Use self-isolation time to transform your hair salon business

All UK hair salons across the UK are currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. While you are at home in self-isolation you could transform your hair salon business for when salons are allowed to open again. This will give you a head start against your competitors and will allow you to use this time to take a step back and evaluate what's worked and what hasn't as well as the opportunities that lie ahead. Hairdressing business consultant Liz McKeon shares her 11 tips for transforming your hairdressing business in 2020 now that you have been given plenty of quality time to put your business first.

Self-isolation shouldn't mean burying your head in the sand

2020 is a different world now so you need to accept it and steer your boat accordingly. No matter what you planned for your business in 2020 - it probably needs to change now. We have to adapt and make changes (and many are already being forced upon us). Constantly re-frame your understanding of what's happening and adapt. For example a great chinese proverb says: "Great generals should issue commands in the morning and change them in the evening."

Staying healthy is essential

It is essential that you don't take any chances with your health at the moment as you are the driving force and engine behind your business and brand. Make sure you are healthy physically, mentally and emotionally by following the instructions during this self-isolation period.

Communicate with your team regularly

Your team morale will likely be down with market uncertainty and compulsory salon closures. Good or bad, it is now more essential than ever that you communicate with your team members regularly.

Consider what your clients want from you

Get in touch with your clients (past and current) to assure and reassure them about your business status. Tell them what you are doing while the salon is closed. Remember, they know and trust you - stay on their radar, via social media, newsletters and ongoing marketing activities.

Take some time to reflect

Remember the virus is spread physically by people, but it is spread mentally by the media. Rather than watching the news over and over, take advantage of this slow period to reflect. Spend some time thinking about your business shift. Think about those pending website changes or your next marketing campaign. Take advantage of this extra time to attend to those pending 'to do' items on your list, that you've constantly procrastinated on due to no time.Be ready for a changing world. When everything is back to normal this extra planning will accelerate your success and you will recover faster.

Change your perspective

Every time there are massive universal shifts and changes, there are also opportunities. You need to be looking for the opportunities right now and the different ways you can make your business and brand better for you, your team and your clients.

Stay positive during self-isolation

In the current climate everyone is talking about coronavirus non-stop. People don't need more negativity. Instead they will naturally gravitate to the people and brands who are positive about what is going on so make yourself that positive business and brand.

Consider now and the future

Think about where you can reduce your outlays and cut your costs. But, this doesn't mean you stop spending on marketing and business development activities as these are elements that will help your business to grow. If you can stop spending on unnecessary things – do it now.

Create a supportive marketing campaign

People are in panic mode and thinking differently during self-isolation so you have to think about your marketing from that perspective. The most important question to ask yourself right now is 'how can we support our clients during this time'? Be helpful and people will always buy from you.

Be ready for the re-opening date

It is important that you are ready for when the restrictions are lifted and you can reopen your salon again. If you follow these steps you will be able to look forward to an influx of business so use this time to ensure that you are ready for it. Liz McKeon is a hair business expert go to lizmckeon.com for more information. Liz will also be sharing her tips live on Wednesday 1st April 2020 during HJ's Virtual Week.