My Favorite Genoisms

     I have known Geno over twenty years. From the first time I sat in one of his classes I knew he would have a huge impact on my world. I had no way of knowing back then just how much of an impact he would actually make but to say I am a different person than I would have been had I not met him would not be an understatement. Sure I may have eventually found other personal development mentors, but the fact that Geno was one of us, in the beauty industry, made him a whole lot easier to relate to. He knew our world, spoke our language and shared our same struggles. I couldn’t help but think if he can, then I can too. He was also from a familiar mindset, or maybe generation where you had to do more than just show up and not everyone got a trophy. I was intrigued by his brain and made sure to get myself to his classes whenever I could. Each time was fresh, invigorating and I always learned something new. So here are a few of my favorite take-aways.

     If it’s to be it’s up to me. This one just cuts to the chase for me. It is no one else’s job, or responsibility to get you where you need to be in life. Sure you can blame your parents, your family, your bosses, your friends or lack of friends but the bottom line is you are responsible for you. Is it always fair? Heck no. Is it easy? Let me tell you a secret, No one, not one person has a cake walk. Just because you may not have seen their struggles, they are there. Either in their past or their future.  Life is a series of challenges. So put your glitter pants on and get to it!

Notes from one of Geno's early classes

      You are going to have to continue to practice and study. In one of Geno's classes several years back he asked the question how many people want to be a millionaire? Well of course the entire room raises their hands. Next question, How many of you are reading a good book on how to become a millionaire? One maybe two or three hands go up. Who are you reading? Following? Studying? Geno often shares a story about Martin Parsons, a brilliant hair artist, that he has seen him backstage at a show working on a mannequin. Study and practice, even at the top.

     Invest in yourself. This kind of goes with the previous take-away but it sets rules. I remember hearing Geno say in a class years ago that you need to take educational classes or webinars or retreats. And you need to spend at least 10% of your annual income on them. What better money spent then investing in yourself. I speak of this often, the return on the investment is exponential.

He introduced me to Jim Rohn, well not in person. I asked him at one point who his mentors are and one was Mr. Rohn. So many of my life principles have been sharpened by listening to this mans’  CDs. I appreciate they are also rooted firmly in scripture.  Through listening to his tapes as well as others I got down in my soul the importance of personal development.

     Geno is a master at making people feel important. And it is authentic because he believes everyone truly is important and has come across your path for a reason. He values others and commits to valuing their time. I remember he shared with me once he never takes calls or reads emails right before he is scheduled to teach. Why, he says, would I take myself away from what I am there for, to be any less than what they deserve. So many of these principles can and should be applied to our businesses and our lives. I could go on and on I have learned so much from this man over the years. Being able to see him get his NAHA Leadership award was priceless and I am forever thankful to call him my friend. 

Geno and I at the NAHA awards

Marketing YOU Inc.

    

    Many of my readers are owners or booth renters but today I want to focus on employees.  While some may love where they work there may be a few that are having a less than positive experience. This week I thought about what some of the challenges of marketing yourself as an employee might be and sharing some ideas to implement yourself.

     Those of you that have seen me speak know I believe we all work for the same person, ourselves. Even if your paycheck comes from another don’t think for one minute that it is not your responsibility to build You Incorporated. When it gets down to bare bones, You must be accountable for growing as a professional. Remember, if it’s to be it’s up to me.

    Growth can be professional and personal. Whether your salon pays for it or not get yourself to educational events. Education is tax deductible, all of it, from the travel to the classroom fees to the meals. There are so many networking events popping up all over the country there is no excuse. Get yourself to one, period. Commit to practicing your craft. If your salon does not offer classes put together your own. We have a group in Cleveland called NailTechsUnite and we meet each month for sharing, education and motivation. Last Monday we met to put together our vision boards for 2014. Sometimes all it takes is just a friendly push from a nail buddy to keep you on track. If there is not a group in your area, consider starting one. 

 

     If you are waiting for your salon to market you to get you booked solid you may be in for a long wait. I’m not bashing any salon owners; I was one, which is why I know sometimes it is challenging to be all things to all people. Owners are being pulled in so many directions, take initiative and put together some marketing ideas of your own, or offer to organize one of the many ideas for promotions I have on my blog. Show that you are a team player and dedicated to the success of the salon, not just yourself.

     Find out if you can put up your own Facebook page for your services. Nina Nailtech at The Nail Shop. You are promoting the salon as well as yourself. Put pictures, your hours, your certifications, shows and classes attended. Anything that sets you apart and shares with your clients that you are a dedicated professional. I don’ think I have to mention not to post your weekend party habits or dining and drinking adventures. Keep that to your personal page, if you must post them at all. Remember everything you post on social media will affect your brand. Make sure it affects it in the best possible way. 

     Don’t wait for the salon to get your business cards, if they ever do. They are so cheap anymore online at Vista print or Overnight prints. Have them with you wherever you go and make sure to hand them out. Be a walking advertisement by having your own nails looking fabulous. I know it’s not always easy to get really creative looks on your own nails, especially if you are not ambidextrous, consider using decals or stamping. Sometimes the best looking nail art can be the easiest.

If all else fails and you can’t change your boss…change your boss. Don’t let being at a good enough place hold you back from finding a great place. And don’t let the fear of success hold you back because taking the marketing bull by the horns yourself is smart marketing.

Think Like an Olympian

 

      Whenever the Olympics roll around we seem to get inundated with Olympic thinking and Gold Medal coaching articles. This year is no different, yet one article that caught my eye was written by an actual Olympian, not some journalists take on the Olympic mindset. Shannon Bahrke Happe is not only a three time Olympian she is a successful business owner. She shared with Entrepreneur.com the top 10 things she learned while training for the Olympics that can just as easily be applied to running a successful business. Happe launched Silver Bean Coffee Company with her then fiance (now husband) Matt during some down time recovering from an injury. When you build your passion into your company you don’t have to buy into someone else’s dream, you can create your own. Building anything that’s going to have some staying power takes work and commitment whether it’s a relationship or an international company. The stakes may be different but the process is very similar. Here are her top ten lessons.

1.       Always have goals but make sure they are measurable. Begin with the end in mind and work backwards breaking the goal into smaller monthly and daily goals. Remember inch by inch it’s a cinch.

2.       Don’t get so blinded by the goal that you don’t enjoy the sights along the way. Some of the greatest lessons and certainly the best stories are from the journey.

3.       No matter whom you are speaking with don’t let your ego get too big to say please and thank you, with a smile.

4.       Surround yourself with the best and brightest.  IF you don’t know it, hire it.

5.       If you don’t believe in yourself no one else will. When those doubts creep in, and they will recommit 100%.

6.       Winners are those committed to the whole process, not just the fun stuff. The difference is often in doing the things others are not willing to do, or haven’t thought to do.

7.       Running yourself ragged doesn’t bring the gold. Rest and relaxation are just as important and can give you renewed perspective.

8.       Take care of yourself, seriously. Get enough rest, eat properly and stay hydrated to stay on top.

9.       Winning is great, but be humble. Especially in the Olympics, anything can happen and seconds can knock you off the podium. So be a gracious loser as well.

1.   You must once and for all get rid of your fear of failure. “To truly achieve greatness you must be 100 percent committed to either succeeding beyond your wildest dreams or going down in a great big ball of flames!”

 

              So as we all watch these Olympics with story after story of both the thrill of victory and agony of defeat we must remember that these athletes do not exist in a vacuum. Behind every athlete is a supportive network of people that they relied on to get where they are. No one succeeds alone. So as business people I ask who is in your network cheering you onto the finish. If you haven’t built your network yet it’s never too late. Being in business can be lonely. Building a support system of fellow professionals that can pick up a flag and wave you to the finish line is great for the health of your business. Because building a healthy business is smart marketing.

Get Out of Your Own Way

 

     Monday I had the opportunity to take a class with Brittany Foster called Get out of your Own way. Foster is a passionate business owner and Quite the entrepreneur. Besides running her own salon she had developed a natural product line and runs a nonprofit ministry called Be a Blessing. Her giving spirit drives her desire to help educate other business owners. The class I attended on Monday is the first in a series of 12 classes, one each month to address topics entrepreneurs need to survive and thrive in the business community. I wanted to share some take away nuggets I found spot on.

1.       Customer service is number 1. Make sure the customer comes first in your business. Think about meeting an over looked customer need. Not sure what that might be? Ask your customers.

2.       Join or create a specific or uncrowded niche. There is a lot of competition in the masses. Step off the beaten path and create something new. In a category of one, there is no competition.

3.       Take a risk. In order to make things happen you must get out of your comfort zone. Taking a risk involves being vulnerable, chancing failure. Take the risk anyway. You just might surprise yourself.

4.       Offer something exclusive to your business, something your competitors don’t. Do some research in your hometown. Set yourself apart by going above and beyond client expectations. Have unparalleled customer service.

5.       Always be on the lookout for a potential opportunity. Have cards, ever flyers with you at all times. I was just at Ulta this afternoon and ran into an old business contact that is in a new position with a few schools. She invited me to come speak to her students. I gave her my card and told her all of the students need to be listening to Nail Talk Radio.

6.       Be humble to connect with customers and employees first. Always think about how your business decisions affect them, put yourself in their shoes.

7.       Deliver Excellent customer service and you will stand out from the rest. There is so little attention paid to customer service people have come to expect a mediocre experience. Wow them with more.

8.       Continue to find ways to reinvent your current business practices to enhance your business. Don’t fall into the  “This is the way we have always done it”  trap. Look at waterless pedicures as an example. This concept was so foreign to so many professionals yet more and more is adopting this new technique.

9.       Become an expert within your industry. Do your homework. If you run a sloppy business no one will ever treat you better than sloppy.  I love her quote “If God gives you a vision He will give you provision.” 

 

Brittany also shared some hints and tips on building a successful brand on social media.  Make sure you do things the right way. Look at how people are going to view you. A brand is a promise that resides in your customers mind. Make good on that promise. Be consistent in your brand, stay structured and focused. Don’t be all over the place. Split up your personal and business account. Be content with who you are. Love who you are and what you are and build your true identity. Don’t be too proud or afraid to ask for help. Read up on areas you need to master or hire a professional if need be. Create a tagline that people can remember you by. Last but not least invest in your dream, put your money back into your business. Because investing in you is smart marketing.