Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Power of the 'Bling'
What my Grandmother called "play-pretty's" - shiny, sparkly, dangly jewelry is universally exciting to women across the country and around the world. And guess what!?! While the average mark-up on hair care products is 100%, meaning if you buy a shampoo for $6.00 the retail price you would sell it for would be $12.00. You would make an additional $6.00 in gross profit, before deducting any other expenses such as commissions paid to others, shrinkage (covering one's that disappear:), shipping, discounts or any other costs associated with selling it. Not bad!
When you compare that with the mark-up on jewelry (and make-up and other high profit items) it's a no-brainer. The mark-up on jewelry may be 300% and up! Example: You buy a necklace at a wholesale price of $10.00, the retail price may be $30, $40 or more. Of course with this kind of mark-up, you have a little more flexibility to put them on sale, if they don't move quickly enough.
But if your clients are anything like ours at Fabulous Finishes, we could barely get in the door before just about everything we bought was SOLD OUT! Clients would place orders in advance, some would want to be notified in advance when things would arrive, so that they could get first pick! It's something that you don't have to 'sell', so if you're a little uneasy with your 'sales skills' this may be the perfect way to get started 'taking some of that money off the table' and starting to put it into your pocket!
There's a well documented trend, that when times 'get tough', people tend to focus on 'small luxuries' - those things that make them feel special, indulged, 'tickled', even! So, why not bring in a little 'bling' help your clients feel better!
Next time we’ll take a look at the many faces of the 'FEAR Monster' and how it keeps us from selling!
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
"When Beauty is your Business...
"Join me on my www.Facebook.com/MikiWright profile and fan page and if you www.Twitter.com/MikiWright, follow me, so I can follow you!
Friday, April 10, 2009
The "Tickle" Factor
Big businesses know this and work it to the max. How can we make our salons ‘tickle’ our customers? One thing is realizing that the entire Salon experience is really a ‘sensual’ one – meaning it engages all (or a lot) of our clients senses. The ‘touch’ of a relaxing shampoo, the relaxing (or funky) décor they ‘see’ and the music they ‘hear’ when they come in, the ‘scent’ of the salon, whether it’s the fragrance of a candle or a smelly perm! Even getting to share and have fun with you adds (or subtracts) from their experience!
Another is to stock things that make them want to 'pick them up' or 'try them on'. In addition to hair care products and accessories, what about
- candles
- lotions, body butters or oils
- foot scrubs or bath gels
Your clients may even enjoy special teas, chocolates and other ‘quick’ gift ideas, even breath mints! And, what about a little ‘bling’? Handbags, make-up, and I just heard ‘Romance Novels’ are selling off the shelf! Why not have a few for your clients to read under the dryer and have them available to buy, so they can finish the end of the story??? The list is endless and only limited by the things that your clients buy anyway! Ask them where they shop. Do they like candles and other fragrant items? Spend a little time to find out who they are and what they like. Bring in 'the Tickle Factor' and watch your business go ‘ka-ching’!
Next time we’ll explore 'The Power of the ‘Bling’ and other HIGH Profit items'!
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
"When Beauty is your Business...
"Join me on my www.Facebook.com/MikiWright profile and fan page and if you www.Twitter.com/MikiWright, follow me, so I can follow you!
P.S. Be sure to join us as TORAIN shares ALL about "Buying Commercial Hair" on Monday, April 13th at 7:30pm EST Visit http://www.beautysuperstars.com/ "Where's Miki Wright" to sign up! It's only $39 (and you'll get a FREE MP3 download of the call!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
It’s about more than Shampoo…
Last night we had a great Club SuperStar Monthly Mentoring Call on “Are you leaving MONEY on the table?” We discussed how retailing products in your salon or styling business can increase your income without necessarily increasing the amount of ‘work’ you do or how many clients you service. Retailing can be a very ‘loaded’ topic, so before we could dive right into how it could be a big plus that stylists and salons are missing out on, we had to clear a few things out of the way ! Namely, the reasons WHY we don’t do it or don’t feel like it can work for us. And last night we did just that. Over the next few blogs I’ll share some of what we covered. If this is an area that you and/or your team struggle with (or just want to improve), I suggest you consider listening to the entire ‘class’. It’s available on an MP3 Download for only $19.95, email me at miki@BeautySuperStars.com
One of the first things that we tackled was the question that’s in the back of just about everyone’s mind, “Will anyone buy?”, “In this economy, nobody’s spending, so this probably isn’t a good time to start”. We quickly dispelled that myth with a few questions that you can ask yourself, your friends, coworkers and clients.
- How would you rate the economy in your area? On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best “boom” time ever and 1 being the worst ever. Our Club SuperStar ‘veterans’ are so focused on their own business growth that they couldn’t say, but we landed at an average of a ‘3’.
- Have you been out to dinner in the last week or month? Everyone on the call had been out, some a couple of times and some had to wait to be seated – so they weren’t the only one’s eating out!
- Have you gone shopping to buy something in particular? Everyone on the call had, whether it was Grocery store, the Mall or a single store.
- Did you buy anything that wasn’t on your list or something you didn’t set out to buy? EVERYONE said yes! Stores are set up for you to see (and buy) ‘extra’ - and despite the news reports, people still are! The question is, are they buying from you?
So according to our informal poll, it’s an ideal time for retailing (as it always is)! And a great way to boost your income as some clients may stretch out their visits. Stay tuned for the next installment when we’ll explore The “Tickle” Factor, what does your client WANT (not need!) and what will she do to get it?
Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
"When Beauty is your Business..."
Join me on my www.Facebook.com/MikiWright profile and fan page
and if you www.Twitter.com/MikiWright, follow me, so I can follow you!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
One down, Three to go...
How did you make out? Does it feel like an April Fool’s joke? Are you on track to reach your yearly goals? (There are only 3 quarters left in this year). Do you even know yet? Have you taken the time to go through your receipts? Do you have a daily or weekly tracking system to see how much your income was and what your expenses were? (If you already have the “Get More Clients, Make More Money, FAST! book or e-book, there’s a Tracking Form included in the back! If you don’t have the book, check it out at http://beautysuperstars.com/everystylist.aspx) Keeping track of my numbers is not one of my favorite things, but it can be very enlightening to actually know where you are. To see which services are most profitable; to see who are your ‘best clients, etc..
Sometimes life can just be one big blur, but we do need to take a little time to assess where we are and if our ladder is even leaning against the ‘right’ tree as we rush furiously up it, as fast as we can. I encourage you to take a little time to look at your business and make sure it’s taking you where you want to go.
If you’re not already, create a simple system to track your clients, how much they spend and on what. An ‘Envelope’ system is easy and inexpensive (and works whether you’re computerized or not). Create receipts for each client and keep an envelope to put them in, so even if you don’t record it daily, you’ll know where they all are at the end of the week. Label a separate envelope to keep up with what you spend in beauty supplies, equipment, assistants and any other business expense. (While you’re at it go ahead a label one for all 12 months.) It will make your (and your accountant’s) life much easier and allow you to see your business with greater accuracy. Let’s get this 2nd Quarter off to a great (and profitable and life enriching) start!
Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LkJlYXV0eVN1cGVyU3RhcnMuY29t
"When Beauty is your Business..."
Are you on Facebook or Twitter?
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LkZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS9NaWtpV3JpZ2h0 is my profile and I also have a 'fan page' - Miki Wright - Salon Business Coach, "Where Beauty's 'SuperStars' Connect!"
Follow me at http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LlR3aXR0ZXIuY29tL01pa2lXcmlnaHQ=, so I can follow you!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
To be a Star...
I’ll share it with you, just in case you need a lift! (Feel free to revisit it whenever you need to)
It says:
“To be a Star, you must shine your own light,
follow your own path,
and don’t worry about the darkness
for that is when Stars shine brightest!”
I don't know who the author is, but it is the truth.
Have an incredible day and keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach
www.BeautySuperStars.com
"When Beauty is your Business..."
Sunday, March 29, 2009
The Vogue with the Michelle Obama cover rocks!
1) Bangs - They create a strong look and there is
2) Geometric shapes
3) Solid color - Highlights are 'dead'. There is dimension in the solid colors that we're seeing, but I think the economy has many clients rethinking the expense of traditional highlights and the designers are following suit.
4) Romantic styles - the hair, just like the fashions, is much more feminine. It's soft, pretty touchable and a little more 'styled' than in seasons past. Understanding curl placement is back in style!
5) Strong sophisticated updo's
Friday, March 27, 2009
“Network Your Way Out of the Recession”, says James Mack
1) How to find out about events? Ask your existing clients, by reading the newspaper (in the events section), or online – most TV station websites have a “What’s going on in town” section. Churches often have a variety of events, too.
2) Schedule in advance to attend or keep a few meetings that you know about, so if you get a last minute cancellation or don’t have someone scheduled you can pick up and go. (When I can make it, I go to Jim Roman and Associates, Business Leaders Lunch www.TeamRoman.com on Wednesday’s at 11:30 here in Richmond, VA)
3) Dress like a professional – like the people you’ll be meeting and want to attract! Look like you would be able to enhance their image!
4) Compliment them and let them know that you understand how important their image is for their business
5) Bring plenty of business cards or VIP discount cards
6) One of the things that’s most important to ‘professionals’ is – you guessed it – ‘Their TIME’! Get your act together (if it’s not already) so you can honestly say “I will get you in and out”. That will get their attention!
Try these suggestions and watch your chair fill up. Keep in mind that ‘Networking’ is about building a relationship – you getting to know them, them getting to know you (and in that order) and you may not walk away from one event with a boatload of clients (but, then again, you might :)), so keep going back – keep planting your seeds!
James Mack will give classes at the Natural Hair Show in Baltimore, MD; Bronner Bros. in Baltimore, MD; IHS Show in Secaucus, NJ and the Premiere in Orlando, FL. For infomation on getting a copy of the whole interview, please email me at miki@BeautySuperStars.com
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright, Salon Business Coach
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
"When Beauty is your Business..."
I just signed up for www.Twitter.com/MikiWright and I'd love for you to Follow Me so I can Follow you!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Get More Clients, FAST!

"Get More Clients, FAST!" - Vegas Stylist shares her success!
Beleive it or not, Las Vegas Stylist, Rachel J ordered a simple $20 e-book and got 7 NEW Clients in 1 week AND 6 NEW Clients the next! (Actually it was 11 clients the next week and 26 New Clients total, in just 3 weeks!!!) Join us as she shares her '$ecrets' and how you can experience the same thing!
The e-book is available at http://www.moresalonclients.com/ OR order your own copy of a FREE Special Report "5 Reasons why MOST Stylists are NOT 'Booked Solid' at http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
P.S. Just imagine what 26 New Clients could do for you!!!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Amazing!

AMAZING! That's the word that seems to sum up the first "$ecrets of the Millionaire Stylist!" 2-day Symposium in Richmond, VA. Stylists, Barbers and Students came from all over - Houston, Boston, Chicago, North Carolina, the Washington, DC metro area, as well as the Central VA/Richmond community, and more. And boy did they come to learn! We thank each and every one of them for helping to make the Symposium an AMAZING Success!
Of course it wouldn't have been possible without our awesome educators - they really 'brought it'! We had a mix of experienced, national educators, including, Tomeka James and James Mack and myself, as well as somewhat lesser known, yet talented artists, Leah Watson and Shante Omotosho, to the newest talents to take to the stage, Kim Connell, and two Richmond natives, Carolyn Smith and Priscilla Jones. These talents are AMAZING at what they do, as well as their ability to share 'how to do', what they do. All received RAVE reviews!
So many of the people who attended, commented that, in addition to learning more that they expected, that it was a very moving and spiritual experience. We as stylist sow so much into everyone else - our clients, our families, our team members and many others that may be in need in some way, that I'm proud that our Symposium was able to touch so many people in such a wonderful way!
And kudos to all of the students, the future of our industry, who came in very excited and ready to learn and left with their heads spinning and their minds open to the enormous opportunities in this amazing industry.
Lastly, many thanks to Shante' Omotosho, our day of show Coordinator, all of the many assistants and people who supported us before, during and after the show. We got lots of comments on how organized and on time the event was. This would have not been possible without their help!
I am pleased to announce that thanks to the outpouring of the Beauty Pros and Students who attended, we will be back next year with Symposium 2010 on Sunday and Monday, February 7th and 8th! There will only be 225 seats available, so be sure to reserve your seat early at http://www.beautysymposium.com/
We are accepting applications for both Sponsors and Vendors who want to be in front of some of the most progressive stylists in the country, for the 2010 Symposium, contact Nancy at 804-378-0144.
Blessings,
Miki Wright,
Salon Business Coach
http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
"When Beauty is your Business..."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
People don't care how much you know...
It's the same way when we're servicing our clients. Of course, we want to be as competent and confident as we can be, but the only reason for our existence as a Beauty Professional is to serve our clients. The only way to do that is to 'listen' to our clients! To find out who they are, how much time they want to spend caring for their hair, how often they want to come into the salon and of course, if they have any challenges with their hair.
The thing that I've noticed, is that every time we say "I know", we stop 'listening'. As much as we "know", it's not about us - it's about the person who's writing the check! You can be 'right' or you can be rich. So, I encourage you to remain 'coachable', stay open to learning more and focus on being fully present for your clients, in order to better listen to what they are saying, and not saying! It might just have you busy, when others aren't.
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright
www.BeautySuperStars.com
"When Beauty is your Business..."
P.S. The "$ecrets of the Millionaire Stylist!" 2-Day Symposium in Richmond, VA is coming soon - Feb. 1st and 2nd. Register today at http://millionairestylistsymposium.eventbrite.com/
P.S.S. "Bring a Friend" and SAVE $115! 1 Ticket, $197, 2 Tickets, ONLY $279!!! Register by next Monday (with your friend), January 19th and you both save! http://millionairestylistsymposium.eventbrite.com/
Monday, January 5, 2009
Check out my 'Bright Idea'!
If you need more clients, NOW! Join us for the "Get More Clients, FAST!" Tele-Class on Tuesday, January 13th at 7:30pm EST! Register at http://getmoreclients.eventbrite.com/ Also, check out our new "Get More Clients, FAST! Deluxe Success Package" and become the busiest Hair Stylist in your town! Take advantage of our 'Introductory Special' at http://beautysuperstars.com/thesuperstarstore.aspx
Also, I hope to see you at the $ecrets of the Millionaire Stylist! 2-Day Symposium in Richmond, VA on February 1st and 2nd - it's getting here really fast! If you haven't registered yet, now is the time! Sign up before January 10th and we'll give you a FREE ticket to the "Evening with the 'Stars!" Dinner and Masterclasses! ($45 value) Visit http://www.beautysuperstars.com/ Listen in as our Symposium educators give you a 'sneak peak' at their classes www.blogtalkradio.com/mikiwright We're on every Tuesday at 2pm!
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright
BeautySuperStars.com
"When Beauty is your Business..."