PUBLISHER'S NOTE

FROM GOOD TO GREAT

MEASURING SUCCESS IN OUR INDUSTRY isn’t as easy as it seems. isn’t as easy as it seems.

How does one determine success? Is it being one of the best haircutters in town or having a stellar nail business with a huge repeat client base? Does winning a competition like the Contessas ensure success? It may put you on the right path, but it’s only part of the formula.

As Michael Hlinka, business commentator for CBC Radio’s Metro Morning says, “The truly successful business model in an industry like the beauty business requires the combination of two elements: strong technical skills and modern marketing skills.”

Constantly upgrading your skills is paramount. Since we’re in a trendoriented business, it’s necessary to have training in new techniques and services all the time. That’s a given.

The area where a lot of salon owners seem to be really challenged is in business management, yet you can take your salon from good to great by paying close attention to this side of things. Good management practices include key components such as sound financial systems, effective human resource management and strong leadership skills, paying close attention to team-building initiatives and training.

An excellent program that recognizes owners of successful salons and spas worldwide for their entrepreneurial achievements is the Global Salon Business Awards, in which Salon Magazine is a media partner. These are produced by the B.E.S.T. Foundation, which launched an educational program for salon owners through the UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2005. Check out www.salonbusinessawards.com.

In this issue of Salon you’ll read about several new and exciting stateof-the-art training facilities (see page 65). When a manufacturer makes this investment in education you know it’s onto something.

There are also very good business seminars at regional events such as the ABAs or distributor shows—ask your sales consultant about them. Consider networking with salon owners you admire for their business skills as a way of improving your own. And your local bookstores are filled with books on leadership and management principles that can be easily applied to your business. Winn Claybaugh offers great guiding principles for the ultimate learning experience on page 24.

One thing to keep in mind is that learning requires discipline and an open mind. Like fitness training, it takes work and dedication to create new and better habits.

Laura Dunphy Laura Dunphy Publisher

HAIR BILL ROWLEY PHOTO BABAK ISSN 1197-1495 volume 15 issue 05

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