For many salons and spas, the new year marks the end of the busy winter holidays and the beginning of a quieter month. With more time on your hands in January, what projects should you and your staff engage in?
Reflect on the past year
Take some time to think back on the past year, both professionally and personally. What went well and what didn’t? Were there particular activities that you enjoyed or that caused unnecessary stress?
Perhaps you feel that too much time this year was spent managing the business. Then, work to improve efficiency next year so you have more time to do what you are passionate about. Or maybe last year seemed hectic and tiring so you should cut back a few hours each week or take some more time off throughout the year.
Refocus Your Business
At least once per year, it’s a good idea to look at your vision and mission statements and to check if your business has strayed from the path. With new trends constantly popping up, it can be easy to expand too quickly with new products or services. Instead, find your niche and build your competitive advantage.
How do you plan to fulfill your mission this year? Whether you’re planning to increase client retention or to add a new location, it’s important to set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Timely.
Invest in the Team
To provide better service to clients, continuing education is crucial. It doesn't require bringing in an expert or sending staff to a course; each employee brings a different set of skills and experience. Pair them up and let them learn from each other.
During quieter periods, you can also run team-building activities. Record a video of these exercises to showcase your salon culture. In addition to catching the attention of potential clients, you will also be noticed by hair stylists who may be looking to join your team.
Plan Your Marketing
Start planning your salon's marketing campaigns and promotions for next year. Think about strategies to encourage clients to refer their friends or to win back clients who you haven't seen in months. Set up automated emails and text messages to target different client segments based on their last-in dates, purchase/service histories, or birthdays!
Even with seasonal promotions like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, planning ahead will only save you time later.
Get started with a free marketing calendar!
Refresh the Salon Design
After some time, clients begin to overlook areas certain areas of the salon. Catch their attention again by changing the look of your salon interior! Add some extra color to one of the walls, move around your retail shelves, or build a new window display.
Give some thought to the salon layout. What path do clients take from the door to the waiting area to the salon chair, and finally back to the front desk? By strategically placing your retail products along this path, you can significantly increase sales!
Raise Prices
When was the last time you raised prices at your salon? With higher costs, more experience, and greater demand (larger clientele), you deserve a raise! The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to adjust prices.
Be sure to give at least 4-6 weeks notice prior to the rate change so clients are not caught by surprise during their appointments. Check out more tips on how to manage your price increase.
We wish you and your salon success in the new year. To learn how Insight Software can help your business, give us a call at 1-888-919-5841.
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