A Happy Staff Leads to Success
By Crystal Rivenbark
Sometimes it’s difficult to take a step back and look at the bigger picture in business. New salon/spa owners are focused on getting the business off the ground and neglect important details. A beautifully outfitted space in a great location means a great deal. Many owners figure out very quickly that means nothing when there is no staff to provide revenue.
The reality is this: salon owners want to run the show. They work hard, put up capital, and take on a lot of risk to be in business. Sound familiar? The difficulty with that type of thinking isn’t usually apparent to most salon/spa owners. Owners who think their staff work for them are hugely mistaken. I’d argue that you work for your staff.
Consider this: your ability to keep a full staff is directly connected to your staff’s happiness in the workplace. If you are difficult to work for or are inflexible or greedy, no one will want to work for your salon. I can hear the gears in your brain grinding to a halt. You may be thinking, “I’m not inflexible or greedy”. Maybe not, but have you considered how your staff sees it? Perception is reality. Make no mistake, the business relationship between staff and owner has to be win/win. If your staff believes you aren’t treating them fairly, they will seek other opportunities.
That doesn’t mean you should allow your staff to walk all over you. Rules and guidelines for your employees are an integral part of running a profitable salon, but have you taken a moment to take a step back? If you were employed, what qualities would you look for in an employer? Are you giving your highest quality professionals a reason to continue with you? Are they making a fair commission or wage? Do you offer benefits? Is the salon managed fairly?
Happy staffers equal more revenue for you. Gone are the days of loyalty. In this economy, it’s everyone for themselves. Staying in business is contingent upon your staff’s willingness to work. What are you doing to keep them? What is your bigger picture?
Crystal Rivenbark has been a stylist since 1992 and an instructor since 1996. She is a regular contributor for multiple print and web publications, is a textbook reviewer for Milady Publishing, specializes in consulting and business development for salon/spa owners, and works behind the chair in a private studio setting. For more information, visit hairarchitectureva.com.