SalonSENSE Magazine Trade Magazine for Beauty & Barber Professionals

Recession Proof Yourself

From SalonLife Guest Blogger Winn Claybaugh:

Dear Future Professionals and Industry Friends,

That doesn’t mean we should bury our heads in the sand and pretend it’s business as usual. Now, more than ever, we must become proactive and give our guests an experience worth spending their valuable dollars on. Here are three things to consider:

1. Know your guests. Do you know what your clients really need? You might think, “Mary is out of work and can’t afford to have color this time,” when in reality, Mary might be looking for work and wants to look her best.

2. Give 110%. Before you blame the economy for a business slowdown, make sure you’re doing your best work. Is your workstation clean and beautiful? Are you giving every guest an exceptional experience? Are you creating an enjoyable oasis where your guests can escape from economic worries and other stresses? Assess yourself honestly and make improvements as needed.

3. Use your downtime wisely. If business is a little slow, use the opportunity to do the things you normally can’t. Provide education for yourself or your staff. Give your workstation (or business) a good cleaning or sprucing up. Plan some promotional activities, make flyers, or visit nearby businesses to promote yourself or your business. Get your team together and volunteer in your community. Activities like these will reenergize you and your team, and that enthusiasm will translate into increased business dollars.

Refuse to buy into the recession mind-set, and make things happen today!

— Winn Claybaugh
Dean and Cofounder, Paul Mitchell Schools