Where’s your head at??

As a business owner, life at the moment can only be described as tough. The multiple challenges you face on a daily basis are enough to make the thought of giving up a very real one. Inflation, energy bills, staff woes, the general cost of living, councils putting added pressure on travelling into towns and cities, product company price increases, the never ending stream of new businesses opening up near you whilst the rest of the (once thriving) shopping areas dies on its feet. The challenges must seem insurmountable at times. No wonder so many businesses go under these days, and it’s not just hairdressing salons and barber shops that are falling victim to the current climate, lots of other industries are suffering too.

So I was wondering, Where’s your head at?

And what’s the answer to all of your worries then? Well I don’t have a crystal ball so I’m unable to predict the future, but  we can all make a guess as to what might come next.

The new norm, as mentioned in Don’t Sell Volume 2 suggests that we become acclimatised to the changes happening in all aspects of life and cut our cloth accordingly.

We are now seeing businesses opening for fewer days throughout the week and for less hours some days and longer on others. This is progressive thinking as it taps into the desire from all age groups to have a better work life balance. There’s one positive we can be grateful for. To make it a solid business element though, prices need to increase accordingly. Don’t just crank up the cost of every service drastically, look at your [service] menu and add smaller amount to services that don’t take too much time and add more for long technique services like balayage… and let’s not forget, someone who comes to the salon for an ‘off root’ colour might not come back for a good few months so charge them for the privilege of creating a long lasting colour. Increasing prices helps you combat all the financial burdens you carry, wages, running the salon, product bills etc, so take the plunge and charge what you know you need to to make your salon successful.

Competition comes and goes, that’s a fact of life. if you think your team members are perhaps planning on moving on, address it immediately and find out what it is that has made them consider going to a new salon, then help them find the reason to stay that work for both of you. Don’t panic and throw everything including the kitchen sink at them, make them aware that it’s a two way street that has to benefit you and them.

Some things you can’t influence at all, like parking restrictions and councils hell bent on stopping cars getting close to you. If this is happening where you are, share your concerns with local shops and then approach the council with proof that revenues have been lost because of the changes made to travel and parking. Alternatively, look at hooking up with a taxi provider and negotiate preferential terms for clients coming to visit you.

Shops closing all around you makes for a sad picture, seeing buildings boarded up is not something that will inspire people to come to your street. Speak to the landlord of the empty buildings and ask if you can put posters up in the windows. If they agree, have some bright signs created that let passers by know that YOU are still open and looking forward to seeing them in your salon. Plus, invest in some ‘impulse purchases’ for your retail area that might attract people inside your premises. In Don’t Sell Volume 1 I mentioned baristas (if you have a copy check for the typo) and the potential for adding a coffee bar in any empty space you might have in the building.

Think outside of the box and deal with each issue in the best possible way for you, your team, and your clients.

I feel for you, because sometimes you really must wonder where your head is at, but I know for sure, you are resilient and will find the way through the quagmire of worries that you are constantly faced with.

Stay positive, stay focussed, stay strong. #YouGotThis