Takara Belmont is here to help you have a successful year, despite ongoing challenges. With rising energy bills, a cost-of-living crisis and high inflation, we’re experiencing an economic storm that could make 2024 a challenging year. Financial pressure affecting clients’ income means less money to spend on luxuries which may further affect the salon business. However, staying positive and thoughtful will allow you to grow, mitigate rising costs, and see the situation as an opportunity to streamline and boost business.
As one of the world’s leading equipment brands, Takara Belmont offers five tips to help you plan for a successful 2024:
1) Review 2023 and focus on what worked well, and what didn’t
Adopting a ‘business as usual’ approach does not always serve you well. Instead, review what worked well in the past and build on those aspects of your business. Phase out things that didn’t work, so you can focus on the services and treatments that clients want and contribute the most to your income and profit.
Bring your team into the review to share ideas and provide client feedback. Ask a group of clients for their views; ask what they want and share your ideas to see if they’re excited about them. Expanding services your clients enjoy, or adding new services to attract clients, is a great way to boost business and appeal to a broader clientele.
2) Create a plan for the year
After examining your business and writing down ideas, create a plan. Remember the five Ps – Perfect Planning Prevents Poor Performance. The planning stage is crucial to your success. You can timeline changes, manage investments, and ensure your team is excited about the year ahead.
Setting realistic goals and timelines and delegating responsibility to ensure your plan comes to fruition is essential. Remember, there’s a wealth of support you can draw on. Product companies will have training options and mentors. Equipment brands like Takara Belmont can advise you on interior and equipment planning to maximise floor space and income from services.
3) Reimagine your business growth
At times like this, many salons may immediately rationalise and look for cost savings, which is essential. Changing lighting to LED, switching to disposable eco-towels, and choosing equipment that reduces water and energy consumption will generate potential savings. That said, a cheerful and imaginative plan will differentiate your salon by presenting an opportunity to be more visible. You can compete for new clients when other salons go quiet and withdraw as a way of saving…stay strong.
Consider services, treatments and ideas that will deliver growth and success rather than only focusing on what is nice to have. For example, see equipment as more than functional. You can make many affordable additions that will expand your service and treatment options, upscale the client experience and yield higher incomes.
The Spa Mist II processor elevates hair conditioning treatments and provides spa-style hand conditioning services, which will increase income. Roller Ball F can accelerate colour processing, meaning you can improve colour results and fit more services into the day. These two products are easy to add to your salon, require minimal training at no cost, and can be running in just a few weeks. All Takara Belmont products are available with a 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease. There’s never been a more affordable way to expand growth opportunities.
5. Market your business- focus on existing and new clients
Marketing is crucial; ensure your salon is visible and competing for attention. Of course, social media is essential, but so is your website. Many salon software platforms also offer efficient marketing tools. While planning, create a marketing plan to promote new and existing services.
Plan events, initiatives and stand-out promotions to catch the attention of your current and prospective clients. Tap into seasonal events such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day, but think outside of cut-price incentives. Discounts are often the default promo but consider designing packages, gifts and partner experiences that focus on great value rather than discounts. For example, you might launch ‘Mother and Daughter Experiences’ for Mother’s Day with a glass of Prosecco, luxury nibbles and a product gift for a fixed price. This way, you can retain the full-service price and provide extra value for the product. It’s also a great way to introduce clients to your professional product line. You could even include a voucher for another service you’re looking to promote, encouraging them to book again and try something new.
6. Evaluate and evolve
As you implement your plan, remember to evaluate along the way. Looking at what’s been successful will help you to evolve your strategy throughout your journey. Constantly refining your approach can only make you more efficient and successful.
Takara Belmont is a leading manufacturer of hairdressing equipment and furniture. With a global reputation for quality, performance, durability and technical innovation, their equipment can enhance your service experience, reduce costs and expand your income potential. Don’t let the rising costs of living and energy crisis ruin your year. Evaluate, plan and create, and you’re sure to have a year of success and growth, despite the current challenges.
Discover more at https://www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/
Find out more about 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease here
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