
You Don't Own a Salon. You Own A Business.
In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.
This summer, I had the privilege of attending the first Global Salon Business Forum and Awards in London. Founded by industry leader Paula Kent Meehan, the awards honored salon owners from around the world for their entrepreneurship and business accomplishments. In addition to recognition, the program also offered winners an opportunity to network and learn from each other.
This summer, I had the privilege of attending the first Global Salon Business Forum and Awards in London. Founded by industry leader Paula Kent Meehan, the awards honored salon owners from around the world for their entrepreneurship and business accomplishments. In addition to recognition, the program also offered winners an opportunity to network and learn from each other.
During these networking sessions, many owners shared their success stories with me. Through these conversations, I found they all had one goal in common: the desire to continually improve and grow their businesses.
Ten of the GSB Award winners had something else in common—they have all been featured in the SALON TODAY 200.
Since 1998, the ST 200 has recognized savvy owners who have grown their businesses with innovation, creativity and resourcefulness. At the end of this month, applications for the 2005 ST 200 are due and we’re looking forward to seeing how your salon has grown. If you haven’t filled out your application yet, visit www.modemsalon.com.
To get inspired, read more about this year’s GSB program in “Beauty’s Best” on page 52.
Building a Buzz
Have you ever tried a new restaurant simply because you had a 25-percent discount coupon? Or brought home three necklaces from your favorite boutique instead of one because of a buy-two-get-one-free sale?
There’s no question about it—a good gimmick brings in customers, but it’s great service and quality merchandise that keep them coming back. However, even when business is booming, salon owners sometimes find themselves battling a slow retail month or an after-holiday service slump. To combat these lower revenue times, creative business owners look for new ways to market services and sell products.
This month we asked salon owners to share their most successful marketing and promotion ideas, and they delivered. From makeover packages to retail deals, these 40 marketing concepts could be the solution to your next sales slowdown. Turn to page 36 for the details. Whether you’re a marketing guru or just getting started on a promotions package, you’ll find a new idea to use in your salon.

In his latest blog, Leon Alexander Ph.D., challenges industry conventional thinking to help owners add more to their bottom lines.

In her latest blog, Amy Pal helps you develop your own clear guidelines around complimentary free employee services.

From managing air traffic on busy days to handling frustrated guests' complaints, your front desk team often serves as the salon's emotional shock absorber. From a customer service lesson from the DMV to a list of strategies for caring for your front line, our experts offer ideas for alleviating stress, celebrating wins, and setting goals.

According to the KIM Report, top-line salon revenue appears steady or slightly up, but that growth is driven primarily by service price increases. Beneath the surface, retail performance and client visit frequency (appointment drift) are under real pressure. In his latest blog, Alain Audet offers strategies for keeping your salon's retail sales strong.

Putting your family to work in the salon offers some real tax benefits, but you have you have to play by the rules of the tax code to claim them. Azarvand Tax Law's Leticia Skrabut, Esq., shows you how.

Discover how to create a true “WOW experience” for every client by first building a culture where your team feels engaged, empowered, and inspired. Drawing on Calvin Stovall’s Iconic Framework, this blog explores how salon, spa, and clinic leaders can strengthen culture, elevate customer experience, and build a business that stands out for the long term.
Sponsored by Phorest Salon Software

The wellness industry is growing fast, and salons and barbershops already are an important part of it. In her first blog, Tracy Rado shares where the wellness dollars are heading, and how salons can grow with this movement.

While salon sales are increasing, owners often feel they're working harder for the same or less profit. Leverage Q2 data from The KIM Report, Alain Audet reveals some of the structural changes that are dampening your growth and why your region and your salon size matters.

Weaknesses in your business are amplified during the Holiday Season. Spark Pro Global's Lucy Randall shows you five things to do now to have the strongest holiday season yet.

In Kati Whitledge's latest blog, she shares how salons have moved away from dress codes and embraced appearance standards. But by removing strict dress codes, some businesses may have unintentionally lowered their appearance standards. Whitledge helps you explain to your team why an appearance standard is important and how to smoothly implement a new appearance policy.

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit for for-profit businesses that provides a financial incentive for eligible employers who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. Leticia Skrabut, Esq., walks you through how to claim that credit.

Developing strong work habits early in one's career supports long-term success in the salon industry. Jesse Linares offers new stylists his top five tips.

Most salon owners have no idea what these numbers are. You can hit record sales and still have a profit problem. The difference comes down to four numbers almost nobody was taught to track.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

A five-area audit every owner-dependent salon needs to run. You built something that looks successful. Now find out if it can survive without you.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

Every month you put off fixing the problem, it gets bigger, more expensive, and harder to solve.
Sponsored by Strata Salon Systems™

At Janet St. Paul Studio for Hair and Beauty, Director of Operations Natasha McMillen helps bring her wife Janet St. Paul's vision to life, elevating every system from education to operations.

Expand your color service menu with the Pinstripe technique. Brooks and Brooks' Marlon Hawkins walks you through the technique.