Working it from the Stage with James Mack
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Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Power of the 'Bling'
We recently explored many different ways to increase our salon income by increasing the things that we retail on our "Why are You Leaving Money on the Table?" Club SuperStar Monthly Mentoring Call. Most of the call was focused on things outside of traditional 'hair care' items. Shampoos, conditioners and styling products are what you usually think of when you hear about 'retailing'. While there's nothing wrong with retailing those items, as we discussed, especially within the Black community, we don't shampoo or take care of our hair at home as much as other nationalities (it gives us a higher client visit ratio). But we do LOVE to buy lots of things!
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!
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
On our “Club SuperStar” Monthly Mentoring Call, “Are You Leaving Money on the Table and Why?” conference call this week EVERYONE admitted to buying something ‘extra’, that they hadn’t planned to buy. And as we explored the ‘why’ of it further, one of our Club Members said she bought it because it ‘tickled’ her! And, believe it or not, that’s really why we buy just about anything and everything we buy. All of us! Whether you think we buy based on logic, we really buy based on emotion! Big things like houses and cars – think ‘Aw, there’s a swing in the backyard for the kids’ or that ‘new car smell’. All the way down to the candy bar you ‘happen to’ pick up as you check out at the grocery store!
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
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...
The time seems to fly by so quickly (they say it goes even faster as you get older – but I wouldn’t know – LOL). At any rate, the First Quarter of this year is done and over with!
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!
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...
Recently, I was going through my house ‘decluttering’ and came across a stack of postcards that I’ve saved through the years because of the sayings on them. One of them was just perfect since I have since started www.BeautySuperStars.com!
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..."
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!
I would've bought this issue because of the cover alone, to have our First Lady's first Vogue cover as a keepsake, but I wondered if it was a good issue. And boy is it! It's off the chain, the fashions, the hair, even the ads - from cover to cover it's an awesome issue. As you know the fashions change twice a year - and, of course, so does the hair! In a few weeks I'll be teaching my 'Fabulous Finishes' class at the Richmond Training Camp with Educator and Colorist, Chuck Caple. So in preparation for the class, I'm gathering the latest 'trends'. As far as the fashions, they are much more feminine and figure flattering. Not too tight and not so 'boxy'. Of course the hair has to complement the fashion. As I see it, there are 5 major hair trends. How many are you using and sharing with your clients?
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
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
Monday night we had the privilege of interviewing Award Winning (an amazing 42 times) Barber/Stylist and ‘Legend’ James Mack. If the clients aren’t in your salon, sometimes you have to go out ‘where the fish are biting’! One of the things he shared was taking time – down time (when you don’t have any clients scheduled) and attending ‘Networking Events’. Many of his clients (and the clients he wants) are ‘professionals’ – doctors, lawyers, business owners, managers and even radio personalities. So instead of sitting around complaining he seeks out opportunities to go where they ‘hang out’. Some of his tips are:
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!
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!
Haircutter, Leah Watson, shows the details of thehands-on haircut
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 been said that, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!" "It's also been said, that "the customer's always right". I recently had an experience with someone who was providing me service, who as I asked for what I wanted, kept telling me "I know, I know". "I know how to do my job." "I know how this is supposed to work (according to the book)", without really listening to my needs or wants.
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 $279!!! Register by next Monday (with your friend), January 19th and you both save! http://millionairestylistsymposium.eventbrite.com/
It's the same way when we're servicing our clients. Of course, we want to be as competent and confident as we can be, but the only reason for our existence as a Beauty Professional is to serve our clients. The only way to do that is to 'listen' to our clients! To find out who they are, how much time they want to spend caring for their hair, how often they want to come into the salon and of course, if they have any challenges with their hair.
The thing that I've noticed, is that every time we say "I know", we stop 'listening'. As much as we "know", it's not about us - it's about the person who's writing the check! You can be 'right' or you can be rich. So, I encourage you to remain 'coachable', stay open to learning more and focus on being fully present for your clients, in order to better listen to what they are saying, and not saying! It might just have you busy, when others aren't.
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright
www.BeautySuperStars.com
"When Beauty is your Business..."
P.S. The "$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'!
Every once in a while, I have a 'Bright Idea'! It just so happens that American Salon magazine decided to feature one of them! You can read for yourself at http://www.americansalonmag.com/americansalon/Better+Business/Bright-Idea/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/569569?ref=25 Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
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..."
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! ($45 value) Visit http://www.beautysuperstars.com/ Listen in as our Symposium educators give you a 'sneak peak' at their classes www.blogtalkradio.com/mikiwright We're on every Tuesday at 2pm!
Keep reaching for the 'Stars,
Miki Wright
BeautySuperStars.com
"When Beauty is your Business..."
Friday, October 31, 2008
WOW! What a weekend!
Life has been non-stop - haven't even had time to blog! So I'll try to catch up with the events of the last 2 weekends. Two week ago I had the priviledge of participating with the Bennett Career Institute's 2nd Annual Beauty Business Conference. It was awesome! All kinds of great info. was shared - I took lots of notes. If you're anywhere near the Washington, DC area, don't miss next year's event! There was information from the Small Business Administration, Insurance experts on how to protect yourself and your business, even a session on 'Stress Relief' by Reflexologist Njedeka Olatunde - we definitely need that, don't we! She suggested if you have trouble sleeping to put on some instrumental music and just pick out 1 instrument to listen to! What a great tip!
Of course, the founder of that awesome 'Institute', Mr. Bennett, shared many wonderful tips from his arsenal of experience in this business - as school owner, hair designer and beauty business entreprenuer. My pen was flying across the page as he spoke! Then I had the opportunity to present my classes '$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!"
Thursday, October 9, 2008
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/
"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/
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, October 3, 2008
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"
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"
Monday, September 29, 2008
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/
For more info on the “Get More Clients…” book, go to http://www.beautysuperstars.com/
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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/
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/
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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/
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