AS A BUSY SALON OWNER, you may not have the time to tiptoe through the tulips, but take a moment to mentally take that walk anyway. Now is the time to focus on spring and summer in the salon—celebrate the new season, refresh your service menu and do some serious Spring cleaning. Consider this:

>>April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the holiday that’s become central to cause marketing in salons around the country. Look for a green philanthropy in your community and see how you can help—whether it’s committing your business to a renewable energy source, raising money for a green cause or cleaning up a local park. Communicate your efforts to staff and client and elicit their support—a feel-good project is the perfect vehicle for bonding with both.

>>Now through August marks the high season for pedicures, highlights, body care treatments and sunless tanning services. Create a few new services or packages and design a special seasonal menu that triggers your clients’ warm weather impulses.

>>Gather the staff, close the salon early on a slow day and sponsor dinner and a movie. Not only is Chris Rock’s Good Hair, now available on DVD, a good laugh, it’s an eye-opener, even for the most skilled stylist. Throw in a few pizzas, and it’s a cheap and easy team-building activity.

>>On Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Madame Coffey is famous for giving salons the white glove inspection. What would she say about your salon? Give yourself a tough and thorough inspection to jumpstart your spring cleaning. Make a list and determine what needs to be done immediately, this week, this month and in the near future. Divvy up tasks amongst the staff, and start a repair fund that helps with jobs requiring a little more expertise.

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