Do you ever wonder why some businesses succeed while others fail? We all know two salons or beauty clinics that seem to have the same potential – yet one is on a certain path to success while the other is firmly stuck in struggle street.
Why is it so?
The answer’s not what you might think – that the booming business is in a better location, has spent a fortune on big branding or is undercutting the market on price.
No: the solution lies with the clinic or salon owner.
So, let’s take a look at what sets a successful salon owner apart from those who struggle. What do they do on a daily basis that you could implement straight away to start positive change in your business?
They look to themselves for the answers.
Stop for a moment and look into the mirror. It’s what successful people do – take their time, reflect and be openminded about how they can step-up and make real, lasting change.
If you’re not where you want to be in your business, it’s because you haven’t yet learned what you need to know to get there.
Look closely. What kind of leader are you? Does your team know what you expect? Do you trust them? Maybe you think it’s plain bad luck that your team is underperforming, your customers are complaining and your retail’s gathering dust on the shelf?
You can make all the excuses in the world, but the truth is there looking back at you – you have to be the change. What’s standing between you and success is YOU.
They have a clear plan.
Entrepreneurs plan the way ahead. Always. Every day. Every week. Every month.
Whether it’s a team training schedule, a marketing calendar for the next twelve months or a checklist for today, a clear plan is the framework you need to get stuff done.
Savvy business people include their team in the planning, so everyone understands the goals and expectations.
If you find yourself changing your mind, switching direction all the time or feeling totally overwhelmed by mid-morning, it’s because you haven’t set a clear plan.
They know the difference between a leader and a boss.
Do you ever wonder whether you’re a boss or a leader? Do you understand the difference?
Bosses manage their team members, assign tasks and tell them what to do without explaining why or even how. Bosses don’t ask for team input or reward effort. They don’t encourage training or create career pathways.
Leaders communicate openly and clearly. Leaders bring their team along on the journey, inspiring them to be creative and innovative. They bring out the best in the people around them.
People love to follow leaders; they become dedicated to them. And nothing beats a loyal team member who wants to contribute to your business success. Engaged team members share your goals, understand your aspirations and work with you to make the magic happen.
They switch on a powerful mindset.
Successful salon owners have a completely different mindset that sets them apart.
When things get tough and they hit an obstacle, they don’t give up. They understand that when you say to yourself “I can’t” you’re actually telling your brain to “stop working on it”.
They know to ask the right question: “How can I?” This sends a signal to the brain: “start working on it”.
Your brain is magical. It will come up with great ideas for you, over and over again. Keep asking and eventually the solution to your problem will present itself.
They manage their time and delegate their tasks.
Successful people understand the importance of time management. They are persistent, disciplined and able to focus on what matters.
Entrepreneurs delegate to those around them. They get that other people are capable and trustworthy and that trying to do everything for yourself is a recipe for disaster. They surround themselves with a great team – people who are willing and able – then they lead them to success.
Trying to control every single thing in your business sets you up for a bitter experience. Before long you’ll feel overwhelmed and very lonely.
Learn to trust your team. Let them prove what they can do. You’ll be surprised just how talented they are.
They never stop learning.
Successful business owners believe in improving themselves. They’re open to new information, fresh ideas and smarter ways of doing things.
The day you decide that you know everything is the day you give your business a death sentence.
Everything in life is undergoing constant change. To be successful, you need to be educated on multiple levels. You might be a five-star hair stylist or a highly qualified beautician, but do you really know how to manage your team, your finances and your business? No? Then start learning.
They are flexible.
Successful business owners know how to step back outside a situation and see it without emotional attachment.
If they need to change their thinking on something to achieve a better outcome, they do. They’ve gone beyond the “ego” state to where it no longer matters who’s right and who’s wrong. What counts is what needs to change to move their business in the right direction.
The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to turnaround even the most uncomfortable situation for your advantage.
Successful business owners know that failing is part of having a business. They take each situation, analyse it, use what’s important and leave the rest behind.
They’re confident they’ll always find a solution, no matter how big or small the challenge seems.
Over to you. You CAN have the work life balance you crave and you CAN have a business that makes you the money you deserve.
As Robert Kiyosaki says in his book: “A little greed is healthy; it helps you to move forward.” Get greedy, make like an entrepreneur and start steering your salon or clinic to success.
For more salon wisdom email ZING Coach Adrienne Varga adri@zingcoach.com.au or visit www.thezingproject.com.au
