Key relationships

Great teams are made up of individuals who have varying strengths, skills and personalities and ensuring new people are the right 'team fit' is a critical part of the recruitment process. Trade tests give a great indication of the technical skills of the candidate and an interview will give the employer some insight into the individual before them, but it is often only once the individual has started work that you see the real personality come to the fore. Rightly, salon managers spend a vast amount of time ensuring the right candidates are employed in the salon, but how much time is spent considering the human element of your supplier relationship?

Whether that relationship is direct with a product manufacturer or managed via your local wholesaler, the trust required is essential if both parties are to successfully grow their respective businesses. And whilst it is likely to be the products themselves and the creativity surrounding them that attracts you in the first place, will you get the support needed for you, the team and the business to flourish? With creative and business training, retail support, incentives and opportunities for your team to grow their skills and stature all likely to be in the mix when making a decision, having honest an open dialogue with an account manager you trust is the best way forward, particularly in an industry, where business is built on relationships.

Jayne x