HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards 2024 is open for entries and if you've never entered before, HJ has compiled a guide to using your entry to benefit your business.
It's a no-brainer as by entering you're giving yourself a chance to potentially win and put you and your business on the British hairdressing industry map.
8 Ways Your British Hairdressing Business Awards Entry Could Benefit Your Business
1. You can take a look at your business and see what you're doing really well...
Putting your thoughts down on paper – not to mention facing up to the facts and figures – really makes you assess what your company is doing and where your strengths lie as a business. Whether you make it as a finalist or not, the process of compiling an entry is always a rewarding one.
2. ... and it's an opportunity to face up to the areas that you're struggling in
It's not always easy to hear, but when you're taking such a close look at your business you might uncover a few useful home truths. Working through the entry criteria will help you recognise those areas that perhaps haven't been a key focus this year, and those which might need more attention in the future.
3. You can work out where you want to be next year
Taking stock of where you are now provides a great basis for working on your future business plans, whether that's expansion, franchising or even just taking on a new member of the team. Gaining a thorough understanding of where you're at now, what your strengths are, and what you need to work on can only help to drive you forward.
4. Working on your entry is a great team-building activity
Give your next team training session a business focus by getting the entire group to contribute to your entry. Judges have described past winning entries compiled by entire teams as amazing and "an example of a perfect entry", which should be enough encouragement to open the process up to your whole salon! Don't forget that everyone sees things differently and has different strengths, so a team effort is bound to make more of an impact.
5. Being part of a big event is a great confidence boost
HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards is the biggest business awards in the UK hairdressing industry. It's an event that receives coverage nationwide and which skyrockets its winners and finalists to success. If you're serious about running your salon as a business, you really need to be a part of it.
6. You'll get your name out there amongst the best in the business
Judges for the British Hairdressing Business Awards include some of the biggest names in the hairdressing industry – and they'll be taking a close look at your business and how you do things. Whether you make it to the finals or not, it takes just one stand-up part of your entry to attract the right kind of attention.
7. You can focus on your specialities
Deciding which category to enter will help you focus on your strengths as a salon business. Could you be our next Male Grooming Salon/Barbershop of the Year? Is social media where you shine? Have a long hard think about where your strengths lie, and really go for it in that category.
8. You can assess the competition
You probably know who your local competition is and have an idea of what they're doing well, but compiling your entry should encourage you to take a closer look at your rival salons and what it is they're doing well – and what you are or could be doing better.