Expert advice on color techniques, business growth and making an idea into a product.
Q What type of education is most effective when growing your business?
A Colleen Buck, owner of Elle Marie Hair Studio (ellemariehairstudio.com) in Bothell, Washington, says, “Growing the team, and focusing on four types of education to develop our stylists both personally and professionally. We offer the following education: hands-on cutting and coloring techniques, customer service, life/career coaching and business training.
“Our team attends hands-on cutting, styling and color training, both in-salon and off site, with platform artists and educators. They have a tendency to respond to educators who are personable, fun, approachable and who teach salon-friendly techniques. Our stylists ultimately return to the salon full of inspiration, confidence and a renewed sense of passion for our industry. Follow-up is key and our team members are required to share skills they’ve learned at team meetings.
“I am a certified life coach and our life/career coaching has enabled us to create a business environment that produces better results faster by increasing employee motivation and productivity. These coaching sessions allow one-on-one time with each stylist every month to review their numbers and discuss ways to grow their business. It empowers and energizes our team to achieve their highest potential.
“Training team members on our business is essential to success – everyone knows exactly where we stand on all aspects from marketing to inventory management. We value our team and solicit feedback on decisions at every opportunity. This strategy works because our team understands that they aren’t simply part of a cutting-edge salon, but rather a full-fledged business team, and they take pride in being part of something bigger.
“Running a successful business, especially today, can be a bit of a challenge. Focusing on education keeps everyone on the same page. When clear goals are set and the entire team understands, and has a vested interest in reaching the goals, it’s amazing how pleasant work becomes for the salon owner, the team and, of course, clients.”
The full article published in the October 2009 issue of Modern Salon magazine, including advice from Redken’s own David Stanko, as well as Denis DaSilva can be found online at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/vance/modernsalon_1009/#/70.