New Year, New Business Goals: Sola Resolutions for 2014

We’ve all heard people make the same New Year’s resolutions year after year: “Eat better, lose weight, exercise.” While these are all excellent goals to strive for throughout the year, setting some new goals for your busy salon life is another great way to begin the new year. Here are a few resolutions shared by Sola stylists to help kick your salon business into high gear in 2014.

Build Better Client Relationships

Take those extra few minutes to interact with your clients at the beginning and end of their sessions. Establishing a rapport will not only make the styling session more fun, it also makes the client feel more comfortable and relaxed. As Sola stylist Lacee Glass of Lacee’s Hair Lounge points out, “Now that I am in business for myself, my work isn't just about the money I'm bringing in. I can actually be more personable with my clients so they feel more appreciated. That in turn will bring more business because a better relationship with my clients will make them want to refer more people to me.”

Expand Your Business with Creative Marketing

Sola stylist Julie Carmouche of Studio Elan came up with a creative plan for her clients this holiday season. She says, “I decided to buy a bunch of travel size products and gave 1 product to each client after their service as a thank you. It's amazing how a small Moroccan oil hairspray or shampoo can turn into a big tip! I also bought a Keratin travel bag filled with products and brushes, then posted on Facebook that all clients had been entered to win the bag at Christmas. I received tons of likes and comments but also lots of emails from people asking for my prices and location. I plan to continue this Christmas spirit into 2014! I think it says thank you to my clients while advertising my business.”

Balance Your Time

Don't lose yourself in the hectic pace of salon life. Sola stylist Joy Love of Joy Love’s Hair & Image Studio says, “I resolve for my business to be more about quality and not quantity. I pride myself on the quality of my work and it's easy to get away from that when you’re in demand. I want to work smarter not harder. I'm going to take a lunch this year. As a stylist, I tend to eat and work at the same time. But that 30 minutes or hour stepping away from the client is very therapeutic. My overall resolution I make to myself every year and I'm proud that I stick to is simply balance.”

Set Short-Term Goals To Accomplish

Don’t overwhelm yourself by setting too many broad, long-term goals for the start of the new business year. While long-term goals are always fantastic thoughts to keep in mind, be sure to set small, realistic checkpoints along the way. Sola stylist Kim Bennett Horvath of Kim Bennett Studios also believes in setting up a rewards system. She suggests, “Start off reasonably. Maybe weekly or quarterly. When you look at the year as a whole it's way too long to wait for a reward.”

So once you’ve accomplished a small weekly goal, treat yourself to a new pair of shears or that pair of shoes you've had your eye on, and take a moment to feel proud of your accomplishment. As Kim believes, “When in business for yourself, you must give yourself a reward to stay motivated!” What are some of your resolutions for the start of the new year? Here’s to making 2014 your busiest and most profitable year yet!