Commision & Rental Salons: Are They Even Different? [EP:89]

Navigating Salon Culture and Empowerment

This episode delves into various aspects of working in the hairstyling industry, focusing on the comparison between commission-based and rental salon setups and the challenges faced by employees in navigating salon culture. 

We discuss a message received from a former employee expressing gratitude for a positive working environment, contrasting it with experiences in less favorable salons. 

The conversation covers the importance of recognizing bad business practices and the power employees have in choosing to stay or seek better opportunities. 

The episode emphasizes self-reflection for salon owners and employees, encouraging listeners to think critically about their work environment and advocating for personal and professional growth by exploring different salons and understanding one's core values. 

Additionally, we touch on broader themes of mental health, coping mechanisms, and the impact of social media on perception and business choices in the salon industry.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Conversation
00:30 Discussing Salon Experiences and Business Owners
01:51 Debate on Rental vs Commission Salons
02:56 Understanding the Importance of a Good Business Environment
05:41 Exploring Different Salons and Their Cultures
06:46 The Role of Social Media in Salon Business
09:59 Finding the Right Fit in a Salon
13:32 Addressing the Issue of Salon Hopping
16:11 Discussing Dress Codes and Professionalism in Salons
18:01 Comfort in the Salon: The Tracksuit Revolution
18:18 The Power of a Positive Salon Experience
19:23 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Seeking Guidance
19:39 The Role of Personal Responsibility in Professional Growth
20:02 The Struggle with Mission Statements and Vision
20:41 The Importance of Authenticity in Business Values
21:16 The Pitfalls of Forcing Business Values
22:05 Pro Tip: The Importance of Integrity in Business
23:21 The Role of Mindset in Personal and Professional Growth
25:46 The Impact of Physical Activity on Mental Health
30:10 The Power of Creativity in Overcoming Depression
31:02 The Importance of Self-Care and Coping Mechanisms
32:58 The Joy of Spreading Happiness
33:56 Closing Thoughts: Embrace Your Unique Style

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Staffing and Client Retention in Salons
 
This week, our conversation covers proactive approaches to hiring, such as participating in career days at local schools and implementing an individualized training process for new hires to assess their strengths and weaknesses. 

Hiring and firing to maintain a quality team is emphasized, alongside strategies for breaking bad habits and improving consultations to enhance client retention. 

The discussion also touches on adjusting hiring based on the salon's current needs, the significance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, and the impact of coworker behavior on client experience. 

Use this conversation to build a strong team and secure long-term clients through refining hiring practices, effective onboarding processes, and excellent client service.

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview
00:05 Discussing Staffing Issues and Client Retention
01:19 Proactive Approach to Staffing
02:26 Individualized Education Plan for New Hires
04:26 Importance of Hiring and Firing in Staffing
05:44 Challenges and Solutions in Hiring
07:03 Defining Hiring Process and Attracting Right Candidates
07:41 Importance of Systems in Hiring
11:31 Adapting Hiring Strategies to Business Needs
15:36 Understanding Client Retention Beyond Numbers
18:37 The Power of a Smile: Building Connections
18:57 The Art of Consultation: Understanding Client Needs
20:24 The Power of Listening: Creating a Personalized Experience
21:22 Building Relationships: Beyond the Haircut
22:17 The Long-Term Value of a Client: A New Perspective
22:55 Breaking Bad Habits: Improving Client Consultations
25:35 The Importance of Options: Empowering Clients
30:47 The Salon Atmosphere: A Key Factor in Client Retention
32:39 Wrapping Up: The Big Picture of Client Retention

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The Journey of Building 'Hello Hair' Salon

This week we recount the experience of starting and designing our salon, 'Hello Hair'.

During the building process, we frequently reference our foundations and values to guide our choices on aesthetic elements and interior design. 

Although we were challenged to launch the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, we enforced strict sanitation protocols to ensure the safety of their staff and clients.

This conversation provides insights into not just creating a business from scratch but also imbuing meaning and intention into every aspect of the design while navigating the unexpected challenges that can come up.

Enjoy!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Reminiscing the Journey of Hello Hair
01:21 The Challenges of Business Partnerships
05:00 The Decision to Start a New Business
06:55 The Journey of Building a Salon
10:11 Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges
13:27 The Importance of Design and Aesthetics in Business
15:38 The Birth of a New Salon
16:12 Designing the Salon Space
16:49 Choosing the Salon Name
17:50 The Color Scheme and Decor
23:21 The Importance of Core Values
26:59 Challenges of Opening During Covid
29:17 Maintaining Cleanliness and Hygiene
31:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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Planning, Business Goals, and Core Values for 2024

In this episode, we discuss the direction of our salon business for 2024. 

We cover business goals, planning for the year ahead, reassessing their core values, and looking at past growth to project for the future. 

We discuss our commitment to staff and customer service, approaching our business from a fresh perspective, and finding new ways to create a strong team culture. 

We also discuss the importance of education for our staff and maintaining strong community links to give back. 

We underline the concept of self-care and its impact on the quality of customer service. 

We also touch upon the importance of careful and deliberate donation practices and looking at ways to delegate responsibilities as part of our future business strategy.

00:02 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:52 Reflecting on the Past and Planning for the Future
01:23 Setting Business Goals and Growth Projections
02:24 Maintaining a Healthy Business Culture
02:36 Aligning Business with Core Values and Missions
03:50 Importance of Self-Care and Happiness in Business
06:02 Planning Team Outings and Activities
12:29 Emphasizing on Quality Education and Training
18:01 Motivating Your Audience
18:27 Navigating Technical Difficulties
19:10 Discussing Culture and Education
19:15 Organizing Donations and Budgeting
20:05 Creating Opportunities in the Community
21:31 Prioritizing Donations and Business Relationships
22:23 Avoiding Slacktivism and Virtue Signaling
22:57 Supporting Local Businesses and Clients
27:43 Delegating Tasks and Adding a Management Layer
28:05 The Importance of Cleaning and Staff Meetings
32:25 Considering a Manager for Business Growth
36:49 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

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Balancing Business, Family, and Personal Growth

In this episode, we share our work-life balance experiences, particularly how we manage our salon business, familial responsibilities, and personal growth. 

Jen shares the high impact of a recent workshop and her journey to Australia for professional development. 

We discuss the importance of taking breaks for personal replenishment. 

We also share our perspectives on software tools and organizational methods that facilitate smooth business operations, including different types of calendars, shared to-do lists, booking software, and collaborative tools like Slack for team communication. 

Finally, we wrap up with an emphasis on managing schedules and ensuring quality family time, making time for vacations, and prioritizing self-care to ensure a healthier work-life integration.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:08 Recap of Last Week's Episode
00:49 Discussing Feedback and Fame
01:04 Reflecting on a Busy Week
01:22 Analyzing Business Growth
02:40 Observations on Seasonal Business Trends
03:39 Strategies for Business Growth
05:58 Balancing Work and Family Life
06:24 Returning from Travel and Reintegrating into Work
09:25 Reflecting on the Challenges of Balancing Work and Family
12:52 Strategies for Managing Time and Staying Organized
22:32 The Power of Digital Marketing in Salon Business
23:03 Effective Employee Communication in Salons
23:47 Leveraging Communication Software in Business
25:45 The Importance of Organized Communication Channels
26:19 The Power of Shared Lists in Personal and Business Life
27:36 The Importance of Set Working Hours
27:57 Understanding Individual Workflows and Boundaries
29:08 The Importance of Realistic Expectations and Overcoming Burnout
29:53 Leveraging Personal Networks for Work-Life Balance
32:17 Prioritizing Family Time Amidst Business Demands
38:41 The Importance of Mental Breaks and Self-Care

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Monday Matters: A Peek Behind the Scenes

Todd shares that his co-host, Jen, cannot join him for this podcast episode due to travel and personal commitments, explaining why he decided to give her rest and not record over the weekend for this week. 

He discusses the topic of perfectionism, stating that the episode won't be as perfect as planned, but he considers it's still important to record, publish, and create content. 

He goes into detail about the concept of overcoming perfectionism based on his experiences from his gym coaching. 

He then shares his agenda for the day, including mentoring, recording this episode, dealing with reviews, planning the grocery run, and family time, among other tasks. 

He ends by challenging the listeners to tackle something they've been postponing.

00:08 Introduction and Jen's Absence
01:17 Perfectionism and Podcasting
03:25 Perfectionism in the Gym World
05:31 The Importance of Imperfection
06:11 A Typical Monday
10:12 The Importance of Reviews
10:49 The Power of Appreciation
12:35 The Importance of a To-Do List
16:41 The Importance of Downtime for Kids
19:19 The Importance of Reading and Writing
21:37 Conclusion: The Power of Execution

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Training with Evo: Reflections and Outcomes

In the podcast, Jen shares her experience attending training with Evo, a hair product brand. 

She was invited to train with Evo in South Australia and discusses her initial apprehension due to family and business commitments. 

Throughout the training, Jen learns new techniques, meets the company's founder and other industry professionals, and previews Evo's upcoming product lineup, including new shades in the demi-line, Staino colors, and scalp care treatments. 

We end the discussion by reflecting on the personal and professional growth gained from the training and emphasizing the importance of shifting mindset when faced with opportunities and challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Background
00:40 Invitation to Train with Evo
02:08 Challenges of Balancing Family and Career
04:15 Decision to Accept the Invitation
05:30 Testing the Business Systems
09:33 Departure and Initial Impressions
13:26 Experiences and Learnings from the Training
22:42 Creative Content and Learning in the Salon
23:03 Highlights and Personal Experiences
23:27 Exploring Australia: Wildlife Park and Winery Visit
24:11 Networking and Business Discussions
24:53 Upcoming Bookings and Teaching Plans
25:17 Understanding the Request Process for Education
26:17 New Content and Teaching Techniques
27:04 Navigating the Education Request Process
28:49 Exciting New Product Launches
29:10 Brand Development and Future Plans
33:55 Travel Experiences and Homesickness
34:35 Returning Home and Final Thoughts

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Health and Wellness Strategies for Hair Pros

In this conversation, Jen and Todd discuss the importance of health, wellness, and the use of 'clean' products in the hair salon business. 

Stressing on having a 'why' for everything one does, they talk about selecting product lines that align with their brand ethos instead of being stockists. 

They reveal some of their daily routines, which include a balanced diet, physical workouts, ample rest, and staying hydrated. 

The hosts also share pointers on how personal care routines, including salon visits, can be managed to avoid unhealthy habits. 

They advise doing things that make you feel good and to be consistent about it. 

00:01 Introduction and Topic Reveal
00:12 Discussing Health and Wellness Products
00:47 The Importance of Intent and Purpose in Business
01:29 Choosing the Right Product Lines for Your Brand
01:53 The Challenges of Stocking Products and Dealing with Companies
03:27 The Impact of Impulse Buying on Your Business
03:49 The Importance of Having a 'Why' in Your Business
08:42 The Role of Product Reps in Your Business
10:45 The Importance of Having a Vision for Your Business
16:00 The Shift in Salon Branding and Product Selection
16:40 Why Good and Clean Products Matter
18:23 The Importance of Health and Wellness
18:43 Appreciation for Gifts and Friends
19:04 Avoiding Burnout and Staying Healthy
19:27 The Power of Routine and Consistency
20:16 The Importance of Proper Nutrition and Hydration
21:17 The Role of Chiropractic Care in Wellness
21:54 The Impact of New Year's Resolutions on Wellness
23:03 The Importance of Personalized Fitness Routines
24:42 The Power of Small Changes in Nutrition
29:12 The Importance of Rest and Recovery
32:28 The Role of Fun Activities in Wellness
33:26 The Importance of Clean Eating
34:22 Conclusion: The Key Elements of Wellness

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Navigating the Impact of Social Media: A Discussion on Boundaries, Comparison, and the Power of Creation.

In this episode, we dive into the negative effects of social media, especially on those who consume it without contributing or creating anything of their own. 

The conversation touches on the dangers of comparing oneself to often idealized online profiles, the prowling sense of negativity and perfectionism, and customers' confusion when they come across random business boundaries posted online without context.

We discuss the importance of intention behind social media use and that it should primarily serve as a platform for sharing and inspiration rather than a source of stress. 

Social media users should set personal parameters for engagement and use the platform as a tool rather than allow it to consume their time and energy negatively.

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview
00:16 Discussing the Negative Effects of Social Media
00:58 Personal Experiences with Social Media
02:02 Role-Playing: Dealing with Negative Social Media Interactions
04:26 The Importance of Creating Content on Social Media
09:10 Setting Boundaries on Social Media
11:30 The Impact of Social Media on Client Relationships
14:32 The Role of Social Media in the Service Industry
16:12 Discussing Social Media Boundaries
16:59 The Importance of Intent in Social Media
17:24 Setting Business Boundaries
19:19 The Impact of Copying Social Media Trends
20:06 The Importance of Consistency in Policies
22:03 The Illusion of Perfection on Social Media
23:09 The Dangers of Comparison on Social Media
23:33 The Reality Behind Social Media Posts
26:16 The Power of Positive Thinking
28:23 The Benefits of Creating Content
29:39 Conclusion: Living with Intent

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Mastering the Numbers in Your Business: A Discussion on Money, Metrics, and More.

In this episode, we bring back Missy Megginson of Schedulicity to provide insights on how business owners can pay closer attention to their financial metrics. 

Look, we get it: numbers and math aren't always fun and often get put on the back burner due to the creative nature of our industry.  

It's time to overcome the fear and embrace the insight that knowing and understanding your numbers provides.  

Reviewing numbers from the previous year to plan effectively for the next, understanding the significance of calculated decisions in scaling up a business, and the role of client retention. 

Business strategies for salon owners, particularly pricing and the importance of viewing financial reports before implementing changes. 

The importance of balancing business goals with client experience and the need to consider key personal business metrics for individual success.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:38 Discussing the Importance of Numbers in Business
01:04 Understanding Your Business Metrics
01:38 The Impact of Seasonality on Business
02:39 The Importance of Tracking Business Numbers
05:56 How to Use Numbers to Guide Your Business Decisions
06:33 The Role of Numbers in Setting Business Goals
06:58 Understanding the Importance of Stable Income
07:15 The Dangers of Making Business Decisions Based on Social Media Trends
08:10 The Importance of Understanding Profit and Loss Statements
10:35 The Role of Numbers in Business Planning
11:47 Understanding the Impact of Numbers on Business Decisions
12:48 The Importance of Understanding Your Business Numbers
15:12 How to Use Numbers to Improve Your Business
15:17 The Role of Numbers in Business Strategy
15:56 Understanding the Importance of Business Metrics
16:57 The Role of Numbers in Business Success
26:40 The Importance of Client Retention in Business
28:36 The Importance of Client Experience
29:02 Understanding Your Client's Needs
29:43 The Impact of Your Service on Client Retention
30:14 The Role of Atmosphere in Client Experience
30:43 The Misconception of Amenities in Client Experience
33:45 The Value of Client Communication
34:52 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
35:11 The Pitfalls of Comparing Your Business to Others
35:52 The Importance of Making Your Service About the Client
39:35 Understanding Your Business Metrics
41:16 The Role of Pricing in Your Business
46:35 The Impact of Location on Your Business
49:55 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers for Business Decisions

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