Only one month to go! And for most salons the busiest month of the year… and what a year it’s been!

For some businesses there has been continued growth building on strong foundations, sound business plans and good business practices. Others, unfortunately, in the last twelve months have not fared so well.

But … there is still a month to go, so capitalize on every opportunity to finish strong, not just financially but personally, emotionally…finish strong in every way.

Finishing strong coaching clinic: December 2009

1. Start your day with a 10 minute stand up team meeting every morning before the first client. Address any of the days issues, acknowledge a different member of your team every day in front of their colleagues.

2. Look out for those that “fall through the gaps” Christmas is not always fun for everyone, often filled with past memories, family problems, finances and relationships all under pressure.

3. Look after your team that little bit extra this month, buy morning tea, if it’s possible give them a couple of hours off to do some of their own Christmas shopping.

4. Reward a team member everyday with a small gift, i.e. a copy of GROW, a bottle of Champagne, movie voucher, gift certificate for a massage or manicure. Link rewards directly to productivity in a key area i.e. Highest retail figures, percentage of clients that have colour etc.

5. During the day recognize and reward every achievement, sometimes with just a smile or kind word of acknowledgement.

6. Avoid alcohol with your team and clients… it’s usually more trouble than it’s worth. Give them mince pies and non-alcoholic punch instead.

7. What charity can you support this Christmas?

GOSH Seminar

8. Let’s be honest, if someone gave me a bottle of shampoo as a Christmas gift I would probably throw it at them, but what about Blow-dryer, tongs, irons, travel bags, hair accessories?

9. Offer clients a gift wrapping and card service free of charge.

10. Don’t wait until you run out of stock, there is nothing worse than not being able to take someone’s money because you can’t supply what they want.

11. A big percentage of your team is in all likelihood young, single and sociable. Have a pep talk with them about professionalism, punctuality and absenteeism; it just might make the difference when they get offered another drink at 1am the night before a full column of clients.

12. Look after yourself and your loved ones, give them the gift of your time, take time to reflect and capture the moments, engrave them on your memory and reflect on the lessons learnt.

TIP: Finish Strong is more than a statement…it’s an attitude. It’s an attitude of believing you can do something, and it’s having the courage and determination to see it through. And of course, you can apply this “finish strong attitude” to every area of your personal and professional life.

Have a great week

Anthony Whitaker

P.S Sometimes the catalyst for real change is a fresh pair of eyes and an external contribution. My seminars, and one-on-one coaching sessions are designed to achieve exactly that, so for rates, information and bookings please contact me on: antony@antonywhitaker.com