Beginning a company or opening a business is rarely perceived as a simple task. Every business type, big or small, has a different set of tasks that are required to begin. There may be fewer tasks for one compared to another, but no matter what area you are venturing into, it is no easy feat.
The other jarring part about starting a business is that not every business makes it through to the end. This comes from a combination of economic situations, location, business quality, and management. Businesses can go awry for plenty of reasons. Especially when the business is started because of a current popular trend or luxury. Businesses that offer services and products that everyone needs and everyone will always need tend to stand the test of time over businesses that offer trendy or unnecessary products or services.
One business type that does well if set up correctly? Hair salons.
For the majority of us, our hair keeps growing and growing. Some more than others, but generally it keeps getting longer in length, and the longer it gets, the more of a hassle it is for some. People want and need their hair cut. And — haircuts and trims are just one part of what a hair salon does. Hair color is another massive service that salons offer and most people who do so have their hair colored several times a year because the color needs to be maintained. And if you want to open a full-service salon — you have even more chances to attract and keep customers. Your clientele will not only come in for a cut and color, but also waxing, styling, perms, manis/pedis, and massages. All services that people want to receive regularly.
But — just because the business has a good chance of performing well, does not mean the setup is simple or easy.
The Setup
The setup of any business usually begins with a business plan. This is where you discern where you want to be, who you want to serve, how you want to provide your service, how you will source your products, employees, and the long list of financial necessities and decisions. This is also where you would want to decide if you want to focus on a certain niche. Many business owners and salon experts will tell you it is important to figure out the type of people you want to attract and serve. Focusing on a niche can help draw in and keep customers around. It can be a long process to decide and figure out all of that important information, but you cannot efficiently set up any business without it. If you are not sure how to create a business plan, you can speak with financial or business experts. Other salon owners may be willing to show your theirs or give you tips on how to begin.
Typically, after all of the business plan decisions, you will move on to legal matters and finding a location. For legal matters, this typically includes registering your business name, getting a license to open your hair salon, and choosing a business insurance plan. It is also beneficial to speak with a financial advisor to help you narrow down a budget for your all of your business expenses.
Choosing the location can be vital to the survival of your business. You want it to be easily accessible, easy to find, but also have a layout that is conducive to a highly functional full-service salon.
After pinpointing all the legal decisions, the location, and the budget, it is time to begin deciding what the physical aspects inside of your salon will be. This includes purchasing supplies, furniture, and hiring stylists and technicians to work in the space. When choosing people who are going to work in your space, it is important that you know whether or not they will fit in and work well with your niche. You want them to make your customers feel wanted and comfortable. It is also beneficial to hire someone for design and branding. Social media has the opportunity to bring in a large customer base these days, so nailing down someone to cover that content can really help your salon shine through to the customers you want to attract.
Time to Open the Doors
Once the salon is ready to go, it’s time to begin drawing in clientele. Social media and high-quality branding can help your salon be noticed by the type of people you want to see in your building. After bringing people in, it’s up to you, your employees, and the quality of your services to keep them coming in.
The way you make people feel when they sit in the chair will be a large part of what keeps them coming back. Make your employee culture so inviting and welcoming that people want to get their hair cut just so they can feel like a part of the party. While setting up your business may seem overwhelming or difficult, and it is at times, it can be an extremely lucrative and long-lasting business if planned well and if the right people are in the building.
