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“Sir, I’m sorry,” says the restaurant employee. “Please come back and give us the chance to get it right. Here’s a coupon for a free burger.” Arrgghhh. And then, I go back again, and have the same experience. “Dad, I thought you told me that for most things in life, you get what you pay for,” Jackson offers. Yes, son. That’s correct. Ya got me there! Score = Dad: 3,097 – Jackson: 1. But, I digress …
Evaluate your staff and hiring process, and go to it … be the director of your salon’s future!
My tanning industry background (as some of you know) began in the sunlamp sector. Working for two major manufacturers gave me the opportunity to travel extensively to visit and train our customers, both manufacturers and distributors. Years ago, I visited a tanning salon operator who regularly purchased a significant number of lamps from me. As I toured their headquarters, I was amazed by the disposition of the staff. Geez, it was like a beehive of activity, and everyone seemed to be in a great mood. I asked my customer about it. “Wow – you really have a great staff! I remarked. “Are they like this every day?”
My customer’s reply was pretty short and delivered with a smile. “It is like this every day, and I hired each one of them myself!”
Example: You’re looking to hire new staff. A person whom you’ve known for years comes in for an interview – Candidate A – who may have been a high school classmate of yours. She’s really nice, pleasant, but has never worked in sales. Does not get a spray-tan or UV tan, indoors or outdoors.
Candidate B is an outgoing, friendly gal with retail experience. She’s a current tanner at your salon and buys indoor tanning lotions from you. While she has experience working at a competitor’s salon and has a high level of enthusiasm, but she came to the interview with a hint of alcohol on her breath.
You interview Candidate C, who has some of the good qualities of Candidate B, but with no sales experience or scent of Patrón (a pretty good tequila, I hear some say). He provides solid references and work experience in non-tanning-related fields.
So, whom do you hire? I would say that Candidate C is your safe bet. Having been a baseball coach over the years has been a great experience for me. Give me that kid who shows up early, stays late, works hard and is trying to get better. There’s a saying, “Coach him up.” Well, that’s what I believe will work with Candidate C. Train him with the Sun is Life program and get things started right! If he’s pleasant and friendly and willing to learn, I’ll take him – and you should, too.
When you hire the right people, your salon guests will be happier, your team will be happier and you, of course, will be happier. You will spend less time reprimanding, re-training or firing/hiring new staff, for sure. Your staff is an extension of you as the operator – what your guests see/hear at your salon is a direct reflection of you, as well. Set your sights high! Seek to hire those who can add professionalism to your salon, train them right and manage them right.
Perhaps, you find out that you’ve hired a “bad apple.” Maybe you can put a shine on them and correct the bad habits; but if not, move on and do it quickly. It’s not fair to your staff – and a real morale killer – when staff who do the right thing see you “give a pass” to others who are careless, rude and setting a bad example.
Whenever you’re out and about, whether it’s driving through for fast food or enjoying a sit-down meal, shopping at another retail store or even a competitor, evaluate them. It’s okay to grab something that you see working for their business. Evaluate your staff and hiring process, and go to it … be the director of your salon’s future!
A 26-year industry veteran, Joe has taught certified salon operator training for the last 15 years, as well as advocating indoor tanning in many capacities. Joe is a sought-after speaker and presenter at both national & regional trade events, also interacting with the FDA, state & local regulatory agencies. During his most recent tenure with the ITA, he served as director of membership.
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