What do Hair Pros REALLY Want? [EP:68]

the Hello Hair Pro podcast

What the hell is everyone looking for?
Why are salons offering 'sign-on' bonuses?
Why are businesses struggling to keep employees?
Why are hair pros salon-hopping?
Why are owners doing the same thing over and over even though it stopped working 8 years ago?
Today we're chatting about these questions and more!
It's vital to understand what people are looking for so that you, as an owner or employee or self-employed or whatever you are, can give it to them.

Instead of salon hopping, learn to have tough conversations that could lead to an improved situation.

If you try something new that doesn't work or doesn't "fill your cup," what's your next move?

Start with yourself. What do you want? What does your dream job look like? What are you willing to sacrifice?

People are looking for:
A clear path to opportunities (what does their growth look like?) the path should take into account the quickest line of action. We all want to minimize the time it takes to get from point A to point B, and that's OK as long as we're not trying to force shortcuts that don't make sense.
Flexibility
Scheduling flexibility is an essential thing to today's hair pro.
We still have rules at our salon; a free-for-all isn't the answer.

To work with strong, talented hair pros
Working with a strong team can boost confidence and creativity.

Structure, goals, something to stand for, and a sense of belonging.
Every business needs structure; otherwise, it will fall apart, and chaos will ensue.

Follow through (no more talking, more action)
Owners shouldn't need thank you's for every little thing. It's the owner's responsibility to make updates and improvements to the business.
We are NOT saying that wanting to feel appreciated isn't valid. It is.

Guidance, leadership, and support
Often a new owner will set out with the purest of intentions. Then they quickly realize how much work is involved and become overwhelmed. From there, promises get put on the back burner as stress builds. At this point, they're no longer in a position to provide the guidance their employees require.
Owners should actively work on leadership.
Try this:

Toward the end of each year, set yourself by reevaluating how you want the next year to look. Make the changes immediately. Do you want more time off around the holidays? Adjust your schedule now, don't wait until the last minute because you'll be tempted to keep it open.

Owners, don't fall into the trap of complacency. What may work now may not in a year or two. It likely won't work in a decade, and by then, you'll be so out of date it will be difficult (not impossible) to make changes.
Thank you for listening; we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
-Jen & Todd
PS Let's kick off 2023 with positivity, compassion, and growth.

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