Incredible Salon Success

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 37)

Mission 37 I’ve Missed You

 This week, -think about your clients who have not been back for some time. Access your computer database for an accurate list or just recall them by memory. Send each one of  those missing-in-action clients a hand-written note telling them that you miss them and that you would like to see them again. Offer them a value-added service. Ask them to call if they are having any challenges or if you can help in any way.

 Remember that 20% of your clients make up 80% of your business.

Brian and Sandra Smith at Taylor Andrews next week!

2009 NAHA Master Stylists of the Year, Brian and Sandra Smith will be teaching at Taylor Andrews on this coming Wednesday, November 18th. Chosen by Modern Salon as two of the top 75 educators of the past 100 years, Brian and Sandra are a dynamic married couple who have been wowing audiences for years with their spirited humor and technical expertise. Featured below are a few of their winning entries from this years North American Hairstyling Awards.

                   

Peter Mahoney at Taylor Andrews this Monday

Redken's Peter Mahoney will be joining us for a two hour seminar on Salon Mastery, this coming Monday November 16 at 6:00 p.m.. 

                                              

As lead trainer for Salon Consultants International Inc. and proud owner of 25 full service salons, a day spa and training facility, Peter has been successfully coaching and educating distributor salon owners and salon teams throughout North America on modern day philosophies of leadership and communication.

Accredited with the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, Peter shares his passion for improving the quality of life within the salon industry with hundreds of salons in Canada and the U.S. each year.  Peter's down to earth, pragmatic approach combined with his ability of transforming potential into reality has gained him a reputation as one of the most effective trainers in the salon industry today. This class is open for all current and former students and their friends.

Quotes I Love

What is defeat? Nothing but education, nothing but the first step toward something better.

Wendell Phillips

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 36)

Mission 36 Referral Review

 Today and every day this week, -ask each one of your clients if they like their hair. If they say “Yes,” -ask them to recommend you to their friends. Give them eight of your business cards and write their name on the back of the card. Tell them that for every client they send you, you’ll give them a free bottle of shampoo. -And for every three clients they send you, you’ll give them a free haircut. This is in addition to your regular referral program. Once the new clients show up, -your job is to retain them and continue to motivate your established clients to send you more.

Quotes I Love

You see things; and you say "Why?" But I dream things that never were; and I say "Why not?"

George Bernard Shaw

The Alternative Hair Show in London

Just wanted to post this photo from The Alternative Hairshow's website. It shows us, (The Nicholas French team and our models) with Anthony Mascolo and Tony Rizzo presenting a check to Leukemia Research for $175,000 pounds. (about $286,000 dollars) It was a wonderful experience and was great to be part of such a worthwhile cause.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 35)

Mission 35 What’s Happening

 This week, -thumb through the hair-scene section of consumer and trade magazines to make yourself fully aware of what’s happening with hair, -makeup, -color, -and fashion. Look at the celebrities who most influence our industry and know how to recreate these looks. Write a paragraph on what’s happening and who’s making it happen. Then show it off by being able to present the information to your clients. Move them to a new look.

Faatemah Ampey and Phillip Wilson at Taylor Andrews

What a great week at Taylor Andrews. We had an unexpected visit from our friend Phillip Wilson who was in Salt Lake City filming for FHI Heat. Phillip interviewed me for his project and then discussed working together in the near future. (More on that in the next few days) On Tuesday Faatemah Ampey, the recent NAHA winner for Fashion Forward, taught both day and night classes in Salt Lake City and then on Wednesday Faatemah flew to St. George to work with our students there. It was a great experience for everyone. Faatemah is not only superbly talented, but she is also one of the warmest and funniest people that you will ever meet, within minutes you feel that you have known her your whole life. Faatemah captured everyone's attention with her imformative class on Hairdressing entitled "Editorial Swag". The class was such a great success that we hope to have Faatemah back again early next year. Thank you Phillip and Faatemah for a wonderful week!

 

Phillip Wilson, Larry Curtis, Faatemah Ampey and Sherri Curtis.

 

Faatemah Ampey putting the finishing touches on one of the models.

 

Faatemah giving some pointers to the Taylor Andrews students.

Faatameh with a couple of models from her "Editorial Swag" class.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 34)

Mission 34 Pre-booking Rewards

 This week and three more times this year, -put together a program that rewards clients for pre-booking.  Pre-booking is the magical way to increase your capacity for earning. Mark on a calendar the weeks you want to run one of the following monthly promotions.

 Pre-book your appointment now for a weekly drawing of $50 worth of products.

Pre-book your appointment now and receive $5 off of your next appointment.

NAHA winner Faatemah Ampey at Taylor Andrews next week

NAHA Fashion Forward award winning stylist Faatemah Ampey will be teaching this coming week at Taylor Andrews. Faatemah will teach two hour classes Tuesday the 27th at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in West Jordan and again in St. George on Wednesday afternoon. This class is open to all current and former students as well as their guests.

 

Faatemah Ampey accepting her NAHA award for Fashion Forward styling.

 

One of Faatemah's award winning entries.

The Alternative Hair Show in London

Wow! The Alternative Hair Show was fantastic. It was a long day, but great and so worth it. I expected to be the go-fer for Nicholas French's team while Sherri did the makeup, but I ended up doing a little work on the hair pieces, the first real hair that I have done in about 17 years. Although Nicholas spent months designing and constructing the elaborate pieces, on the show day there is a lot of work to be done putting them back together and attaching them to the models. Nicholas's team consisted of Rocco Campanaro, a former NAHA Hairstylist of the Year. Tracey Smith, a stylist from the UK. Bill Byron, a platform artist and educator from Northern California, Carol French, Nicholas's wife was the clothing stylist,  Sandy the Coreographer, and our own Sherri Curtis the Makeup Artist. With 5 models and 5 elaborate head pieces, Nicholas put me to work trimming, gluing and adjusting pieces right along side him. It was a wonderful experience to work with his team and also watching all of the other teams in action. Our room consisted of three teams, ours and Klaus Peter Ochs of Paris and Anne Kleen, also of Paris. In the room to the right of us was Angus Mitchell and Robert Cromeans of Paul Mitchell and two Russian teams. The room to the left had Tim Hartley of Vidal Sassoon fame and two teams from Japan. Just up the hall were Robert Lobetta and Anthony Mascolo. The show is held in the Royal Albert Hall which is a beautiful historic theater. It was a long day and we only finished the last piece 10 minutes before we went on at 10 p.m., but we could not have asked for a better result. Nicholas's hair pieces were elaborate and inspiring. Sherri's makeup was beautiful and flawless. The wardrobe was perfect and the models looked truly stunning. Here are few photos from the event. You can view more at our Facebook page.

Some of Nicholas's models.

Sherri applying makeup to one of the models.

Sherri and I at lunch with Nicholas and Carol French on the prep day.

Rocco Campanaro applying one of the headpieces to a model.

Yours truly, trimming some stay pieces on the models headpiece.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 33)

Mission 33 Grow Your Average Ticket

 This week come to work 15 minutes early. Total your day’s appointments. Whatever your total is, -add 20% to it. That extra 20% is your goal. For example, -if your day totals $250, 20% of that is $50. That’s your goal--$50.  Now, -what services for what clients can you add on? Who needs brow waxing, -highlights,  -deep conditioners, -and so on? Know when you hit your goal—so you can exceed it.

Trip to London Day 3

Had a great day sight seeing in London mixed with a little shopping and people watching. We then met with Nicholas to go over final details for his Alternative Hair show presentation. Today we will be leaving shortly to the Royal Albert Hall to start preping the models. Sherri is doing the makeup and I am playing go-fer. Everything Nicholas does is first class and the models are no exception. His presentation is going to be great. Our segment is sandwiched between Tim Hartley and Robert Cromeans. What a lineup!

Trip to London Day 2

Well I'm off to a poor start with technology here. My iphone is not receiving service and my computer can't seem to pick up the wifi in my room. (I'm using an old computer in the hotels lobby.)In addition, I burned up my shaving clippers using this European power. Aaaah! London however, has been great. The weather is beautiful and the people have been very friendly. We took the Double Decker Bust tour today and had a great time seeing the beautiful architecture and learning of Londons history. Tomorrow we meet with Nicholas French and the models for the Alternative show to make sure we are on the same page for his segment. I can already tell that this trip is going to go much too fast.

Trip to London

For the next couple of days I'll share our experiences as we travel to London to assist Nicholas French with the Alternative Hair show.

The long flight from New York to London was one of the most unusual I've ever been on. The plane was filled with Orthodox Jews. They were all very friendly and it was interesting to be exposed to a different religion and culture than at home. At about 9 pm, nearly all of the Jewish men gathered in the middle of the plane and started praying. Literally half of the plane was children under the age of 5, so as you can imagine it was a noisy plane ride. (And I thought there were a lot of children in Utah)Thank heaven for ear phones. We arrived safe and sound in London,  but were very tired and slept half of the first day. More to come.....

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 32)

Mission 32 Plan For Success

 Speakers, -Authors and Trainers love to tell you that there are secrets to success. If you’ll just give me your money, -I’ll be happy to share them with you. Well that’s just bull! There are no secrets. There is no revolutionary new information. The same things it takes to be successful today are the same things it has taken throughout history. There are only universal principles and timeless truths and it starts with a plan. You have to take control of your future. Use these ideas to get your plan started;

1. Where do I want to go? Take time to clearly write out your goals and dreams.
2. What do I need to achieve my goal?  Make a list of everything you will need.
3. Imagine all possible roadblocks. Make of list of how to overcome them. Be flexible.
4. Get a mentor. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Ask humbly for advice from those who have already achieved success.
5. Study the Masters.
6. Start taking action!
7. Be persistent. Make course corrections.  Keep moving forward.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 31)

Mission 31 Incredible Customer Service Part 2

This week and for the rest of your life,  practice delivering Incredible Customer Service. Pretend that every client has MMFI written across their forehead: “Make Me Feel Important.” Remember, when it comes to clients, there is no right or wrong, only unhappiness or bliss. Remember, we are going to pretend the client is right, even when they are wrong. Happy clients create happiness. It is better to be kind than right. And Incredible Customer Service accrues from the simplest of things:

Be reliable                                     Call if you’re running late

Be consistent.                                Never say no.

Be a good listener.                         Don’t argue.  Be Nice.

Be on time.                                   Pay attention.

Have better hours.                         Smile until your face hurts.

Do a good job and the client will tell 3 people.  Do a great job and the client will tell 10 people. 

More photos with Babak

Babak, speaking with the TA night students about Fashion and Editorial work.

 

Babak consulting with Josh Parkin and his model Chavon Devore.

 

Babak shooting one of Josh Parkins models, Emily Hawkes.

NAHA Photoshoot with Babak

Another amazing week at Taylor Andrews with a visit from Internationally renowned Fashion Photographer Babak. Babak and his assistant Felix were in town for four days teaching the students about Fashion and Editorial work and then spending two days shooting NAHA entries for current student Josh Parkin (student categorie) and former student Chad Seale (Avant Garde). Clothing Design was provided by Project Runway’s Keith Bryce with assistance from Designer Michelle Boucher. Makeup Artisty provided by our own Sherri Curtis. Everyone involved did a tremendous job and the shoot was a blast! Here is one behind the scenes shot with model Hien Le. More to follow in the coming days. Because the actual model photos are for the NAHA competition, we will not be able to release them until next summer.

Never upset a model!

Quotes I Love

You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you. Ruth Smeltzer

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 30)

Mission 30 Exceed Expectations.

What would you expect for a $15 haircut? Probably just the haircut, no frills. How about a $25 haircut?Maybe the haircut and a shampoo, without a style. Now, what would you expect for a $40+ haircut? (Please adjust based on your area.) Most likely you want a friendly staff, a complimentary drink, a thorough consultation, a great shampoo, excellent technical skills and a style. If that is what nearly everyone expects, what are you going to do to exceed your clients’ expectations? This day and every day afterward, form the habit of offering one of these non-negotiables:

Head and shoulder massage

Scalp massage before shampooing

Makeup touch-up

Hand massage

Everyone wants value, whether they are rich or poor. What’s so great about Cracker Jack? The free prize inside. So take an extra few minutes to perform one of these extra services. Clients love special attention, and they really love getting something for nothing. Make this add-on non-negotiable for enhancing the experience of the salon visit.

Are you really providing a great product or is it just a good product? Because good is boring. Good is what anyone can do. If you’re doing a good job how fast can you improve?  Tony Robbins says that for good work you get poor pay.  For great work you get good pay. If you want great pay then you must do outstanding work.  

Quotes I Love

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them. George Bernard Shaw

Quotes I Love

We can not choose the things that will happen to us. But we can choose the attitude we will take toward anything that happens. Success or failure depends on your attitude.  Alfred A. Montapert

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 29)

Mission 29 Styling Lesson

Today and everyday from here on out, make sure that the client leaves with a styling lesson. As a salon owner, the two most common complaints I heard about styling are, first, that the client liked the haircut but wasn’t happy with the style. Second, if they did like the style they could not duplicate it at home. Finishing the haircut is not the finale; you still have more to do. Ultra successful stylists are great at styling hair. During the last 20% of the blow-dry, hand them the brush and dryer and coach them to perfection. Explain how the products were applied, how much was needed, which brush is needed for the desired results, how dry their hair should be before using a brush, and how to use the finishing products once their hair is dry. Teach, educate, and coach them so they can do it without you. That’s the goal. 

If they don’t look good, you don’t look good.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 28)

Mission 28 Keep Score for Success

 

In his groundbreaking book, The Game of Work, Charles Coonradt say that scorekeeping stimulates us to create more of the positive outcomes we’re keeping track of. It actually reinforces the behavior that created these outcomes in the first place. As a stylist there are 4 critical areas you need to keep track of. 

 1. Retention rate

    -Your retention rate gauges the quality of the experience you are providing for your clients. The

    -better the experience, the more likely your clients will return.

 2. Referrals

   -As previously mentioned, you must ask clients for referrals. No matter how good of a stylist you

   -are, you won’t keep everyone. A successful stylist keeps a steady stream of new clients coming

   -in through referrals.

 

3. Color and Texture Services

   -It’s a fact that not only can you make more money per hour in Color and Texturizing services,

   -but Color and Texture clients tend to be more loyal.

 

4. Retail

   -Selling retail to your clients is a triple win situation. Your clients get better results, the salon is

   -more profitable and you make more money and have a more loyal client.

Quotes I Like

I think we'd have a better society if all the rich people really knew and experienced how poor people live and all the poor people knew and understood how hard the rich people work. Dan Kennedy

More with Phillip and Mary Wilson

Fun times with our friends Phillip and Mary Wilson and their son Tyler in Park City during their visit. 

Main Street Park City

Phillip after a Sky Coaster ride.

Riding the tram.

Phillip and Mary Wilson Classes

We were fortunate to have the amazing Phillip and Mary Wilson in the school last week at the same time! Phillip is the Creative Director for FHI Heat and is one of the most published editorial stylists in the world and the inventor of Free Form Cutting, while Mary is a former Vice President of Education for Matrix and the Founder of the Destination Rejuvenation program. Phillip taught his Free Form cutting system to a group of Night students and Professionals, while Mary shared ideas on wellness and relaxation to both day and night school classes. It was a great week and we really appreciated the opportunity to have these two fantastic artists with us!

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 27)

Mission 27 Use your time wisely

 

“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” Diogenes

Successful stylists know that they must take control of their career.  One way to do that is by using your time wisely.  Today and every day hereafter,  follow this system for use of your time.

 1. Service your clients.

    -You’re first and foremost job is to serve your clients in such a manner that they want to return.

    -Service that is remarkable, will get remarked about.

 

2.  Help others with their clients. 

    -Successful salons are nearly always very team oriented. Every time you assist a teammate it

    -will come back to you ten fold.

 

3. Clean your station.

   -Clients love a clean station. They don’t want to walk through someone else’s hair. They don’t

   -want to have a hard time seeing in your mirror because it is covered in hair spray and they don’t

   -want to worry about whether your tools are sanitary.

 

4. Do general salon cleaning.

    -Even if your station is clean and the rest of the salon looks bad it reflects on you. And, once

    -again, anything you do to help the team will come back to you.

 

5. Market Yourself.

   -Here’s your chance. Call back your clients and see how that new color is working out. Send out

   -Birthday Cards, We've Missed You cards, or go to the mall and hand out VIP cards.

 

6. Study

   -Keep up on the latest trends, -both in fashion and business. Read Modern Salon, American Salon,

   -Salon Today and motivating books that help you to reach your goals. Attend advanced education.

 

7. Practice

    How do you get better? Practice, -Practice, -Practice

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 26)

Mission 26 VIP Cards

Get some cards printed up that say VIP and go out and look for “influentials.” A VIP card is a card that is good for a complimentary service. An influential is anybody that has the potential to influence a group of people. Influentials can work at bookstores or coffee shops, they can be cheerleaders at the local high school or waitresses at a popular restaurant, or they can be sales associates at a trendy clothing store. 

Tell them that you would love to cut and color their hair for free; all they have to do is tell people about you. It is that simple. Influentials build business. Hand out a minimum of 12 cards per month. Get started now. Be consistent. Don’t be afraid to ask for business. VIP the people who see a lot of people. Always carry VIP cards with you.

Park Day 09

Just a few photos from our Park Day.  Check out many more on our Facebook Page. Good times!

News Release

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced that Larry Curtis, President of Taylor Andrews Academy has been elected to the Salon and Spa Leadership Council. The Professional Beauty Association has three Leadership Councils. Each council is made up of dedicated members who have taken an active role in the association. There is one for each membership group: Distributor, Manufacturer and Salon/Spa. The Leadership Councils handle issues germane to their membership. The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is a non-profit trade association that represents the interests of the professional beauty industry from manufacturers and distributors to salons and spas. PBA offers business tools, education, advocacy, networking and more to improve individual businesses and the industry as a whole.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 25)

Mission 25 Provide Incredible Customer Service

The Customer is not always right. That’s not a typo. The Customer is not always right. Now the customer is usually right. Sometimes we’re not sure who’s right and sometimes we are flat out sure they are wrong, but even when they are wrong, we’re going to pretend they’re right. As I said a couple of weeks ago, we can afford to lose some of the golden eggs, i.e. giving back some of our time or money, but we can’t afford to lose the Golden Goose, which is our reputation, and if the client leaves upset they’ll be shooting at our Golden Goose. We must provide Incredible Customer Service. To do that we must remember these principles:

 

1. The customer is really the boss.

    The boss just writes the checks,  put in the account,  by the customers.

 

2. Customers come to us because they need help.

    Do we solve our customer challenges?  Never send a client away without a solution.

 

3. Remember what a customer is really worth.

-Do we see our clients as a one time haircut, -or as a loyal client who may return many times,  -

over several years, -purchasing haircuts, -hair color and retail products and referring others.

 4. Remember that Customer Satisfaction is not enough.

 -Satisfied is just another word for mediocre. We don’t want satisfied clients we want loyal clients.

 -Loyalty is the mark we are shooting for. Loyal clients become -Raving Fans.

 

5.  Make it a Memorable experience.

     -Incredible customer service is unexpected and creates compelling and positive word of mouth.

     -It is the service story that you can’t wait to tell.  It is about making people feel good that they

     -decided to do business with you.

 

If you work just for money, you’ll never make it. But if you love what you are doing, and always put the customer first, success will be yours. Ray Kroc

NAHA Planning

Just a little teaser shot of Stylist Chad Seale,  Clothing Designer Keith Bryce and Makeup Artist Sherri Curtis, planning for the Taylor Andrews NAHA photoshoot with photographer BABAK.

Former students having success- Cynthia Dean

Next up in our "Former Students Having Success Series" is Cynthia Dean owner of Studio Enizio. Cynthia was an excellent student and worked very hard in school. Cynthia has a very creative eye and was always enthusiastically involved in every event. Although she gives me way to much credit, it is great to hear her words of inspiration and advice for aspiring stylists. Cynthia's hard work has really paid off, as she has one of the nicest salons in Utah and an amazingly successful on-site hair and makeup business. Congratulations to Cynthia Dean.

"I graduated about 8 years ago under the direction of Larry Curtis. I never really saw myself as a hairdresser. I had other dreams to become an Interior Decorator. My little sister actually talked me into attending beauty school with her. She promised it would be an investment on my end because it would be a guaranteed job while I studied my real passion! Well, here I am 8 years later holding strong to what is now my greatest passion and that is my career in the hair and makeup industry. There's a quote I love- it says " We must be willing to give up the life that we planned so that we can live the life that is waiting for us."

I never pictured myself where I am today, but I am so glad that I followed the road that lead me to this point. In my journey, Larry has been my biggest mentor. I have called upon him many times to teach me and help me find the paths that have got me to this point. He continues to welcome me in his schools with open arms to continue my education as a hairdresser. He is a great example of hard work and success in my life and as I have put into practice the things that he has taught me, I have found success in the business. He taught me to be smart, work hard, but mostly how to run the business which is something a lot of the schools aren't teaching their students.

 

There is no greater industry to be a part of! I have enjoyed every aspect of it. I have had a chance to be a part of many projects in film, television, photography, runway and behind the chair. Everyday I learn something new. Everyday is different and thats what I love about it. Being a hairdresser doesn't mean you have to work in a salon all day everyday. It can good place to start and gain experience or even remain for stability. But for me, branching out and seeing the industry for what it can be in my life is definitely very rewarding. I am undoubtably a person who needs to be kept on my toes, I love a challenge, I never turn down a job because i don't know what I'm doing. I figure it out! Your attitude and passion is what will get you to the top. And the top can be so many different things. Think of what you want to achieve without limits or boundaries. What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Understand that the road there curves and takes turns so be flexible. Don't quit until you get to your final destination and enjoy the ride along the way! But mostly, keep Larry close because he definitely opens doors for those who are ready to move in. I can't thank him enough for everything he has taught me but most of all his example and friendship. I definitely would not have gotten this far without him."

To keep up on the latest happenings at Salon Enizio,  check out Cynthia's blog.

Cynthia Dean Owner of Salon Enizio

Cynthia and some of her staff with Phillip Wilson.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 24)

Mission 24 Take care of problems immediately.

Everyone will make a mistake from time to time. When you do, stand behind your work. If you provide Incredible Customer Service, you will be forgiven for a mistake. How much room for error have you built into your business? Clients don’t care why it happened, they just want it fixed. It’s not the apology that matters, it’s the recovery that counts. 

Use this formula that I learned from Business Guru Jeffrey Gitomer:

React,  Respond and Recover +1.  

 

React: I am so sorry, I sincerely apologize that this happened.

Respond: What can I do to make it right?

Recover: Fix the problem to the clients satisfaction.

+ 1 Service: Do something special for them for the inconvenience.

Book Recommendation - Life as a Daymaker

This week I re-read David Wagner's book Life as a Daymaker and was reminded of how many great principles he shares on the difference one person can make with small acts of kindness. Here is a line from the book. "When we make a splash in someone else's life, it starts a chain reaction. We give them joy and hope that then moves out into their own lives. As they touch more people, our splash becomes a bigger wave, creating the ripple effect of waves moving out in many directions through all of the people who are subsequently touched." 

David's book reminds us that if we are having any challenges or unhappiness in our lives that we can turn that around by giving to others. I highly recommend it. It has made a difference for me and I know it will for you too.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Teresa

Sherri Curtis at the Alternative Hair Show in London

Sherri Curtis,  owner and Director of Makeup Artistry for Taylor Andrews has been asked to be the Key Makeup Artist for Nicholas French's presentation at the Alternative Hair Show in London on October 18th. The Alternative Hair Show was formed by Tony Rizzo in 1983 following the death of his son,  to raise funds for Leukemia research. The Alternative Hair Show has grown into the worlds most prestigious annual hairdressing event hosting leading teams and artists from all over the globe. The show has raised over 7 million British pounds for research.

Sherri Curtis

Some of Sherri's recent work with photoprapher Jake Garn.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 23)

Mission 23  The Perfect Close Part 4 The Guarantee

I believe that you should guarantee everything you do. Look your client right in the eye and offer a sincere, honest, authentic guarantee. Say to your client; “If you have any challenges or concerns with any of the services I have performed or the products I have recommended,  please call me. I promise to take care of you.

It is critical to protect your reputation. Your reputation is like the golden goose, and your time and money is like the golden eggs. Occasionally you will have an unhappy client and you will need to give back some of the golden eggs by either fixing the problem or refunding the clients money. This is the cost of doing business. But, whatever happens, we can't afford to have anyone taking shots at our golden goose. Stand behind your work with a 100% guarantee.

BABAK and Keith Bryce coming September 28-30

Multi-award winning photographer BABAK, will be visiting Taylor Andrews September 28th-30th along with renowned clothing designer Keith Bryce from Project Runway. On the 28th they will offer a complimentary 2 hour class for both day and night students. Students and Professionals who have a strong interest in Editorial work can purchase tickets to a two day seminar on the 29th and 30th. Cost of the seminar is $200. For additional information contact Jamee @ 801-748-2288.

I have attended the NAHA's for over ten years now and it seems that almost half of the winning entry's were photographed by Babak. Here are the photos Babak took for NAHA 19's winner in Avante Garde Nicholas French.

Keith Bryce is a star on the rise in the fashion world. Since his appearance on Project Runway he has worked with Paris Hilton and Brooke Shields and is currently preparing for Fashion Week.

Some recent work for Keith's Filthy Gorgeous line of clothing.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 22)

Mission 22 The Perfect Close part 3. Pre-booking

 

Today and each day hereafter, pre-book your clients next appointments. Start by knowing the day and dates for 5, 6, 7, 10,  and 12 weeks from today. Write them down and put them where you can see them:  Haircuts in 5 to 6 weeks, color in 5 to 10 weeks. Do this as a service for them.

 Simply say, “Mrs. Jones, I would like to see you again in 5 weeks. Five weeks from today is (day)/(date). Would you prefer morning or afternoon?

 

Give them a reminder card and make a reminder call before the appointment. Form this great habit and you’ll need fewer clients, you’ll have fewer openings, you’ll have more production with a higher ticket average, and, best of all, you’ll make more money.

Pre-Booking is the #1 practice you can do to achieve a big, productive, loyal business.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 21)

Mission 21 The Perfect Close part 2. The Referral program

A great close includes a great referral program.  Here is one that I suggest.

Simply say, “Mrs. Jones, I really enjoyed doing your hair today. I would love the opportunity to do more people just like you. In fact, I will send you a $20 gift certificate for every client that you send to me as my way of saying thank you for the referral. Here are several of my cards, which also include an incentive for your friends.” 

This program works! We live in an instant gratification society. We want it now. This program rewards clients much quicker than the old standard of “Send me three clients and I’ll give you a free haircut.”  By rewarding your clients quicker, they are more likely to keep sending you referrals.

Often stylists worry that this is somehow discounting their service, or that clients will spend less because of the certificate, but remember even Nordstrom has sales,  and in truth, clients nearly always spend more money when they have a gift certificate. Usually a client will think, “Hey! With this gift certificate, now I can get my color done too!” It is human nature to spend more when we have a gift certificate. I am part of Barnes and Nobles rewards program and frequently they will send me $10 reward certificates. When I go into the bookstore to spend the certificate, I always come out with more than I intended. Why?  Because the gift certificate is my justification for spending more.

Tiffany in Africa

A personal post today. I am super proud of my daughter Tiffany who has been volunteering in Africa for the last two months at an orphanage. Great job honey. We love you.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 20)

Mission 20 The Perfect Close part 1. Retailing

 A great close includes a recommendation of the products used, an explanation of any referral program that you offer, pre-booking the clients next appointment and a guarantee. Let’s start with the product recommendation.

 Today and each day hereafter, use this system for selling products. Products are the most profitable part of the business and are as important as the cut or color to the look of the style. Most importantly when a client purchases retail hair care products from you, it means that they have bought into you.  Your client trusts you as their professional stylist to recommend the products they need to achieve their best look. A client using the professional products that you recommend will have better, longer lasting results,  and will be a walking billboard for your work.

 1. Mention the shampoo and conditioner you’re using at the back bar and why you have chosen it.

2. Hand them any product you use on them during the styling.

3. Give the client a testimonial about the product.

4. Guarantee your product and your service

5. Walk the client to the retail area. Tell them about the four or five products you used. Hand them the two products you think are most important. Don’t ask if they want to try them, just place them on the counter and begin your close. It is their choice if they want to put the products back, or buy one or both. Chances are that when given two products, the client will buy at least one. You must recommend from the heart. Truly believe that the products you recommend will make a difference in their appearance.

 The Average client has 19 beauty products in their bathroom.  They might as well purchase from you.

Be the Best You Camp

Several Taylor Andrews students and staff recently volunteered their skills for acclaimed author and speaker Barbara Barrington Jones' Be The Best You Girls Camp. The students applied makeup and did updo styling for the young women who attended the camp. Great job girls!

5 Days in Vegas

Wow! What an incredible 5 days in Vegas. My trip started with a meeting with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Salon and Spa Council. I was recently elected to serve on this board, and after meeting with the other members I am really excited about the opportunity. There are some extremely talented people on the board who are giving their time and talents simply because they love the salon business and want to make a difference in our industry. On Sunday morning my wife Sherri and I took five students to meet with Nicholas French and assist him on his presentation for the NAHA's. Nicholas was extremely gracious,  giving them advice and then immediately putting them to work on the presentation. Nicholas would later say that they did a amazing job. He felt they were extremely skilled and caught on to his techniques very quickly. While we were in the model prep room we met Brian and Sandra Smith who are friends of Nicholas' and were also assisting with the event. Brian and Sandra were up for Master Stylist of Year and would win the award later that night. They are really great people and it was fun getting to know them. We are working hard to bring them to Salt Lake City for a visit this fall. On Sunday afternoon I had the opportunity to work with my mentor Geno Stampora. Geno was the MC for the Beacon students and I gave a 1 hour presentation to them on salon success. It was a wonderful experience. The students were very receptive and I really loved the opportunity to share my thoughts with them. I know that they will go far in their careers. Sunday night all of the Taylor Andrews students and staff gathered together for the NAHA awards. There were over 160 in all. According to the PBA we purchased more tickets than any other salon or school in the country. The students all looked fabulous and I was very proud of them. The awards were great. Nicholas' presentation was amazing. We were so proud to have been part of it. During the event our good friend Phillip Wilson gave us a huge shout out from the stage. Sunday night Phillip introduced us to Mary Rector-Gable of Behindthechair.com. Mary's thoughts on the industry were very inspiring and I look forward to getting to know her better. Monday we attended additional education and ran into old friends Rene Antonio, the Global Artistic Director for Scruples and Maryl Velbeck a NAHA nominee for Editorial Stylist of the Year. Sherri and I finished the trip off with a night at the stage production of the Lion King and visit to IN-N-OUT before driving home. A great 5 days!

Master Stylist of the Year award winners Brian and Sandra Smith with Larry and Sherri Curtis.

One of Brian and Sandra Smith's award winning entries. 

One of Nicholas French's fantastic creations that our Taylor Andrews 

students had the opportunity to help him re-create.

Another of Nicholas' wonderful entries.

Prepping a model for Nicholas French's NAHA presentation.

Working on wigs for Nicholas French's NAHA presentation.

Nicholas showing the students how to create one of the wigs.

Fitting a model with one of Nicholas' wigs.

Good times with Phillip Wilson.

160 fantastic looking students and staff of Taylor Andrews at NAHA 20.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 19)

Mission 19 Authentic Beauty

This mission comes directly from the words of my friend Eric Fisher.

Today and for all the ensuing days of your life,  master authentic beauty. Authentic beauty begins by studying the face and looking at the eyes. Notice nuances and expressions. Understand what hair is capable of producing. Feel the bone structure. Examine the growth direction of the hair. Be intimate not superficial. Make a face more beautiful. Bring out the eyes. Make a round face more square or a square face more round. Make the client beautiful. Ask them to describe their personality in one word. Who are they? Who would they like to be? Your skill and insight are the tools you use to bring about a truly authentic beauty experience.

NAHA and PBA Symposium

This week I will be in Las Vegas for the Professional Beauty Association Symposium,  one of the best salon education events in the entire industry. We have nearly 150 students and around 20 staff members attending. Five lucky Taylor Andrews students will be assisting Nicholas French with the opening and closing segments of NAHA and I will be teaching over 100 Beacon students on Sunday with my friend Geno Stampora.  In addition, we will be hanging out with some of our best friends Phillip and Mary Wilson and Eric Fisher. Next week we'll have lots of photos and a report from the events. 

 

One of Nicholas French's entrys in the Avant Garde catagory.

Mission Possible - An Incredible Career in 52 weeks (Week 18)

Mission 18 The Four 3’s

 This week and whenever the occasion arises thereafter,  practice the four 3’s.  You and the rest of your team should:

 1. Say hello and goodbye 3 times

2. Compliment the client 3 times

3. Use the clients name 3 times

4. Thank the client 3 times

 If I take a photograph of a group you are with, who is the first person you’ll look for in the picture?  Yourself of course! You’ll think to yourself, look at my hair! It’s a mess and my eyes are closed. The most important person to you is yourself. If we can understand that all people feel this way and fill the need they have to be recognized and appreciated, it will open up the lines of communication and help us bond with our clients in a wonderful way.

 Tell every client they have good hair!