This actually got me to thinking for an idea for a blog! The usual procedure when we get back into the office after a trade show is to spend the first couple of days back in the office analysing our leads. What we mean by this is reading through our notes on each demo form to see each individual’s requirements for a salon software system. This helps us to figure out what package will be most suitable for them and what kind of business they are i.e start up salon, multiple site salon owner and so on.
Today we will be concentrating on start-up salons! We noticed that we had quite a lot of traffic from first time salon owners whose main concerns were getting those initial clients, paying bills and inevitably making their business venture a success. This blog is designed to showcase some tips of what you can do to keep costs down and make your first salon a success.
Pay cheap, buy twice! - This is a statement that couldn’t be truer. Even though cutting costs in certain areas seems great at the time, you usually will reap what you sew and end up spending the same amount back. Sometimes bargain options work but do your research and always ask why things are being sold for less money. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
What products sell? - Research is so important with treatments AND retail products, we cannot stress this enough! ROI (return on investment) is incredibly important and if you aren’t successfully shifting product or selling services frequently then it’s time to re-evaluate what you offer. The point here is don’t always jump on the newest trend until you have done your research on its ability to sell- if this isn’t yet clear, bide your time.
Don’t burn the candle at both ends - The salon industry is non-stop and more than likely, you will be mostly on your feet. Being successful isn’t about working 24 hours a day and your tired energy and atmosphere will show to clients if you are working too hard. Practice what you preach and have some me time to pamper yourself mentally and physically. You need to look your best in such a visual industry because after all if you don’t, who else will?
You are never too old to learn! - Never be too proud to ask for advice or help to friends, family or even customers. Even if you are an expert beautician or hairdresser, there is likely to be something that you aren’t as familiar with, even if this is a more business based skill. You can learn something from everyone in this world and we truly believe this.
Learn to understand technology! Invest in a good salon management system and embrace social media and having a website. These are fantastic opportunities to grow your client database and also brand awareness. A management system will also help you by taking care of anything that can run digitally e.g. cashing up, staff holidays and booking appointments, which can all be done through a salon software.
Learn to find your confidence - The gift of the gab is an extremely underrated skill in this world. It enables you to network, create relationships and inject your brand with a bit of personality! Embrace this in your team in order to expand your network. Business management is just as an important skill in this industry as creativity is, so invest in yourself as much as you can.
Build a team that reflect you! Look for what you want your business to represent. Passion and creativity is extremely important but so are other transferable skills like confidence, reliability and good time management skills. Invest in those around you and enable them freedom to grow your business with you. These are the people that reflect you so if there is high turnover or upset in the salon, this should be addressed immediately.
We hope these tips helped. See you soon!
Salon Tracker x
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