How to excel in the hairdressing industry

Director of Westrow, Steve Rowbottom, offers advice to those looking to excel in the hairdressing industry. Believe in what you do

• Be confident in your ability and decide what will be your forte. You must become a specialist in everything you do. Always strive to be different from the other salons in your area.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask people about their career journey, the pitfalls and what to be aware of. The key to building a great business is to establish good relationships with staff, clients, manufacturers and the industry as a whole.
• If you are part of a partnership, find out each other’s strengths and allow the other partner to do what they are best at. If they enjoy what they do, they will become amazing at it. Do not waste time and energy worrying about whether or not you could do a better job.
• Display a positive mental attitude at all times. There are so many people in business searching for the reasons as to why something should not work. Be the one to make it work.
• The facilities, guidance and support available is phenomenal. Take financial advice from banks, attend business seminars and networking events and talk to as many people in the industry as possible. People are more receptive to listening to your ideas in this day and age.

Shout about it!

• A good PR is essential. Do not be discreet. Shout about everything you do. This reflects confidence within the industry. It will also encourage new clients to the salon.
• Like all fashion-orientated jobs, hairdressing has two sides: creative and business. Give an equal amount of time to both.
• Entering industry awards is a fantastic platform to gain recognition. If you are fortunate enough to win, be prepared and have a plan for how it will benefit your business. Ask yourself ‘is it worth spending £20k on a shoot for pictures in the window or could that money have been better spent?’

Invest in your people

• For your business to develop it is essential to invest in education. This applies to managerial and creative staff.
• Always have a structured career path in place for employees to follow. At Westrow, we have meetings every six weeks with the franchisees to discuss management and front of house skills. We have full day specialist events every month, where industry experts, bespoke to Westrow, present to staff. Our colour and product specialists and Artistic Team are continually gaining inspiration from the latest courses and regularly share their ideas and knowledge at meetings.
• Give everybody opportunities. It is important to find out what drives your staff early on. If you don’t, somebody else will.
• Always be accessible to staff. Designate a key figure in the salon so people feel they are part of a family.
• Cherish your staff, without them you have nothing. Find the diamonds and nurture them. They are your future.