Your Brand Matters!

BRANDING IS WHERE YOU SHOWCASE YOURSELF, MARKET YOURSELF,NETWORK AND BUILD YOUR REPUTATION.   

After being in the hair salon business for many years I decided that I wanted to share with others what I have learned and inspire them to be the best that they can be. Every hairdresser that I’ve talked to wants to learn more about BRANDING and that is one of my favorite subjects to talk about! . The importance of building your brand is so that you can reach those potential clients and turn them into loyal customers. I want to help you get an edge on your branding methods that will help you reach your goal of making more money and becoming a Rich Hairdresser. 

“How do I get my brand known?” 

“What do I do first?”   

“What should I not be doing?”  

One of the most important questions that you should ask yourself first, and it’s a pretty big one is: 

“WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR BRAND TO SAY ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? Do you want it to say that you’re the “Cheapest” or that you’re the “Discount Queen?”

So then you’re actually saying that your work is not really worth much money…..  

I am so “anti discounting” and don’t believe in it at all. When it comes to somebody saying “I don’t have enough money” it's tricky, but you have to feel strong enough about your brand and your business not to discount them. 

OR…..

Do you want your brand to say that you rock hair and you love and care about your clients? That’s when your clients pay you the big bucks - it’s really worth it…..

Just make sure your quality of work is on par for what you are charging. Be really good at what you do. What do you want to be known for? Do you have a specialty? It’s about being amazing, showing that, and then people want to be around you, come to you, and follow you and your salon business.

YOUR BRAND IS A REFLECTION OF YOURSELF 

You have to take PRIDE in your work. Try to be on time for your clients and if you can’t, text them or have your assistant or receptionist let them know. It’s one of those little things that a lot of stylists don’t do and will make your clients appreciate you for caring about their busy schedules. They deserve your full attention. It shows respect.  

Another big one is to act HAPPY! I don’t care if you’re in the worst position of your life you need to act happy. You can go cry in the break room while your client’s processing, but you need to do what you need to do so that when you’re “ On stage” you are a professional. 

BEING PROFESSIONAL BRINGS IN PROFESSIONAL MONEY! 

Being PROFESSIONAL also means that you cannot bring all your drama, all your baggage, to work. Some of my worst days ever were never shared with my clients, even my best super clients. No matter how upset I was I kept working and kept being positive. It’s really important to have a good reputation and not be that hairdresser whose clients think or say “she’s got so many problems, poor thing!” You don’t want to be the hairdresser that gossips or has a bunch of personal issues.  

IF YOUR CLIENT IS PAYING YOU, SHE IS NOT YOUR FRIEND  

You could be doing some clients that become friends for even 10 years, or have some of your best friends sitting in your chair, but they are still paying you. And you need to be that professional hairdresser - because that’s your brand. Your REPUTATION is your brand. 

THOSE “LITTLE THINGS’ MAKE YOU “BIG MONEY” 

I talk a lot about advancing your skills and specializing, but also being able to COMMUNICATE well with your clients. It makes them feel “special.” You shouldn’t talk politics or anything that might offend them, but be knowledgeable about the world and what's going on in your community. Do whatever you can do to make your clients happy. When you’re out and about, remember that you are representing yourself and your salon.  

Another important “little thing” to remember is to be CONSISTENT in your work, your brand, so that when your client walks through the door you both know what to expect. You’ve done a good consultation and didn’t forget to buy the products you need! 

YOU DON’T NEED A “GIMMICK” YOU JUST NEED TO DO GOOD WORK! 

When stylists ask me to help them about marketing and wanting to be “original” I can honestly say that I didn’t do anything extraordinary except I went the extra mile and put the time in. Eventually I became well known for being a blonde expert, but It was because I was good at what I did, not because of any special gimmick. 

I took a course from a hairdresser that had a license but had never really been a practicing hairdresser. She was teaching branding as picking the perfect color scheme on a website, business card, etc. It was like how to “ design your brand!” NO! NO! NO! There is no website in the world that can make you your brand. It can be fun marketing stuff that you do on the side. I’m all for that and I teach Instagram layouts and social media etc., but you need to wrap your heads around the fact - that your Brand is You! 

WE’RE NOT IN THE BUSINESS THAT’S COMPETING WITH 5 OTHER SUB SHOPS SELLING SANDWICHES

Look at your online posts, comments, pictures, etc and see if they reflect what you want to be known for. Being You is your Gimmick!

Facebook Pages, Websites, Your Facebook Profile, Instagram, all should become public in a positive way that portrays you the way you want to be seen in the community to attract future clients. If you’re trying to become a brand and no one sees you - what’s the point? If there’s some personal crap you don’t want people to see, take it off!

Don’t just post random stuff. This is what I’m talking about…..Think of your posts as your business, your brand.

So working on your BRAND takes a little time and effort and you need to make your own Business Plan on how you are going to brand yourself. You will then be one step ahead toward your goal of becoming a Successful Rich Hairdresser here...