Defining Best Practices For Your Salon
Best Practices for your salon are defined as a set of guidelines that you practice to complete your services in the highest manner for your clients and their pets. For many groomers, they are already in place yet not written or defined. You may have a certain way you greet your client, a particular way you like to complete a nail trim, or even a preferred style for your pet Bichon heads.
“We recently had a few episodes of inclement weather, flooding followed by snow and ice storms. As a salon owner, how do you choose whether to stay open or not during these events?”
– Judy B.
Groomer pay is a polarizing and well-debated subject in the pet service industry. Visit any social media outlet frequented by groomers and you will find the industry seems polarized. Groomers, shop owners, and even tax advisers are at odds with one another meanwhile the clients are unaware of the looming controversy behind the scenes.
What is your goal as a Groomer?
At one point in my career, I found myself being the nagging boss that points out everyone’s mistakes. I would blame the issues I had on employees, customers, plumbers and even the dogs.
Picture this…You are the owner of a thriving grooming salon that also has huge retail sales. You and your staff are busy all of the time – with grooming slots that are filled days, or even weeks ahead. There is a steady stream of customers in and out of your retail area. But, something is wrong. You are busier than ever, yet – your cash flow does not reflect that increase in business. And, to top it off, you are experiencing inventory losses. Now what?
Understanding your own management style can provide insight into what you value compared to the reality of what your daily actions are. It is hypocritical to say you value your staff and then put financial gain ahead of staff needs. Turning your daily actions at the shop and in your life, into the values you admire and implement is easier said than done.
Well, it happened. I had to fire an employee. I’ve had to do it only a few times over the last 20 years, thankfully. This firing was a little different than the prior situations, but firing someone is never pleasant.