This is the last month of 2016 – this year seems to have flown by! Maybe it’s because I do so much flying …
As we welcome 2017 with open arms and ample optimism, it’s a good time to discuss some New Year’s resolutions that you can implement to improve your business that will be easier than quitting a bad habit or losing weight. No business owner or organization is perfect; we all have room for improvement in every aspect of our lives. If we don’t strive for success and growth, we become stagnant. There is no better time then the New Year to execute strategies and plans that fuel growth for long-term success.
Make better connections with our customers.
As we embark on the journey that is 2017, we need to reflect and remember why our business is successful. Great equipment and a good location is key; but happy and loyal customers are the difference between and average salon and an amazing salon.
We should all strive to view contact with our salon guests as relationships rather than transactions. If you continue to build relationships with your existing clientele, just as you did when they were first-time guests, you have a better chance at keeping them loyal to your business. Offer in-store and email promotions, as well as upgrade specials just for current clientele. Plan a customer appreciation event when they can try equipment or services they haven’t already tried. Making these small gestures will ensure that you are creating long-term relationships with your guests.
Network within your network.
Who knows more about your daily struggles within your salons than fellow salon operators? Tradeshows and online forums are great ways to connect with other salon professionals outside of your market, giving you the opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and create mutually beneficial relationships. Communicating with others in our industry is a way to gain more knowledge and ideas about procedures, pricing structures, employee retention, equipment selection and much more.
Make Business Planning a top priority.
If you want a healthy, growing, thriving business, planning ahead is vital. Business Planning lets you take stock of what worked and what didn’t, and helps you set new directions or adjust goals.
So, why do it just once a year or every quarter? Budget time each week to review, adjust and look forward – hence the term, “Monday Morning Meeting.” Set aside time for yourself or include your staff to ensure all goals, policies and procedures are being met. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you’ll feel more focused and relaxed knowing you are one step ahead of the game.
The New Year provides an opportunity to begin with a clean slate. Because we all know that the first step toward realizing a goal is to set one, starting 2017 off with a new outlook could be the foundation of putting your goals into action.
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season, and a prosperous 2017!
As we embark on the journey that is 2017, we need to reflect and remember why our business is successful.
