Managing a salon comes with more responsibilities than you may think. A lot goes into ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly, clients walk-out feeling satisfied, staff are happy and driven to succeed and above all, good profit margins are attained. You are generally an overseer tasked with everything involved in running a healthy, profitable business.
Here is a breakdown of 5 key things to think about if you are considering a career leap into Salon Management.
- Hire the Right People
It starts with a solid foundation. Your staff are a reflection of your company’s image. You may have to deal with difficult clients, stock issues, or profit and loss problems, all of which will have a solution. Poor, unmotivated and unhappy staff will not contribute to the business growth you’ll be seeking as a Salon Manager. Take your time in the hiring stage. Make sure staff match your company values and have a positive outlook and growth-mindset. Search for employees with certification from accredited learning institutions.
You’ll probably also want to give each new applicant a skills-test. Salon services are made up of particular skill-sets. You want to make sure your staff meets the quality of work you want to give as a service to your customers. Good work speaks for itself so you will automatically tell who is well-deserving of a position, and who is not.
- Provide opportunities for Staff Training
As is the nature of any business, the need to always stay on top is an undeniable fact. After all, customers will always seek out the best hairdressers, nail artists, remedial massage therapists, the ones that make them feel and look great, and pass by the rest. So, if you hope to gain a competitive edge it is prudent that you offer your employees continuing education. Have them attend conferences and workshops training on specific techniques and also get them involved in the business directions and goals.
You can have some fun by hosting in-house competitions and having quarterly or yearly staff awards or incentives. In other words, keep them challenged and growing both personally and in the area of their trade.
- Establish a Conflict Management Protocol
Many things can be challenging when managing in a salon, and interpersonal disputes rank high on that list. The last thing you want is a disruption in the flow of activities or an atmosphere that feels tense and toxic.
Not only do staff interpersonal differences interfere with business, but it can also affect your bottom line. Organizational culture is important and the policies of the business need to be respected. If things appear to be getting out of hand, create a safe space where employees can freely voice their concerns and arrange team meetings regularly to get everybody on board, working towards the same goal
- Introduce Modern, Administrative Software
Technology has really advanced in the service industry. There are many tech tools and apps you can implement to help the business run more proficiently and achieve better results. A POS and online booking and client reminder system are some of the handy tools available for Salons today. Another is Automatic Inventory that updates as stock is running low and orders the correct amount to restock. This reduces the errors that can occur when this process is completed manually, although it is still good every now and then to physically run your eyes over your stock, particularly as trends in products change. Spending money on automated systems can really save staff labour time if your business has a large client base.
Make Hygiene a Priority
Part of offering professional services includes maintaining an infection control environment. Strands of hair aimlessly lying around will not win you favor with customers. Have a well-planned routine that checks off the essential duties and checks in place to ensure they are completed at the required times.. Have an inviting decor with comfortable seats, and beds if you are in a spa environment, plenty of mirrors, and enough equipment, products and tools make sure each client gets the best service possible. Regularly check all equipment to ensure the safety of both your staff and your clients.
Conclusion
Think you have what it takes to become a Salon Manager? Sharpen your love for management by enrolling with the best! Demi International offers the Diploma of Salon Management SHB50216 designed to walk you through everything you need to know to run a Salon business. of the biz. Call us today to find out more!
