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.

1. 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’.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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..."

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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..."

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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!"

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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..."

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

“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..."

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Get More Clients, FAST!

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!!!