Posts by C J

The Importance of being YOU?

Can you imagine? We all eat the same food, dress the same way, buy the same cars? We do this because we see and/or hear this is what the majority of people do and we are followers. Inheriently, we follow what others do. 
Is it safe? Is it the easy way out? 

We see this in the movies all the time. Mind control. It seemed so futuristic at one time, but in reality…it’s here. Whether it be fake news or subliminal messages via commercials we watch or ads we read. We are all subjected to mind control, following in lieu of leading.

I bring this up because I often see on SM the question……”what do you use” or “what is the best xxxx?”. SM has become the search engine for many of our Technicians.
I respect people are asking and seeking opinions. However, what I worry is that our Technicians are making choices by what everyone else is using. It reminds me of what my parents use to say. “If someone is going to jump off the bridge….are you going to follow?
The importance of being YOU in your Pedicure room is what your Business is. YOU are what your clients come for. Your knowledge, your personality…..YOU!

Why is it important to remember this when choosing products?  

I am not a brand recognition person.  I choose the brands I represent based on their efficiency, their safety and what I know they can ultimately do for you, as Nail Technicians and your clients.

I’ve had plenty of opportunity to carry the brands that most people know of.  I’ve pondered, I’ve investigated and in the end, when I made a list of what it is “I” look for in a brand, these brands were not the right fit for my Business.

The brands I choose are an extension of me!

In this same context, I’ve researched brands which could be considered a “replacement” for the brands I carry….however, why would I want to trade $$$ for $$$$?   It just doesn’t make sense.

I love you-2

When searching for a brand to use in your Foot Care room, there are many factors to consider.  Before you do though, it’s important to realize…

  • The skin on our feet is very different than the rest of our bodies
  • We are exposed to much more in our Foot Care room then we were 50 years ago
  • Our access to education is far more vast
  • Our client’s access to information is far more vast
  • There are many more options available

When choosing brands, there is much to consider

  • Do you want fluff n buff or do you want results?  Or maybe you want both
  • Do you want scents
  • Do you have easy access to what you need
  • Is Education available
  • Is it cost effective
  • Does it have retail opportunity

Other things to consider when choosing your brands

  • Does the brand allow you the opportunity to expand?
  • Is there an easy return or replacement policy?
  • Do you have easy access to MSDS information?
  • Do you have easy access to Marketing materials?
  • Is the ordering process easy?
I love you-3

With so much talk about brands and who uses what….people are forgetting so many factors in making decisions as to what brands to carry.

Some of this may sound familiar because I know I’ve shared it in previous blogs. However, what has come to mind in scrolling through SM and seeing some of the questions is no one is asking about the ease of dealing with the Companies that carry whatever brand it is.

I once again go back to my days in the Salon. I remember the process of choosing a new hair color brand. My choices were narrowed down to 3.  At the time AlphaParf was our first choice.

I remember contacting the Company (somewhere in Miami) and NEVER receiving a call back. The brand we ended up ordering in was more expensive than the other 2. However, I got an immediate response from the Company and they offered extensive Education.

I let my Stylist have a say however, in the end what I chose was an extension of who I was. I wanted a quality product with easy access to products which offered continuous Education to make sure my Stylist were always on top of their game.  Price was a consideration, but not a game breaker.

Myself and the stylist knew what we wanted out of the brand

If I were still in my Salon, I would follow the same tactics. In fact,I follow the exact same tactics in choosing the brands I do for my Distribution. I’ve been burned a couple of times….we learn. However, I learn what I should ask which I didn’t before.

If I were in the Salon choosing a brand, these would be my questions…

  • Is it effective (because working smarter not harder is my MO)
  • Is it easily available
  • What is the price point
  • What type of education do you offer – when, where, cost?
  • Can it be bought in the big box stores
  • Is it available on line, to my clients, below my cost (do your own research)
  • Do they sell to the end user
  • How can my orders be placed
  • What is your shipping time
  • What is your return or replacement policy
  • How do you handle backorders
  • Do you have retail items for follow through

Or, how about something as easy as being able to have human contact.

My email address was purchased through a Company called Wix. I used this Company to build my first website when I owned my Salon. I haven’t had my Salon since 2009 but continued to pay a yearly fee to keep my same email address.

I recently realized the cost and how I can transfer my email account to my primary domain company.

3 weeks I’ve been trying to do this. The Company Wix has absolutely no way of speaking with a human. When I fondly found a phone # I was relieved. This took several days. When I called the number, it routed me to the web address for “trouble shooting”.

I’m flabbergasted. I’m pissed and frustrated. I’m paying $150.00 per year for something I can get for free. I have absolutely no way of cancelling it.

How can a Business run that way?

My own personal lesson is “research”.  Everything and anything you’re doing including the product brands you decide to take on.

Know your questions going in and think way ahead to the future. The what if’s. Because, it doesn’t matter what you do, the future will always come, things will always change and we never ever know what that change may be.

Centre For Beauty takes pride in the research we do before we take on a brand. We do this for you. However, I suggest you don’t even take my word for it. You have a question???? ask! You skeptical????? ask! You unsure????? ask!  Don’t ever settle

CJ Murray, President

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The Pedicure Re-Invented

My 2019 goal which, I am in the process of developing is an on-line infection control class.  I have a nephew who is a Nurse Practitioner who studied Infection Control and actually got published in the Medical Journal for one of his research papers.

I recruited him because I not only wanted to make sure I had accurate information, but I wanted information not just related to our Salons, but related to our lives.

We talk so much about products we use in the Pedicure room.  We watch, we listen, we research.  We look for products we feel our clients would like and we look for products we think we might like.

Whats surprising to me however, is how little time we spend on looking for products which keep our clients safe and ourselves self.  My own research show, most use disinfection products because they are highly advertised or used by our piers.  

There’s alot of confusion because rules change State by State.  When it comes to disinfection what should you be looking for?  What should your procedures be?  

Disinfection should be your #1 priority over everything else in your Salon.  There are just too many risk.  There are too many exposures.  

The days of banging out clients one right after another is gone.  We have to be smarter and more proficient with our cleaning techniques.  We have to make cleaning our first and foremost to all that exist in our Salons.

We have to re-invent our Pedicures, re-invention which begins with proper cleaning and disinfection.

Let’s itemize this one by one, in detail.  Before we do this though, always be sure to check with your State Board requirements.  Although, I’m confident what I am going to recommend will far exceed what your State Board does requires.

Ultrasonic Disinfection

CLEANING

Cleaning has many different facets.  We have cleaning of our Pedicure stations including bowls, floors and chairs.  And, we have cleaning of our surroundings and then we have cleaning of our implements.

#1 cleaning of our bowls.

If you have an older version Pedicure bowl which is connected to pipes which filter the water in and out of the same pipe……you MUST purge your Pedicure tub between clients.  Purging one time per day, at the end of the day is NOT sufficient.

Purging requires a solution effective enough to not only clean but kill high levels of bacteria which is ran through your pipes for a minimum of 5 minutes….depending on your solution.

At the end of each day, a 15 minute purge should be practiced.

Once purged, the surface area of your tub needs to be cleaned and disinfected.  This means it is wiped and sprayed with a solution intended for surface use.

If you have the newer pipeless chairs/bowls…although there is nothing to purge, you should still check to see what your State regulations are.  However, whichever way your tubs need to be cleaned, the propellors should be taken out and cleaned and then disinfected.

#2 cleaning of your chairs and surrounding areas

It doesn’t matter why type of set up you have, your chairs and tables AND any containers should be wiped with a solution which cleans and kills bacteria…..daily. In this case, a disinfection product with surfactants which cleans and disinfects at the same time, is perfect.  It is also important to note, there are cleaners/disinfectants  which will eventually dry out your vinyl or your leather chairs.  Be careful when choosing your products. Do your research.

#3 Implements

I think the biggest mistake and lack of education we are experiencing in our Salons, is realizing the dangers of cleaning or scrubbing your implements at the sink.  To begin with, I’ve watched.  Barely soap is being used.  A scrub brush and water…scrub scrub scrub…….it’s terrible.

2nd, research has shown that debris from the scrubbing or airborne particles is known to cause headaches, sinus problems, dry throat and more.  Therefore it suggested we eliminate this step.  WHAT?????  NOOOOO!!!!!  Well, we actually don’t eliminate the cleaning process, but we do eliminate how we clean.  The use of an ultrasonic cleaner not only is safe, but it is more efficient, time saving and 100% more effective then cleaning our implements at the sink.

#4 Wet disinfection

Most State require some form of wet disinfection.  The amount of time required varies State by State.  Unfortunately most of them are still in the dark ages and approve the lowest form of disinfection…..Barbicide which, requires. 10 minute soak time.  Therefore, regardless of what you use, you must soak for 10 minutes.

Hospital grade is the key word here…..entirely a joke!  Hospital grade only means the products which make the claim to be hospital grade are approved for cleaning hospital floors.  Now, that’s not so totally bad, but in my mind…it is deceiving.  My question is: are you happy with a product that makes the claim to be hospital grade?  Because, many of those products are low level, carcinogenic and can NOT kill many strands of bacteria we are currently subjected too.  Arrgh!

There are many things you should be asking when you choose your disinfection product

1). What exactly DOES it kill

2)  What exactly is the active ingredient

3). What exactly is contact time

4). Is it carcinogenic

5). Where do I dump it

6). How long is the solution effective for

#5 Sterilization

When I grew up in the Salon, using an autoclave was never even an issue.  That was a Medical thing…not. Beauty Salon thing.  Well, times have changed.  It is a Beauty Salon thing because we are subjected to so much more than we used to be.  And, we are often the first responders.  Therefore, we are seeing things sometimes even before the Dr. does.

In my growing up days, autoclaves were no less than $3-5000 dollar.  Today, you can get an autoclave for way less $800-$1200.  What a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Using an autoclave, is not required.  However, it should be.  I’m not sure if it ever will be, but what I am sure of, is somewhere down the road our Salons will be getting calls asking of services and the next question will be “do you autoclave”?  Client – Public awareness is immense.;

micrylium

Proper sanitation takes loyalty. It takes patience and it take time. If you don’t think you have the time, make it. We talk about changing lives? Not properly cleaning and not following proper disinfection procedures will for sue change your life…..and not in a good way.

Is it worth the risk?

CJ Murray, President

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Are you working Smarter not Harder?

I have many conversations with clients regarding specific services they wish to add in their Foot Care room. Everyone is different. Some like the relaxation aspect, some like the results aspect. And, some truly just don’t know what they want to offer.

It can get very complex in trying to choose what we think is best for our clients, and what we think is best for us. With so many product options available to us, how do we really know what will work and what won’t. Do we follow what everyone else is doing? Or, do we choose based on research?

What we need to realize is what works for one person, doesn’t necessarily mean it works for you. What we need to realize is location does make a difference, knowledge and experience makes a difference and our own mind thoughts make a difference.

What we need to realize is working smarter isn’t just about all the above. It also means you have to figure out which items and/or service bring you the highest return.
Do the math

My husband and I were talking about his Barber.  She moved from a Barber shop to her own suite.  He mentioned the other day about a conversation he had with her in regards to her move and what she prefers to do.  He stated she would rather deal with 4 men’s haircuts in 2 hours than deal with 1 ladies highlighting service.

He asked her if she was making more money being in a suite.  Her comment was, some days I do, some days I don’t.  My thoughts went to the above conversation.  You make $80.00 on those 4 men or $200.00 (probably more) on 1 female.  She isn’t working very smart.  

When we look at our services and how much there is to offer to our clients, I think it’s always best to start with the basics.

I know you’ve heard me say before.  A pedicure is a pedicure is a pedicure.

  • Soak
  • Manicure
  • Exfoliate
  • Callus debri
  • Massage

Keeping these 5 basics in mind is what is the most important to YOU when it comes to choosing your products.  

  • High end
  • Low end
  • Simple
  • Extravagant

All the ambience added to the service is a reflection of who YOU are

Do the math-2

The best example I can give is to highlight Nellie Neal of The Pedi Lab.  Nellie has made his claim in our industry partly because of his extravagant aura.  He himself portrays one of high end.  Therefore, he reflects that in his pedicure services.  He offers the same 5 basic steps to the Pedicure, but his presentation, his confidence, his knowledge and his ambience exudes extravagance.  And for that, he charges no less than $95.00 for an 1.5 hr service.  A service which always ends with perfection.

Nellie is working smarter.  He has taken the basic pedicure and customized it to his needs (to be extravagant) and his clients needs to “feel” that extravagance.  His personalty, his confidence is what gains his clients trust.  When he suggest and upgrade of an Anti Age treatment or a Golden Girl mask, his clients don’t question him.

He has taken that same client from a $95.00 service adding $50.00 – $75.00 upgrades.  Same time slot, same basic 5 steps…..with added ambience.

IT IS ALWAYS EASIER AND COST LESS TO INCREASE OUR SALES THROUGH OUR EXISTING CLIENTS

I do get frustrated at times when talking with my clients and there is such a low level of confidence.  It usually stems from them trying to compare themselves to someone else.  STOP IT!  Be yourself.  Bring your own aura in to you pedicure room.  Start with the 5 basics and add the ambience you feel will work for YOU and your clients.

A client I spoke with the other day uses our LCN Urea products.  Great 5 basic products which offer long last results.  She was sharing how the Technician next to her was using a product with a much stronger aroma and the client commented at how “wonderful” it smelled.  It made her feel badly for her client because the LCN Urea products aren’t real fluffy and Buffy smelling.  However, they are safe  and they are effective.

My suggestion to her was add aroma therapy to your service if you feel the need for scents.  DON’T change what you do or who you are because the person next to you is doing it.  What is working for them, may not work for you.

It’s sad really.  I wish in our schools they could teach more confidence building

What can you do to work smarter and not harder?

  • Master the 5 basic steps first – learn your techniques, learn your products.
  • Add your ambience – pick 3.  Don’t over kill.
  • Work on your presentation – visual affects go a long ways
  • Price accordingly – what is your hourly worth?
  • Educate yourself constantly
  • Do you know where your greatest ROI Return On Investment is?

Knowing your ROI is Business 101.  If you don’t know what your cost are on your products, it’s time to learn. Your return on investment relates directly to your cost and your sales.

If you are spending hundreds of dollars on nail art, glitter and bling and NOT charging your clients for nail art services….you have NO return on investment.  Why do it?

If you add serums and/or specialty masks to your foot care service and don’t charge…..you have zero return on your investment. Why do it?

Return on investment should be the number one question you ask yourself when purchasing new products. It isn’t just about what the cost is per service. It is also about whether you will perform that service properly and charge the appropriate price for it. It also is about “do you have the clients to support the service”?

This is where location comes into play.

What may be offered in Nellie Neal’s Pedi Lab, may not be right for your location. Or right for you

Ambiance is all inclusive.  Atmosphere, Education, Appearance, Products etc.

Make it your goal. Work smarter, not harder. Set the plan and go for it.

Do it now!

CJ Murray

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The details of PodoSafe in the Pedicure room

I had the absolute pleasure of spending a day with Suely, the owner/founder of PodoSafe. PodoSafe is a callus solution product used in the Pedicure room for safe reduction of stubborn calluses. It is safe for anyone with immune compromised health issues. In fact, it is safe for “everyone”.

Suely’s story is one of perseverance and strength. I wouldn’t feel right in sharing the details of her story with you, as it is not my story to share. However, what I can share with you is she is an inspiration and a true testament of what can be accomplished if you just put your mind and soul into your dreams and goals.

PodoSafe is a result of attempting to solve a problem she had recognized in Brazil, her home Country. It’s a result of working long hours and constantly trying formula after formula until she found the exact combination she was looking for. I literally get goosebumps thinking of the moment that happened. I can’t even imagine how rewarding.

What I learned from my visit with Suely, besides all the Technical tips I want to share…reflects back to my article of last week.

Our Beauty Business needs to be about connections and supporting our own.

Podosafe Slider Pagev4

Podosafe is different from many callus softening products because it can be used as a stand alone service. In fact, that is my personal recommendation.

Because of its unique application technique, it distinguishes itself as a solution service, not necessarily a pedicure service. A solution service which, many of my Salons are charging as much as $125.00 for a 30 minute service….no less then $50.00.

The technique is fairly simple.

  • We apply a cotton square saturated with Podosafe, to the callused areas on the foot
  • Wrap with plastic wrap
  • File away the melted damaged skin and viola……the results speak for themselves.

The difference in offering a “callus solution” service and a “pedicure” is time. And, time is money.

Our pedicures typically run 50 minutes to 1.5 hrs. We use 5-7 products if we do our standard soak, exfoliate, callus work, mask, massage.

Our PodoSafe callus solution product, along with our podosafe cuticle cream and your favorite exfoliating scrub or massage cream (3 items) is all you need. And, the time for this service is reduced by 30-45 minutes.

We charge the same or more, and spend less time. We work smarter…….not harder.

Stop what you're doing.

I’m excited now to share some of the specifics with PodoSafe. It’s always the little tidbits which make that light bulb go off and/or makes our job easier.

And……just because I’m hoping to drive this point home. These are tidbits or helpful resources you won’t find from Amazon or Ebay. Our Beauty Industry needs to be about connections and supporting our own.

Okay….I’ll stop.  For now 🙂

Let’s talk first about some “did you knows”?

  1. PodoSafe reacts with oils and becomes stronger or more effective. Therefore, if you have a client with really really thick, cracked skin on the heels, applying a “natural” oil will help PodoSafe work even better. Do not use this technique on everyone. It should be customized for the truly intense callused client.
  2. PodoSafe works under warm conditions. Hence, why we wrap the foot with plastic wrap. Did you know a heating pad placed on the floor to rest the feet is an effective warming process? You can also wrap the foot with a heated towel. Be sure to do your complete consultation first to make sure using heat will be safe for your client.
  3. Regardless of what foot file you use, always file in one direction only, “down”.  Continue this form of filing until you have no more skin coming off. This is a great way to make sure you aren’t filing off more than you should.

Tips & Tricks;

  • Saturate a stack of your cotton wipes in a bowl with PodoSafe solution. It’s easier than spraying one square at a time and you can plan for your entire day. Make sure it’s a covered bowl so the solution doesn’t evaporate.
  • PodoSafe must be sprayed close to the surface. Once you apply the saturated cotton square to the affected area, spray PodoSafe now directly onto the square keeping the nozzle up and snug to the foot. This helps eliminate any excess spraying.
  • PodoSafe cuticle cream can be applied directly under the nail as well as on the cuticle. By doing this, you soften the nail which makes for much easier and safer cutting. When you do work on the toenails, take care of the cuticles first. This gives the toenails time to soften which is hugely important when dealing with thick, hard nails.
  • PodoSafe callus solution AND cuticle cream must be used wet. Once it is dried out, it loses it’s affect. Therefore, when working on the toenails/cuticles you may have to re-apply.
  • Be sure to use your file until you see no more skin coming off. If you leave the skin on the feet which has been softened by the PodoSafe callus solution, it will get hard again and your client may not be too happy.
  • Use a bowl with a plastic bag under your clients feet. By doing this you can drop everything into the bowl such as your used cotton squares, wet towels, toe clippings, tools etc. When done, you can remove the bowl for fast, efficient clean up.
  • Be sure to use exfoliating products or massage creams as your final step to “deactivate” the solution. It’s important to use products with safe ingredients and ingredients which will process into the layers of the epidermis so your client isn’t walking out of your Salon with slippery feet.

Questions?

  • Can I use PodoSafe in my regular pedicure service?
    • Sure, if you want to.  However, #1…Podosafe should be done prior to the soak.  Therefore, you would just alter your pedicure procedure to include callus and cuticle/nail work prior to the soak.  #2…Why? The intent of PodoSafe, in my opinion is to add a service we can’t offer with any other product. We can offer a PodoSafe service to a client who isn’t really fond of pedicures. We can offer a PodoSafe service as an on the road service. We can offer PodoSafe to callused skin which, need more than what we can presently give them. We can add a PodoSafe service for more $$$ in less time.
  • Is PodoSafe available in larger sizes?
    • Presently PodoSafe is only available in our 12 oz spray bottle However, there are plans down the road for larger sizes. PodoSafe has only been available for 2 years. It takes time to grow the Business and realize what the demand is. I can assure you, once it becomes available….you will hear it from me.

Centre For Beauty is always looking for ways to help our Salons become more proficient, save $$$ and provide quality products. We know we can help with all 3 in all the brands we carry.

PodoSafe is different. However, PodoSafe, LCN and Footlogix are all amazing products with their own specific qualities. You need to decide if and where all or 1 of them fit into your venue.

CJ Murray, President

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Are We Being Hypocritical in our Salons?

As always, my friends and clients circumstances encourages ideas for my Blogs. This week I had a couple of messages regarding products being found on the internet and/or amazon.

 

These are products we sell in our Salons. Products our clients purchase from us then turn around and search on the internet until they find the same product for a cheaper price. Consequently, we are losing the follow up sale and sometimes credibility for selling the product at suggested Mfg’s price.

Why are we surprised? Why do we get so angry about our clients doing this? Why do we feel abandoned? Why do we feel offended?

The real question should be…..Why are we being hypocritical?

Educate with Integrity-2

How many of you search the internet for products or items you are looking to purchase?  Heck, as recently as this week I was notified by one of my Mfg’s that support me, a client of mine called them directly to bypass Centre for Beauty….hoping to get a better price.

I could take it personally and I guess that twang in my heart tells me I did for a moment.  However, this particular Mfg. has integrity.  They referred the client back to me.

Educate with Integrity-3

I recently saw a post on FB where someone was inquiring about Autoclaves. There were a couple of recommendations to check on Ebay? Ebay?????? Really?????? My response was so quick, I didn’t have the chance to pull it back, but I just can’t wrap my brain around the idea of our own Industry piers recommending their fellow piers to check on Ebay or Amazon for products?

First of all, who stands by the product when purchased at these sights? Who is available to ask questions on usage? Who is there to help if you have any issues with the products or items you buy? The problem however, is bigger than that!

We get angry and frustrated because we are losing Business. Yet, we have no problem telling our own to go and do the same thing, taking Business away from the food chain.

The bigger issue (although they are both big), we ALL have to support each other. There are many great Distributors in this market. Distributors are the backbone of this industry. Distributors are responsible for putting most of these brands in the hands of our Salons. And, for a Distributor like myself, we are responsible for educating and helping your Salons grow.

Educate with Integrity-4

If we can’t be loyal to our own, how do we expect our clients to be loyal to us?

There was a great article I happened upon in Linked in last week. It talked about what many of us who have been in this Industry for a long time know as diversion.

Initially we would find a handful of our products on line. We knew they were diverted products and the Mfg’s did all they could to control it. Eventfully the Mfg’s became a part of it. The products found on line weren’t diverted, they were being sold directly from the source.

The point of the article, which I thought was great, was the remembrance of Industry Leaders at that time Educating for success. They Educated to connect. They educated to develop a future, to build a future for our Industry.

Every time you refer a fellow industry pier to “search on line”, you are disconnecting them from the Industry.  You are destroying the opportunity of building a future.

This Industry is built on connections. We connect with our clients through making them feel and look beautiful. We know about their spouses, we hear about their children, we laugh with them, we cry with them. It’s what’s built the future of today.

We need to stop being hypocritical and practice what we preach. If you want your clients to stop shopping on line…..so do you. Support your own.

So, how do we deal with our clients when they find a product on line, (which you sell) for a cheaper price.

  • To begin with, it’s imperative for you to share with your client that YOU support the Mfg’s request of selling their products at the Mfg’s suggested retail price.  It’s call Integrity!
  • 2nd, explain that YOU offer education on the product (I hope you do), that YOU guarantee the product (I hope you do) and that YOU can promise your products aren’t old or out dated (I hope they aren’t)
  • Build loyalty. Build your connections. I can’t help but think when you have that loyalty and you have that connection with your clients, they won’t want to go elsewhere.

So, how do we deal with our clients when they find a product on line, (which you sell) for a cheaper price.

  • To begin with, it’s imperative for you to share with your client that YOU support the Mfg’s request of selling their products at the Mfg’s suggested retail price.  It’s call Integrity!
  • 2nd, explain that YOU offer education on the product (I hope you do), that YOU guarantee the product (I hope you do) and that YOU can promise your products aren’t old or out dated (I hope they aren’t)
  • Build loyalty. Build your connections.

There are so many things going through my mind right now. I think if there is one thing that is left for me to say it would be this;

Please think before you speak. Think about the consequences, the people you may affect, the people who you inspire. If you are reading this you are our connectors, you are our Industry of today.  Teach properly, Educate with integrity and help in developing our future.

Everything you say and do publicly has an influence on someone. Teach what is right, not what is easy. 

CJ Murray, President

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Nike says “Just do It” I say “Do it Now”!

I was talking with a girlfriend the other day. She was sharing with me the loss of a client, whom she calls a friend. At the young age of 62 she went out of town on a Business trip. She had a brain aneurism and passed away.

In our conversation we talked about how young that is. 62 is the new 42. Life expectancy is a lot older than it use to be. We expect to live well into our 80’s and even 90’s. 62 is just so young.

We talked about how hard we work and how we fail to realize how important it is to do the things we want to do and follow that old cliche.
Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.
I’m so sorry for the loss of her friend and my heart is saddened. Losing someone close to us is the hardest thing ever. However, we both agree, we should all treat our own lives like it is our last day on earth.

Do You?

I’m reminded of how we all felt during 911.  There wasn’t a time I can remember that our Country came together more than that day and many days and months to follow. The trivial things didn’t bother us as much, we loved more, we did more….we lived. I can remember saying and still do, we should live everyday like it was September 11, 2001.

Strut Don't Stress

There is always that fine line between what we want to do and what we can or what we can afford to do. I think people have a mis-conception that just because we should do it, doesn’t mean we should be reckless.

Living life isn’t about being willy nilly. It’s about doing the right thing “all the time” not just some the time. It’s about patience and kindness. It’s about taking responsibility for our own actions. It’s about having fun but not being stupid. It’s about planning. Planning to reach our goals so we can be happy in what we want to do to live life to the fullest.

Enjoying life is about de-stressing. It’s about thinking about the process to get to where we want to be. Whether being is with someone, having something or doing something is our goal.

Living our life to the fullest is about every little aspect. Our God, our Family, our Friends, our Work. And, having a plan for each one of those categories is what gives us the strength and the encouragement to meet all our goals.

Living life to the fullest is about realizing AND accepting that we will fail. It’s about accepting those failures gracefully and setting new goals to help us stay focused, help us keep the strength and help us stay encouraged.

Strut Don't Stress-2
  • Hula Hoop – YES! Make a small investment in a good hula hoop and go at it.
  • Dance to music – Turn on your favorite music and dance like no one is watching.
  • Skip – Not only is skipping refreshing, it also burns energy.
  • Sing – We’ve all seen the u-tube videos. Turn up the music and sing to your hearts content

I know all these things sound pretty silly. Being silly is stress relief and these things are harmless. You can do them by yourself or do them with your friends. Either way, I guarantee you an energy burst and an attitude adjustment if you do.

In case you are wondering. Yup….I do. Sometimes I even hula hoop and sing at the same time. LOL

What about living life to the fullest in our jobs. When my girlfriend was sharing her story, I couldn’t help but think about 2 different people I spoke to on that very same day who “wants to take a class….but”. Who “wants to buy xxx….but”. Who, “wants to have a price increase….but” etc etc.

 

Every time you put “but at the end of a sentence, it means everything you just said isn’t true

  • If you want to take a class. Do it! Plan the time, plan how to save for it and make it happen. No one can make it happen for you. You are completely in control.
  • If you want to purchase something. Do it! Set a time frame goal and figure out how much you need to save to buy it. I bet if you added up how much money you spend on trivial things, you would have enough money to purchase what you really want.
  • If you want to go somewhere. Do it! Again, pick a time frame and save. Saving doesn’t mean you have all the funds in one shot. Saving is like eating a big elephant. You do it in little pieces at a time.
  • If you need to readjust within your Business.  Do it!  There is absolutely no reason to be miserable in a place you spend most of your time at.

Through it all, be thankful for what you do have and keep positive thoughts that you WILL obtain your goal.

I think the thing I hear the most is this

I know I need to, but I just don’t have the time

Believe you me…..if you really know you need to, then make the time. I can remember my days in the Salon. I was amazed at how many trips a friend of mine use to take. Who, BTW, owned her own business as well.

I remember asking her how she can find the time? Isn’t she worried about leaving her Business? Simply put she said “time is what you make of it. And, the Business will still be here when I return. We may have to do some cleaning up and fixing of problems, however, it will still be here?

That lesson resonates with me still today. It’s hard to leave and there are always consequences. Nothing however, has ever been so bad when I’ve returned that has ever made me say “never again”.

There’s a song that came out as my daughter was growing up. Her and I use to sing it as loudly as possible in the car when it came over the radio. I still sing it in my head today as a reminder……life is short.

I HOPE YOU DANCE

Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

May you never take one single breath for granted

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you have the choice to sit or dance

I HOPE YOU DANCE

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

I hope you never settle for the path of lease resistance

Living might mean taking chances, but they’re worth taking

When you come close to selling out reconsider

And when you have the choice to sit or dance

I HOPE YOU DANCE

 

I HOPE YOU DANCE.  I hope you take a moment think about your goals, write them down and plan to make them happen.

 

CJ Murray, President

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dry pedicure

3 Ways to perform a Waterless Pedicure?

There was a time in my Salon career when I wanted to build a “Foot Care Only” Salon. I had 2000 Sq Ft filled with Nails, Hair, Skin Care, Massage, Tanning and Retail. However, as with all of you, the challenge of keeping each of our services busy was sometimes too great to bear. It always seemed when one service was busy, another was way down. This is the cycle…..nothing is ever status quo.

For that reason and realizing my passion to dive into Foot Care only, I envisioned and dreamed of turning my 2000 Sq ft. into a first of its kind. Offering a variety of different Foot Care services. I envisioned a Foot Bar, I envisioned dry pedicures, wet pedicures, steam pedicures, clinical pedicures, luxurious pedicures…..on and on and on.

What I didn’t envision at the time, is how the tides would turn so greatly in our Foot Care Industry. How we would be subjected to the backlash we get in our Industry from non-Educated Technicians, Technicians working out of the limits of their license and on the back flip, Technicians who are so overly Educated they almost put themselves in a category all on their own.

In addition, I didn’t envision how the health of our society would play such an impact on our Business. We no longer need to just know how to polish toes, we need information to help us as the first responders we are. We can’t diagnose, yet we need to know what we are dealing with so we know whether we can service them or not. Talk about a catch 22 right?

What I do know, is our Industry is forever changing. When I opened my “Foot Care” only Distribution, no one was talking about feet.  They were talking about foot care products, but there was no where near the amount of articles, education and information available….as there is now.

So, in this day and age that we live in within our Industry, there are many challenges we face with safety, with proper disinfection and with proper applications. There are more challenges with health concerns, disease and health insurance. All of which, has  moved us to be more pro-active and more safe in the way we handle our foot care clients.

 

Exactly what does this all mean?

Ultrasonic Disinfection

What it means when it comes to safety its multifold. What processes can we perform on our clients? Do we soak, do we not? Do we use implements, do we not? Can we massage, or should we not? Do we proceed, or do we refer?

WE need to be asking these questions on a daily basis.

As I sit here in my office and look at all the certifications i’ve received from classes i’ve taken, i’m reminded of every little “new” thing I learned from each and every one of them. I’m reminded of how devastated I was in many cases, to learn I may have done something which could have turned out really bad…..because I didn’t know. I’m reminded, if I had opened my “Foot Care” only facility, it would be a whole lot different today than what I envisioned over 15 years ago.

It’s all the above things I think about when a client calls me to inquire about waterless pedicures. Their reasons for wanting to offer waterless are valid. But, my reasons sometimes differ. For me it’s about providing a service to someone who shouldn’t be in water. Providing a service to an immune compromised client. Providing a service to a home bound client. Providing a service to a wheelchair client. Providing a service which is waterless yet still falls into the category of performing that client consultation. Needing to know about the client and what their needs are, not just what me as a Technician wants to offer. Needing to know how to explain the why’s of a waterless pedicure and needing to know I am providing the absolute best for that client sitting at my station.

customer service-1253483__340

What exactly is a “waterless pedicure”? Does it mean no pedicure bowl? Does it mean we soak the feet minimal? Does it mean we use absolutely no water at all? I guess, in reality….it can mean whatever you want. 

The beauty of this Beauty Industry….this type of thing can mean anything you want it to.

What I understand and explain to clients, a waterless Pedicure means we are not soaking the feet.  It doesn’t necessarily mean we are doing a “dry” pedicure.

It is my Professional opinion, even though we may be offering waterless Pedicures, procedures need to be the same, if not better. After all, the biggest reason we want to offer this type of service is for safety and/or sanitary issues. Therefore….

  1. Complete and thorough client consultation. Both verbal and visual
  2. Complete and thorough cleansing/sanitizing of the skin on the feet
  3. Quality products to produce results

I can’t help but think about myself in a consultation situation. Let’s say a routine exam.

The Dr’s assistant and/or Dr. come in and begin with a series of questions for me to answer. Somewhere in there they ask if “I” have any concerns. I do, but they may seem a little trivial so I typical don’t bring them up. However, the Dr. continues with his series of questions, and as time moves forward i’m feeling more comfortable. Eventually, I ask the question(s) which were going through my mind.

This mindset is important in the Pedicure chair. Most people do not like to talk about their feet and/or the problems they may be experiencing with them. A quick yes or no consultation will NOT give you the information you need to move forward with a thorough and safe pedicure. Take your time, ask the right questions and keep asking until you are sure you have all the information to begin the service in a proficient, professional manner.

How do you cleanse the feet if you are not soaking?

I’m sorry, but if I was receiving a pedicure and my Technician went straight into callus work, i’d be like icky icky.  I can’t EVEN imagine not prepping the feet.  Not just for my clients safety, but for the safety of you, the Technician. After all, if you are performing a “proper” consultation, you HAVE to touch the feet. Gloves or not, lack of sanitizing and cleaning is just inappropriate.

  1. Feet should be sanitized prior to consultation, prior to removing nail polish. Appropriate products would be low alcohol, skin specific products. Our two favorites are the LCN Kodan Spray and the FLX Foot Deodorant Spray. Both of these products are designed for and safe for skin contact.
  2. When you don’t soak the feet, you still have to cleanse them. I suggest using a spray bottle with water and mixing with your favorite brand of foot soak. Our two favorites are LCN Urea 15% Foot Bath and the FLX 10% Urea Foot Soak. Both of these products work very well in a spray bottle.
    1. You can keep your spray bottle in a baby bottle warmer to keep the water warm
    2. You can use heated towels (if appropriate for the client), to wrap the feet in after you spray

The great thing about both these brands of cleanser is the Urea. Urea is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-pyritic ingredient. It will cleanse, sanitize and eliminate cross-contamination.

At some point you will do the manicure work on the toenails. There is no wrong or right time to do this. However, I always always suggest you keep the foot wrapped with a towel while manicuring.

Using a facial steamer at this point is really nice and full of ambience. If you are using warm wet towels to begin with during your cleansing process, this will help keep the towels warm and cozy. If you don’t use towels, the heat from the steam will keep the client comfortable. Be sure however, you have checked with your client for any concerns which would eliminate being able to use a steamer.

Many Technicians feel like they have to skip an exfoliating scrub when they offer waterless pedicures. Why? Because it’s messy. I disagree. 

I love and always suggest the LCN exfoliating scrub. This scrub is great because you can use it wet, as we traditionally do here in the States. Or, use it as a Gommage as they do in the European Countries. The LCN exfoliating scrub is more of an exfoliating “cream”. It sloughs the skin as it hydrates. When used as a Gommage, it’s used until you can’t “slough” anymore. When done, you simply wipe away any excess “crumbs”….for lack of being able to think of a better word.

Callus work would be your next step. We all have our favorites and i’m sure, but not 100%, that most callus reducing products can be used in a dry circumstance.

Our LCN Soak Spray with 17% urea plus lactic acid and our FLX callus softening with 20% Urea are amazing. Both can be used for this type of service and both are very effective. In my opinion, our LCN Soak Spray offers a bit more hydration.

We also have the PodoSafe callus solution product which we specifically target for use with a dry pedicure. It’s a little different process than just spraying and filing. However, our Salons are charging $75.00 for a 30 minute service.

Finally, we finish off with your favorite massage product.

Of course, we have our favorites. LCN Urea 10% Foot Cream and FLX Massage Formula. Both are great products. LCN Urea 10% Foot Cream offers a bit more ambience as far as hydration and scent. FLX Massage Formula is a bit more clinical, but effective and nice.

The subject for waterless pedicures have been frequent lately due to the introduction of our OSS class on servicing clients with cancer in the Pedicure room. It’s important check the brands you are using, if working with cancer clients is the way you are taking your Business.

We recently partnered with with a skin care Company called ‘dermaviduals’. The products are endorsed by the OSS and we offer 3 products designed specifically for the waterless Pedicure for cancer clients. We are planning an informational webinar this month and will have a date posted soon.

These products are custom for our Pedicure needs in servicing the oncology client.

I think in offering a waterless pedicure, it’s important to make sure your client doesn’t feel slighted in their service. In order to realize this, you need to use good quality products. Your everyday fluff-n-buff products, in my opinion, don’t fit the bill.

There are great effective products on the market. Find what works for you and your client.

Are waterless Pedicures on your service menu?

  • Great for immune compromised clients
  • Great for an add on in the massage room
  • Great for an add on in the facial room
  • Great for outbound clients
  • Great for wedding parties
  • Great for clients processing at the hair station

It’s a money maker…..if you don’t offer them, you certainly should consider it.

CJ Murray, President

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It may be time to reboot?

Spring forward Fall back

Such a simple reminder of what to do with our clocks during the Spring and Fall seasons. It works for me. I have to repeat it in my head as time comes around, for me to remember which way the clock hands needs to be turned. Or, in these days….the digital numbers.

For me however, when I owned my Salon, it was also a refresher. Spring seemed to be the perfect time to “Spring clean”. I found it cleansing, refreshing, motivating and an excuse to make a new start. There always seemed to be a lull between the end of the year Holiday’s and Summer. March and April was that sweet time between the two, and I took complete advantage of it. In fact, I still do.

FOR A CHANCE TO

When I wrote my article last week on selling retail, I was hoping more than 2 people would take advantage of my “retail challenge”.  I’m offering to give away $100. in product for you to set your own goal and follow through. Seems crazy to me not to take advantage of that, but what it showed me is the fear our Technicians really do have in promoting retail.

It solidified that many of you have to reboot, get in the right frame of mind and make a new start

I assure you, the excitement, the refreshment, the motivation you get from a reboot extends to your team and your clients.  In fact, I suggest you have your entire team reboot.  It can be fun and without a doubt, it can help increase your $$$$.

When your entire team reboots, it’s magical

FOR A CHANCE TO-3

To begin with, rebooting involves your typical Spring cleaning

  1. Deep clean your Salon.  Floors, shelves, stations, storage area.  Get rid of products in your cabinets you don’t use.  Clean out your draws and re-organize.  Make it a fun day with your team.  Open the doors and windows.  Crank up the music.  Bring in lunch….get er done.
  2. Refresh your cleaning and disinfection procedures.  Once you have everything clean, you really do need to do the best to maintain it.  Cleaning and disinfection isn’t just about your tools and implements.  It’s about your work area as well as your retail shelves. Review your procedures and make sure everyone is on the same page.
  3. Have a meeting of the minds.  Work with your team and let them share ideas for future promotions.  Ideas on how to increase sales.  Ideas on how to cross promote your in-salon services.  I can’t tell you how many Technicians I talk to that don’t have the opportunity to share their ideas with their bosses.  Sad really, as some of them are awesome ideas.
  4. Talk with your Vendors.  I don’t understand ordering products without support.  I’ve discontinued Business with my own Vendors during my career at my Salon and even now with my Distribution.  If I can’t get the support I need to satisfy my client, I look elsewhere.  You should be the same way.
  5. Evaluate your cost vs sell price.  Rebooting is the perfect time to evaluate all your cost and determine if you should have a price increase or not.
  6. Eliminate waste.  In my opinion, this is the best part of rebooting.  You have got to get rid of the things which are costing you money, not making you money.  This would include services listed on your menu.  This would include products purchased, not being used. Redo your service menu if you have to.

If you work on your own in an independent situation, rebooting is very important. When we work by ourselves we have no motivators. We are everything. Doing a reboot helps you to keep going with a positive attitude.

Here are some more ideas on how you can reboot without spending a fortune.  Simple things really!

  • Move your pictures.  Change locations of where they are.  Maybe add a new one.
  • Buy new pens.  Yup.  Seems crazy how anew pen can change your whole day.
  • Add or change your air freshener.  It’s Spring, a nice clean linen or citrus (my favorite) works wonders.
  • Buy new towels.  Chances are the towels you have been using have been worn and maybe even have nail polish on them. They aren’t that expensive.
  • Place a new hand soap at your scrub sink and/or in your bathroom.
  • Hang a wreath on your door.  Holiday signs are the bestest.  Change them out always….it’s fun.
  • Buy new tools.  I always bought new tools on a yearly basis.  My clippers, my nippers, cuticle tools, foot files, bits.  Nothing better than a new set of tools.  The great thing about this, is you can still use your old tools (in most cases), but now you have alternate sets. It’s awesome.
  • Set goals.  New Years isn’t the only time to set new goals. A new goal is refreshing and we should be setting them frequently.

Rebooting is refreshing. Spring forward into the season revived and refreshed. 

CJ Murray, President

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Money is in the Retail

Unknowingly a couple of weeks ago, I hit a hot spot for many of you when I brought up some pointers on retail. Seems like such a simple concept yet, a good majority of you aren’t selling retail at all. Another good majority only order as the client request. And, a good majority of you admitted your product gets dusty from being on the shelves so long.

Why is it as far back as 31 years ago, I was told my retail profits should pay my rent? Why is it I have clients who boast (as they should) they personally sold $50,000.00 in retail products last year? Why is it stores like Sally’s, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart all survive on retail alone? Yet, it seems many of you are either afraid of it or don’t know how to get started and even don’t want to be bothered by it.

It’s bewildering really. Selling products you use, selling products you love is super easy. Why? Because it isn’t selling at all!

10% urea foot cream 100ml

What exactly is selling retail?  A retail sale occurs when a business sells a product or service to an individual consumer for his or her own use.

It’s important to note.  Once you make the decision to sell retail, you also have to think of Merchandising….everything you do to promote and sell your products once the potential customer is in your store.

FLX DISPLAY COUNTER

I personally don’t like to refer to it as “selling“.

In our Business, we are usually trying to solve a problem. We want our client’s skin on their feet to be soft and free of cracks and roughness.  We want our clients nails to be healthy. Therefore, I think of this process more as a “recommendation“.

The benefits of recommending products for use at home are both for the client, and yourself.

  • Skin and nails stay healthy and are protected from external influences
  • Your job….when they return to your Salon takes less time and less effort.

Which brings me to my above comment…..we don’t sell, we recommend.

Recommending to me has more of a soft touch to it.  You aren’t telling the client they should buy something, you are giving them all the reasons for them to make the decision on their own.  Here’s an example;

  • You have a client in your Pedicure chair.  You perform a consultation and notice they have severely dry skin, not quite cracked but almost.
  • In speaking to the client as part of your consultation,  you are asking various questions regarding lifestyle, health issues or concerns etc. etc.
  • One question everyone forgets to ask is “tell me something you don’t like about your feet?”  Almost always the client will respond with “I don’t like the roughness, the dryness, the cracking…whatever it may be”.
  • The next question is the ONE time you ask an open ended question.  “If I could recommend a product for you to use on your feet which would get rid of and then maintain smooth, healthy feet…..would you be interested?”

In my 30+ years of going to that question, I have never gotten a NO.

Let’s now go into a little math. There is a food chain of sorts when it comes to products.

  • 1st we have the Mfg. who makes the product
  • 2nd we have the Distributor ‘me” who buys the product from the Mfg.
  • 3rd we have the Retailer “you”
  • 4th we have the end user “your client”
  • It cost the Mfg. $1.00 to make the product, who then…….
  • Sells the item to the Distributor (wholesaler) for $2.00, who then…..
  • Sells the item to the Retailer for $4.00, who then…..
  • Sells the item to the end user for $8.00

In theory, this is all good.  From the bottom of the food chain up…..everyone makes money.  Unfortunately, there are times when the Mfg. skips over the Distributor and goes straight to the Retailer.  And, there are times when the end user skips over the Retailer and goes straight to the wholesaler (Amazon). Don’t EVEN get me started on this subject.

The question then becomes…..why sell at all?

WE SELL TO MAKE MONEY

This may sound a little harsh, but it’s true.  We are all in Business to make money.  However, it’s the approach you take which makes a difference. It’s the approach you take which set’s you apart from the Amazon’s of the world. Will we loose money to on line sales? Absolutely! However, that is no excuse for not taking your Business to the next level of helping your clients beyond your chair

LET’S GET DOWN TO THE NITTY GRITTY

There are so many factors involved in recommending products or “selling retail”. Don’t let this process scare you. They are steps which mostly happen naturally. You just have to follow them!

  • Use the product. We have all heard of the shoemakers kid. The one with holes in the bottom of his/her shoes or broken shoelaces. Don’t be that kid. Our clients like to know that we “walk the walk”. Using a product you recommend is the #1 easiest form of selling retail.
  • Take pictures. There really is no easier form of advertising than before and after pictures. Post them, frame them, show them off. All retailers use pictures. Pictures of products, pictures of results. You are a retailer, act like one.
  • Merchandising. You can’t just put products on your shelves and expect them to sell. There are many little “secrets” to promote eye appeal.
    • Window and in-store displays–many products have displays. They typically come free with product purchase.
    • Grouping related products together–suggestive selling. Group products which work well together. Something like a foot cream with a foot deodorizer spray.
    • Shelf signage–there is so much available on the internet to help with gorgeous, professional looking signage. In addition, many products come with already made signage. Ask, we have them or at least the PDF for your to print.
    • In-store ads featuring the merchandise–TALK about it. SHOW it.
    • Samples and giveaways–I think these should be used sparingly. After all, we all know those who only come for the samples or the freebies. Giveaways are great for an event. Samples are great to give along with a product purchase.
    • In-store demonstrations–USE IT! I can’t say that loud enough or bold enough. Use the products you promote. It is the best and least expensive form of advertising.
    • Well-stocked shelves-You don’t have to over do it but you should not under do. 3 products minimum, 6 products max. However, don’t have 6 products on a 12 ft shelf. Size your space accordingly. A small shelf with 6 products, 3 of each looks very well stocked.
    • Spotlighting promotional items-take advantage of your Distributors promo’s. Clients, just like you, love a deal. If you aren’t getting any promo’s coming from your suppliers, do what I do and make your own. Sure, you reduce your profit margins, but it will always bring you in new business.

Let’s get started;

  1. The first thing I encourage you to do, is set up a separate account for retail inventory. You can do this on paper or literally open a separate bank account. For me, having a separate bank account worked better. I still run my Business and my personal life in the same manner. It works for me.
  2. Purchase $100.00 in product for retail, minimum. I usually like to recommend $300.00, but for many of you this may be an initial struggle. Starting small is better than not starting at all.
  3. Once you sell a product, move the $$$ from that product over to you separate account.
    • Example: You paid $12.00 for a foot care cream
    • You sold that foot cream cream for $24.00
    • Move $24.00 into your separate bank account

Do this daily until you get into the habit.  Do you whether you sell one item or 10.

Eventually, that account will build up and THIS is the account you purchase all your retail items from. Now, pick a #. Will it be $500.00, will it be $1000.00? This is your goal number to get into that account. Once you get to that goal, you never let it go under.  Now…it’s time to start saving for your rent.

  • You started with $200.00
  • You purchased $100.00 of product
  • You sold $200.00 of product
  • You now have $300.00 in your account
  • You bought another $100.00 in product
  • You sold $200.00 of product
  • You now have $400.00 in your account

At some point you can decide, if you want to purchase more than $100.00 in product.  And, you always want to make sure you aren’t purchasing products for more than what is in your account or below your goal amount.

At some point, you should also reward yourself.  Begin thinking about taking 10% for you.  Will this be once you hit your account minimum goal?  Or, once you’ve saved up enough rent money?  The choice is yours.Example;

  • Let’s say your account is up to $1500.00
  • You started with $200.00
  • Therefore, you purchased $650.00 of product over time
  • And, your profit is $650.00
  • DON’T TAKE IT ALL!  Give yourself 10% or $65.00

By using this system, you are only really investing $200.00.  The rest of the monies is pure profit from your retail sales.  Eventually, it will build and before you know it, you will have an account with thousands of $$$$$ in it.  An account you use strictly for “retail” purchases…..and to pay your rent…..and to put some cash into your own pocket.

I think the biggest mistake most people make, it they merge their products purchases with their retail.  Consequently they end up using retail profits towards product purchases. They never realize the $$$$ promoting retail is making them.

In addition to managing the financial aspect of getting started with retail, remember there is one thing people need to have in order to make any of this happen.  TRUST!

If your clients trust you, they will trust your recommendation

To gain that trust you must;

  • Know your products. Know how and why they work. Know what product to recommend to what client. Know your ingredients and how they will benefit.  In other words, be educated.  Don’t just purchase a product for the sake of retailing.
  • Know your clients. What do they need? What do they want? Are you listening?
  • Know competitive products. Your clients will ask…know how to answer.

I’m going to refer to a slide I use in my presentation to schools.  Promoting retail take CONFIDENCE!

C Clarify your point of difference.  What is the difference between your product and what your client can purchase elsewhere?

O Only ask once.  Don’t talk yourself out of a sale.  I’m guilty of this.  I end up saying too much and then I confuse my clients and they leave with nothing. LOL

N Never feel intimidated.  Always remember, you know more than they do.  If not, fake it till you make it.

F Find your comfort words.  This is so important.  I know there are certain words or phrases I’m comfortable with.  However, that may not be the way I learned it.  It’s imperative you find what works for you.  The more comfortable you are with your presentation, the more believable you will sound.

I Immediately present.  I’m a firm believer products must be introduced during the consultation.  That is probably the one and only time, we have their full attention.

D Do it routinely.  Practice, practice, practice.  The more you talk the talk, the easier it becomes.

E Educate yourself.  Can never talk about this enough.  There are all sorts of free webinars available.  There is all sorts of info on the internet.  The license you have gives you the opportunity to perform the service, but self education is the best education.  And, it has to be continuous.

N Never say never.  If you think for one minute you can’t sell retail.  Well, guess what…you can’t.  Never should be removed from your vocabulary. I always share a personal story here.  I only said never once in my life. That was 25-26 years ago. My daughter will be 25 this month. LOL

C Communicate clearly.  I mean this with no disrespect, but dumb it down to your clients level.  I am the perfect example of this.  When I first worked for Footlogix, they spoke in terms that spun my head.  They were bewildered by the fact they could not build the US market.  I flat out told them….you are speaking in terms we don’t understand.  I spent countless hours on the internet transferring their “medical” terms into terms I knew my fellow Technicians and myself could understand.  Communication is key.

E Engage your client.  Put the product in their hands.  The second the say “yes…I would love something to help me with my dry feet”, get up, get the product and let them hold it.

Is retail one of your goals?  I’m here to help.  

I challenge you to take the “retail challenge”.  Reach out to me, give me your goal and how you plan to attain it.  I’ll give you 30 days.  If you double your goal I’ll send you $100.00 worth of products for retail…FREE!

THIS IS A 1X OFFER AND I MUST HEAR FROM YOU BY THE END OF THIS WEEK (March 22, 2019)

Think about this

If you purchase $100.00 in retail and you sell it at $200.00, on an average of say $20.00 per sale… you only have to sell to 10 clients in a month.  Attainable?  ABSOLUTELY!

Trust….it’s all about the trust!

CJ Murray, President

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What constitutes “Sub Standard”?

I was sitting here in my office, looking at the various amount of notes I have written down regarding thoughts about what I want to write about. Sometimes having too much isn’t a good thing. It’s difficult to decide what I want to conquer next.

When all of a sudden, I received a text from my Daughter telling me the Salon she goes to in Connecticut was just shut down due to violation of Connecticut wage law.

 

I have my reasons why I have been trying to discourage her from going to this particular Salon in the first place. However, her co-workers went there, it was close, it was convenient etc. etc.
It was a “Mom told you so” moment
This brings me to one of the topics i’ve been thinking about for a long time. What exactly is a “sub-standard” Salon? If you read wikipedia on the actual definition;  Sub-standard = below the usual or required standard. Therefore, unless a Salon was operating without a license, most would not qualify under the Sub-Standard category. After all, in all reality, most Salons do JUST what they have to do….they do what is the required standard.

How can that be you ask?

  • To begin with, let’s talk cleaning & disinfection.  Ohhhh….my favorite subject.  Most of our States suggest that Bleach is a sufficient enough “disinfectant” to use on our tools and in our Pedicure tubs.  There isn’t a cold day in hell that I personally would trust bleach to kill the bacteria and fungi AND blood spores we may be subject to.  However, many Salons use it because that’s what their State says is sufficient.  Does THAT make them sub-standard?
  • In addition, most all States do not require an Auto-clave.  However, we all know to Auto-clave is the highest level of sterilization we can offer.  Does that make them sub-standard?
  • What about the credo blade or better known as the cheese grater.  I’m appalled to know of Technicians I highly respect using these types of tools in their Salons.  When we think of Satans’ grater, don’t you think of sub-standard?  Does that make them sub-standard?

In addition, when we think of sub-standard we tend to think towards a specific ethnic group. I’m embarrassed to say, I’m guilty of that myself…..in the past. I’ve leaned.  Sub-standard has no ethnic boundaries.  It doesn’t discriminate against race or color.  Sub-standard salons of all ethnicity exist all over our Country.  North, South, East and West.

Unfortunately, when we do see or hear stories of Sub-standard Salons, the stories are always the same.  They relate Sub-standard to poor or no sanitary procedures.

I challenge you to take another look at what exactly Sub-standard is.  Relate it to your own Business and review areas of question. Make changes. Adapt better habits.

 

 

Here are my thoughts of what might constitutes Sub-Standard.

  • The obvious;  Improper or no cleaning and disinfection procedures
  • The not so obvious; Cleaning procedures, although approved by our States which do not protect our clients nor our Technicians from the various degrees of bacteria and fungi which we are presented with on a daily basis.
  • The obvious; The ridiculous amount of minimum hours required by our States to obtain a license.
  • The not so obvious; The lack of continuous Education many Technicians obtain. School gives us a license. Continuing Education gives us knowledge.

Just these 2 things are enough for a series of articles.  However, I believe there is much much more which should be taken into consideration when determining whether a Salon is Sub-standard or not.

I want you to seriously look at these things and think about your own situation. Changing our image to the outside world, stepping up to the next level takes a lot more than you think.

My experiences or what I have seen

  • Let’s begin with Barbicide.  The oldest form of disinfection in the history of our Business. Let’s just assume, for this article, Barbicide is a qualified cleaning/disinfection agent….although it isn’t. However, it is approved in most States.  Also, according to State regulations we must follow the procedures written on the container, or provided by the Mfg.  Barbicide has 10 minute contact time.  This means, implements/tools must be left in the solution for a minimum of 10 minutes for it to kill the spores it claims to kill.  I’ve seen hair combs thrown in and less than 5 minutes later taken out and used on a different client.  I’ve seen e-file   bits taken in and out of barbicide all day long, over and over again where I am confident, they didn’t have their required 10 minute soak time.  I’ve seen tools and implements sprayed either between clients or if dropped on the floor.  Sprayed and used almost immediately.  I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD
  • What about sanding bands? I have been in Salons watching a service being performed with the use of a sanding band and when the Technician is done with the band, he/she places it in a container of Disinfection solution.  I don’t know how good your disinfection solution is.  I don’t care if it’s 1 minute contact time or 10 minutes.  Sanding bands are not to be used on more than one client. It should immediately be thrown away.  I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD
  • Let’s talk dusty shelves. An area where many Salons don’t pay attention to is the way their Salon looks outside of their work station.  Sure, you may clean your station after each client but have you paid any attention to the rest of your Salon. Pictures, bottles, shelves, decorations……they all are subject to the same airborne debris. They need to be cleaned everyday.  I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD
  • How about reception? I often hear a commercial put out by a Company called Grasshopper. It’s advertising a Professional answering service. It’s actually kinda funny because it so has to do with forgetting the human touch of a phone call. I think about this in many places that I go when the receptionist is “too busy” “in a mood” “in a hurry”…call it what you want.  If the receptionist it human or machine is unpleasant and unprofessional,  I WOULD CONSIDER THI SUB-STANDARD
  • What about cleaning and disinfection procedures.  I can’t tell you how many Salons and Technicians who call in regards to our disinfection brand, and don’t buy it because of the price.  Really?  You are looking for a disinfection product based on price? I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD
  • What about physical appearance? Some may get mad at me for this, but I do think there needs to be a higher standard held in regards to appropriate dress code within a Salon.  Helloooooooo everyone!  We are in the BEAUTY Business. Nails should be manicure, toenails should be manicured, hair should represent your stylist. No cleavage, no shorts, no flip flops, no short skirts.  I’ve seen this.  I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD
  • Wages. I’m guessing things have changed.  I recall when I owned my Salon, we had to have everyone on the same pay program.  In other words, they ALL were either Independent Contractors (aka Booth renters) or payrolled employee.  You couldn’t have 3 of 1 and 2 of another.  It was an IRS regulation.  But now, I see diversity like this everywhere.  It’s even advertised on SM or some form of advertisement.  “10 chair Salon in need of Nail Technician.  Will booth rent, pay commission or make you an employee”.  I read this and I say, you have already put your new hire in charge.  Wages can’t be based off of the person.  Wages needs to be based off of profitability for the Salon.  Not knowing these numbers and running a Salon blind.  I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD
  • No Education.  I won’t get on my soap box, however I will say this short and sweet.  If you do NOT keep up with continuing education on a regular basis, you are in neglect. Neglect for your clients and neglect for yourself. This industry is not just about the bling.  It is far more and we are constantly in a position of jeopardy.  The rise of diabetes in both children and adults. The geriatric client. The immune compromised  client. The sue happy client. It’s endless. So, if you as a Salon owner does not take an aggressive action to keep your salon highly educated, or if you as a single entrepreneur aren’t Educating yourself on a regular basis….I WOULD CONSIDER THIS SUB-STANDARD

I apologize if you have recognized yourself in any of these scenarios and feel offended.  I don’t apologize if it makes you think twice about your own situation. The standards of this industry need to change.  We, those of us working in this industry dictate those standards.  Therefore, if we want to change the standards WE have to change.

CJ, Murray

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