Did you read 7 Habits of Highly Productive People in high school? Maybe it wasn’t quite your jam, but here’s the thing: the habits Stephen Covey talks about in this book could positively impact our industry right now!
Why? Our industry is full of people licensed to do hair, but have no sense of how to do business, motivate themselves, stay inspired, or take the next step. And in an industry that’s so incredible and inspiring, you can easily feel drained and lost, especially right now as many of us are in flux.
Our routines and schedules have been thrown for a loop, and it’s hard to come back from that, right?
Take a look at the top seven habits of highly effective hair stylists so you can find your focus and guarantee success.
They’re proactive, not reactive
Being reactive is: “I would build a website, but I’m not techy.” On the other hand, being proactive is: “I don’t feel like I know how to build a website, but I’m going to learn how.” (P.S., if this is you, we’ve got an amazing course to help!)
The problem with a reactive mindset is that you get stuck. If you want more clients, don’t just blame your salon owner; get social on social media and network in your community until you find those dream guests.
If you want to be proactive, you have to decide to stop being reactive. Stop being stuck.
This feels especially hard right now because everything keeps changing, right? But instead of being reactive – stuck in neutral or even reverse – you can decide to become proactive and make the most of this shift.
How? If you don’t feel techy enough to build that website, now’s the time to learn those skills. Or, if you want to build up your clientele with dream clients, shift your marketing to attract that target market.
Because highly successful stylists believe they can make good things happen by being proactive and figuring out how to do so.
Always work towards something
If you’ve been following our founder Britt Seva, you probably recognize this old Britt-ism, right? We’re talking about it here because it’s tried and true.
It might feel like all your goals were thrown into a tailspin when the pandemic broke out, but here’s the real talk: you can still make big things happen in 2020.
Now is the time to adjust or reset your goals if they were shifted due to the pandemic. Use these goals to always work towards that great, big dream you entered this industry with. Then break down those big goals into smaller, more achievable pieces. (We dig into how to just that in this post!)
Successful stylists are always working towards something that will help them achieve their dream lifestyle.
Prioritize your existing clients first
Are your D.M.s blowing up with new clients demanding a spot in your chair right now? And maybe you’re thinking about extending your hours to fit them all – including your existing clientele – in?
It might seem like getting more butts in your chair is the perfect way to build out your clientele and find success, but it’s actually the least effective strategy. Why? Because it’s six times cheaper to retain an old client than it is to find a new one.
While it’s tempting to fill your days with those random new guest requests, successful hair stylists don’t forget to show their current clients some love.
Be the best possible communicator
Being a strong communicator is key right now. Yep, even if you’re an introvert, even if you aren’t a salon owner.
Why? Because there have been so many changes and so many things continue to shift. So being able to clearly communicate your openings, your salon’s health requirements, and everything else when connecting with clients on appointments or on your website is huge.
Also, don’t forget the other half of communication: listening. Clients especially want to know that you hear them right now, so listen up.
The best way to do this is to practice active listening (listening so intently that you can repeat back what somebody just said to you). It’s hard, but it’s definitely worth it. And besides helping your business and strengthening client relationships, active listening is a major skill that clients look for in stylists today. So stop talking so much and start listening.
Be a better listener to become a better leader
During the ups and downs of the pandemic, is your leader listening to what you have to say? What you’re worried about? What you’re afraid of? Or are they just totally disappearing on you?
If you want to be a successful leader – whether as a salon owner, stylist, or educator – you need to quit talking and start listening, educate yourself, and constantly evolve.
Right now, our industry needs leaders who might not have the answers, but are willing to say, “We’re listening and looking for solutions.” Stylists want to work for somebody like that.
If you’re stuck in the mindset of “they should like me as I am,” or “I’m not going to change,” evaluate if being a leader is something you want…because it’ll be an uphill battle. But successful, effective stylists know that being a better leader — even if they aren’t the salon owner — means being a better listener.
Network like crazy
It’s so easy to think of yourself as the Lone Ranger; you’re better off on your own, right? You don’t need anybody because nobody fully understands what’s going on in your business.
They might not understand exactly, but having a network, especially right now, is so important. Because when you start to network, the way your mind and world expands and your heart grows is unbelievable.
We don’t grow in isolation but in community. It just takes a couple more minds and a deeper conversation to spark awareness and make those amazing connections.
Find your work/life balance
Successful stylists find a way to recharge their batteries, and they recharge often.
The best thing about our industry is the beautiful life we can create for ourselves, right? So by taking this gift of a restart button to shift your schedule, your target market, your business more towards your big goals means you’re so much closer to making your dreams come true.
So take some time to map out your lifestyle and figure out the life you want to live. Then make a plan to get there and make it happen.
The stylists who rise to the top are those who are strategic, make a plan, have goals, and the drive to make them happen. And you can do all of those things.
Start adding these habits to your routine one at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be living that dream life.
Want to dig deeper? Click here to listen in to the top habits of high performers and get inspired!