many stylist work out their days take before the day starts. I have worked with one stylist  who would get into work look at the day sheet and get all the tubes of colour out for that day putting them aside, how could you possible know what a client wants in advance of them of talking with them. How boring ! well this stylist was really very boring personality of a  dead fly!!!

Back to the plot 
First impression count how you look and present your self says who you are its all about the image you project your dress hair makeup! that look that says this is me! what can i do for you?
We have introduced our self walked our client though to our work station this area is representative to who you are how you work , untidy dirty chaos does not work!
With the clip board on your lap sit next to your client  eye level eye contact remember you have some information to hand so use it.
Not what are we doing today ! 'how about'
I see from the information you have kindly filled you you had a hair cut 6 weeks ago  how has that been working out for you. How manageable have you found it as it's grown out. when that leads into what brings you here today how can i help all leading  open ended questions.
This now leaves the door open for easy conversation you have relaxed your client you are starting to build trust.
Personal routine, products used, if chemical service has been carried out on the hair even if not being re done on this occasion it still needs to be touched on for future booking and for advice and comment
Never ever put a colour chart on a clients lap and say what colour do you want today it's our job as professionals to advise on colour that can work and look stunning.
Having established History and indeed wish list we can move on the recommendations.
style, look, length, colour , products styling tips maintenance be honest i like to refer to a relationship as taking a journey together that with patients honesty open the doors to endless possibilities.
In closing having a fully booked day is what most stylist long for consistently busy, but consider when fully booked or over booked we lose clients ! Why however good we are the standard of service drops.

Don't take short cuts, keep clients waiting, you sacrifice your standards for a few extra £££ or $$$$.
If you do this and you do more damage than good a dissatisfied client will go else where taking her friends with her! it's Service, reliability, Service consultation, Service, skill oh and More Service!!!
It's not discount buy a relationship buy a client!


Salon and business: Support help advise
Good luck if you need help advise guidance take a three week challenge.check out the site below:
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Soon to be available in the Uk this insightful easy read talks you through all you need to do to succeed
supported with useful down loads a really worth while investment in your self! or maybe for your salon team!!
Mike B2MR
http://www.back2myroots.co.uk/
If you need a little help advise a little one one time maybe you feel you would like your team to step things up need help i'm just a phone call or e-mail away.