Last week, I received a LinkedIn message from a local hairdresser promoting her services and asking what it would take for me to leave my current stylist. Not interested in switching, I replied politely and moved on.
Today, while getting my hair done, I had an enlightening conversation with my hairdresser, Julie, about her business. She’s contemplating a new venture far outside her core business, and understandably, she’s a bit nervous. But as we talked, I became certain that Julie will succeed. She started by saying she’s “just a hairdresser,” but then she shared her five fundamentals for success. Julie is anything but “just” a hairdresser; she’s a smart, savvy businesswoman who has thrived, often without the support she deserved.
Julie’s Five Fundamentals
- Show up on time and do your job well. This seems basic, but how many people fail to consistently meet this standard? Showing up is just the beginning. There’s also the doing your job well part. Look around at your colleagues. Are they engaged? Are they delivering their best performance? Do they contribute meaningfully to the business and the team? More importantly, are YOU consistently showing up and delivering strong performance?
- Build strong relationships with your customers. Never underestimate the power of these connections. I have fierce loyalty to Julie. The stylist who reached out on LinkedIn doesn’t stand a chance unless Julie moves away or changes careers. Three of my four children also go to Julie for their haircuts. We willingly pay Julie’s premium prices because of our strong relationship and her excellent service, and I’ve sent countless referrals her way. This principle applies beyond customers to all key stakeholders in your life. Are you investing time to build the right relationships with a 360-degree view?
- Learn, learn, learn. Julie continually learns new techniques, styles, trends, and technologies to stay competitive. Switching costs are low for stylists, and if she’s not learning and staying ahead, her clients could easily leave. How are you continuing to learn to stay competitive to advance in your career?
- Do what you say you will do. Keep your promises and if you don’t meet expectations, fix it. Equally important, set expectations with your clients and hold them to it. I never show up late for an appointment with Julie because she’s made it clear it’s unacceptable. Do your stakeholders believe you will deliver on your commitments? Establishing a high “say-do ratio” builds trust, which often earns you the right to set boundaries.
- Be adaptable. Change is the only certainty. Prepare for change and adapt with it. For Julie, this has meant evolving business models, from being employed by a salon to owning a salon to renting salon space. It has meant different marketing tactics, from local advertising to billboards to social media. It has meant changing techniques, products, and even her personal style. How do you adapt? Are you a change resister, embracer, maker, or all of the above? Do you have the growth mindset and resilience to adapt and grow? If not, how can you build these competencies?
Julie tried to tell me she’s “just a hairdresser.” I respectfully told her she’s completely wrong. She’s an incredible businesswoman with a talent for creativity and making women feel beautiful. And she follows these five principles religiously to ensure her business thrives.
By the way, Julie is a serious car aficionado. She drives a pretty badass Corvette, and her family car is a Mercedes. She bought both with the money she earned in her own business while being a single mom. I’d say her fundamentals have served her well!
