Articles by Bert Carder on ArticleSnatch.com

Word-of-Mouth Marketing in the Beauty Industry

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:21:13 -0500

A recommendation from someone familiar is the easiest path to effective self-promotion; there is no marketing method greater than personal word-of-mouth. In all circumstances, people are more likely to respond to a word-of-mouth recommendation from someone they know and trust. Additionally, word-of-mouth marketing spreads from one person to another outside of a formalized setting, therefore avoiding the feel of a generic promotional ploy which can often rub clients the wrong way. If you are looking to expand your clientele, word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful ways to do so; your clients are your best advertisements, and should be treated accordingly. Make sure that each visit leaves your client with a great experience that they want to tell their friends about. In order to lead your clients in the direction of successful word-of-mouth marketing, strike up a conversation! Asking questions like "are you happy with the services you receive here?" or "do you know anyone in need of your services?" will let your clients know that you can't wait to take care of the friends and family. The key in a rewarding word-of-mouth campaign is for you to live up to your clients recommendations. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> marketing]]> achieve success]]> customer service]]> increase clientele]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Reporting Tips in the Beauty Industry

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:35:27 -0500

Beauty industry professionals encounter a completely atypical challenge when it comes to their tax records. Since a significant portion of beauty business transactions involve cash, many professionals fail to properly report their entire income, whether intentionally or not. Consequently, the IRS has created a special program specifically aimed at the beauty industry. The best way to avoid unnecessary stress from a government audit is to be prepared. There are a number of different avenues you can venture down in order to properly organize your finances. On a basic level, you should review IRS Pub 531, IRS Pub 3148, and IRS Pub 1244 via the official website of the Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov. These documents can give you a clear understanding of what and how the law requires you to report your income. Keeping detailed records of your finances is an absolute necessity. In the event of an audit, the IRS will need you to provide a thorough account of all tips, commission, rent, or anything else that could possibly add to your income. The more documentation you can provide the better. Knowing your responsibilities can ease the complexity of essential beauty taxonomy. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> booth rental]]> tax write-off]]> preparing taxes]]> tip reporting]]> service industry]]> beauty]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Easy Rebooking Strategies for Salon and Spa Professionals

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:23:17 -0500

Every salon and spa wants high rebooking rates, but many don't know where to begin. Rebooking is the easiest way to increase your profits with the clientele you already service. While many beauty professionals feel uncomfortable encouraging their patrons to reschedule, studies show that clients who rebook their appointments make up to 50% more visits per year than those that book from home. There are three simple strategies that industry insiders can put into practice in order to increase their rebooking rates: 1. Consultation. Client rebooking starts in the chair. As a beauty professional, it is your job to use your expertise to determine how long your product can keep fresh. Ask your client questions about their style, such as "how long did it last" or "when did it stop looking its best"? Your clients will respond to a more personalized approach, rather than the basic "see you in 6 weeks" tactic. 2. Highlight. The more often you reinforce the idea of rebooking to your client, the more likely they are to actually rebook. Take time throughout their appointment to emphasize the advantages to rebooking. Even clients with hectic schedules can benefit from setting something up in advance. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> rebooking clients]]> rebooking]]> beauty industry]]> client retention]]> customer service]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Manage Your Manager in the Beauty Industry

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 01:20:20 -0500

Managing managers can be a complex practice. Despite popular belief, managers need a coach; they cannot and will not take care of your business without proper instruction. It is important to examine how you can support your manager while he or she is supporting you. To get the most out of your manager, you must first create a clear outline of responsibilities. Your manager must know exactly what you expect from them in order to assuage your needs. Management is an acquired skill; by defining your expectations, your manager can help grow your business, manage your profitability, and purportedly, enhance your bottom line. In addition to cataloging what you expect from your manager, it is also necessary to develop them from being task-oriented to result-driven. In any leadership role, what matters most is the end result. Give your manager incentives to keep them on track. While different things motive different people, find out what will motivate your manager and build from that. Always reward your manager's performance on a consistent and consequential basis. Teaching your manager to coach your staff is an ongoing process. Be patient, and take it one step at a time. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> management]]> beauty industry]]> salon training]]> salon manager]]> spa training]]> spa manager]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Three Simple Steps for Expanding Your Clientele

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:20:51 -0500

Have your clients increased the timeframe in between their visits? Are they alternating services when they used to frequently splurge? If the average client visits 7 times a year and now they are visiting 4 to 5 times, your sales totals will go down considerably if nothing is done about it. What are you willing to do to get new clients, and do you have a system to maintain those clients once you get them? In general, consumers cut back when the economy is slow, and one of the ways to keep your sales growth is to get more clients. Promoting your business with incentives and specials is the basic means to driving more clients through the door and retaining them. Experienced and successful salon and spa owners know that effectively promoting your beauty business will increase traffic flowing, revenue, and your bottom line. Most salon and spa owners don't know where to start with the commencement of promotion. There are many strategies and methods to offer to your clients without appearing despondent; three forthright tips for obtaining and cultivating a clientele are: * Coordinate Holiday Specials. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> get more clients]]> beauty industry]]> customer service]]> holiday season]]> expanding clientele]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Empower Your Pocketbook

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:13:20 -0500

Do you find yourself wondering where all your hard earned cash went at the end of the week? Especially in an unfavorable economy, it is necessary to cut down on spending to save both personally and professionally. Though it takes a bit of time and some discipline to get started, the benefits of creating great savings habits will affect you positively for years to come! Here are some simple ways to save on your expenses: 1. Ask yourself, "Do I need it". Need and want are two very different concepts! One trick is to look at the items you have gathered and ask yourself before you get in the checkout line "Do I need it?" You can determine if it is a need by asking yourself if what you are about to invest in saves you, or actually generates you more time or money. If it does either of these you may need it, especially if it is business related; your time is money and money is your time. Over many years, it can add up to a lot of revenue! **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> achieve success]]> save money]]> economy]]> make money]]> spend less]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Cause Marketing in the Beauty Industry

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:10:14 -0500

Wouldn't it be nice to leverage your business to help your community, nation, or world in a way that you hadn't expected? Why not try cause marketing! Cause related marketing is defined as "The public association of a for-profit company with a non-profit organization to promote a company's product or service and raise money for the non-profit." Stop for a second and think about cause marketing and how far it has grown in the last few years. With the advent of the internet as a media outlet, marketing with a cause in mind can be a complete win/win situation for all of those involved. It is simple and easy through eMarketing and using your website to promote your relationships with your cause or causes. A recent study shows 79% of people are willing to switch from a product they are currently using as long as the quality and amount of the product is similar when the business associates itself with a cause! This percentage was originally was 66% in 1993. This is a trend that is on the upswing and can mean great things for you and your favorite organizations. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> cause marketing]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Give Yourself a Raise

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:52:08 -0500

How would you like to make an additional $20,000 a year with your existing clientele? By completing add-on services for your clients, you can increase your profits by such sky-rocketing figures! A quick demi(or semi)-permanent color is your ticket to a big-time bonus. In as little as 20 minutes, you can complete this color service with little supplementary effort. Imagine you could sell a quick color service for $20.00. If you can inspire just 5 clients out of your day to take advantage of this pick-me-up, you'll be bringing their drab color back to life. Take this opportunity to be creative with your clients. If you can sell fast color for just $20, here is what you can achieve: $20.00 a day X 5 clients / add on service = $80.00 a day 80.00 a day X 5 working days = $400.00 a week $400.00 a week X 4 weeks a month = $1,600 a month $1,600 a month X 12 months a year = $19,200.00 a year Achieving such results is simple; just learn how to communicate with your client. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> increase profits]]> business]]> achieve success]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Increasing Staff Productivity in the Beauty Industry

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:34:17 -0500

The best way develop your business is to work smarter, not harder. However, applying this principle is incessantly easier said than done. Expecting the most out of your staff isn't enough-they need to expect the most out of themselves. By implementing strategic systems and structures in your business, you can afford them the opportunity to truly excel. If you want to increase productivity in your business, you need your staff to want the same. Take the time to talk to your staff and find out their commitment to your business. The first step is to find out what they think about your business. Ask about their likes and dislikes, and anything they'd improve on. Listening to your employees is essential for any owner; it will give you a candid critique of what is working and what is not working in the business. Once you are able to look at your business from an employee's aspect, you can distinguish matters with full detachment. After finding out your employee's assessment of you and your business, you can move the dialogue to a more personal exchange. Ask your employee's what they can improve on; **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> productivity]]> beauty industry]]> grow your business]]> develop your business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Expanding Your Clientele to Sustain Profitability in a Challenging Economy

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:27:02 -0500

Remember the days when a stylist could succeed on walk-in business alone? Times are tough, and beauty professionals are constantly in competition to gain and retain their clientele. If your business isn't thriving the way that it used to, it might be time to reevaluate and recreate your business strategy. If your existing client-base is extending the time in between their appointments, then growing your clientele is the only way to sustain profitability. While direct mail and print advertisements were once industry-standard staging schemes, creating a digital presence has become the most cost-effective way to market yourself and your business. The more you put into promoting yourself, the more your clients will identify you as an industry leader. The first step in digital marketing is to update your client database. You must have a comprehensive directory of your entire clientele which includes: * Name * Address * Telephone number(s) * Email address Some salon and spa specialists like to include additional client information (ie. birthday, anniversary, etc.); these four figures are the bare minimum that you should amass. Make sure to keep your catalog current and confirm client information on a regular basis. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> business]]> expanding your clientele]]> profitability]]> achieve success]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Tax Strategies for Booth Renters

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:23:34 -0500

When beginning your career as a booth renter, the total undertaking can seem overwhelming. No longer do you have a support staff guiding you along the way; instead, you're in charge! From products and supplies to lists and schedules, becoming your own boss can produce an endless amount of responsibilities that you will instantly become liable for. Although being your own boss is a great deal of work, many compensations result from it. Perhaps the most advantageous aspects of being a booth renter are the ability to write off your business expenses. The majority of things that you purchase for your business can be used as a tax write off. For a more comprehensive outline, it may be in your best interest to hire an accountant. However, below is a basic guideline for what you can write off as an independent booth renter. 1. Supplies: Most booth renters spend an enormous amount of their budget on supplies. This includes everything from professional provisions like shampoo and conditioner to office materials like paper and pens. You can write off every dollar spent on items directly used for your business. 2. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> booth renter]]> booth rental]]> taxes]]> beauty industry]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Starting 2010 Off Right for Beauty Professionals

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:23:33 -0500

The conclusion of yet another year brings a sigh of relief to beauty professionals throughout. 2009 has been rough, to say the very least. Clients have left, sales have slumped, revenue has dropped-and all the while, the resilient few have continued to trudge along. The New Year begets a new plan for industry personnel. January serves as the most crucial planning period for your business. Do not lose the momentum from November and December; instead, grow from it. This is the time to sit down and create your plan for 2010-what are the next 12 months going to look like for you? The first step to getting back in the black is to analyze your numbers from 2009. Did you see any increases in service or retail sales? Find out what worked, what didn't, and why. Exhaustively assess your earlier business model to identify key facts and figures. Once you have an absolute understanding of how your business performed in 2009, you can begin mapping out your aspirations for 2010. What sales and retail goals will you aim to achieve? Would you like to increase your client count? **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> business plan]]> marketing]]> profitability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Building Your Business By Building Your Look Book

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:32:20 -0500

No longer can reputation and know-how sell you in the salon and spa industry-we are living in a visual world. Even if your prior work experience and references outshine the rest, there is one thing that will exceedingly elevate your business: a look book. The foundation of a look book is to create photographic representation of your ability to turn the regular into the remarkable. Aside from proving beneficial from an interview standpoint, look book's are crucial to building up your repertoire. They offer current clients and prospective patrons instant access to you and your body of work. To begin the formation of your personal portfolio, retrieve print and digital versions of your noteworthy work. Keep in mind to choose a diverse selection of images to illustrate the versatility you have to offer. If you have yet to seize your past efforts on film, don't fret. Look book's are not limited to snapshots from professional photo shoots; in fact, most salon and spa specialists fill their pages with images from behind the chair. Think of the last time you've showcased your inimitable ability-wouldn't it be smart to capture that creation for future reference? **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty professional]]> career opportunity]]> hair stylist portfolio]]> create a look book]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Creating a Resume for Beauty Industry Professionals

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:32:05 -0500

Creating a resume for an industry professional is a unique undertaking and should be approached accordingly. In a competitive market, it is imperative to set yourself above the rest, and a well-written resume can do just that. A generalized resume does not include specifics that are essential for any beauty professional. It is important to properly include all relevant experience and education. You can easily write a professional resume for employment in the beauty industry by following a few simple guidelines. Create a clear, objective statement to provide details about what you can bring to a potential employer. Include your goals, describe your skills (professional and personal), and let the employer know exactly how you will benefit their business. It is crucial to keep your objective comprehensive but concise. Education history is incredibly important for beauty industry professionals. Be sure to include all cosmetology schooling and refresher courses, along with accurate dates. Additionally, incorporate any certifications and continuing education units, as these will showcase your commitment and enthusiasm for your trade. List your work history chronologically, starting with your most recent job. **End Summary** Topics: achieve success]]> salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> business]]> career opportunity]]> resume]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Using Your Retail Regimen to Raise Your Client Retention

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:40:10 -0500

Successful retailing is an often neglected area that can not only give you a great source of revenue, but can also keep your clients coming back! Recent trade publications have revealed that retailing has little to do with selling and everything to do with retention. The results of the study show some staggering figures-if a client purchases 1 product, there is a 30% chance the client will come back to the business; if a client purchases 2 products, there is a 60% chance the client will come back to the business; and if a client purchases 3 products, there is a 90% chance the client will come back to the business. Upping your retail game can garner great results for your business. If you are engrossed on how to increase your client retention, follow these simple guidelines to ensure success: * Educate, educate, educate! Always recommend the best solution for your client's hair, skin, nails, or body. It is up to them-not you-to decide whether or not they purchase it. * Use a simple system to create breakthrough results in your retail scheme. **End Summary** Topics: client retention]]> customer service]]> beauty industry]]> salon]]> spa]]> increase revenue]]> increase profits]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Enhance Each and Every Person's Beauty You Touch

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:39:44 -0500

Congratulations are in order, in case you didn't notice! Did you know you just survived one of the toughest economic years ever on record? There may be losses, but you are still here making a stand that men and women are not only taking time for themselves and celebrating who they are, but you are enhancing each and every person's beauty you touch! Not too bad, huh? As a salon professional, do you ever wonder about the effect you and the services you perform have on your clients' lives? This is a huge area of the beauty industry that often is left forgotten in the business world. We get caught up in the ways we address artistry, new products, sales techniques and technology; then we forget to celebrate the great aspects of this industry and the larger effect it has on those we serve. We should be celebrating every time a client raises his or her head a little higher, smiles a little more boldly, or we see an extra bounce in their step on the way out of the salon or spa. **End Summary** Topics: beauty industry]]> business]]> salon]]> spa]]> success stories]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Establish Yourself as a Beauty Industry Expert

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:18:37 -0500

Most clients want to do business with people they perceive as experts; it's in our nature as human beings. The words of a credible third party count a lot and give us a sense of comfort that we're making the right decision. By understanding customers think this way, it goes without saying you've got to position yourself as an expert in your marketplace--moreover, a big fish in a small pond. Exactly how do you position yourself and your business as the expert in your local market? First, recognize you know more about the salon or spa business and all that it entails than your clients do. Next, take that knowledge you have and expand it to the highest level possible. How do you do that? Research. In other words, do your homework because you will want to backup what you say. Having this deep knowledge will give you a higher level of confidence and confidence, even more than the message itself, is what attracts people to you. Next, turn your information into communications that'll reach your local market. By doing this, you're informing your local market of something that's valuable to them-information that'll benefit them in some way. **End Summary** Topics: achieve success]]> beauty industry]]> business]]> customer service]]> management]]> salon]]> spa]]> promotion]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

The Business Branch of Booth Rental

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:10:17 -0500

Most people envision the freedom and flexibility of booth renting while forgetting the responsibilities of being a business owner. Remember that booth renters are business owners, though many are unprofitable due to lack of business knowledge and management systems. Not all is lost; there are many positive aspects of booth renting and success as a booth-renter is highly possible when you are business savvy enough to know where to find support when needed. Similar to renting an apartment, as a booth renter, building owners are only responsible for making certain that the environment is in working order in accordance with state law. Conversely, business owners are not responsible for building renters' clientele. Booth renters are business owners who have much responsibility including acquiring and renewing business licenses; operating under sufficient liability insurance; obtaining a legal written rental agreement from the landlord; and marketing for long-term success. Booth renting works for those who can handle the responsibilities and day-to-day operations of being self-employed. As a booth renter, it is important to remember that your chair is your business, and the owner of the salon where you work is only responsible for keeping the environment in proper working order. **End Summary** Topics: beauty industry]]> booth rental]]> salon]]> spa]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Building a Dream Team in Your Salon or Spa

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:05:18 -0500

Are you getting the results that you want and need from your team? If your employees are falling short of your expectations, it's time to regroup, refocus, and redeploy! The best way to get everyone on track is by means of employee meetings. Meetings and conferences are considered to be useful routines for industry professionals, but they are more-often-than-not held with a focus on the owner's wants and needs-not necessarily the employee's. As an owner, your efforts will prove fruitless if you do not take note of what stimulates and motivates your employees. It is impossible to achieve the results that you desire if your team is not wholly vested in the outcome. The best way to get your resistant team on the right track is to stop viewing them as just that. Instead, regard them as who you want to view them as-powerful, courageous, committed, etc. This action is vital in getting your employees on board. Next, determine what provokes them to produce results. Find out what really motivates them. Ask your team what specifically will inspire them to yield the results that you are looking for. **End Summary** Topics: achieve success]]> beauty industry]]> business]]> exceed expectations]]> management]]> salon]]> spa]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Letting Go of Employees and Moving On

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:07:24 -0500

Nobody wants to talk about it, but everyone has to deal with it at one point in their business--letting someone go. As a business owner, you will undoubtedly experience this uncomfortable situation many times throughout your tenure. We live in a lawsuit happy society, so it is important to evaluate these decisions from all aspects before jumping the gun. You must learn how to protect yourself, your business, your clients, and your other staff members. Turnover costs the beauty industry a lot of money! Aside from the loss of income, keep in mind that money is spent on each employee for training, marketing, benefits, and more. Additionally, dealing with the aftermath can sometimes become costly in itself. Being naive in business can hurt you in terms of misinterpreting the proper termination protocol. You should get yourself and your business ready when it is time to let someone go. Termination laws vary from state to state, but tend to have similarities throughout. Never fire someone in the heat of the moment! You want to be in control and be prepared. A commonly adhered guideline is to give the employee you want to fire the opportunity to improve their unsatisfactory performance. **End Summary** Topics: beauty industry]]> business]]> salon]]> spa]]> firing]]> management]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Build Your Business with Gift Cards

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:54:12 -0500

Perhaps the most alluring notion to a salon or spa owner trying to boost income in this daunting economy is the idea of "guaranteed sales". "Guaranteed Sales" depicts to concept of immediate sales without actually providing an immediate good or service. They can come from a number of promotional plans; however, the easiest way to truly guarantee a sale is through the retailing of gift cards. Savvy business owners use gift cards as an integral part of their holiday promotions, however, they are a lucrative implement that could and should be utilized throughout the year. In the past, many revered gift cards as a last-minute bequest, but they have truly become a venerated implement in effective retailing today. According to industry sources, $97 billion in gift cards were sold in 2008 alone--an increase from 2007 of over 60%. It is obvious to see that consumers appreciate the convenience that gift cards offer, however, do they present more to businesses than just expediency? They certainly do! In addition to the immediate cash collateral, gift cards provide businesses with numerous alluring incentives, including: * Introducing your business to new customers, who may in turn keep coming back for additional goods and services. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> guaranteed sales]]> gift cards]]> retailing]]> beauty industry]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Revolutionizing Recruiting

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:16:43 -0400

The adventure of finding and hiring good people to become a part of a salon or spa's team can seem to be an uphill battle for many owners and managers. While most struggle to find either employees or booth renters to fill the chairs, others turn away prospective employees and have to pick from hundreds of resumes and applications. While yes, there is a shortage of people roaming around to find a position in this industry; the desperation truly comes from the lack of planning for recruiting all year long. Then ultimately once we hire a staff member how do we retain them? Why do stylists leave salons? In order to recruit and hire efficiently, you must consider these two questions: 1. How do we attract the right people for our culture? 2. What makes a great staff member stay in a company? One of the reasons that owners have a challenge finding staff is because many are looking for them in the same way and at the same time: only when we need them. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> recruiting]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Is Your Salon or Spa Overspending on Technology?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:52:28 -0400

When it comes to technology for our businesses, we all want the best, right? Sometimes that means parting with thousands of dollars for the latest and greatest pieces of technology in the hope that whatever innovation it provides will make us back our initial investment and help our businesses grow by leaps and bounds. In accord with basic human nature, we want all the bells and whistles when it comes to software. With the steady advances technology, there are so many great features that can really help your salon or spa out. I do hear from many owners about what they love about their software and what they dont like so much. I advocate all salons have some sort of financial software like Quick Books(R) or something to have accurate numbers recording for accounting and a basic client management system. What may not be necessary are all the extra features depending on your situation. Here is some food for thought if you are in the market for a new software system. Cost, The cost of software should be relative to what you will be using it for. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> sales]]> beauty industry]]> management]]> technology]]> business]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

How to Get the Most out of Your Front Desk

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:02:09 -0400

The Front Desk is your client's first and last impression of the salon. They handle all interaction with the client outside of the actual service, and are directly responsible for making sure that each client is happy upon parting. Their job is by no means limited to checking clients in and out--they support the entire staff. An effective Front Desk can greatly increase revenue in both the service and retail departments. Consequently, a fruitless Front Desk can have adverse results. Be sure that you are taking the proper steps to get the most out of your Front Desk! 1. Hiring: While it is important to curb overhead costs, keep in mind that especially in cases of hiring, you get what you pay for. Minimum wage often garners minimum effort, and the Front Desk is the last place you should be skimping. Consider the caliber of the employee that you want to hire, and know that that individual comes at a price. 2. Training: It is often the case the Front Desk employees are hired in a quick effort to replace someone else. It is essential to properly train your Front Desk prior to throwing them into the "lion's den". **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> front desk]]> profitability]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926

Raise the Bar on Your Consultation

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:01:20 -0400

During slow economic times, brushing up on your customer service skills is essential! Take the time to upgrade your consultation skills now; when you have fewer guests in your chair is the perfect time. If you are among the salons noticing larger gaps in your books, you can start closing them by getting down to the nitty-gritty of what is expected from your service. Gone are the days of putting your hands in your clients' hair, fluffing it up and asking, "So, what are we doing today?" This inquiry is simply not good enough for any profession, especially for one where the services may be seen as a luxury. Put yourself in your client's place--you are visiting a highly trained professional who will be putting their hands on you, using razor sharp objects, and possibly using chemicals on you; you would want to make sure you were clear about what was going to occur and what the result would be, right? Every consultation should include three full parts: gathering information, clarification, and recommendation. 1. **End Summary** Topics: salon]]> spa]]> beauty industry]]> consultation]]> customer service]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Bert Carder is CEO of Your Beauty Network, your One Source for all Your Salon Business Needs from Salon Recruiting to Salon Promotions to Salon Appointment Scheduling. For 5 FREE videos on Salon profitability, go to http://www.yourbeautynetwork.com or call 866-364-4926