Use your salon stars to boost business

Jon MacLeod's Salon International Business Extra presentation focused on how finding the stars in your salon team can help your business boost profits without busting your budget.

Running through a roll-call of Paterson SA's brightest sparks, Jon explained the talents each high-achieving member of what he calls his salon family brings to the business - and why those skills have helped shape the company's success.

Here are just a few of his top achievers, whose special powers have formed part of the group's ongoing training programme, leading to brilliant results at minimal cost...

• Mr Professional: isn't into idle chit-chat - apparently he doesn't even watch X-Factor (imagine!), but his packed column and loyal clientele bring in the business and his clients love his detailed commentary on their cuts. This kind of professionalism has become part of the culture throughout Paterson SA



• Little Miss Planner: is an ace planner. She's already booked her 2010 holiday and her incredible organisation skills have had an impact on her clients too - they're booking up to 18 months in advance and see their appointments as part of a journey, not just a quick trim. It brings in repeat business galore and Little Miss O's colleagues are following suit



• Mr Technology: this hairdresser is part of the iPod generation, and isn't phased by mysteries of the web. He approached Jon with the idea of an e-newsletter. It's easy to produce, extremely cheap to run and now keeps more than 4,000 clients posted with Paterson SA news every month



• Little Miss Goalsetter: bursting with enthusiasm from day one, this hairdresser knows exactly what she wants, whether it's a designer handbag or an increase in wages - and she goes all out to get it. She identified her own ambitions and has achieved almost every one. Now trainees are encouraged to plan their ultimate career aims from the outset.

"Look at your situation - your people will be different but find the areas where they shine, and build those strengths into your own culture. It doesn't cost money but it pays dividends," Jon told the audience.

More Jon MacLeod Hair Salon Business Advice

• Reaping the rewards of retail
• Achieving a healthy work life balance
• The secret of maintaining a successful salon business