Salon Ownership - It is a BUSINESS!
Thought about starting a business? What about a salon? Most will say - well I can't I just don't do hair! Owning a successful salon is about being a successful business person not a great stylist. While you will want great stylists in your salon that will probably not be you! A successful business person works On the business not IN the business. If you owned a salon and the entire business is relying on your styling skills than you will never be able to expand, go on vacation, or have time for all of the other things necessary to be successful. You will be spending all your time cutting hair, paying bills, marketing, and just keeping things organized.
There are many things to consider before embarking on opening a salon.
What type of clientele do you want to serve? Family, men, women, children, etc.
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What services will you offer? the basics, color, cuts, facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, etc. The type of clientele that you choose will help determine this - or vice versa.
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Where do you want your salon to be located? Large city, rural, mall atmosphere, strip mall, within an existing business, or maybe your home.
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Why do you want to open a salon? We can provide you with many great reasons here - but you need to think about your personal motivation. Are you just wanting fulfillment, to make money, etc.?
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When and for how long do you want to own this business? Even though it sounds crazy, but an exit plan is important. Will you want to own this forever, sell it someday, etc. The value of a salon is dependent on the type of salon it is. Some are much more valuable than others - but that will be another blog topic!
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How will you learn to run a successful salon? Read books, rely on my previous business experience, hire a business coach, wing it, or maybe even join a franchise system to draw on their experience and marketing.
Running a Salon has many benefits, it can be one of the most rewarding businesses to be in. Some of the advantages of this industry are:
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Hair care is a high-demand, repeat cash business that serves just about anyone
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There is very little perishable inventory
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No around the clock hours
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This type of business is not affected by the economic climate or the seasons as other businesses can be
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Hair care cannot be replaced by the internet
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Most people use a professional for their hair care
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Employees are educated and trained
