Have you got what it takes to run a hair salon?

Before you start down the road of setting up a business it's worth asking yourself if you have the traits needed to make a successful salon owner - or whether some extra training might be called for before making the plunge.

"As a manager, you need to continually set yourself high standards, and remember that a team will follow their leader; you can't set standards for your team and then fall down on them yourself," says Tracy McCullough, director of Zoology in Loughton, Essex, and HJ's 2008 Manager of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards.

Lead by example

"You need to be consistent, trustworthy, passionate, and dynamic. You also need to have a great head for figures, be inspiring to others, and encourage your team and business. Finally, communication skills are critical. Remember that an amazing ability to communicate is not just about what comes out of your mouth; it is about really listening. Being open minded to continue learning, and never stopping your own personal development, is so important," she adds.

Be positive

Says Barrie Stephen, owner of Barrie Stephen Hairdressing in Leicestershire: "Without doubt, strong leadership qualities are important as you'll have a team of people working for you. Staff will look to you to drive from the front and give inspiration and vision, so positivity is key. People will also willingly follow leaders they trust, so integrity and honesty are essential traits to have. Lastly, encouragement will work wonders: taking an interest, mentoring and investing in each individual, will keep them committed and involved and help you develop a strong, dedicated team."

Don't be blinkered

Darren Fowler, owner of Clipso salon in Covent Garden, London, and HJ's 2010 Manager of the Year, advises looking beyond the salon industry for inspiration. "Often people outside the hairdressing industry can be really inspiring. I once read a book called One Minute Manager, by Kenneth Blanchard, for example, and I was also inspired by a presentation by management coach Anthony Robbins."

Another attribute any perspective salon owner will need is a clear vision of what kind of salon they want, says Barrie. "You need to know whether you want a small salon with just a couple of stylists, something with a boutique feel, or a big operation, as this will affect all your decisions. Also, never underestimate the power of location - it can be a determining factor in how successful your salon is. Research potential areas well for the kind of footfall they are likely to attract and the type of people in the area - these will form a large part of your potential clientele."

Darren believes the secret of being a successful salon manager is to start small and grow the business into something. "Create hype before you open, but don't promise what you can't deliver. You also need to be prepared to keep evolving," he says.

Create team players

"Once you have the salon and team in place, make sure they have a lengthy induction period before the salon opens," advises Tracy.  "Ensure all members know what you expect of them in terms of targets and company goals. Once the salon is open, don't focus on how many clients you have got; focus on ensuring those clients you do have enjoy the best possible experience."

Tracy offers this final piece of advice to surviving the first year in business:  "Ensure you plan ahead and never make decisions when you are under stress. Don't have an ego, and always ask for help if you need it. Most importantly, get your team right because you can't do it without them."