Maybe you were one of those superstar stylists who went on to launch your own salon, and now you’re having trouble figuring out how to be th
e primary generator of business while also attending to your management duties. Recently I spoke with Matthew Scudder, operations manager at Harms Software, who believes it’s perfectly feasible to do both if you approach your available time realistically.
Continuing education is mandatory for success.
Matthew told me, “Owners don’t always take the time to analyze their business when they’re busy getting people in their chair. Ongoing training can be an afterthought.” How can you carve out time not only for running the numbers, training and hiring staff and performing all of the required administrative tasks but also for updating your own skills? Scudder suggests extending your hours a few days per week and raising your prices, which will push some of your clients to book with your lower-priced stylists. Then don’t take new clients at least for a while. Will your salon lose a few clients? Sure. You’ll make up for it through your heightened focus.
Use the time you’ve set aside to really get to know your business and also to sharpen your skills, both technical and business. Go to manufacturers’ workshops, take some
online education, check out trade shows. “I don’t think it has to be either/or,” Scudder adds. “You don’t have to choose whether to cut hair or run your business. I do think there’s a happy medium.”