Weโve said it before, but weโll say it again: if you have a cosmetology license, youโre a business owner.
Youโre the CEO of your business, even if itโs just you in your studio suite or youโre a commission stylist working the opening shift.
But Chief Executive Officer is one of the roles we kind of shy away from. Itโs too scary, too hard on other people, and (double yuck) too corporate.
But itโs also the role that will push you, your big, crazy goals, and your business behind the chair forward.
So today, weโre breaking down the 5 steps to fully step into the role of CEO and take your business by the horns.
Step #1: Decide your vision
Youโve probably seen companies post their vision statements on their websites or heard Britt talk about vision statements, but maybe you werenโt sure why they were so important or why theyโre different from mission statements.
Vision and mission statements tend to go hand-in-hand. Vision is where you want to go; mission is how youโll get there.
Thatโs why itโs so important to first decide your vision as a CEO; you need to know where you want your business to go, to do, what impact and legacy you want to leave behind.
Hereโs how to get started writing your own vision statement:
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Decide whatโs most important to you, that one amazing thing you want your business to accomplish.
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Write it down. (Itโs okay if it looks sloppy right now.)
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Walk away for a few hours and do something else, then come back and reread what you wrote. Does it sound right? Does it give you tingles down your spine when you read it? Does it inspire you to go out and make magic happen every day?
If you said yes, youโve got it right!
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Put your vision statement where you can see it every day. A Post-It in your planner or maybe even create a phone wallpaper in Canva with your special words. Whatever you do, put it in a place where your eyes land on it every single day.
Step #2: Pick your mission
Would you ever set off on a road trip without a clue where youโre going? Probably not, right? Your career needs that same kind of direction.
Your mission statement is what guides you in every other part of being the CEO of your business because it tells you how youโll accomplish your vision. For example, FSBDโs mission statement is โTo instill confidence in stylists and salon owners through real, modern, proven, actionable resources so that they are able to create the wealthy life they are dreaming is possible.โ
How to write your own mission statement
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Reread your vision statement. Does it still resonate with you?
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Decide how youโre going to accomplish this big, crazy goal. Donโt worry if this feels like youโre standing at the base of Mount Everest wondering how youโre going to get to the top. Your mission statement will give you the path.
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Adjust and refine your statement until it feels right. It should be slightly challenging, but still inspire you to push forward towards your vision statement.
This doesnโt mean that your mission statement might not change or evolve as you move through your journey! If you come across a roadblock, donโt be afraid to take a detour.
Step #3: Define your target market
Now that youโve done all this phenomenal work, you need to make sure you have your target market defined. Why? Because your vision and mission statements donโt matter if you donโt know who youโre talking to.
Close your eyes for a moment and think about your dream client. Not the nice client, not the client you donโt mind. Your dream client. The one you wish was in your chair from the moment you walked into the salon until the doors closed behind you on the way home. Thatโs your target market, the person youโre talking to to ensure your business stays successful and profitable.
If you want to dig deeper into target market (and even get some help from our amazing coaching team!), consider joining Thrivers Society!
Step #4: Know your brand
Newsflash: a brand is so much more than just your logo. Itโs more than having a new front desk receptionist and the good snacks.
A brand is who you are. Itโs how your clients feel when theyโre in your chair, how they know theyโre in the right space with a kindred soul. It should say volumes about who you are and what your business and speciality is.
If you donโt have a defined brand yet, consider your speciality and target market. Dig deep into them. Discover what suits you and your business, and will appeal to your target market as well.
Step #5: Be ready to make the hard decisions
Weโve covered some big things already, but being the CEO is more than setting vision and mission statements and defining the brand; itโs also making the big decisions to make sure youโre still on the right path.
And sometimes, those decisions arenโt easy.
Prepare yourself now to make those tough decisions easier, like making a decision flow chart (Does it align with your vision statement? No? It might be a pass), create your support network, and keep your vision and mission statements front of mind. Outline specifically where you want to go in life and say no to anything that doesnโt get you there.
Being the CEO might not always be easy, but if you steer your hair business right, youโll achieve your dreams, get more income, more stability, and control over your career.