Business tips: I understand what makes a great treatment, but I’m worried

I understand what makes a great treatment, but I’m worried that my lack of business acumen is hindering my salon’ s growth. Can you help?

No one sabotages their own business on purpose. But time and time again, I see the same mistakes made, as well-intentioned salon owners rob themselves of the revenue they dream of.

The important thing is to learn from these mistakes. Sometimes things need to go wrong so that we can see what’s right. So recognise the issues your business is facing and make the change. Below I have listed five common business mistakes, to help you avoid them in the future.

No clear plan

I believe a business should be saleable or scalable at any time. It’s easy to assume that all your clients will keep coming back like clockwork. But what if the economy changes and those regular customers have to make difficult budgeting decisions? Without a structured base, a rock-solid business can quickly become very unbalanced, in these circumstances.

Constant firefighting

A clear plan helps you prepare for all those “what ifs”, too. Without it, salon owners are constantly reacting to easily preventable problems. With Plan B – or C or D – on standby, you can stay proactive with the peace of mind that your business will run smoothly, whatever crops up.

Not knowing the numbers

I speak to so many business owners who only analyse past figures, without setting any clear objectives for the future. Like it or loathe it, you must control your finances. Understanding the breakeven costs for every treatment hour is fundamental to your success.

Blaming others

Many salon owners simply accept quiet weeks, crossing their fingers that things will pick up. When they don’t, the blame often gets placed on the team. While it’s easy to claim that poor retail sales, or declining client numbers, are your employees’ fault, you’re the owner and you must shoulder your responsibility and be accountable. You’re responsible for training, marketing, client retention, finances and more. The buck stops with you.

Lack of marketing communication

There should be regular communication with clients. Appointment reminders should be the bare minimum. It amazes me how many salons allow clients to leave without rebooking, just hoping they will remember to return one day soon! Everyone leads busy lives, so it’s essential to keep in touch with clients between appointments with tips and news to inspire them to come back to your salon.

Salon business consultant Susan Routledge, www.susanroutledge.com

I understand what makes a great treatment, but I’m worried that my lack of business acumen is hindering my salon’ s growth. Can you help?

No one sabotages their own business on purpose. But time and time again, I see the same mistakes made, as well-intentioned salon owners rob themselves of the revenue they dream of.

The important thing is to learn from these mistakes. Sometimes things need to go wrong so that we can see what’s right. So recognise the issues your business is facing and make the change. Below I have listed five common business mistakes, to help you avoid them in the future.

No clear plan

I believe a business should be saleable or scalable at any time. It’s easy to assume that all your clients will keep coming back like clockwork. But what if the economy changes and those regular customers have to make difficult budgeting decisions? Without a structured base, a rock-solid business can quickly become very unbalanced, in these circumstances.

Constant firefighting

A clear plan helps you prepare for all those “what ifs”, too. Without it, salon owners are constantly reacting to easily preventable problems. With Plan B – or C or D – on standby, you can stay proactive with the peace of mind that your business will run smoothly, whatever crops up.

Not knowing the numbers

I speak to so many business owners who only analyse past figures, without setting any clear objectives for the future. Like it or loathe it, you must control your finances. Understanding the breakeven costs for every treatment hour is fundamental to your success.

Blaming others

Many salon owners simply accept quiet weeks, crossing their fingers that things will pick up. When they don’t, the blame often gets placed on the team. While it’s easy to claim that poor retail sales, or declining client numbers, are your employees’ fault, you’re the owner and you must shoulder your responsibility and be accountable. You’re responsible for training, marketing, client retention, finances and more. The buck stops with you.

Lack of marketing communication

There should be regular communication with clients. Appointment reminders should be the bare minimum. It amazes me how many salons allow clients to leave without rebooking, just hoping they will remember to return one day soon! Everyone leads busy lives, so it’s essential to keep in touch with clients between appointments with tips and news to inspire them to come back to your salon.

Salon business consultant Susan Routledge, www.susanroutledge.com