WOW! What a weekend!

Life has been non-stop - haven't even had time to blog! So I'll try to catch up with the events of the last 2 weekends. Two week ago I had the priviledge of participating with the Bennett Career Institute's 2nd Annual Beauty Business Conference. It was awesome! All kinds of great info. was shared - I took lots of notes. If you're anywhere near the Washington, DC area, don't miss next year's event! There was information from the Small Business Administration, Insurance experts on how to protect yourself and your business, even a session on 'Stress Relief' by Reflexologist Njedeka Olatunde - we definitely need that, don't we! She suggested if you have trouble sleeping to put on some instrumental music and just pick out 1 instrument to listen to! What a great tip!

Of course, the founder of that awesome 'Institute', Mr. Bennett, shared many wonderful tips from his arsenal of experience in this business - as school owner, hair designer and beauty business entreprenuer. My pen was flying across the page as he spoke! Then I had the opportunity to present my classes '$ecrets of the Millionaire Stylist' which is designed to expand the mind of beauty professionals, give them usable info that can put money in their pockets and give them a support system to keep the momentum going! Below is a comment from a student who read my books and took action and WOW - had the phone ringing off the hook! For the Salon Owners and Managers, I also presented "Finding and Keeping Great Stylists", which seems to be "the" topic of the moment and I introduced the "Where are all the good Stylists? Kit - for BUSY Salon Owners", which includes 8 hours of intense training on defining who you're looking for and what to hire on, my 5-step 'Hiring Process' to eliminate the Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hide syndrome, how to train them and how to KEEP them once you've put all that work in. For more info or how to order at the special preview price of $149 (reg $297), email me at miki@BeautySuperStars.com

Kudos to Mr. Chet Bennett, Rasheeda Franklin and team for putting on a spectacular event!

On that Tuesday, I spoke to the daytime and nighttime students at American Beauty Academy in Wheaton, MD about becoming 6-figure stylists and barbers! It was a jam packed weekend, but very rewarding. I got back to Richmond, just in time to prepare for the Black Beauty Expo!

I'll tell you about that next time - "WOW! What a Weekend - Part 2!"

Til then,
Miki Wright, Your Salon Business Coach for Life
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

It's a win-win!

A few days ago, in the "Surviving the Economy" series Part 3 - 'Get out in the World', I suggested...

"Host an event for a client – art show, book signing, financial planner, make-up artist! I work with Carolyn at Carolyn's Creative Touch in Richmond, VA and next weekend she's hosting a Clothing Show and Sale at the salon for one of her clients – it's generated quite a buzz with clients that want to attend and of course, some will bring friends as well! It's win-win-win!"

We just had our event at the salon this weekend and it was great - a real win-win for everybody. We transformed the salon into a "clothing showroom" and the client got exposure for her business - CAbi Clothing Line (http://www.lavettagoldsborough.cabionline.com/ ), and received orders. The salon had an activity, which means we got to talk about it with clients before the event and after the event, with the people who came and with the people who didn't come - 'they missed a great event!' And the clients love, I mean absolutely love, having something to talk about - to their friends, coworkers and family (which is great for business)! Check out the photo from the event.

Next time we'll finish our "Surviving the Economy" series, with 'Get Lean and Mean'

Til then,

Miki Wright, Your Salon Business Coach for Life
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

Surviving the Economy (Part 4) - Using the Internet

As we continue our series on “Surviving the Economy” we want to use every tool in our toolbox to get new clients and keep our current ones coming back. Many more stylists are using a computer to keep their business records, to create marketing materials and event to surf the web, while at the same time many clients are on a computer all day long and have come to rely on finding the products and services that they want to use and buy on the internet. Can they find you and your services there? If you’re reading this blog, you’re already on the internet (and are a step ahead of many of your colleagues), but are you using it to the max?

Website – Having a website can give you instant credibility. Use your website to showcase your work, provide your phone number and address, answer frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) and to promote specials. It’s also great if you happen to change locations, as long as your clients have your website address, they can easily find you.

Online Advertising - on referral sites and advertising sites where people can find you (many are free), such as www.craigslist.org for placing ads, www.BlackStylists.com and www.AfroHair.com to name a few. Many of these sites spend their time and money to land at the top of the search engines, which means you can be found easily by lots of people with very little effort on your part. And of course, there is paid advertising online. Just like offline ads, be sure you know what you’re getting for what cost and be sure to track your results!

Email your clients with upcoming events, special offers and to quickly fill a cancellation. The power of email is awesome. With the stroke of one quick click, you’re in contact with all (or a select group) of your clients at one time. Be sure to update your client contact info and get their email addresses.

E- Newsletter – keep them in the loop with tips and news about what you’re doing, classes you’re taking, upcoming events and promotions. Just another way to let them know you care, keep them thinking and talking about you and they can easily forward it to their friends and family! (www.BeautySuperStars.com will have a great tool for this coming soon)

The possibilities on the internet are unlimited! If you haven’t been taking full advantage of this resource, I invite you to dip your toe in the water. After all, most of it is FREE, so what have you got to lose? And better yet, what happens if you get just one (1) new client??? Can you spell ka-ching?

Stay tuned for tip # 5, “Get Lean and Mean”

Til next time,

Miki Wright, Your Salon Business Coach for Life
www.BeautySuperStars.com

For more info on the “how to” of using the Internet ‘to put clients in your chair’, email me at miki@BeautySuperStars.com for a ‘Special Offer’ on an audio CD with one of our BeautySuperStars Team Members, Beauty Photographer (and Internet Marketing guru), Keston Duke (www.KestonDuke.com)

Surviving the Economy (Part 3 con't.) - Get Out in the World

Last time in Part 3 of our 'Surviving the Economy' series, we talked about several ways that you can 'Get out in the World' and meet people outside of your little world and let them know what you do - here are a few more suggestions! Choose one or two and just see what happens!

Host an event for a client – art show, book signing, financial planner, make-up artist! I work with Carolyn at Carolyn’s Creative Touch in Richmond, VA and next weekend she’s hosting a Clothing Show and Sale at the salon for one of her clients – it’s generated quite a buzz with clients that want to attend and of course, some will bring friends as well! It’s win-win-win!

Offer to do hair – as we mentioned for local fashion shows, sometimes clubs or sororities have formal events, what if you offered to ‘touch-up’ their styles for them or to put their hair up? What about plays, concerts and other events that come to town? Some of the performers will need something done to their hair while they’re in town…

Offer to present hair trends, fashion, make-up for groups – check the local newspapers and ask your clients for groups that may enjoy the learning the latest trends from an ‘expert’.

Volunteer – it’s a great way to serve and to meet new people! This month is National Breast Cancer Month and it might be a great time to get involved with a "Look Good, Feel Better" Program at you local hospital!

Promote your events to the press – Make it a habit to contact the press about all of the things that you do. It will increase your visibility and really confirm that you are indeed an expert!

Of course, use your imagination to come up with other ways to meet more people (and assuming you take great care of them), you will be the busiest stylist/salon in your area!

Look for tip # 4, “Using the Internet”

Til next time,

Miki Wright, Your Salon Business Coach for Life
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

For more info on the “Get More Clients…” book, go to http://www.beautysuperstars.com/, and click "Books and More"

Surviving the Economy (Part 3) - Get Out in the World

Step #3 in our series on “Surviving the Economy” is “Get Out in the World”! I started my book “Get More Clients, Make More Money, FAST!” with “I used to sit around waiting for clients, until I realized no one knew I was waiting!” If you’re like me and lots of other stylists, you can tend to think that clients are going to walk in and beat a path to your door. Some may, but will you starve while you’re waiting?!?

Here are several ways to let people know ‘who you are and what you do, without seeming ‘pushy’! And more importantly, have them asking you for your services!

Host an event in your salon – an open house, a grand opening, a product or service introduction, a class on haircare or make-up

Hair shows – have your own or do the hair for someone else’s fashion show(s) - be sure to get the hair credits in their program

Sunday or Monday night host a ‘Football Widows’ party
Or if your clients are football fans (or any sport), have a football party
Or what about a movie party (remember what we said in tip #2 about making your place fun)

Attend an event! That’s right, get out of the salon and do something social, you never know who you might meet – sorority meetings, business classes, book clubs, church events – meet people find out what they do and share with them what you do! I’ll bet they’ll be excited!

Matter of fact I just had a Coaching session with a stylist who wants to build her business and I asked her what outside activities she was involved with. She didn't have any, so I asked if she went to a church. That's a great place to get involved with activities and build relationships with lots of people! It turns out that she belongs to one of the largest churches in the country! She often doesn't attend (because she's working), so now her homework is to attend and get involved! It can't help but give her more balance in her life (all work and no play, makes Jane a dull girl) increase her spiritual growth and increase her clientele!!! That's what I call a real win/win!There are so many more ways to 'Get out in the world', to keep this short and sweet, I'll have to share those next time!

Til next time, try some of these out and let me know about your successes,

Miki Wright, Your Salon Business Coach for Life
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

www.myspace.com/mikiwright

For more info on the “Get More Clients…” book, go to http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

Surviving the Economy (Part 2) - Keeping in Touch

Tip #2 Keep in Touch!

As we continue our series on “Surviving the Economy”, there’s often a push to figure out how to get new clients. But what are you doing to keep the ones you already have and say ‘thank you’ or ‘you matter to us’? There’s a saying that “people don’t care how much you know, til they know how much you care”. Here are a couple of ways that you can easily and inexpensively stay in touch with your clients.

Online – When I ask groups of stylists how many of them are online, many of them (sadly) are not. When I ask how many of their clients are online, most of them say “Almost all of them”. There’s another saying, that you need to ‘go where the fish are biting’ and right now your clients are on the internet trying to find you – are you there??? ( Stay tuned - We will have more on "Using the Internet" in Part 4)

Mail – There’s nothing like getting a cute little personal envelope in the mail (something that’s not a bill!), you just can’t wait to open it. Your clients feel the same way. This will have a little more cost, but if one client comes in one more time in a year, it will probably cover the cost! Consider using snail mail just for birthdays and/or the Holidays. (listen in on our replay for “How to be Busy in January and February” at 1(218) 936-7995 Access Code: 397475 )

Phone – You can always call just to say ‘hi’, call to check on how your client made out with her new look, did she get lots of compliments or does she have any questions about it. Also, it can be great to call to update your records or to contact clients you haven’t seen in a while, just to check on them. Many times when you call, they’ll actually book an appointment and sometimes they may be with a friend and schedule them also!

These are just a few ways to “Keep in Touch” with your existing clients. You might be surprised that just showing you care will encourage them to come in more frequently, spend more money each visit, try new services and refer more of their friends! Let me know how it goes, miki@BeautySuperStars.com

To listen to the entire "Surviving the Economy (and Celebrating Successes)" Telephone Coaching call, check out our 72 hour replay line at 1-218-936-7995, passcode 794987 (available 24/7)

To join us on the next call, Join the Club, Club SuperStar, that is, visit http://beautysuperstars.com/clubsuperstar.aspx

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s tip on “Get Out in the World”!


Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

Surviving the Economy (Part 1) “Where everybody knows your name…”

Stylists from California, Atlanta, New Jersey and more joined us on a really hot Telephone Coaching Call on “Surviving the Economy”! Over the next few days, I’ll share some of the ideas that are designed to help you become ‘the busiest Stylist (or Salon) in your area’…

Remember the popular TV show “Cheers”? Their theme song says “Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name…”. People, especially in troubled times, want to go where they can escape the troubles of the world, feel appreciated and have a relaxing, familiar experience. Why not at your salon?

Tip # 1 - Create a Community (and an Experience)

• Plan events – pre-holiday (shopping) parties? Upcoming Fashion (or hair or make-up) Trends? What about a class on “Styling Your Daughter’s Hair”??? Whatever you do, keep it simple, and make it more about the people and the experience
• Serve light refreshments in the salon – apple cider in the fall, hot chocolate in the winter, donuts on Saturday morning, etc.
• Make sure that all of your clients know each other and know what they do, so that they can support each other’s businesses, maybe host a “Meet and Greet” and while you’re at it, why not invite your entire community? Call your local paper and let them know what you’re doing.
• Why not hold a class on ‘Financial Matters’? Bring in an outside expert or ask one of your clients.

These are just ideas to help you and your salon ‘stand out from the crowd’ and keep clients talking about you, coming in for service and waiting to see what’s next! Make your salon the place where they want to come, even if they don't have an appointment! Try them out, come up with your own ideas (along with your team) and let me know the response!

To listen to the entire call, check out our 72 hour replay line at 1-218-936-7995, passcode 794987 (available 24/7)

To join us on the next call, Join the Club, Club SuperStar, that is, visit http://beautysuperstars.com/clubsuperstar.aspx

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s tip on “Keeping in touch”!

Til then,

Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach

http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

Do all your neighbors know?!?

Does everyone within a 10 block radius know who you are and what you do??? I mean do they really KNOW! So that when someone even mentions 'hair' or better yet, 'your specialty in hair', are you the first person or salon that comes to their mind? The only one? Do they have your cards handy so they can easily refer you? If not, it's time to get busy! Take any downtime you have and introduce yourself. Invite them in (the folks that work in your area) for a service! Feel free to offer a special coupon, discount or gift with service to get them in and talking about you. Then let them become your sales force by referring you new clients! After all, it's all about building relationships!

Blessings,

Miki Wright
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

Houston, we have a problem!

As I'm sure you've heard, Hurricane Ike hit Houston and Galveston, TX with a vengeance! It's been 5 days of no electricity, no water and very limited food and gas. It's one thing to hear about it on the news, but quite another when you know the people who are living thru it. Please pray for Marta, one of our Club SuperStar Members, as well as all of the other stylists and residents of Houston. Marta is a dynamic and vivacious stylist who has been working diligently to leave her job and return to styling on a full time basis. Her last day at her job was to be last Friday and she would start her full time styling career this week. But Ike intervened and had other plans. I don't know how to help, other than to send our prayers for their safe keeping. If you have any ideas on how we can be of greater assistance, please let me know!

As I told Marta, when this all clears, there will be lots of people who will need their hair done! :)

Send Marta some love at magic@magicinmotionhair.com - I'm not sure when she'll be able to get online, but it should give her a smile!


Miki Wright
www.BeautySuperStars.com

A Whole School Day!?!

I recently did a first time client, who said she didn't go to the salon much and when I asked her why, she said that in most salons it 'takes all day'! She went on to share about her girlfriend who goes to the salon on a regular basis and on her last visit she had a 9am appointment and didn't leave until 3pm!!!

When I really stopped to think about how long that is, it was mindblowing! If you have a child, they typically go to school at 9am and get out a 3pm and during that time they've had english and math and social studies and science and gym and lunch! That's a WHOLE school day! Anyway you slice it, that's a lot of time for one hairstyle!!! (unless they're getting a weave or something - which she wasn't).

If that were the only time I heard that type of story, it would be one thing, but unfortunately, it's a fairly common one. My fellow Beauty Professionals (and I'm using that word lightly), we've got to step up our game! It's time for us to pull out a timer, to see how long it really takes us to do our services - and then schedule accordingly! We had an interview with Patric Bradley, who said it may be related to not having enough education - when you don't know how to do something, it takes you longer! It's the 21st Century, our clients are BUSY and don't have time to spend their lives with us in the salon! If we don't get it together., we're going to keep losing our clients and our salons! You may be tempted to say 'it's not me' it's the other stylists!' That may be true, but we are only as strong as our weakest link! Let me know your thoughts.

Miki Wright
miki@BeautySuperStars.com
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

What to do with 'Problem Clients'?!?

That was the topic for last nights Club SuperStar telephone seminar. We've all had them, in fact they're a part of life. But how do you service them without going crazy?

#1. Recognize that clients are the lifeblood of your business and each of them knows about 250 other people special enough to invite to their wedding and attend their funeral!

#2. They come with many different personalities - Controlling, Analytical, Shy and 'Life of the Party' to name a few - and each may need to be handled a little differently.

#3 Many 'problems' with clients coming late, not showing, pricing disagreements, etc. can be easily handled if they're addressed up front at the 1st consultation by sharing (and having) systems or policies that let them know 'this is how we do business here'. Then everyone is on the same page from the beginning and fewer problems arise.

We also discussed times when it may be best to 'let the client go', how to raise your prices without losing clients, clients that are 'never' satisfied, and ways to increase your tips! It was a great call and you can listen to the replay at 1-218-936-7995, passcode 617221.

In 2 weeks, we'll interview Patric Antonio Bradley for our "Legends and Leaders" telephone interview. For information on how to join us, visit http://beautysuperstars.com/clubsuperstar.aspx

Til next time,

Miki Wright
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

P.S. Next month's topic is "How to Stay Busy in January and February!"

Shirley Gordon Wins NAHA!

It was a couple of weeks ago, and in the midst of getting ready for the Bronner Bros. Hair Show, I didn't get to write about this wonderful accomplishment! Shirley Gordon won a NAHA Award in the Texture Category!!!! Check out her exceptional work at http://www.probeauty.org/naha/finalists/?category=TX&id=318 she also has some awesome work in the "Fashion Forward" category, which she was a finalist!

For those of you who may be wondering, "What is a NAHA Award"? It's the North American Hairstyling Awards and it's like the Academy Awards for the Beauty Industry! Stylists, Make- up Artists, Students and even Salon Designs compete with others from all over North America! The competition is stiff and that makes the win all the sweeter! Shirley is one of only a couple of African-American Hair Designers to win this prestigious award since it's inception in the late 80's.

Some of you may be wondering, "Who is Shirley Gordon"? Through the years, you may have seen her on stage with Clairol or her work featured in magazine ads or on celebrities in Essence. And beleive it or not, we used to work together, early in our careers! Shirley is probably one of the most talented stylists I've ever met! She's a powerhouse, who is serious about her craft and she's an 'energizer bunny' - cranking out head after beautiful head, day in and day out! But the real lesson here, is despite her emense talent, this win took PERSERVERANCE! She wants others to follow in her footsteps and she has agreed to join us on our "Legends and Leaders" interview conference call - I'll keep you posted with the date! You go, Shirley!!!

Blessings,
Miki
www.BeautySuperStars.com

A Few Seats Left...

Learn the "$ecrets of the Millionaire Stylists"...

And Leave Your Competition in the Dust!

Join Miki Wright and her team of 'Beauty SuperStars' at the "$ecrets of the Millionaire Stylists 1-Day Business Bootcamp! It's at the Bronner Bros.Hair Show in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, August 3, 2008 from 10-6! (includes lunch!)

- Learn the 'Secret Weapons' to 6-figure success in no time with Miki Wright http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15c3BhY2UuY29tL21pa2l3cmlnaHQ=- Learn how to get your hairstyles published

- See a live photo shoot with, Keston Duke, 'the photographer who gets you published' http://www.%20myspace.%20com/kestonduke and hear from magazine editors how to get your work featured!!!

- Learn how to automate your business to quickly increase PROFITS! Dorothy Griggs will entertain and show you quick and easy ways to run a successful biz.http://www.%20virtualtaxsolutions.%20com/

- Stop pulling your hair out! Life Coach, Melanie Foote-Davis will get you back on track to owning your 'DREAM" Salon! http://www.%20powerbehindthechair.%20com/

- Is it possible to own your own salon and NOT PAY RENT?!? Let Financial Guru, Leroy Bell, show you how! http://www.%20sphynxfinancial.%20com/

Don't miss this! Come Learn, Earn and have FUN!!!A few seats are left, REGISTER TODAY at http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LkJyb25uZXJCcm9zLmNvbQ== (details on page 42) or 1-800-547-SHOW!!!

Or call Miki Wright at 804-378-0144

We look forward to seeing you there! Don't forget to stop by booth 378!!!

P.S. Don't forget to tell your friends!

One Proud Mama! Our Stylists are armed and ready to "Double Their Income"!

Just finished the first session of the "How to Double Your Income" Series (July's 'Inner Circle' teleclass) and I am one proud 'Mama'! I'm so encouraged by the successes of our members - Shante of http://www.runwaystudios.com/ in Hyattsville, MD has her work featured on the cover of 'Streak' magazine (her first cover) -look for it in the beauty supply stores. She's using the 5 step 'Hiring Process' and techniques we covered in the "Grow Your Own; Creating your Dream Team" and unlike her pattern before, she's taking her time, screening, looking for commitment from the potential stylist and even decided, based on the info we have, it doesn't seem like this person would be a good fit. The stylist came back and said, ' I want to be part of this team, what do I need to do?' and he's made the shifts to still be in the running to become part of her team! It's awesome to see - this stuff really works!

Kim, Custom Wig Designer at www.MySpace.com/SalonObsessions in Silver Spring, MD was asked to participate (to do the wigs/hair) for a make-up company's photo shoot for http://www.bennettcareerinstitute.org/ on Sunday, she and her husband, Barry were interviewed for a cable TV talk show and she's just been contacted that 5 of her photos will be featured in 'Sophisticate's Black Hair' magazine in the fall! (Our 'The Making of a Celebrity Stylist' covered ways to use the press and publicity to get more clients) All this, in addition to already increasing their income by at least 30%!!!

Marta of http://www.magicinmotionhair.com/ in Houston, TX is building 'much faster than expected'! Averaging 2-3 new clients a week from my "Get More Clients, Make More Money, FAST!" book and they are scheduling standing appointments before they leave! Plus she's getting more clients from the internet!

Tanya of http://www.narcissesalon.com/ has more clients than she can stand, to the point where she barely has time to recruit the additional stylists she wants/needs to add. Based on our tele-class tonight, she's going to make some changes to make it happen!

Tonight we covered "Is it even possible to 'Double your income'?" What are the things that have stopped us up until now? Ways the 'Fear Monster' shows up and how to tame it. We also covered more than '8 Strategies' to 'Double Their Income'! We figured out where we are, where we're going and the best strategies to get there! It was great, because you need to know what your 'numbers' are right now in order to know if and when they double, right? All of our members 'know' and track their numbers, already, which makes it much easier to move forward!

So each person has their starting point, their goals or target income and their strategies to accomplish their goals! All in one night! Over the next 3 weeks we will cover the actions and how to implement those 8 strategies to 'Double Your Income'! Plus, the 'internet techniques' that are putting clients in our members chairs. It's not too late to join us - if you want to 'Double Your Income' go to http://www.beautysuperstars.com/, sign up for the class (it's only $97 for 4 sessions)! We'll send you the replay info for our 1st session!

To your success,

Miki Wright
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

P.S. Our past classes are available on CD! Just email me at miki@BeautySuperStars.com for details!

Richmond Stylists get ready to be booked solid

Had a great day today. Yesterday attended a "Discover Your Bermuda" Lifetime Goal setting workshop - still getting clear on my lifetime goal. Attended my Fast Track progam this morning, we helped one member to brainstorm her biz, which helped me to think about how I can improve areas of mine. We created a system to keep each other accountable. Discovered, I have 'a story' that may be able to help others.

Also, met with my biz coach, Jim Roman with Team Nimbus in VA, discussed my upcoming events and designing ongoing training to help stylists grow their businesses -thru cutting, styling and biz building workshops. I also spoke with James Mack, Barber Stylist and Educator from Wash., DC area, he also had some great ideas to help promote my classes. Also, spoke with Glennis Crosby here in Richmond. Carolyn Smith and I will go out tomorrow and let the Richmond Stylists know about the class on Monday, July 14th. Details will follow.

Miki Wright
www.BeautySuperStars.com

Where's Your NorthStar?

Have you ever felt lost? Wondering if what you're doing on a day to day basis is really making any difference at all? What was your Vision for your business? Did you ever have one? Was it written down? And if so, can you find it and remind yourself, "This is what I wanted when I started (as a Stylist or Salon Owner)! I find so many people in business, really don't have a clear idea of what they want their business to ultimately look like. Then they try to run their business and they're very clear about some things they don't want, which just leads to frustration because without a clear Vision, you nor your team really know what to do!

Last Monday I conducted a "$ecrets of Million Dollar Salons" class for Salon Owners and the design of the class was for it to be intimate and for each Salon Owner to leave with a 'game plan' for their salon! One of the main things we focused on was "What is your Vision for your Salon?" That is your 'NorthStar'! It is such a critical piece and it can easily get lost in the day to day activities and frustrations of running a business.

A Vision or 'NorthStar' really is the guiding force of any business and it only makes a difference if it's 1) in your heart, not just your mind, 2) is crystal clear and easy for you to convey (so other people can really visualize it and/or feel it when you talk about it), 3) the people that you work with know it. And the only way that they can know it, is if you express it and not just in words, but in the way you conduct your business on a day to day basis. And the other essential thing is that the people on your team must also embrace it! So when you get off course (and you will - it's just the way life is designed), you all have a clear direction to focus you and get you back on track, heading for what you really want!

So I encourage you to take the time to reconnect with your 'NorthStar' and start to figure out, which way is North? If you'd like to join us in a further discussion, Life Coach, Melanie Foote-Davis www.PowerBehindtheChair.com will be our guest on our Club SuperStar Coaching Call, Monday, July 14th at 8pm EST where we'll explore "Finding your NorthStar and staying on track???"

During the class, we had the opportunity to witness a Salon Owner really connect with their Vision and Mission (we'll talk about that another time) and it was powerful and emotional and they are 'on fire' getting their salon to match that vision! And that is the power of knowing your NorthStar!

Blessings,

Miki Wright
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

Lessons from Big Russ' Son

I don't know how many of you were Tim Russert fans and although I didn't watch 'Meet the Press' all the time, and never met him in person, it felt like Tim Russert was a part of my family and I was devastated to hear of his passing, especially so close to Father's Day. It brought back memories of my own beloved 'Dad' and his untimely death when I was a just teenager.

I realize that there were several reasons that I loved to watch Tim -

1) he had a great enthusiasm for life and at least from a distance didn't seem to complain much about anything.

2) He quite obviously loved his family as he often spoke of his son Luke and even wrote a book in tribute to his dad 'Big Russ' and had a long, devoted marriage to his wife.

3) He was a man of faith and was proud to share that as well.

4) But one of the most impressive things was the passion and dedication he brought to his career! Year after year and day after day, he was like a kid in a candy store when he reported on anything political. That kind of enthusiasm is contagious. And he was known as the most prepared person any political figure could be interviewed by!

I wonder how many of us can say the same? I wrote yesterday about interviewing (Madea's Hair Stylist) Charles Gregory www.CharlesGregory.net and how I loved his enthusiasm and his true commitment to being the best at his craft. It's sometimes easy to say "If I had that kind of job, I'd be happy, too." When the truth of the matter is, they have the jobs they have because they're happy (and prepared and professional)!

I hope that you bring that kind of passion and professionalism to your work, each and every day - because I do know, your clients (and even potential clients) do notice! I strive to do that in my commitment to helping beauty professionals to create the lifestyle they desire for themselves and their families. Tim's untimely passing is yet another reminder that "tomorrow is promised to no one" and it's up to us to take each day as a gift and live it with passion!

Blessings,

Miki Wright
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/

P.S. If you're in need a 'pick me up' or some inspiration to remind you why you got into this profession, consider the CD of Charles Gregory's Interview! It's part of the "Legends and Leaders" series and it's only $19.95 + S+H! Call 804-378-0144 or email miki@BeautySuperStars.com or consider joining the CD of the Month Club!

P.S.S. Don't forget to vote! Your VOTE does count! And so do those of your clients - consider having Voter Registration cards in your salon! We've got the power to make history!!!

Madea's Hair Stylist goes 'back to basics'!

Monday night I had the pleasure of interviewing, Legend, Charles Gregory, for our BeautySuperStars.com "Legends and Leaders" Coaching Call! For those of you who don't know, he is the talented Hair Designer behind many of the Tyler Perry movies, including "Meet the Browns" and the upcoming "Madea Goes to Jail" as well as numerous other movies and television shows! It was an awesome call and of course he shared many of the 'behind the scenes' secrets, including how much preparation goes into working in film and television. Of course, everyone wants to find out how to be a stylist for the movies, and he didn't disappoint us! But one of the most interesting and exciting thing to hear from an obviously talented, Celebrity Stylist with more than 30 years' experience is how he really goes 'back to the basics' - all the time! Isn't that amazing!?!
He reads his Cosmetology book to refresh himself, he knows the terminology of our profession and can give you the book definitions, he's a top educator and still attends shows to know the latest trends in cut, color, fashion and style, and he works on mannequins all the time, in fact he said "they're his best friends"! He creates looks for movies on them, has them as part of his presentaion to movie execs, tries out new cut and color techniques, and even uses them to market his services to his existing and new clients! And he shares how you can, too!
You wanna know why I'm so excited to hear all of this? Because so many times, much newer stylists, with much less experience, and very few clients, resist working on a mannequin, don't want to read and learn and update their skills and somehow think that they are 'above' the basics! You'll never learn it all and as fast as fashions and styles change in this industry, you need to change and update, too! Even (well paid) pro football players (the best at what they do) go to training camp EVERY year and what do they work on first? The Basics! When was the last time you picked up your Cosmetology book or worked on a mannequin? Did you say you wanted to work in the movies? Now you know where to start!
Miki Wright
www.BeautySuperStars.com

P.S. To hear the entire Interview with Charles Gregory, it's available on CD for only $19.95, plus shipping and handling! To order, just email miki@BeautySuperStars.com or call 804-378-0144.

It's Almost 'Showtime'!

The trade show season is well under way. The Premiere Show in Orlando is next weekend, June 1st and 2nd. And it's hard to believe, but it's nearing time for the Bronner Bros. show in Atlanta, GA. It's early this year, August 2-5th. I'm especially excited because my Beauty SuperStars team and I are presenting the first ever "Business Boot Camp" at the Bronner show! It's the "$ecrets of the Millionaire Stylists" All Day Business Boot Camp and will be on Sunday, August 3rd from 10am-6pm. 5 Amazing sessions, plus lunch!

The day will start with me and some of my proteges sharing some of the '$ecrets' of setting and reaching big goals and outcompeting your competition, even in uncertain economic times, and more and check out www.BeautySuperStars.com for more info. (we'll also have some special guests that I'll tell you about later)!

Then on to Commercial Real Estate with Leroy Bell of www.SphynxFinancial.com - it is time to "Get in the Game" and Own Your Own Spot, Rent FREE! Next, Life coach and Stylist, Melanie Foote-Davis, of www.PowerBehindtheChair.com will share ways to build your team and keep it on track!

In the afternoon, Virtual Tax Specialist, Dorothy Griggs, EA, www.VirtualTaxSpecialist.com will help us move into the 21st Century by creating a life "Beyond the Shoebox" a way to quickly automate our accounting and create more profits!!!

And last, but not least, famed Beauty and Fashion Photographer, Keston Duke, www.KestonDuke.com will conduct a LIVE photo shoot! Keston is the photographer who gets hair stylists published and he'll share all the tricks of the trade to make sure your next shoot is a success!

We're all preparing to make this a great day - our first planning conference call was a ball! Plan to join us, we are a fun group with a lot to share! Can't wait to see you there! You can sign up at www.BronnerBros.com

Feeling Encouraged

Felt a little overwhelmed and frustrated yesterday - trying to finish my second book, "Get More Clients, Make More Money, FAST!" It's almost there, but not quite, could use some admin. help! I spoke to my protege` Shante` at http://www.runwaystudios.com/ in Hyattsville, MD - she sounded very upbeat - she has some new energy in her team and her salon is considering adding a few 'spa type' services. Sounds like the team and the clients are really excited! We're also coordinating a photo shoot for me to get a new headshot and for her to shoot some models. Keston Duke http://www.kestonduke.com/ is doing the photos, but we still need a good, reasonably priced make up artist!

Also, spoke to Kim Connell at Salon Obsessions in Silver Spring, MD www.myspace.com/SalonObsessions (she does some 'killer' custom wigs - check it out!). She's looking to bring on new staff and revamp their salon. She was kinda down. I suggested she check out my website http://www.beautysuperstars.com/ and also listen to the Coaching Call we just had on Monday - you can call in for FREE (long distance charges may apply)
Anyway, I talked to her this morning and she is a NEW person, way too excited, set up a website on http://www.blackstylists.com/ and has a direction in mind for the salon! This is what keeps me going - I really do need the feedback! Especially when I'm wondering, am I giving too much, being too much of a perfectionist or trying to do too much myself, when I need to delegate. We talked about my pricing and different strategies to let more stylists know, there is a place you can come for answers to the challenges that we face. Beauty SuperStars.com is dedicated to helping stylists to 'Get More Clients and Make More Money!' And I'm just so encouraged by the positive impact that we're having so early on!

Kim also mentioned the topic of fear, we will have to have a conversation or Coaching Call on that.

Also, I’m excited our first "Legends and Leaders" Interview Call is Monday, March 24th at 7:30 pm EST and our first special guest is none other than, Floyd Kenyatta - Industry Legend and Global Ambassador for John Paul Mitchell! I can’t wait!!! Please plan to join us - just sign up for Club SuperStar - it’s FREE http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LkJlYXV0eVN1cGVyU3RhcnMuY29t

Into the 21st Century!

Ready or not, here I come, into the 21st Century! This is my first writing on my blog! I just found out what a blog is :)

I’m wanting hairstylists to use all this technology to help them grow their businesses and I am still learning myself - thanks to hairstylist, Belinda at POB Salon and photographer, Keston Duke, I’ve learned a LOT more in the just the last few days. Thanks, guys! I just wrote my first book "Secrets of the Millionaire Stylists" Your Ultimate Guide to Building a Thriving Clientele and recently launched www.BeautySuperStars.com , dedicated to helping stylists get more clients and make more money and we have a monthly club that offers Coaching Calls and Interview Calls and our last call was on "What makes you so special?" Positioning yourself and branding yourself so that you stand out from the crowd! We shared a lot of great info and then the call shifted to talking about websites and branding yourself online and it turned into quite a class on technology and how to use it to market yourself and your business. It’s recorded, if you want to listen - just call 641-715-3470, passcode 267132. Anyway, most of us on the call need the reeaalllly EASY version of how to use all this technology, so Keston is going to come back on April 14th and do an entire call that’s just for hairstylists using technology to market and grow their businesses - it should be great! Guess I better get back to writing the second book I’m working on.