The saying goes that the eyes are the window to your soul... For your salon, your shop front is the window to your business. Does your shop front communicate to passers-by a true reflection of your business? I would not be surprised if the answer to that question is "No!"... I can't tell you how many salons let themselves down with messy, junkyard style windows and shop fronts! This is truly unfortunate.
I've seen many shop fronts with everything from Blu-Tack used to display mostly irrelevant posters - irrelevant in this case meaning completely unexciting to a potential client, to sign-boards that are tired and dirty, to strings of either illegible or boring text. I've even seen some with the fax number displayed, as if this number has any relevance whatsoever to a potential client.
Now don't get me wrong, I know it's hard to run your own business. I know that most salon owners have to be head of marketing, HR, admin, finance, stock control, training and more all in one - all the time, and this is not easy. But if you let the 'on-going advert' that is your shop front, deteriorate, you may soon find that new business through your door dwindles. Because apart from the fact that a confused and messy shop front is unappealing it also suggests that making an effort is just not something you specialize in!
Anyway, enough of the badgering, I think I've made my point! What's the cost effective solution?
Firstly, have a good think about your salon - what is it that you do really well; what is it that you specialize in? Is it clear to a person who has 2 seconds to look at your window that you are, for example, experts in Acrylic or that your team are award winning techs and your client’s delight in their nails after every visit? Create a short but powerful strap-line that articulates the best of your business… “Perfect speedy manicures that are worth every penny!”
Secondly, list the treatments or products you offer that are new, unique or just plain popular. Are these obvious to the passing trade? Make a power list of 3 of these items… Perfect Pedicures | Threading | Botox®. If your prices are also an attraction you can list them along side the items.
Third, remove every item stuck on your shop front and give it a proper wash - inside and out!
Now that you have a clean palette, you can start from the beginning and design your shop front as you would your website! Do a mock drawing of your shop front on paper first, including the sign, the door, window, etc. Have your strap-line and power list created from adhesive vinyl lettering; this can cost as little as £70 (try www.stickair.com). Remember to choose the colour and font carefully to match your logo and shop design. Place these key attractions on your sparkling clean window and if you must display posters, make sure they are relevant and at least use the double-sided clear sticky dots, available at stationers, which are much more discreet.
Do these things to help you create a more appealing shop front on a shoestring budget and increase your chances of attracting new clients through your door in these tough economic times.
If you need assistance to start your own salon or are unsure about how to improve your current salon business contact Miss Salon on 0845 643 1619 or email misssalon@misssalon.com
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Kick-Start Your Salon Into Profit... fast!
Another excellent salon business book for salon owners and mangers! Full of real life examples and scenarios, this booklet will give you a new way of seeing your salon and the steps to implementing profitable change. These 10-Steps to profitability will take you through a diagnostic approach, looking at key elements of your business, which will uncover crucial opportunities for improvement.
Step 1 - What Do Your Customers Need?
Step 2 - Find The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Step 3 - Know Your Costs!
Step 4 - Assess Your Team & Review Your Management Style
Step 5 - Check Your Reception Desk & Booking Process
Step 6 - Is The Stage Set - Can The Show Begin?
Step 7 - Attracting Customers & Creating Brand Ambassadors
Step 8 - Sell Sell Sell!
Step 9 - www.What-Does-Your-Website-Do-For-You.com
Step 10 - Staying In Control
TAKE CONTROL IN 10-STEPS
Sunday, 8 February 2009
How healthy is your salon business?
With the state of the economy on everyone’s mind and things looking a little bleak, it may be that you are worrying about your business and how best to ensure it survives the recession.
Well before making any plans and taking any actions you should get a full understanding of how well you are doing now. So, first things first, assess where you are and how strong your position is in the market by doing a SWOT analysis; this is a meticulous look at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats associated with your business. The Strengths and Weaknesses will be things that come from within your business and the Opportunities and Threats will be external factors that affect or may affect your business.
I know that most small business owners do not seriously consider producing business plans, marketing plans and doing SWOT analysis as they all seem over‐the-top and not like real business; just a load of paperwork and theory. Whilst I agree that one of the greatest skills a business owner has is the ability to ‘get‐on’ and make things happen in the ‘real world’, it must be said that taking some timeout to thoroughly work through a strategy and write down some plans can save a lot of ‘headless chicken’ actions!
Here are some examples of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats…
Strengths – What is really good about your salon business (internal)?
• Salon has a great atmosphere; clients always seem to enjoy their visits.
• Salon has a loyal client base.
• Salon has excellent technicians/operators.
• Salon is well located.
Weaknesses – What are its limitations? Where could it grow or do better (internal)?
• You have a weak approach to marketing; hence very few new clients.
• You are the most popular tech or therapist and client’s always/only want you.
• Always experience poor/average product sales.
• Salon interior is out of date.
• Customers have difficulty finding the salon; salon isn’t ideally located.
• Limited floor space; always a struggle to add new treatments.
Opportunities – What opportunities has your business been or could be presented
with (external)?
• Could add extra treatments.
• Could rent out top floor.
• Could create bespoke treatment packages for local businesses.
• Could merchandise products more effectively.
Threats – What are the worst‐case scenarios for your business and how will you
address them (external)?
• Lease about to expire and landlord may not renew.
• Rents and/or business rates about to rise dramatically.
• The business is in negative cash flow.
These will be different for different salons and situations, but doing a thorough SWOT analysis will give you a methodical way of working‐out what is really great about your business, what isn’t so great and where you may be missing out on crucial opportunities. It will also help you prioritise where you need to focus your time and energy for maximum profit and long‐term success. It may be difficult, but be as objective about your business as possible; especially with its weaknesses ‐ image you are looking at another business and not your own. It’s only through being thorough that you will give yourself the opportunity to improve or even eradicate the bad bits, while securing and growing the great bits!
Do your own analysis and make the most of your business today!
If you need assistance to start your own salon or are unsure about how to improve
your current salon business and overcome any of its weaknesses or threats visit
www.misssalon.com or call us on 0845 643 1619.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Well before making any plans and taking any actions you should get a full understanding of how well you are doing now. So, first things first, assess where you are and how strong your position is in the market by doing a SWOT analysis; this is a meticulous look at the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats associated with your business. The Strengths and Weaknesses will be things that come from within your business and the Opportunities and Threats will be external factors that affect or may affect your business.
I know that most small business owners do not seriously consider producing business plans, marketing plans and doing SWOT analysis as they all seem over‐the-top and not like real business; just a load of paperwork and theory. Whilst I agree that one of the greatest skills a business owner has is the ability to ‘get‐on’ and make things happen in the ‘real world’, it must be said that taking some timeout to thoroughly work through a strategy and write down some plans can save a lot of ‘headless chicken’ actions!
Here are some examples of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats…
Strengths – What is really good about your salon business (internal)?
• Salon has a great atmosphere; clients always seem to enjoy their visits.
• Salon has a loyal client base.
• Salon has excellent technicians/operators.
• Salon is well located.
Weaknesses – What are its limitations? Where could it grow or do better (internal)?
• You have a weak approach to marketing; hence very few new clients.
• You are the most popular tech or therapist and client’s always/only want you.
• Always experience poor/average product sales.
• Salon interior is out of date.
• Customers have difficulty finding the salon; salon isn’t ideally located.
• Limited floor space; always a struggle to add new treatments.
Opportunities – What opportunities has your business been or could be presented
with (external)?
• Could add extra treatments.
• Could rent out top floor.
• Could create bespoke treatment packages for local businesses.
• Could merchandise products more effectively.
Threats – What are the worst‐case scenarios for your business and how will you
address them (external)?
• Lease about to expire and landlord may not renew.
• Rents and/or business rates about to rise dramatically.
• The business is in negative cash flow.
These will be different for different salons and situations, but doing a thorough SWOT analysis will give you a methodical way of working‐out what is really great about your business, what isn’t so great and where you may be missing out on crucial opportunities. It will also help you prioritise where you need to focus your time and energy for maximum profit and long‐term success. It may be difficult, but be as objective about your business as possible; especially with its weaknesses ‐ image you are looking at another business and not your own. It’s only through being thorough that you will give yourself the opportunity to improve or even eradicate the bad bits, while securing and growing the great bits!
Do your own analysis and make the most of your business today!
If you need assistance to start your own salon or are unsure about how to improve
your current salon business and overcome any of its weaknesses or threats visit
www.misssalon.com or call us on 0845 643 1619.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
A Free Invitation From Miss Salon To Professional Beauty 2009
We have 12 free invitations for the Professional Beauty Exhibition 2009 to give to our clients. Entry to the event is £20 but we would like you to visit for free with our invitations. The deadline is the 31st January (3 days!) so please take advantage of this invaluable gift from us and visit one of the best events on earth for salon owners or aspiring salon owners! It's first come, first serve, so hurry! Click here to register for invite...
Event details:-
Professional Beauty Exhibition 2009
Professional Beauty is the country's biggest health and beauty show. From skincare, aromatherapy & make-up, professional equipment & salon supplies to nails & indoor tanning, you'll find everything you need for your business. It is open to trade visitors from the health and beauty industry and takes place at London's ExCeL from 1-3 March 2009. For more information visit www.professionalbeauty.co.uk/london
We will be at stand number R57 so do come by and say hello!... we would love to meet you.
Best regards,
Miss Salon
Link for your free invitation...
www.professionalbeauty.co.uk/london/Misssalon
Event details:-
Professional Beauty Exhibition 2009
Professional Beauty is the country's biggest health and beauty show. From skincare, aromatherapy & make-up, professional equipment & salon supplies to nails & indoor tanning, you'll find everything you need for your business. It is open to trade visitors from the health and beauty industry and takes place at London's ExCeL from 1-3 March 2009. For more information visit www.professionalbeauty.co.uk/london
We will be at stand number R57 so do come by and say hello!... we would love to meet you.
Best regards,
Miss Salon
Link for your free invitation...
www.professionalbeauty.co.uk/london/Misssalon
Saturday, 3 January 2009
2009... Make it count!
How can I ensure my business survives the economic downturn?
This must be the primary focus on the minds of most business owners; large and small. So rather than wait around for fate to decide, as a salon owner, now is the time to take matters into your own hands and steer your ship through the rough seas!
Tough times or not, the ultimate goal for any business is to maximize income whilst keeping costs low, without compromising on quality. Maximizing income includes getting regulars back into your salon as often as possible and getting new business through the door – in a nutshell, attracting customers. I think it goes without saying that if you’re not doing a good job, you’re not going to get much repeat business, so first and foremost, ensure that any services and treatments you offer are excellent and customer service is of a very high standard.
Attracting customers is a marketing function which requires thought and persistence. With most salon owners working on the shop-floor, caught-up in the day-to-day operations and staffing issues of the business; there always seems little time at the end of the day to think creatively about what needs to be done to ensure a continuous flow of clients. This means that many salon owners do not actively or effectively market their businesses; seeing it as a luxury and not a necessity and therefore never giving, this all-important function, the time and thought it needs. If you are guilty of this, stop today and make a decision to start marketing your salon properly, as it is one of the most important things you can do for your business.
Here are a few ways to start actively trying to attract customers to your salon:-
• Text all your clients whenever you have availability for a specific treatment or service they’d enjoy; for example – Hello Maureen, just a quick text to let you know that we are available today to give you that cut and colour you’ve been thinking about. Give us a call.
• Create eye-catching headlines for you client mail-shots, A-boards, window signs and leaflets; for example – Did you eat and drink too much over Christmas? Come in for a free skinny hot chocolate and some hot tips for a detox. Or, Wish you could have a hair makeover like on TV? Come in today to meet our expert makeover team! Or, Dry feet? Chilly toes? Enjoy a hot softening foot soak plus perfect polish pedicure for just £25... it's what you have been waiting for!
• Have a party; invite past clients, passers-by and local offices to enjoy a drink and meet the 2009 A-Team!
Once in the door, you and your team must be geared up to providing these potential clients with as much information as possible in the friendliest and most welcoming manner! Then of course it is absolutely paramount that you deliver on your offer and your promise; give them the best treatment they’ve ever had! They’ll have no choice but to come back to you… why would they want to waste their precious money anywhere else!
For more on how to create an effective marketing plan, kick-start your salon into profit or open your own salon, talk to Miss Salon on 0845 643 1619.
Kick-Start Your Salon Into Profit Fast!
The 10-step action plan for beauty salons, day spas, barbershops, nail salons and hair salons £14.99 – This booklet is available from 19 January.
Open Your Own Salon… The Right Way!
The complete step by step guide to planning, launching and managing your own salon business £49.99 (paperback) – available from Amazon.co.uk / £45.00 (ebook) – available from misssalon.com
Good luck!
This must be the primary focus on the minds of most business owners; large and small. So rather than wait around for fate to decide, as a salon owner, now is the time to take matters into your own hands and steer your ship through the rough seas!
Tough times or not, the ultimate goal for any business is to maximize income whilst keeping costs low, without compromising on quality. Maximizing income includes getting regulars back into your salon as often as possible and getting new business through the door – in a nutshell, attracting customers. I think it goes without saying that if you’re not doing a good job, you’re not going to get much repeat business, so first and foremost, ensure that any services and treatments you offer are excellent and customer service is of a very high standard.
Attracting customers is a marketing function which requires thought and persistence. With most salon owners working on the shop-floor, caught-up in the day-to-day operations and staffing issues of the business; there always seems little time at the end of the day to think creatively about what needs to be done to ensure a continuous flow of clients. This means that many salon owners do not actively or effectively market their businesses; seeing it as a luxury and not a necessity and therefore never giving, this all-important function, the time and thought it needs. If you are guilty of this, stop today and make a decision to start marketing your salon properly, as it is one of the most important things you can do for your business.
Here are a few ways to start actively trying to attract customers to your salon:-
• Text all your clients whenever you have availability for a specific treatment or service they’d enjoy; for example – Hello Maureen, just a quick text to let you know that we are available today to give you that cut and colour you’ve been thinking about. Give us a call.
• Create eye-catching headlines for you client mail-shots, A-boards, window signs and leaflets; for example – Did you eat and drink too much over Christmas? Come in for a free skinny hot chocolate and some hot tips for a detox. Or, Wish you could have a hair makeover like on TV? Come in today to meet our expert makeover team! Or, Dry feet? Chilly toes? Enjoy a hot softening foot soak plus perfect polish pedicure for just £25... it's what you have been waiting for!
• Have a party; invite past clients, passers-by and local offices to enjoy a drink and meet the 2009 A-Team!
Once in the door, you and your team must be geared up to providing these potential clients with as much information as possible in the friendliest and most welcoming manner! Then of course it is absolutely paramount that you deliver on your offer and your promise; give them the best treatment they’ve ever had! They’ll have no choice but to come back to you… why would they want to waste their precious money anywhere else!
For more on how to create an effective marketing plan, kick-start your salon into profit or open your own salon, talk to Miss Salon on 0845 643 1619.
Kick-Start Your Salon Into Profit Fast!
The 10-step action plan for beauty salons, day spas, barbershops, nail salons and hair salons £14.99 – This booklet is available from 19 January.
Open Your Own Salon… The Right Way!
The complete step by step guide to planning, launching and managing your own salon business £49.99 (paperback) – available from Amazon.co.uk / £45.00 (ebook) – available from misssalon.com
Good luck!
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