Attitude of Gratitude

     Today’s tip of the week is about gratitude. I don’t understand how folks in this business can complain about being busy this time of year. Come to think of it they complain when they are slow too. In all honesty, it is just a few short weeks of mayhem and then we are scrounging around for those same clients come January. The beauty industry is a service business. At the heart of service is serve from the Latin root servire, to be a slave or servant. While that might conjure up some negatives emotions, if you don’t have a servants heart in this business, that may be at the root of your complaints. Maybe you are not charging what you think you are worth, after all we are not slaves, we work hard but we also get paid, some quite well.  Being underpaid and underappreciated can cause resentment. What is the answer? Lift yourself out of your shackles, educate yourself, make sure your surroundings are pristine, go above and beyond the clients wildest dreams and you are no longer a servant, you are the queen business woman. I understand the balance between serving and being taken advantage of is a fine line.



     Customers cancel, want to change appointments at the last minute or better yet want you to squeeze them in when they didn’t have the foresight to book ahead. These are all problems with solutions. Do you have a cancellation policy? No one will take you or your time seriously until you do. Are there a few flexible clients you can maneuver around to accommodate last minute clients? Are your clients on a standing appointment or at least rebooking before they leave, or booking online? All these strategies can curb even the worst client behavior. I never complain when I am busy, I am grateful because I know how many techs struggling out there would love to be in my shoes. If you are booked out 6 months in advance and no room on the books, guess what? Its time to raise your prices. Remember no matter where you are there is someone else struggling to get there. There is a student in nail school right now struggling to get her license. Sit back and appreciate the hectic holiday times and envision 2012 that busy year round. Clients are the heart and soul of our business and so many of them truly love us and appreciate us for the professional women we are. Did you know one of the top reasons clients leave a salon is because they didn’t feel valued? Yes there are a few that we wish would find another salon but for the most part we truly need to appreciate them. Especially this time of year when they come bearing gifts, cash and checks. Keep a gift log and make sure to send a hand written thank you to each and every one, make sure to add one thing about them that you appreciate, even if it is their trendy shoes. Living with gratitude in your heart is the best attitude to bring you more things to be grateful for. So don’t be a sourpuss. Smile, be grateful and be prosperous in 2012.