Salon Today
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

What If You Came With Operating Instructions?

What would you list as the things that make you tick or that tick you off?

January 23, 2018
What If You Came With Operating Instructions?

 

3 min to read


 I don’t like ironing clothes. I own an iron, but not sure where it is. Recently, I bought a handheld steam iron advertised as “ironing for dummies.” I plugged it in and steam would not come out. I tapped it, shook it, held it upside down, turned it off/on—nothing. Next, I discovered a small document entitled, “Operating Instructions—read this before engaging for optimum results.” I did, and it did. 

 Then, it came to me. What if we came with operating instructions? Imagine if everyone first handed you a list of what makes them tick and that which ticks them off. You would instantly know what takes years to uncover. It would be priceless in the salon. Writing my operating instructions made me more self aware of myself.  

Ad Loading...

What makes me tick: 

~I like the salon to flow, disarray makes me edgy. An orderly system from client arrival to departure allows me to deliver the best customer service.

~I am motivated when team members put out good work, it doesn’t have to be super trendy, but there should be an obvious imprint that shows you gave it your best. 

~I like to chat with the team during down times— lite chat, very few details on your personal life, just because it’s none of my business. It's cool for you to vent with me about that awful client you just saw. Yeah, go ahead and complain with me. I will understand and urge you to let it go and think about all your fabulous clients

~I like to laugh. Funnies during the day is the second wind I need to get to the finish line. 

Ad Loading...

~I get inspired if anyone walks in with “a look.” A way of dressing and being that shows they care to make a statement. Bring it on. 

~This sounds cliche, but I like to share and am grateful for any tips on how I can do my job better. 

~I am a good loner and mostly private. I occasionally sit down and space out. Like computers, I need to download information. 

~I love crockpot Fridays— always busts my diet, but I love it. 

 What ticks me off: 

Ad Loading...

~Disorganization, leaving tools, towels, foils, food in shared areas. ~Respect that we are all sharing the same space,

~Don’t bother talking about someone not in the room, unless planning a surprise birthday party. 

~Don’t address my clients with the same familiarity you talk to me. You don’t know them and they want their space. 

~Don’t be late. If not fifteen minutes early, you are late. 

~Don’t come to work with pneumonia.

Ad Loading...

~Not sure why loud music, voices bother me in the salon. 

~Sneakiness. If you disagree with a salon policy, take it up with the manager, not in the back room.

What would you hand someone as your operating instructions? 

Originally posted on Modern Salon

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Salon Management

Nicki Wenz (above) and Allison Stock of Zandi K Salon

The Heartbeat of Zandi K's Success

After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.

Ad Loading...
Solar panels on a commercial building.

Shedding Light on Solar Tax Credits for Your Beauty Business

Buried inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are federal solar tax credit changes that deserve your attention now. Two of the credits that matter most to commercial property owners, the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit, are still available, but only if you move fast. A third, the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Deduction, has a hard termination date that is closer than most people realize.

The Salon Ghost Report: Stop Wasting Hours Chasing Unqualified Applicants

Up to 40% of hair stylists ghost the salon interview stage, leaving owners trapped playing endless phone tag with uncommitted applicants. This data-driven report breaks down why traditional job boards create recruitment friction and reveals the modern messaging strategies high-growth salons use to get pre-qualified talent to actually show up. Learn how to transition from cold calling to high-conversion conversations that protect your time and fill your chairs.

Sponsored by Beautista

2026 Beauty & Wellness Summer Marketing Calendar

Keeping your appointment book full when clients are in vacation mode takes more than a good Instagram post. It takes a plan. The 2026 Summer Marketing Calendar from Meevo gives salon, spa & med spa owners a month-by-month roadmap with sharp themes, key opportunity dates, and campaign ideas specifically designed for the beauty & wellness industry. Here’s to your summer season working as hard as you do!

Sponsored by Millennium Systems International

Ad Loading...

The Voice of Calm

Elyse Rogers is an uplifting presence at The Headroom who makes the team feel heard even in stressful situations. Owner Danielle Cherewyk sings her praises in this installment of Meet the Manager.

The State of Beauty and Wellness in 2026

Same-store revenue grew just 2% for the second straight year—and new guest visits declined across every segment of the industry. The 2026 Benchmark Report reveals where growth is actually happening, which verticals are pulling ahead, and what the data says about where your business stands right now.

Sponsored by Zenoti

Ad Loading...