Are You Penny Wise But Pound Foolish? Common Mistakes Salons Make During A "Credit Crunch"
When business is slow, the economy is poor and the "Chicken Little" effect has really kicked in, many salons make the (very) common mistake of looking at where they can cut costs and save a bit of cash.
While this is the FIRST thing many salons do, let's look at why it should actually be the LAST thing you do and why, in the quest to save a little, you could be losing far more than you realise.
How so? Well, let's take a look at what a lot of salons do to save money and how it could be adversely affecting their business without them realizing.
1: HAVING A "SALE" (OR "HOW TO LOSE MORE MONEY WHEN YOU CAN LEAST AFFORD IT").
OK, so this isn't a way of saving money BUT this is probably the most common option that salons take when business is quiet and is, quite possibly, the very WORST thing you can do.
When business is slow, the LAST thing you want is to be making LESS profit out of your clients but most salons will put on a sale, not necessarily because they think it's a good idea, but more because everyone else is doing it so they assume it must be the best option.
Unfortunately, this isn't the case.
The only businesses that really benefit from putting on a sale are those that sell a large amount of consumable goods such as sofas, electrical etc and they do this to get rid of old stock, drive footfall and, because of the way they purchase their stock, they STILL make a good profit.
So, what happens when you have a sale? YOU LOSE MONEY.
You make LESS profit from your existing clients.
YOU MAY LOSE CLIENTS.
Your clients may end up wishing they could pay this price all the time and start looking around for somewhere that normally charges your "SALE" price.
YOU DEVALUE YOUR SERVICE.
Service providers from plumbers & electricians to lawyers & solicitors NEVER reduce their rates because they firmly believe that they charge a fair price for their services.
Their mother's taught them that "you get what you pay for".
Their mother's were right.
If YOU believe that you charge a fair price for YOUR services, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
YOU DON'T GAIN NEW CLIENTS.
Potential clients won't come because you're offering a discount, they'll come because they've heard you're good.
If someone needs a new stylist, they'll look around.
If they don't, they won't discount or no discount.
And because you have a sale on which makes you look quiet, they may be less inclined to come to you.
People like to do business with successful people, that's the law of attraction.
SOLUTION: ADD "VALUE" TO YOUR SERVICES.
People will be attracted if they perceive what you're offering to be of VALUE to them.
Everybody loves an "ADDED EXTRA" and if what you're offering "FREE" is attractive enough they will justify their visit.
These may not get new clients in but they will remind clients why they come to you, increase client loyalty and may increase client spend.
So let's look at a few short term things that you can offer that will also increase business long term.
FREE TREATMENTS WITH ALL COLOUR SERVICES.
Treatments generally cost the salon around £2 per client, but if the client normally pays around £5-£10 that's ADDED VALUE and they may even buy some for themselves to use at home, increasing retail sales long term.
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ON ALL "HOME CARE" PRODUCTS.
This should be shampoos, conditioners and treatments with the cheapest item being free.
This will enable clients to try professional home care products at a price closer to that of high street brands and, if they like them, increase retail sales long term.
Also, when the client goes back to using their high street brand they will notice the differences such as how much they have to use to get a lather, how their hair doesn't feel as nice after and even how much nicer the professional product looks in their bathroom (strange but true).
FREE STYLING PRODUCT WITH ALL NEW COLOUR SERVICES.
This not only helps encourage clients to try new colour combinations/services but also helps them to recreate your work at home, which is always a problem if clients are using high street products.
It also encourages stylists to be more creative and prevents clients from becoming bored with their style and looking for a new, more creative, stylist.
2: USING CHEAP PEROXIDE (AND AT THE SAME TIME, PUTTING THEIR BUSINESS AT RISK)), CHEAP BLEACH, CHEAP SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER OR CHEAP STYLING PRODUCTS.
CHEAP PEROXIDE: This is probably the most common mistake that salons make and is also the one that could bring about the collapse of their business.
Most salons with their heads screwed on will not apply colour without first performing a patch test to check for any allergic reaction to the tint.
This has not always been the case but nowadays all "Professional" salons do this to cover their backs and make sure they don't get sued after a clients head swells up like a balloon.
What most salons are probably unaware of is that it is recommended that you patch test EVERY colour client regardless of their colour history, as a client can develop an allergy over time even if you've coloured their hair for years AND (now HERE'S the part most salons really need to think about) if you do have a client who has an allergic reaction to colour and your insurers discover that you didn't use the manufacturer's peroxide, ie: the manufacturer's recommended guidelines were not followed, WHAT do you think your insurers are going to say? For the sake of what works out to be around 20p per colour application, is it really worth the risk? Plus there are many other reasons why you should always use the manufacturer's peroxides with your colour, such as: The manufacturer's peroxide is designed to regulate the PH balance of the colour.
The manufacturer's peroxide will GUARANTEE vibrant, durable colour results.
The manufacturer's peroxide will give the perfect mixing consistency.
The manufacturer's peroxide is designed to reduce development time.
There is also the most obvious reason why you should not use cheap peroxide, it's CHEAP.
You don't use CHEAP shampoo on the clients you love, you don't put CHEAP tires on the car you love, you don't buy CHEAP gifts for the people you love and you DON'T use CHEAP peroxide with the colours you love (or CLAIM to love).
CHEAP salons use CHEAP peroxide, QUALITY salons use QUALITY peroxide.
So ask yourself, are you a CHEAP salon or a QUALITY salon? CHEAP BLEACH: Some hairdressers will say that "bleach is bleach" whilst others will proclaim "I won't use any other bleach than Goldwell/L'oreal/Wella/Schwarzkopf".
What this tells us is that those who use QUALITY bleach do so because they are aware of the benefits and those who use CHEAP bleach do so because A: they are unaware of the benefits of using QUALITY bleach OR B: they don't care what they use as long as it's CHEAP.
So what are the benefits of using QUALITY bleach over CHEAP bleach? QUALITY bleach is dust free therefore, it's nicer to mix and complies with health and safety laws.
QUALITY bleach is gel-based which provides a better consistency to work with and prevents it from drying out (and therefore not working).
QUALITY bleach (when mixed with the recommended peroxide) gives GUARANTEED levels of lift making timing and results more accurate and predictable.
QUALITY bleach contains conditioning agents to reduce damage to the hair.
This means that any colouring/toning services following the bleach service will yield more predictable, vibrant and durable results.
QUALITY bleach (when used with the recommended peroxide) is designed to reduce swelling and processing times.
USING CHEAP SHAMPOOS/CONDITIONERS.
It never ceases to amaze me the number of salons that think it's cost effective and ACCEPTABLE to use CHEAP shampoos and conditioners on their client's hair.
It also never ceases to amaze me that, while salons (apparently) think it's OK to do this, they will get their assistants to pour the CHEAP stuff into the empty bottles of a good brand they once bought when it was on offer.
Not that they're embarrassed or they're trying to fool their clients into thinking that they use a QUALITY brand of course, that wouldbe wrong.
It's just that the bottles they use are a better size etc.
Sure, who are you trying to convince, me or you? Do you use it on your own hair? Thought not.
There's also the most obvious reason for NOT using CHEAP shampoos/conditioners.
THEY'RE CHEAP.
Again, are you a CHEAP salon or a QUALITY salon? Also, QUALITY shampoos/conditioners are MORE economical.
Look at the price of fuel.
Diesel is WAY more expensive than petrol, so you would think that petrol is the way to go.
But, you'd be wrong.
Because of the way diesel works, you actually get MORE miles for your money AND diesels don't sound like tractors anymore.
So, you get the best of both worlds.
So it is with QUALITY shampoos/conditioners.
Because they're SO condensed, you only need half a pump at a time so you get around 200 applications per litre.
That's, on average, 5p per client.
Now let's look at the CHEAP stuff.
It may cost less per pump but, if your girls are using 5,6,7 pumps per client, not only is it NOT cost effective but you are literally pouring stock down the drain.
I have personally converted clients from CHEAP to QUALITY shampoos/conditioners (sometimes even a competitor's brand) many times and, as yet, none have gone back to using the CHEAP brand.
You also have the benefit with a QUALITY brand that if a client likes it, they have the option of buying it for use at home.
Now THAT'S extra profit for you without having to sell anything! Can't afford 5p per client? Better close down now then.
BUYING CHEAP STYLING PRODUCTS (OR WHATEVER IS ON OFFER) Buying whatever is on offer may seem like a good idea at the time but what you actually end up with is a salon that looks like it can't decide what range to use so it's using a bit of everything, resulting in a jumble of products all over the shop floor.
Not only does this look messy but it also means that stylist can't get used to a particular range of products (which, research tells me, is incredibly annoying for them) and, therefore, are unable to recommend products for use at home resulting in lost retail opportunities.
SOLUTION: If you really can't spare an extra few pounds per day here are a few things you can do.
PUT YOUR PRICES UP BY 5% (the current rate of inflation at time of writing).
This will more than cover the extra £1 per head plus a few other expenses at the same time.
RETAIL MORE (even by just 1 extra retail product per day).
Utilize suppliers retail promotions as much as possible.
Not only will this cover the £5-£10 extra per day but will also increase income long term.
No good at retailing? Type "The 7 steps to salon retail heaven" into your search engine (Google,Yahoo).
That should give you a few ideas.
GET A SET DISCOUNT.
Ask your supplier for a set discount on your orders so whether you order 1 bottle of peroxide or 10 bottles you'll know the price you're paying will be the same.
PROMOTE MORE CUTTING/COLOURING SERVICES.
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard a stylist ask their client "So, what are we doing today?", "same as last time?" or "The usual?".
As a PROFESSIONAL stylist it's YOUR job to inspire your clients.
Unless your client is naturally artistic/adventurous/easily bored they will have no idea what options they have with their hair so, to avoid feeling stupid, they will say "just a trim", "same as last time" or "the usual".
As a stylist, you have the ability to set your own wages.
By constantly changing your client's cut and colour, some times dramatically some times subtly, your client will never get bored of their hair, you will never get bored of your job and you WILL earn more money through services and recommendations.
Some stylists will say that they don't have the time for that.
I say that a stylist who says they don't have the time to be creative is a stylist who doesn't have the time to earn more money.
That's fine, but when your client gets bored and finds themselves a new stylist don't say I didn't warn you.
BUYING CHEAP TEA/COFFEE/BISCUITS "JUST THIS ONCE".
"Big deal!" I hear you say, "It's only coffee! My clients won't even notice and even if they do, they won't care!" WRONG! Let me let you into a little secret about the general public, they notice EVERYTHING or, I should say, they notice EVERY (BAD) THING.
They can visit your salon every 6 weeks for years and, apparently, NEVER notice the amazing head massage you give, the way you always get their style "just right" or the fact that you make sure they always have a taxi waiting to take them home.
BUT, if you give them a cheap cup of coffee/tea/ or biscuit they'll notice THAT alright.
People always notice, and REMEMBER, the things that they DON'T like.
Ever go to a restaurant and experience bad service or bad food? Sticks in your mind doesn't it? And here's the worst part, you've probably talked about THAT experience more times and to more people than ALL the great meals you've ever experienced put together.
Strange as it may seem, but for some clients one of the things they enjoy most about their salon visit is the lovely cup of coffee/tea/biscuits you always serve.
SOLUTION: INVEST IN QUALITY COFFEE/ TEA AND INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED BISCUITS.
Why? Because your clients deserve it, it's as simple as that.
Without your clients you would be out of business so the LEAST you can do is make sure that the "complimentary" beverages are more of a compliment than an insult.
There's nothing special about instant coffee, in an old cup with a digestive on the side.
QUALITY TEA (FRUIT OR NORMAL), FRESHLY BREWED COFFEE, IN A NICE CUP & SAUCER (NEVER A MUG!) WITH A LITTLE BISCUIT ON THE SIDE = SPECIAL.
SHUTTING UP SHOP EARLY.
When business is slow, the temptation to shut up shop and go home is unbearable.
"Why not?" you think, "I've plenty of things I could be getting on with at home".
Sure, in theory you're going to go home and work on a plan of action to get more business through the door.
In theory you'll catch up on your paperwork, bookwork, taxes etc.
In REALITY what will happen is this: you'll go home, put your feet up, have a "well earned rest", watch a bit of telly and before you know it it's time to start dinner/pick the kids up from school/get on with the housework or whatever you normally do AFTER work.
And once you get into the habit of shutting up early it gets harder and harder to stay for a full day because the more you're off the shop floor the more business opportunities you miss out on meaning there's more REASON to shut up early etc etc.
This is a VICIOUS CIRCLE and it can be the DEATH of your business.
SOLUTION: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF QUIET PERIODS.
Take your laptop to work with you and when it's quiet have a look on the internet at what other salons are doing, what promotions are they running? How are they reaching out to their clients or potential clients? What are they doing that you're not? Is even HAVING a website one of them? What are other businesses doing to get clients through the door? Many promotions can be adapted for YOUR business, it just takes a little imagination and NOW is the time to imagine.
Get a plan together for the future.
That is the IMMEDIATE and LONG TERM future of your business.
Not sure how best to plan? Look out for my future article on planning for the future of your business.
While this is the FIRST thing many salons do, let's look at why it should actually be the LAST thing you do and why, in the quest to save a little, you could be losing far more than you realise.
How so? Well, let's take a look at what a lot of salons do to save money and how it could be adversely affecting their business without them realizing.
1: HAVING A "SALE" (OR "HOW TO LOSE MORE MONEY WHEN YOU CAN LEAST AFFORD IT").
OK, so this isn't a way of saving money BUT this is probably the most common option that salons take when business is quiet and is, quite possibly, the very WORST thing you can do.
When business is slow, the LAST thing you want is to be making LESS profit out of your clients but most salons will put on a sale, not necessarily because they think it's a good idea, but more because everyone else is doing it so they assume it must be the best option.
Unfortunately, this isn't the case.
The only businesses that really benefit from putting on a sale are those that sell a large amount of consumable goods such as sofas, electrical etc and they do this to get rid of old stock, drive footfall and, because of the way they purchase their stock, they STILL make a good profit.
So, what happens when you have a sale? YOU LOSE MONEY.
You make LESS profit from your existing clients.
YOU MAY LOSE CLIENTS.
Your clients may end up wishing they could pay this price all the time and start looking around for somewhere that normally charges your "SALE" price.
YOU DEVALUE YOUR SERVICE.
Service providers from plumbers & electricians to lawyers & solicitors NEVER reduce their rates because they firmly believe that they charge a fair price for their services.
Their mother's taught them that "you get what you pay for".
Their mother's were right.
If YOU believe that you charge a fair price for YOUR services, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
YOU DON'T GAIN NEW CLIENTS.
Potential clients won't come because you're offering a discount, they'll come because they've heard you're good.
If someone needs a new stylist, they'll look around.
If they don't, they won't discount or no discount.
And because you have a sale on which makes you look quiet, they may be less inclined to come to you.
People like to do business with successful people, that's the law of attraction.
SOLUTION: ADD "VALUE" TO YOUR SERVICES.
People will be attracted if they perceive what you're offering to be of VALUE to them.
Everybody loves an "ADDED EXTRA" and if what you're offering "FREE" is attractive enough they will justify their visit.
These may not get new clients in but they will remind clients why they come to you, increase client loyalty and may increase client spend.
So let's look at a few short term things that you can offer that will also increase business long term.
FREE TREATMENTS WITH ALL COLOUR SERVICES.
Treatments generally cost the salon around £2 per client, but if the client normally pays around £5-£10 that's ADDED VALUE and they may even buy some for themselves to use at home, increasing retail sales long term.
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE ON ALL "HOME CARE" PRODUCTS.
This should be shampoos, conditioners and treatments with the cheapest item being free.
This will enable clients to try professional home care products at a price closer to that of high street brands and, if they like them, increase retail sales long term.
Also, when the client goes back to using their high street brand they will notice the differences such as how much they have to use to get a lather, how their hair doesn't feel as nice after and even how much nicer the professional product looks in their bathroom (strange but true).
FREE STYLING PRODUCT WITH ALL NEW COLOUR SERVICES.
This not only helps encourage clients to try new colour combinations/services but also helps them to recreate your work at home, which is always a problem if clients are using high street products.
It also encourages stylists to be more creative and prevents clients from becoming bored with their style and looking for a new, more creative, stylist.
2: USING CHEAP PEROXIDE (AND AT THE SAME TIME, PUTTING THEIR BUSINESS AT RISK)), CHEAP BLEACH, CHEAP SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER OR CHEAP STYLING PRODUCTS.
CHEAP PEROXIDE: This is probably the most common mistake that salons make and is also the one that could bring about the collapse of their business.
Most salons with their heads screwed on will not apply colour without first performing a patch test to check for any allergic reaction to the tint.
This has not always been the case but nowadays all "Professional" salons do this to cover their backs and make sure they don't get sued after a clients head swells up like a balloon.
What most salons are probably unaware of is that it is recommended that you patch test EVERY colour client regardless of their colour history, as a client can develop an allergy over time even if you've coloured their hair for years AND (now HERE'S the part most salons really need to think about) if you do have a client who has an allergic reaction to colour and your insurers discover that you didn't use the manufacturer's peroxide, ie: the manufacturer's recommended guidelines were not followed, WHAT do you think your insurers are going to say? For the sake of what works out to be around 20p per colour application, is it really worth the risk? Plus there are many other reasons why you should always use the manufacturer's peroxides with your colour, such as: The manufacturer's peroxide is designed to regulate the PH balance of the colour.
The manufacturer's peroxide will GUARANTEE vibrant, durable colour results.
The manufacturer's peroxide will give the perfect mixing consistency.
The manufacturer's peroxide is designed to reduce development time.
There is also the most obvious reason why you should not use cheap peroxide, it's CHEAP.
You don't use CHEAP shampoo on the clients you love, you don't put CHEAP tires on the car you love, you don't buy CHEAP gifts for the people you love and you DON'T use CHEAP peroxide with the colours you love (or CLAIM to love).
CHEAP salons use CHEAP peroxide, QUALITY salons use QUALITY peroxide.
So ask yourself, are you a CHEAP salon or a QUALITY salon? CHEAP BLEACH: Some hairdressers will say that "bleach is bleach" whilst others will proclaim "I won't use any other bleach than Goldwell/L'oreal/Wella/Schwarzkopf".
What this tells us is that those who use QUALITY bleach do so because they are aware of the benefits and those who use CHEAP bleach do so because A: they are unaware of the benefits of using QUALITY bleach OR B: they don't care what they use as long as it's CHEAP.
So what are the benefits of using QUALITY bleach over CHEAP bleach? QUALITY bleach is dust free therefore, it's nicer to mix and complies with health and safety laws.
QUALITY bleach is gel-based which provides a better consistency to work with and prevents it from drying out (and therefore not working).
QUALITY bleach (when mixed with the recommended peroxide) gives GUARANTEED levels of lift making timing and results more accurate and predictable.
QUALITY bleach contains conditioning agents to reduce damage to the hair.
This means that any colouring/toning services following the bleach service will yield more predictable, vibrant and durable results.
QUALITY bleach (when used with the recommended peroxide) is designed to reduce swelling and processing times.
USING CHEAP SHAMPOOS/CONDITIONERS.
It never ceases to amaze me the number of salons that think it's cost effective and ACCEPTABLE to use CHEAP shampoos and conditioners on their client's hair.
It also never ceases to amaze me that, while salons (apparently) think it's OK to do this, they will get their assistants to pour the CHEAP stuff into the empty bottles of a good brand they once bought when it was on offer.
Not that they're embarrassed or they're trying to fool their clients into thinking that they use a QUALITY brand of course, that wouldbe wrong.
It's just that the bottles they use are a better size etc.
Sure, who are you trying to convince, me or you? Do you use it on your own hair? Thought not.
There's also the most obvious reason for NOT using CHEAP shampoos/conditioners.
THEY'RE CHEAP.
Again, are you a CHEAP salon or a QUALITY salon? Also, QUALITY shampoos/conditioners are MORE economical.
Look at the price of fuel.
Diesel is WAY more expensive than petrol, so you would think that petrol is the way to go.
But, you'd be wrong.
Because of the way diesel works, you actually get MORE miles for your money AND diesels don't sound like tractors anymore.
So, you get the best of both worlds.
So it is with QUALITY shampoos/conditioners.
Because they're SO condensed, you only need half a pump at a time so you get around 200 applications per litre.
That's, on average, 5p per client.
Now let's look at the CHEAP stuff.
It may cost less per pump but, if your girls are using 5,6,7 pumps per client, not only is it NOT cost effective but you are literally pouring stock down the drain.
I have personally converted clients from CHEAP to QUALITY shampoos/conditioners (sometimes even a competitor's brand) many times and, as yet, none have gone back to using the CHEAP brand.
You also have the benefit with a QUALITY brand that if a client likes it, they have the option of buying it for use at home.
Now THAT'S extra profit for you without having to sell anything! Can't afford 5p per client? Better close down now then.
BUYING CHEAP STYLING PRODUCTS (OR WHATEVER IS ON OFFER) Buying whatever is on offer may seem like a good idea at the time but what you actually end up with is a salon that looks like it can't decide what range to use so it's using a bit of everything, resulting in a jumble of products all over the shop floor.
Not only does this look messy but it also means that stylist can't get used to a particular range of products (which, research tells me, is incredibly annoying for them) and, therefore, are unable to recommend products for use at home resulting in lost retail opportunities.
SOLUTION: If you really can't spare an extra few pounds per day here are a few things you can do.
PUT YOUR PRICES UP BY 5% (the current rate of inflation at time of writing).
This will more than cover the extra £1 per head plus a few other expenses at the same time.
RETAIL MORE (even by just 1 extra retail product per day).
Utilize suppliers retail promotions as much as possible.
Not only will this cover the £5-£10 extra per day but will also increase income long term.
No good at retailing? Type "The 7 steps to salon retail heaven" into your search engine (Google,Yahoo).
That should give you a few ideas.
GET A SET DISCOUNT.
Ask your supplier for a set discount on your orders so whether you order 1 bottle of peroxide or 10 bottles you'll know the price you're paying will be the same.
PROMOTE MORE CUTTING/COLOURING SERVICES.
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard a stylist ask their client "So, what are we doing today?", "same as last time?" or "The usual?".
As a PROFESSIONAL stylist it's YOUR job to inspire your clients.
Unless your client is naturally artistic/adventurous/easily bored they will have no idea what options they have with their hair so, to avoid feeling stupid, they will say "just a trim", "same as last time" or "the usual".
As a stylist, you have the ability to set your own wages.
By constantly changing your client's cut and colour, some times dramatically some times subtly, your client will never get bored of their hair, you will never get bored of your job and you WILL earn more money through services and recommendations.
Some stylists will say that they don't have the time for that.
I say that a stylist who says they don't have the time to be creative is a stylist who doesn't have the time to earn more money.
That's fine, but when your client gets bored and finds themselves a new stylist don't say I didn't warn you.
BUYING CHEAP TEA/COFFEE/BISCUITS "JUST THIS ONCE".
"Big deal!" I hear you say, "It's only coffee! My clients won't even notice and even if they do, they won't care!" WRONG! Let me let you into a little secret about the general public, they notice EVERYTHING or, I should say, they notice EVERY (BAD) THING.
They can visit your salon every 6 weeks for years and, apparently, NEVER notice the amazing head massage you give, the way you always get their style "just right" or the fact that you make sure they always have a taxi waiting to take them home.
BUT, if you give them a cheap cup of coffee/tea/ or biscuit they'll notice THAT alright.
People always notice, and REMEMBER, the things that they DON'T like.
Ever go to a restaurant and experience bad service or bad food? Sticks in your mind doesn't it? And here's the worst part, you've probably talked about THAT experience more times and to more people than ALL the great meals you've ever experienced put together.
Strange as it may seem, but for some clients one of the things they enjoy most about their salon visit is the lovely cup of coffee/tea/biscuits you always serve.
SOLUTION: INVEST IN QUALITY COFFEE/ TEA AND INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED BISCUITS.
Why? Because your clients deserve it, it's as simple as that.
Without your clients you would be out of business so the LEAST you can do is make sure that the "complimentary" beverages are more of a compliment than an insult.
There's nothing special about instant coffee, in an old cup with a digestive on the side.
QUALITY TEA (FRUIT OR NORMAL), FRESHLY BREWED COFFEE, IN A NICE CUP & SAUCER (NEVER A MUG!) WITH A LITTLE BISCUIT ON THE SIDE = SPECIAL.
SHUTTING UP SHOP EARLY.
When business is slow, the temptation to shut up shop and go home is unbearable.
"Why not?" you think, "I've plenty of things I could be getting on with at home".
Sure, in theory you're going to go home and work on a plan of action to get more business through the door.
In theory you'll catch up on your paperwork, bookwork, taxes etc.
In REALITY what will happen is this: you'll go home, put your feet up, have a "well earned rest", watch a bit of telly and before you know it it's time to start dinner/pick the kids up from school/get on with the housework or whatever you normally do AFTER work.
And once you get into the habit of shutting up early it gets harder and harder to stay for a full day because the more you're off the shop floor the more business opportunities you miss out on meaning there's more REASON to shut up early etc etc.
This is a VICIOUS CIRCLE and it can be the DEATH of your business.
SOLUTION: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF QUIET PERIODS.
Take your laptop to work with you and when it's quiet have a look on the internet at what other salons are doing, what promotions are they running? How are they reaching out to their clients or potential clients? What are they doing that you're not? Is even HAVING a website one of them? What are other businesses doing to get clients through the door? Many promotions can be adapted for YOUR business, it just takes a little imagination and NOW is the time to imagine.
Get a plan together for the future.
That is the IMMEDIATE and LONG TERM future of your business.
Not sure how best to plan? Look out for my future article on planning for the future of your business.
