Work Smarter, Not Harder

Posted on January 28, 2020
Sola Salon Studios

For many entrepreneurs, there's an instilled mentality to work hard. Hard work is likely how you've gotten where you are in your career. But working hard 24/7 can only last so long. Eventually, you'll start to feel run down, overwhelmed and deprived of self-care. To stay on top of your game, it’s not always a matter of pushing harder. It’s about working smarter!

These 5 tips will prevent mind and body fatigue, help drive more traffic to your social media and even help you generate more income!

Arrive 15-20 minutes before your first client. Arriving early to your studio to tear foils, prepare your color cart, fold laundry and return messages will set your day up for success. Being prepared for your day allows you to focus on your clients and not stress about studio housekeeping tasks. We’ve all torn foils in a tizzy and put ourselves behind. As a salon owner, it’s time to bring your A-game.

(@annstouch)

Use scheduling software. There are so many apps out there that not only do appointment confirmations for you, but they also allow clients to schedule at their convenience. With personalized settings, these apps keep you in control while freeing up precious minutes in your day. Think about how much time you can save with 24/7 online booking: no more phone tag, no more listening to voicemails, and you’ll even wake up in the morning to see new appointments. Imagine that, making money while you sleep! On top of that, when clients receive confirmations and appointment reminders, stylists receive fewer last-minute cancellations and no-shows. With this type of system in place, you can spend more time focusing on the guest in your chair.

Invest in a saddle stool. An adjustable stool can be used during cutting and color services to relieve pressure on your feet, knees and lower back. The saddle-shaped stools are especially helpful because they slightly shift the pelvis to support a healthy spinal curve during long workdays. Now, that's smart!

(@tariqrahaman_)

Sell retail. Selling retail products is the fastest way to increase your income by 10% to 200%. We know it can feel daunting at first, but a few simple tricks, such as handing the product to your guest after using it on them to allow them to feel it and smell it, will invite them to want to know more. It’s all about education – your guests want to be shown how to recreate their look at home. Send them home with the products they need, and throw in a few samples if you want to introduce them to something new you’re carrying. You literally have extra income sitting on your shelves. It's time to take that money to the bank!

(@heartandsoulbyallynicole)

Schedule your social media posts. Social media is the most effective way to connect with existing clients and build your clientele. However, posting on social media can get pushed to the back burner on a busy day. Using apps like Later and Hootsuite to schedule your social media posts keeps you and your salon visible even when you're in the middle of a nonstop salon day. By setting aside a few minutes early in the week to schedule your posts, you'll gain more followers and create more traffic to your salon’s social media platforms.