The dynamic's of the hair salon. The hair business.

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

Owning a salon. 

Running a successful business has many challenges yet equally can be so rewarding. You get out what you put in. As a salon owner you have to wear so many hats. Think about all the jobs you do out side of hands on hair. How do you ever find time to service your clients. Like so many salon owners is it a juggling act. Do you wish you had another pair of hands or could delegate more? Are you a leader able to delegate or are you one who keeps a tight hand on the reins? If so could this tight rein be holding you back?

Why do I raise such questions?

The dynamic's of a hair salon are quite complex for many reason's it can run either like a well oiled machine or it can stumble along never really functioning to it's full potential.Why is this? What turns function into dysfunction? When or how does it happen?

Vision goals communication:

As a salon owner or indeed as a stylist. When you started in the profession you must of had a vision of what you expected it to be like.

A vision for your salon your business that perfect salon. As a stylist maybe it was the path you had plotted for your career, your success. Take a moment are you still realising that vision or have you compromised got slightly derailed? Don't be discourage it happens without even noticing! Why? Because we are to busy being busy.We lose focus we forget the plot.

Dysfunction creeps in due to. Loss of vision. Lack of strong leadership. Communication breaks down. Collaboration between team members breaks down. Negative competition creeps in. This leads to break down in morale and so effects the working environment and atmosphere. Client can and do pick up on this! This can be cause loss of client retention and so decline in business.

What is required is positive interaction and communication! as above maybe not!

Can this be avoided?

Yes of course it can. I'm not suggesting that this is the case in every salon.What i am suggesting is it can so easily happen.To avoid this sometime professional help is required an outside opinion on how things are looking and running. This takes courage. This takes a honest look in that mirror ask your self the questions. Is my vision a reality? It's hard to be honest with yourself!!

Are you as the owner leader manager communicating with your team? Do you have the right team. Are they on board with your vision? Have you ever shared that vision with them? As a staff team member are you getting the support you would like? Is your vision of being a stylist on track? Are you a team player?

 Do you have? Regular meeting. Do you openly discuss CHANGE and IMPROVEMENT! Are you honest with each other.

Sit together have an open face to face discussion:

What is required for change:

What is required for change to happen. Honest constructive Dialogue. Collaboration. Want for change. Vision supported with Innovative thinking. Willingness to work together through the challenges to make change happen. 'COMMITMENT'.

Working in a salon being a part of a team.

Maybe your renting a chair in a salon have your own business? The above still applies,Not all competition is healthy it can become negative and destructive for all parties! We have responsibility to. Our selves. Our work mates. Very importantly our clients. To have a full understanding of the salon our workplace our shared vision our goals .To help each other reach these goals.TEAM WORK!

Then there is finding time to reflect on.

The direction you and your business are going in. The service you offer the standard of work being done. What ever your business model. How often do you take the time to reflect on any of these topic's in an honest reflective manner? We have to find time take the time to explore avenues to offer help advise guidance.Training up grades staying current with all aspects of our career and business. Seeking out and getting help and advise when required.

On top of all this. New products. New techniques. The challenges of running owning managing a business are is huge. Not to mention the managing of people staff issues it's so much to deal with. How do you? Help is at hand. All you have to do is seek it out be ready and open for change! The challenges it can bring!

Help can be found in many forms, to help and guide you on a journey to reach your true business potential.It is a partnership in as much as you still have to work face challenges make some decisions. You are guided mentored and encouraged supported all the way. Online support both audio and visual downloadable material.weekly updates and check in. Such a worth while programme that will inspire you and your team onto bigger and better. How do i know I did it!

 Below are some useful links:

Three very use books and tools all designed to inspire and challenge you to great things.
The First Piece of the Jigsaw eBook
Get Off the Sales Roller-coaster eBook
Double Your Salon Sales - or else

Link to the salon success club all the support you need to make change happen!

The Salon Success Club

Any questions please feel free to email me or post a question i will respond. Are you ready for. A new look at what you do, how and why. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone? are you ready for a challenge?

Mike B2MR

Salon Retail products and sales.

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

How do you as a salon owner decide what products to carry: What will you staff embrace believe in enough to use and sell?

*Is it the Brand?

*Is it the packaging?

*Is it smell?

*Is it cost?

As a retail product when marked up will it be profitability? Is it an all natural earth and environment saving product? How do you decide. Do you trust the sales Rep?

This is big business: you have to get it right on so many levels!

*How much can you mark it up?

*Will it sell? Does it have appeal?

*Do the staff like and support this product?

*Is the support education good?

How much stock do you have to carry? It's so easy to get sucked in remember many product lines change packaging to re invent it and increase future sales. If you carry to much stock you may get left with old product! Carry only enough stock for a month at a time.Try to pay on 30 days and this way your don't have money sitting on the shelf. Get staff involved, pay fair commission or incentive. Don't mark up so much that it cannot sell. Stay on top of stock at all times do not let your friendly sales rep do the ordering for you!!!

Do you need some help with this issues or other matters relating to your business and how to make it a bigger success. Check out the links below for some really useful tools designed to help you get your business growing. OnLine support structured to work with you and support you as you work though the challenges of running and growing your business. Are you ready for a challenge? In order to be able to share these links with you for the past Month i have taken the challenge and worked through the material provided by salon success both audio and PDF books downloads.

It does take allocating some time. it's not a quick fix Magic pill that does all the work for you. It encourages you. To look at what your doing, why and how, It discuses how to change things look at things and issues in a positive light. Very easy to follow and listen to highly recommended . If it was not would it be here? if you require more info drop me a note or leave me a question.

Mike B2MR

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

Salon discounting is it good for business?

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

                      Salon Discounting is it good for business?
                                                Does it pay?

How much discounting goes on in your salon?  Have you ever considered what this might be costing you and your business?  Be honest! The answers is a lot!

How this happens.
How does this discount come about. Stylist like to reward their clients make them feel special,but at who's expense?. This happens all to often in fact i have been guilty of it when work in a salon it's such a easy trap to fall into.
A regular client comes in for a full head of foils. You like and enjoy time spent with this client. maybe she tips well? When the service if done and it's time to pay you say 'I have just charged you for a half head today' Da! Why. She came to get her hair done. She expected great service. She expected a great job. Did you short change her with the foils? Did you rush her through? Then why give the discount, are you not worth your fee? Where do you draw the line?
Another great one is a client is have a tuff time money is tight, [well it is for us all]  but you feel sorry for her. After the service you say i've take £10.00 or $10.00 off your bill today hope things get better for you. A great gesture but what ever she is going through she chose to get her hair done she knew the cost.
Who's money are you giving away by no charing the full amount? The salon's yes certainly and your own as your commission will be less.
In both the above cases you are putting out messages . One price is subject to change if we or I so chose.
I know we over charge or are slightly expensive but i can be flexible!!! NO NO NO

                  What we need to see at the end of the day good days work good days takings!

It's not me not being caring or understanding it's business it's drawing a line.If your a member of staff paid on commission your short changing your self and the salon.
If your an owner what do you think this might be costing you weekly or monthly?
Making clients feel special is what we should be doing every day every visit. Doing an exceptional job each and every time. We are in the business of service we offer skill and expertise. We you don't need to cheapen you self with discounts.
Consider both as management and indeed a staff team if you did not discount and put all the money aside, what could it be used for? In house training, going to an education event or seminar, new pice of equipment. Things that both you as owners or stylists team members can and will benefit from.
These newly learned skills or new equipment will in the end add to your skill level and improve the service you offer. Ultimately the client benefits.

This is a hard nut to crack in any salon. For owners when you have a staff meeting it may not go down very well. You might be thought of as being mean penny pinching. Stylist's you have to think about the business side of this if it were your salon would you want hundreds of pounds or dollars a month just not coming into the business?

To end this starts with a group meeting draw aline no more as of now! If you have a receptionist then she will be key to stopping this. If not then careful monitoring of the day book the services being done and fee;s charged will be required, a little re education. You will notice a difference over avery short time it adds up!! Consider this when an existing client recommends you to a friend or work mate  do you want to be recommended for.
A. the great service and job done!
B. the great discount that the friend will now expect?

                                                     
                                                        Discounting is money floating away!

1. Discounting .

This is taking off either a pound or dollar value or a percentage of the clients service bill total. This is relatively easy to find and stop from happening.

2. Undercharging.
 Often occurs when discounting is trying to be covered up. It can happen as full head of foils charged as half head or T section, Cut blow dry charged as wet cut, it goes on not always easy to find, not always easy to stop 

3.Discriminating Discounting.

This is a really odd kind form of discounting because in this instance you discriminate against your good clients that pay you full price for their services and they visit regularly. While other clients that only have some of the salons services and visit irregularly are discounted every single visit. You know the students, the senior citizens, the children and so on. You have a consistent policy across the board.


4 A Welcome or incentive discount.
Another one that I see a great deal of. Special opening offer 30% off any one service on first visit. What does this say? We are expensive.We over charge, but come in a for a one off cheap job!!! your new your exciting your professional your offering something new and exciting why cheapen this with an opening discount!!!  

                                           Front of service friendly, efficient, professional, receptionist!


When you discount or undercharge where do you think this money come from?

It doesn‟t come from the money you would have paid for the salon rent, it doesn‟t come from the money you pay for your professional products and it certainly doesn‟t come off the wages you pay your team.

The discounted money comes out of your profit. That‟s the only place it can come from. And the profit is essentially what you‟re in business for, isn‟t it? The discount that‟s given to your clients is taken from the money needed to grow your. If you feel that you need to appeal to all markets and so wallets then this is why or when you have a structure of fee's based on experience.
An example of this that works well would be.
A newly qualified stylist might get all the students Why? Well one newly qualified the charges might be more affordable to a student, students have friends , students will not always be students. The goal being build up trust respect grow together as one gains more experience the fee's go up as the student becomes qualified she they can afford a little more.win win no discount!

Make you staff aware that when discounting they are not only reducing their fee so their commission but they are giving away your profits.

The profit you need to grow and support your business.

           
                                        A happy client happy to happy happy with the service

I have started working with Karen and David and their team at salon success. It's a relationship we have been building for well over a year now one built on mutual respect and trust. 
The support material they have and offer is first class and comes from. Salon knowledge and professional experience gained from years in our industry.
For me to life is a journey one of learning and growing an adventure. To fully understand the 'Salon success' Philosophy and program. I have for the last three weeks embarked on being a member of the online line business support and mentoring program. 
This has involved committing to actively using both reading material, listening to the audio support material. All supplied and doing the suggested exercises eye opening even to me a seasoned professional. it's easy to read and listen to but guess what. Like every thing the work has to be done to succeed so it's a challenge. Worth while yes it has been. It motivated me to write this !!!
This is what has inspired me to talk about Salon success and the KarenDavid support program.    

for more information go to.

                                                         http://www.karendavidintl.com/ 


Much of what i write and indeed what Karen and David at salon success talk about is common sense and yet it so easily gets lots or forgotten about.We all need little reminders from time to time some of my suggestions might sound harsh even uncaring not the case.
I love this profession and industry and indeed respect greatly all the clients i have worked with over the years some who still remain friends however much distance is between us. That respect is built on me offering sound honest advise caring and charging a fair price for my time and skill.
If it's built on being cheap affordable or discounted then it will fail as a relationship.
I used to work doing education on the road a great deal but i also had for down time a home based salon it was a great business specialising in colour and colour correction. I charged an hourly rate occasionally a new recommended client would book for an a consultation prior to booking an appointment. this was how i worked.
Moving on hourly rate and not having the huge running cost of a traditional salon made what i did great value for client kept me fully booked weeks in advance.
However if a client ever said i was recommended  to you by ****** she said you great really know your stuff and your sound so much cheaper than the salons in town!! Hum I would say really thank you for coming but this is not going to work for me! If your only hear because it sounds cheap then i'm not the guy for you!!  I built up a business and a reputation of on not being cheap! it works it really works.  


Mike B2MR:    

Chair or booth rental Mobile freelance.The challenges

Welcome to BACK2MYROOTS B2MR:

Created as a source of advise education knowledge skill experience a place to share thoughts post comments and idea's on matters relating to hair colouring skill and techniques and anything industry related.

Salon ownership Chair rental mobile freelance.

Do you own a salon? Do you employ your staff? Maybe have chair renters are you the manager of such an establishment? Are you an employee? Do you rent a chair. So many question so many options!  I raise this topic as platform to discussion.

Still focusing on service the salon experience but looking at it from a different angle I would like to do this in the order as above.

As a salon owner and employer how do you set a good example? How do you employ the right staff? How do you create the environment that projects ambiance,one that looks amazing yet has the right level of efficient offering professional service. A place that is welcoming creative filled with highly skilled passionate caring stylists. The only way this is possible is to be  hands on with your team leading managing running your salon. From a point of view of having retaining and attracting the right staff in this instance the only way forward for you is to have Salon control.

This includes employing staff paying commission rewarding those who succeed.

As an owner you have very little control over the stylist hours. How they operate if you choose the chair rental route then the stylist renting space from you  running a mini business within  your salon. This can cause issues over pricing hours worked commitment to the salon the greater good!

Some times short term gain is long term agony.Commission creates motivation employing and rewarding staff creates team spirt and friendly competition with in the salon. Greater staff incentive to succeed be the best you can and reap the rewards.

So like so many aspects of business it's about choices making a decision and making it work the instant knowledge of regular rent or the challenges and rewards of truly running and building a successful business with loyal staff and clients.

So moving on. Do you have a manager?

If so this has to be a partnership that works give and take listen support each other. As a manager you get to not only over see many aspects of the running of the salon but you are also directly responsible for staff employment moral and most importantly service standards knowledge and education.

You get to help to creating the atmosphere the image. you get to grow the salon help it watch it succeed and grow and should be rewarded accordingly. Salon owners that take advantage of hard working managers will lose them along with clients and staff if they don't respect the role they play and what they contribute.

If you allow Chair rental. How do you control theses stylists when they are paying you rent? How many do you want on a rental agreement. how do you attract them? What hours will be covered by them? How do you manage this when they are in business of running a mini business within your business? Do you provide the receptionist ?

Who keeps the books and takes care of the financial side of things from. Taking clients payment to invoices? Ordering managing stock. Dealing with all tax records and making payment of said taxes?

What support service do you offer them? How do you have an influence on the standard the service they offer? To have a business totally reliant on Chair rental especially if you are not active as a stylist in your own salon or have an understanding of our industry the salon dynamics is quite a risk.

As someone renting a chair. What do you get for your monthly fee? What are your expectations? you and you alone are your business, no owner or manger to blame if things are not going well! if your clients switch to a different stylist or move salon. how to you cope when wanting holidays?

Most stylist who go into a chair rental situation are well established in many cases resent the salon owner who they feel are making a mint out of their work! From you and your client's Chair renters are not typically team players nor do they want to start their own business. They are not always the best organised in many cases don't think the what being self employed means or what the ramification might be.

As a renter you still need to be able to have a relationship with the salon owner  you are also responsible for retaining maintaining and bringing in new business providing your working stock, being on time, offering that personal service

Then the things that cross over come to mind does salon owner provide any services in the form of help assistance? Do they keep a level of retail products? Do they provide a receptionist to book greet clients? Do they offer any help with regard to book keeping your personal business management! a repeat from the salon owners point of view but as i said it's a to way street many aspects will cross over eacht other.

These are all things to consider things that cut into that i just want to do hair and keep 100% of the take it can be quite complex.

Insurance both personal third party liability who is responsible for this? It would be my  suggestion both parties are responsible why? One as owner  providing the salon a place for clients to come to the stylist as the one performing the tasks applying the products taking a fee, both should be covered how is this dealt with?  much to consider.

With all these different examples of in salon situations one thing is inherent the need to communicate the need to work together the need to create the best environment and standard of service to retain clients. a  healthy codependent relationship built on trust understanding and striving for a common goal stability and business success.

In my book it's a no brainer the challenge and having the control being master of my own ship and destiny wins every time. Find and work with the right team the success and reward will follow.Nothing good in life is ever free or easy. If it is if it seem's to good to be true if it's a business plan that offer's instant gratification.

Whilst Chair rental works for many on both sides think about what as a salon owner or some one about to start a salon it is you really want.Don't lose sight of your dream your vision your goal. How do you want the service's you offer delivered.

I do not suggest that stylist renting chairs are all unprofessional i know from experience this is not the case. However for both side it is a union that should not be entered into lightly.

Maybe as a stylist your the owner of your own small freelance business maybe your home based or make house calls, maybe your a booth renter and freelance.

In many ways some of the above does and will relate to you. the main thing here is you often work alone,yes you are very busy,but how often do you really interact with other stylist's and industry professional? how current are you really be honest? How often do you take the time find the time and say ,Time for a tune up ! I need to step things up? I need a refresher i'm feeling a little stale ! well? it happens to the best of us. My bet would be not very often if ever? your either to busy or convince your self that it's not important! ego talking you know it all!!!

Be warned not addressing this visiting it can in the long term effect your business and so be something you will regret! 

We all need to look in the mirror from time to time a little one on one, so often the demands on day to day life make this impossible. Make that time find that time to reflect on your goals be honest about how current you are is your vision still on track! How up to date are your skills, techniques, even product knowledge. 

However much the rewards are working alone is very isolating even if your booth or chair renting unless you make  a point of having interaction with others. We need to share and interact with other like minded professional it's how we grow and learn and develop.

WHY IS THIS?

The skill the techniques the standard of service should not change or be effected because we work alone or in a small team, yet in so many cases the need the want to stay updated and current gets pushed aside priorities !!

The key contributors to this is ourselves our own 'EGO' and fears we can so easily convince our selves that we know everything,We did our training got qualified we know it all.HUM to that! talking with others asking or seeking help or advise form others,indeed just sharing thoughts can give a whole new focus and out look on things. Remember it's about you your vision of what really is success.

These days we have so many ways to connect with others,through internet groups and forums,get informed read reviews on shows and education events, no more excuses!

hang out for  awhile at your local distributor ,It's a great way to meet stylist just like your self,chat about colour lines and products.With so many products available to us and so many coming to the market all the time it's no wonder we could do with a little refresher form time to time. i know i do !

Be it technical work,cutting techniques, salon service and consultation skills. aspects of running a small or independent business. communicating with other industry professional .it's all these things that we need to address keep up to date with and be honest about.

We need to put 'EGO' aside seek out the right source of help and be prepared to take constructive advise,Critical comments on how to improve.work with some one you respect who can work with you on the key investment in self.

Are you ready to walk a new path? invest in your won future,Market that product that is you? no matter what your current situation is be it Mobile,freelance booth or chair renter, Be and stay current take those steps to shine and excel.Be in demand fully booked successful and happy all possible.

lots to consider what are your thoughts and views? 

http://back2myroots.co.uk/ 

   

Mike B2MR

looking for some business support then check out http://www.karendavidintl.com/  a great place for help and support. 

Apprenticeship training in hairdressing 2012

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

Lets consider apprenticeship and the training it offers!

Is becoming a apprentice the way forward for you. Is doing an apprenticeship the best training. Will it afford you the best opportunities once you have finished your training?

Here in the uk it's fair to say that the government are very keen to promote doing an apprenticeship in most trades. Many years ago I myself did an apprenticeship much has changed since those days when at the age of 16 my parents signed papers along with a salon owner committing me to a three year apprentice program. On Reflection I was cheap labor, shampoo boy, cleaner, dogs body. Never given any opportunity to go to college day release.

Today with so many training options and the government keen to promote apprenticeships do your research firstly make sure it's the right career and profession for you.talk with professional in the industry ask questions. Then and only then research your best way forward who is offering the best scheme be clear about the training and indeed time scale and format of all instruction. take charge of your career  an apprenticeship is based on trust but also mutual respect its a contact to train and gain experience in exchange for working make sure this is the case! make  sure you will get qualified and certified to the required level.
I also believe that we should have a body here in the Uk to over see apprenticeship training and standards one for hairdressers over seen by qualified industry professional who only goal and mandate it to raise standards. I think that fellow professional internationally would agree that this is the case in many countries states and provinces. We have to have training and standards. We have to offer the very best in training and should strive to have a high standard of qualified creative free thinking talent young professional coming into and representing our industry.  

These days so much has changed and standards of qualification have to be reached.  lets take a look although law's standards differ on a global scale i think the thinking is not that different from country to country.

What is an apprenticeship? 
Apprenticeships enable you to. Practically learn your trade, as well as studying to gain the theory and enable you to receive your qualification. It is a marriage of hands on work experience, as well as having time to get day release to college for your NVQ qualification. They are aimed at young people aged 16 and over, to enable them to earn money whilst gaining experience in a hairdressing environment. Equally importantly the experience gained working in salon environment is invaluable An apprenticeship in hairdressing will normally involve, you working in the salon every day bar one or two when you will be attending college. It can take up to 5 years to qualify as a hairdresser but if your committed work hard show willing this does not have to be the case. So if you have the patience and the commitment to keep at it. Then an apprenticeship would be for you, gaining the experience of salon working  at the same time as doing the college work. The alternative would be college and then having to then find, a salon to gain the experience and skills to be qualified in all aspects of the hairdressing industry.

Are you creative good with your hand? Do you like people? Are you prepared to offer service?

Why do an apprenticeship? 
An apprenticeship enables you to earn a small income.  Whilst working and gaining qualifications needed to become certified .You can use an apprenticeship to gain NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) levels which is what you need to become a qualified hairdresser The main advantage to you as an apprentice, you will also gain many years experience in the practical environment and learn communication skills, people skills, things that are not always best taught at college, as opposed to all that time studying just the theory at college. Employers like to see that their future employees are keen to learn, but also see it as away to bring new energy and levels of talent into the salon team. Because of this salon owners are usually, very keen to take on apprentices

who are committed enthusiastic and willing to work learn be a team player, it's not always easy but it can be very rewarding and fun.

Will I enjoy an apprenticeship? 
When thinking about undertaking a hairdressing apprenticeship, You should be certain that this is the career path you wish to take, hard work for little financial reward long hours. You need to be really focused to be successful, know that you will need to put in the work and organise your time really well to balance salon work, college and personal time, not always easy. I would say it's a life style choice certainly not for everyone. But the rewards can be many, in ways one cannot explain  you must be prepared. To be responsible for all aspects of your life and work ,finding time at work with studying in order to get the most out of it, this can be very challenging, its all about balance. You can’t just work in the salon and not go to college, because this doesn’t meet the requirements of partaking in an apprenticeship scheme. You should also be  prepared to be able to, work as part of a team and as an individual . Make you own choices decisions and live with the consequences for you choices hairdressing has no room for a huge EGO!

Lets face some facts! Answer some questions!

How long does an apprenticeship take? 
This can vary from 1 year to 5; it is dependent on the contract you have drawn up with your employer and on your own ability also.

As a norm 3 years of hard work should get you through to level 2NVQ,. it can take up to five years but within in this you could be, performing many salon tasks. By proving you worth and talent, some salons will promote you and give you opportunity to grow and advance, we all learn and grow at a different pace.

How do I apply to become an apprentice? 
You can call the National Apprenticeships Helpline on 08000 150600. They will provide you with information as to where your nearest opportunities are. They will advise you on the career you wish to take, they will have access to many employers and be able to advise you on where learning providers are in your area.

You can also get in touch with employers directly. Ask them if they take on apprentices or would be interested in doing so. If they do. Then they will probably arrange to meet you, as they would a proper employee and interview you, to ensure you would be a good investment for them to make.

This being said you should also make sure. It's the right place for you, ask to chat with staff members.maybe offer to do a few trial days. This is a big decision. This is a two way thing both parties have to know agree and be committed to this journey together. Not all salon owners have the best interest of trainee's at heart! Some look at it a cheap labor  so ask the right questions make a list! compare what an apprenticeship offers against college or paying to take a shorter route career path by going to a private Academy ! lots to investigate.

Become part of a team! Learn how to communicate! Maybe gain some stage presence !

  

Use the internet as a tool to help you find. Where takes on apprentices in your area. Additionally, look in your local newspaper and visit your nearest job center. You have to make sure you choose the right apprentice scheme to embark upon as well, so look upon it as finding a job. Check out you college. Find out about the courses, meet some of the instructors, just because they are qualified standards of commitment vary greatly. Make sure you do your research, before applying to ensure that you would be happy, working in the salon you choose and the college you have to attend. This is a big decision.

Explore you creativity discover your self! Hard work but endless possibilities!

Again talk with people. Ask question, read and research. I hope that my blogs help to advise and guide you with this wonderful creative challenging career. 

Mike B2MR