You already know how to run a salon business, but could you easily run a marathon? How about bike 44km, or perform the 100m butterfly that saw Michael Phelps win his 17th Gold Olympic medal? Now imagine that, with all eyes on you, all eyes watching, all eyes expecting.
It is every four years that the Olympics games happen. These events include the World’s finest athletes, it is not for the light hearted, these individuals have spent hours upon hours working on their craft, where they excel is in a sickening work ethic. While most are relaxing there working, while the other is sleeping there working. But it’s this effort that makes for spectacular viewings.
So how does the Olympic games relate to marketing your salon?
Thoughts on your salons work ethic
Without the foundations, and practise, anybody would have difficulty at attempting to run or even finish an Olympic marathon. At the start they would be hopeful, but unless they dedicate themselves to train for it, they’ll probably end up sagging behind unsuccessfully trying to catch their last breath. This can be likened to the marketing and running of your salon shop. You can try to run one. As you can imagine the glamour and the prestige of running a salon business is a good look to have. As with all human activity however it involves a process of mastery. And just like the marathon run being a hairdresser you too must learn the various cutting techniques and procedures, later proceeding to higher levels that require discipline and effort. You must have the ability to withstand repetitive activity. Without such a basis you have no chance at outlasting your competitors.
So below are a few similarities I picked upon between serious Olympic training and achieving success in the running of your salon business.
1. Respect the process – Mastery
Running your own salon business in not easy, so now it comes at no better time to assess your salon, the people your work with, the direction you’re heading in.
In the Olympics, that means competing against the world’s most competitive culture – China. Make no mistake, life here can be pretty cutthroat at times. This country doesn’t breed losers. For you, that simply might be the competition that exists within hairdressing. Maybe they’re cutthroat opponents. Conditioned from a young age not to loose.
2. Lead your salon from the front
Just like the runners at the front of their race, they set the pace as this too has the same power within your salon as it does on the race track. The manager who works harder than anyone else, who practice what they preach, who are not afraid to be accountable for tough decisions or risks, will find that they have created a well of respect that will pay for great things. They can ask for sacrifices and punish slackers without facing the usual gossip or grumbling. You wont have to yell, complain and force your workers to follow. As they will do so willingly. Set trends, rather than copy them this particularly applies in times like today. For example how often do we put ourselves down by asking for too little? Justifying salon prices? I have been taught that the price you set is the price you will receive – demand to be treated with respect and so you will. Set your value high then, set it even higher
3. Ready set go
Sometimes you need to stop over analysing and just go for it. As with the Olympic run bold spurts of energy within the marathon will make you seem more powerful. If it comes suddenly, it will inspire fear to your competitors who will wonder when this will next happen. Likened to your salon more often than not this type of action is needed. Everything depends upon perception if you’re a salon manager who is willing to negotiate and back down you will be pushed around. Use boldness to kick it up a notch or two inspiring confidence.
4. Starring through your rear view mirror
So your steaming ahead with a marketing idea but remember it’s a good idea to now and again get up to date as to what your competitors might be doing. Within marathons there will be times when the runners will look back to see who is behind them. Try not to get to comfortable or confident if you reaching great goals, look back and check, competition could be steaming up behind you.
5. Play all the way to the end
The Olympic marathon runners will have trained intensely so that they save enough energy to finish strong. The ending is everything taking into consideration all the possibly upheavals and twists that might reverse the years of hard practise and give the glory to others. What ever goal or direction your salon decides to take make sure you plan in detail before you act. Do not let a plan designed on impulse lead you into trouble. Ask things like will this stir up new enemies? Will another salon owner take advantage of this idea and have it better perceived? Are there critical consequences? When your aware of the steps ahead you will no longer be swayed by emotion or tempted to improvise taking you off track.
Do you have what it takes to win your salon race?
Could you see yourself participating in any of the Olympic games? It all looks so easy as you sit and watch from the comfort of your own home. To actually try would be a different story, You would probably be unsuccessful, and the same applies to running a salon business. If you want things fast and easy and think that you can just automatically run a salon business you’ll be in for a challenge. There can be a good lesson learnt from the athletes that compete in the Olympic games, success didn’t not come fast and easy for them, it has taken years and tremendous effort. But I am sure as hell its feels amazing to win a medal.
Do you have any comments? Let us know
Maria Claudia Bennett
Salon Punk Contributing Writer
www.mariaclaudiabennett.co.uk
