Wella business network where business and creativity meet

The Wella Business Network 2010 at Carden Park, Chester, saw hairdressers and salon owners explore the challenges and opportunities that the hairdressing industry faces in this current difficult economic climate.

"This is about learning from each other and harnessing this amazing creativity," said Sheila Jackson, head of education for Wella Professionals. "But we need more than creativity, we need a plan."

That plan took the form of five strategic steps:

1. Identify your direction
2. Believe in yourself
3. Be brave, be creative
4. Know your challenges
5. Implement solutions.

But while business was firmly on the agenda, the theme 'How can we be successful through our creativity?' ensured that the event never lost sight of the vision and imagination that the hair industry is centred on.

So, rousing business speeches from GQ editor Dylan Jones, fashion commentator Caryn Franklin and Dragons' Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, were complemented by a never-seen-before opportunity to witness the Sassoon creative process and a glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of Robert Lobetta.

There was also a heart-warming presentation from Phil Packer who has raised more than £1million for Help the Heroes charity since damaging his spinal cord on army duty in Iraq in February 2008.

Phil inspired delegates as he spoke of his new life focus; to create a multi-faceted charity, including a residential drop-in centre, to help the 800,000 under 25s who are living with adversity in the UK.

To add to the networking experience, the event also incorporated a 'Me Zone' to help delegates to identify their individual goals, interactive sessions where salon owners shared their challenges and visions and a gala dinner. 

Here are the key points that delegates were able to take away from the speeches.

Dylan Jones - Editor of GQ Magazine

• Create a USP - you need something to make you stand out from the crowd.
• Don't worry about the people who don't get your brand - make sure you keep those who do happy.
• Focus on long-term business arrangements; don't chase the quick buck.
• Trust your instincts
• Avoid the tendency to move downmarket in difficult times; if you do that, it will be very difficult to move back up when everything changes.

Caryn Franklin - Fashion and Style Guru

• Your belief in a project will ensure its success; so put your reputation on it
• Negatives can become positives; make sure you lean things in adversity
• Make sure that all your stakeholders share and understand your vision
• If there's something you don't know, don't be afraid to ask for help
• Always keep several bottles of wine handy for when it all gets too much!

Edward Darley and Caroline Cox - UK Director of Sassoon Academy and Fashion Historian 

• Keep an open mind. Inspiration can come from everything from fashion, to fine art to architecture.
• Remember to consider the whole package; hair, clothing, make up and posture all contribute to the finished look.
• Do your research thoroughly and never rush it
• Hold onto your ideas, just because now isn't the right time it doesn't mean it never will be. 
• Always work as a team. No one person has all the answers.

Deborah Meaden - Dragon's Den Dragon and Born Entrepreneur 

• Stop, look and listen to your customers to find a way through the economic doom and gloom
• If you have a business plan, consult it regularly. If you don't look at it for three or more months, you might as well not bother!
• Never look straight ahead always look in circles around things. 
• Focus on the things that will make a big difference and never have too many projects on the go at the same time.
• Being successful in business means getting more decisions right than you get wrong.

Robert Lobetta - International Industry Icon

• Dig inside yourself and think 'what am I brilliant at?' then focus on that.
• Give your all; you will only ever be criticised if you don't put in the hard work.
• Once you make a decision, commit to it. 
• Always work to your strengths and forget your weaknesses - you can't do everything. 
• Your most valuable asset is your intuition.