Post Pandemic Reboot

I’ve got to tell it like it is…

As stylists and salon owners, we have a million reasons to be frustrated and overwhelmed by the loss of business due to COVID. As both a salon founding member and education entrepreneur who recently launched a new business specifically designed for in-person training,

I GET IT! 

And, we all know that in-person training isn't happening anytime soon! Add to this scenario, my recent decision to move to Florida after 30 years of living and working in NYC and you've got one frustrated entrepreneur!

I NEED A DRINK!

And speaking of drinks...

Unlike the indoor dining restrictions back in NYC, in Florida you can have a drink or meal inside a restaurant now, something that we haven't been able to enjoy since March. So, armed with our masks and hand sanitizer, we drove to our favorite spot and sat at the bar, yay!  However, it took less than two minutes to notice some staff members loosely following the mandated safety measures, ugh! Instead of practicing the 6 feet social distancing rule, servers were standing within six inches of each other - touching their hair and faces and ignoring the safety protocols in every possible way. At one point, a server poured drinks with her face exposed, mask tucked under her chin without realizing she was potentially putting everyone at risk. Let's face it, we all know how awkward and uncomfortable it is to wear a mask and follow the rules all day and everyday. But, in order to remain operational, this is what each of us must do.  And, as we continue to make certain choices about how we'll navigate through this moment in time, so will our clients.

BELOW ARE ADDITIONAL REASONS CLIENTS WON’T BE RETURNING ANYTIME SOON:

They've already visited your business and they were dissatisfied with the safety measures they observed.

They've been unable to get an appointment with you due to the low occupancy restrictions.

You recently increased your prices due to COVID and they don't want to pay.

They've decided that they don't mind their longer hair and regrowth after all.

Clients fear going to any environment where they believe they are at risk.

So, in preparation for that moment when this seemingly never-ending dark cloud finally dissipates and business bounces back, it's important to make sure that our salons (and mindsets) are in order.

SIMPLY PUT, WE HAVE TO DO BETTER THAN WE DID PRE-PANDEMIC

As artists, there was a time when satisfying our clients through technical performance alone was enough, but in today's climate, we need the additional knowledge and the skills to help us effectively attract and retain clients in the coming days. We need the tools to help us become more well-rounded successful stylists.

“EVOLVING ISN’T JUST ABOUT STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE - IT’S FUNDAMENTAL TO LONG TERM BUSINESS SURVIVAL” - Shari Harbinger

In the coming days and months, I'll be working hard to bring to you an online comprehensive learning path called The 4 Pillars Of Salon Success. As someone who's led salon teams and educators for almost 30 years, I can't stress enough the importance of giving equal attention to all 4 pillars: technical and power skills, your image, and building a powerful salon culture.

Strengthen the 4 pillars and you will succeed in a market saturated with competition and you’ll undoubtedly exceed your clients expectations.

Until then, be safe & stay healthy, 
Shari xx

4 PILLARS

The 4 Pillar Path For Salon Success

Technical Training I Strategies I Leadership

@jennymoloney