The bad news
You may want to sit down for this. The average salon loses between 10%- 25%of its client base every year. Ouch! That means, in two to three years time you could find yourself without 50%of your clientele. To combat this, the need to attract and retain new clients is greater than ever.
The good news
Every salon is unique, and no one knows the ins and outs of your business better than you. In the digital age, there has never been more information and support available to help your business succeed. Be it via Verified WhatsApp or any other platform, information can be disseminated easily in this age. By doing a little research, and making sure you stay on top of your staff and clients, you can keep everyone happy and ride the wave of success.
So where do I start?
The first step is devoting time to work ON your business and not just IN your business. We all know how easy it is to get caught up fighting fires on a daily basis, but as the head of your business it is your responsibility to focus on the bigger picture. To achieve this, try and set aside at least one day per month to step away from the distractions in your business and dedicate some time to growing that business.
Know your numbers
Every good leader needs to know where they stand. Keeping on top of the numbers is the key to a successful business. All good salon management systems should provide you with the necessary facts and figures. If you aren’t sure how to do this, check YouTube for ‘how-to’ videos or contact your software supplier to organise a training session. I recommend checking these reports as regularly as possible. This will help you make the most of your software and use this information to better your business.
Empower your team
Now you have this mountain of information, share it with your staff! Use the reports to start a conversation with your team. Discuss on various aspects of your business with your team, like a request for proposal. Be transparent about the performance of the business as a whole, as well as each staff member, and use this information to praise and motivate your team. By allowing each staff member to see figures such as their client retention rate, percentage of technical treatments and retail sales, and how their performance compares to others, they will be empowered and energised to work harder!
Set an example
These changes will only be effective if they come from the top. As the leader, it is your responsibility to ensure you are setting an example for your staff. You need to deliver outstanding customer service to each and every client, and train and nurture every member of your team. Make these small changes, and watch your business thrive!
