Ever had one of those days where you’re searching everywhere for your mojo?
Checked under the couch? Scoured the junk drawer? Even peeked in the fridge? Yep—it's totally MIA.
Same here.
Some days, it feels like your internal battery is stuck at 1%, and everything’s lagging. You’re refreshing emails, doom-scrolling Facebook, and somehow checking the same app on both your phone and laptop like it’s going to change (Karen had a great bike ride—again).
Today’s one of those days for me. And honestly? The best way I know to shake off the funk is to talk about it—and help you shake it off, too.
Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of salon and spa owners feeling the same way. Is it the moon? The weather? Mercury doing gymnastics in retrograde? Who knows. All I know is I just buried the wrapper of a king-sized vegan chocolate bar under the trash like it was a crime scene. Time to snap out of it.
Here’s what’s helping me get my groove back (and might help you too):
1. Give Yourself a Break
First off, stop stressing about off days. We all have them. Some days you’re a productivity
powerhouse, and others, not so much. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, take a break.”
2. Listen to Your Body
Sometimes you just need to chill. If you’re exhausted and can sneak in a nap without your kids
turning the house into a circus, do it. Or take a luxurious bubble bath. Your body will thank you.
3. Get Moving
Shake off the stale vibes by getting active! Whether it’s star jumps, a walk, or a full-on workout,
just move. It’s a great way to reset.
4. Blast Some Tunes
Remember that song you used to play only on weekends because it made you want to dance?
Play it now. Find a song that makes you happy and gets you moving. Instant mood booster.
5. Do Something Fun
Work doesn’t have to be all-consuming. If you’re feeling flat, spice things up with some fun!
Watch a funny movie, chat with your favorite person, or play with your dog.
6. Dream a Little
When I hit a mental wall, I look up vacations. It reignites my fire and motivates me to work out
and hustle hard. Dream about what excites you—be it vacations, dream homes, cars, or
designer shoes. Visualize your dreams coming true.
7. Check Off One Task
Even on a “meh” day, getting just one thing done can make you feel accomplished. Pick the
easiest task on your list and power through it. Then reward yourself with a treat (unless you
already snuck one, like me).
At the end of the day, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone has “meh” days. But with a little self-care and a few mindset shifts, you can reset and rise up.
Tomorrow’s a fresh start. Let’s get it.
Revenue is VANITY, PROFIT is Sanity
In the business world, there’s a common saying: “Revenue is vanity, but profit is sanity.” It’s easy to get caught up in top-line revenue numbers, boasting about six or seven-figure sales, but at the end of the day, what truly matters is what’s left after expenses—your profit. That’s where your profitability grade comes into play, and understanding it can be the key to long-term financial success.
WHAT IS A PROFITABILITY GRADE?
Your profitability grade is essentially a measure of how effectively your business converts revenue into actual profit. Think of it like a financial report card, assessing how well your business is performing beyond just sales figures. It considers key metrics such as:
- Net Profit Margin – The percentage of revenue that remains after all expenses are paid.
- Gross Profit Margin – The profit left after deducting the cost of goods sold (COGS), showing how efficiently you price and manage costs.
- Operating Profit Margin – The profit generated from core operations before interest and taxes.
- Cash Flow Health – Whether your business is actually making money or just cycling cash through expenses.
- Revenue Per Team Member – How much revenue each employee is responsible for generating relative to their wages and operational costs.
A high profitability grade indicates a strong, sustainable business, while a low grade signals potential financial instability, even if revenue appears impressive.
WHY PROFITABILITY MATTERS MORE THAN REVENUE
Many business owners make the mistake of focusing solely on revenue growth without considering if their profits are keeping up. Here’s why profitability is the ultimate sanity check:
- Revenue Alone Doesn’t Pay the Bills
- If your expenses are eating up most (or all) of your revenue, your business isn’t financially stable. A company bringing in $500,000 per year but keeping only $10,000 in profit is in worse shape than one making $150,000 and keeping $50,000.
- High Revenue Can Mask Poor Financial Health
- A business can look successful on paper but be drowning in costs. If your pricing is too low, overhead is too high, or inefficiencies are cutting into margins, revenue growth won’t fix those fundamental issues.
- Profit Fuels Sustainable Growth
- Profitability means you have the resources to reinvest in your business—whether it’s hiring, marketing, or upgrading technology—without constantly needing loans or outside funding.
- Financial Stability Reduces Stress and Burnout
- Chasing high revenue while struggling to pay bills is a recipe for burnout. A well-managed, profitable business allows you to have more control, flexibility, and financial peace of mind.
- Each Team Member Should Contribute to Profitability
- Your profitability grade is directly tied to how much revenue each team member is responsible for bringing in. If a stylist, esthetician, or massage therapist is only generating enough income to cover their paycheck and expenses but not contributing to overall business profit, they aren’t truly helping the company grow. Tracking revenue per team member ensures that everyone is operating at an optimal level, bringing in more than they cost. If certain roles or providers aren’t meeting that threshold, it may indicate pricing issues, inefficiencies, or a need for better coaching and performance management.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PROFITABILITY GRADE
If your profitability isn’t where you want it to be, there are several ways to improve it:
- Audit Your Expenses – Cut unnecessary costs and streamline operations to reduce waste.
- Price for Profitability – Ensure your pricing structure includes enough margin to sustain and grow your business.
- Increase High-Margin Services or Products – Shift focus to offerings that yield the highest profit percentage.
- Improve Efficiency – Automate, delegate, or optimize processes to reduce overhead costs and labor inefficiencies.
- Monitor Key Metrics Regularly – Track your profit margins, cash flow, and other financial indicators to stay ahead of potential issues.
- Evaluate Employee Profitability – Ensure each team member is generating enough revenue to cover their costs and contribute to overall business growth.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Revenue can be exciting, but profit is what truly determines a business’s success. Your profitability grade is the clearest indicator of whether your business is thriving or just surviving. Instead of getting lost in vanity metrics, focus on building a financially sound, high-profit business that provides real stability, growth potential, and long-term success.
Remember: Revenue is what you brag about. Profit is what keeps you in business.
Ghosting Clients: Why They're Skipping Appointments
Why Are My Clients Ghosting?
Hey Hey! We’ve been chatting with salon & spa owners worldwide, and there’s a common theme: clients are spacing out their appointments, skipping on services, and not picking up products like they used to.
What's Poppin'?
It’s easy for the team to blame the clients: “They’re saving money. Everyone’s on a budget. We’re in a recession. My targets are slipping because clients don’t want to come in as often.”
And yeah, sales can get a bit stale, which is a real challenge. Keeping that growth momentum can feel stressful because you don’t want anything to derail your progress.
Icky Economy
Sure, this economy threw a massive boulder into our path. But blaming it won’t help because not everyone’s struggling. Let’s focus on what we can control.
4 Cash-Flow Kickstarters
Crunch the Digits
Sales plateauing? Profits dipping? Growth slowing? You can’t change what you don’t track. If you’re not tracking, how do you know what’s working?
Pro Tip: Info is the Real MVP! Start crunching those numbers to find your rockstar service—the one that's high profit, in demand, and easy to serve.
The Fab 5 Meeting Method
When things get tough, go back to basics. Don’t let these meetings drop:
- Morning Huddles: Quick, daily check-ins to set the tone and boost income.
- Team Meetings: Weekly syncs to keep communication and performance high.
- Training Workshops: Group sessions to upskill your team without overloading you.
- One-on-Ones: Regular check-ins tailored to each team member’s needs.
- Leadership Meetings: Structured agendas to avoid “hallway management.”
Make It a Blast
We get it, the grind can feel repetitive. Keep the vibe light and fun. Motivate your team with creative promotions and inject some fun into daily routines. Trust us, a happy team hits targets.
Unleash Your Sales Mojo
Remember, you’re a salesperson. You’re not just selling hair or skin services; you’re selling time. Train your team to manage appointments and upsell services seamlessly. Sales don’t have to be pushy—keep it fun and client-focused.
The 1% Factor
Combine numbers, meetings, fun, and sales for that magic formula. Put these steps in motion, and you’ll see clients coming back and your team hitting targets. No more blaming clients. Build a winning salon culture where everyone thrives!
Let’s Crush Together!
Start tracking data, schedule those team meetings, plan upskilling workshops, and add some fun to the mix. Don’t let the Covid boulder hold you back. These tactics will help you beat the recession and rock the remainder of the year!
Unleash Your Salon's Potential: Embrace the Power of Systems and Processes
Listen up, salon owners! If you've ever felt like you're drowning in chaos, constantly putting out fires, and barely keeping your head above water, then it's time to talk systems and processes.
Embrace the Magic of Structure
I get it—as creatives, structure might not be our forte. But here's the thing: implementing the right systems and processes can be a game-changer for your sanity and your business's success.
Imagine This...
Picture this: you're finally able to take a breather, knowing that your salon can run like a well-oiled machine even when you're not there. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn't have to be just a dream—it can be your reality.
Reclaim Your Time
By incorporating systems and processes, you'll gain the freedom you've been craving since the day you decided to become your own boss. No more feeling like you're tethered to your salon 24/7. No more panicking at the thought of taking an hour off.
Empower Yourself
But it's not just about reclaiming your time—it’s about empowering yourself with the tools you need to navigate the ups and downs of salon ownership. From understanding your financials to knowing exactly what to do when things go sideways, systems and processes are your secret weapon.
Ready to Rock?
So, whether you're a one-person show or have a team of stylists and therapists, it's time to embrace structure and unleash your salon's full potential. Trust me, your sanity will thank you for it! 🚀💪
From Squad to Solo: Why They’re Jumping Ship
"My Team Keeps Bailing to Go Solo!"
Opportunity always rises from the ashes of a crisis—and wow, we've been through a rollercoaster! Teams are splitting to go solo, profits are dipping, and salon owners are feeling the squeeze on pricing. But guess what? You have time to prepare, get things in order, and change the game! 2025 will be here in a flash, and it's going to be a brand-new chapter, a fresh chance to level up your salon and dominate the industry.
Sure, a new year brings new challenges, but flip the script and see them as golden opportunities for growth and success. Focus on these three things you CAN control:
Craft a Killer Brand to Draw in Top Talent
Running a salon isn't just about providing services; it's about crafting a brand. In today's world of solo entrepreneurs, it may seem like everyone's flying solo. But hold up—that's not the full story. Post-COVID, folks are more discerning about where they work. Your brand has the power to attract and keep the cream of the crop.
Key Elements for Brand Appeal:
🚀 Growth Opportunities: What's in store for skill development?
🤸♂️ Flexibility: Is there a sweet work-life balance?
💪 Employee Well-Being: Are there programs to keep your team happy and healthy?
🤸♂️ Flexibility: Is there a sweet work-life balance?
💪 Employee Well-Being: Are there programs to keep your team happy and healthy?
Shout out these perks when hiring, and make sure you deliver. If your team feels duped, they'll be out the door. Solo gigs aren't for everyone, and team setups are still kickin'. Adapt your approach to recruitment and retention for this new era.
Client Spending: The 2024 Shift
In the wake of the last few year challenges, there's a common misconception: clients are tightening their wallets. But hold up—here's the real deal: they're just changing how they spend.
Crack the Client Code for the Remainder of 2024 into 2025:
📊 Stay Savvy: Tune into consumer trends and tweak your pricing game.
📱 Go Digital: Craft a slick online presence and consider diving into e-commerce.
🤖 Embrace Tech: Let AI tools like chatbots amp up your customer service.
🔄 Revamp Sales: Don't be afraid to shake up your strategy if it's not cutting it.
📱 Go Digital: Craft a slick online presence and consider diving into e-commerce.
🤖 Embrace Tech: Let AI tools like chatbots amp up your customer service.
🔄 Revamp Sales: Don't be afraid to shake up your strategy if it's not cutting it.
Remember, your own spending habits can clue you into your clients' behavior. In 2024, they're still dishing out cash—just in fresh ways.
Beyond Pricing: Expand Your Offerings
Feeling boxed in by pricing? There's a workaround: broaden your services.
Ways to Diversify:
🎁 Package Deals: Whip up new bundles without overwhelming your crew.
📡 Remote Options: Think remote consultations or training to add value sans price hikes.
💻 Virtual Help: Snag a virtual assistant to tackle admin tasks, leaving you free for the fun stuff.
📡 Remote Options: Think remote consultations or training to add value sans price hikes.
💻 Virtual Help: Snag a virtual assistant to tackle admin tasks, leaving you free for the fun stuff.
Stay Focused and Adapt
The beauty industry's a whirlwind of change, but we've got this. Focus on what's in your hands for the rest of 2024 and be ready to kill it in 2025: building your brand, decoding client spending, and beefing up your service lineup. Change might be in the air, but it's not all bad—just take a breath and plot your course!
Elevate Your Salon to a $1 Million+ Powerhouse!
Are you ready to transform your salon into a thriving $1 Million+ powerhouse without working around the clock? Believe it or not, you can reach this milestone while working fewer hours! Introducing The Beauty Biz Agency's Mastery Program, crafted especially for salon owners like you who seek both freedom and profits without the stress.
If you’re eager to join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and propel your salon or spa to unparalleled success, let's connect! The Beauty Biz Agency could be the perfect partner for your journey to excellence. Reach out today and let's explore how we can make your dreams a reality!
