Let’s not sugar-coat it: 2020 has been a downright clanger of a year for our salons. And the sense of uncertainty and anxiety over a second wave, and additional lockdowns, akin to those Victoria is currently experiencing, can have salon owners feeling pretty doomed.
But allowing ourselves to lose hope can contribute to the downfall of the businesses we’ve poured so much into. And that’s where the road map to recovery. And that road can be broken down in to three main categories.
Review
What changes have you made since the pandemic hit? And which of those changes do you plan to hold onto? “For example, keeping on top of online retail sales can only be a good thing for salons,” says business expert Caran Moody. “Obviously, hygiene practices are never a waste of time, though you may be keen to get rid of things like a ban on walk-ins, or social distancing in the waiting area.”
Re-evaluate
When the pandemic finally packs its bags and leaves, we’ll be in a different landscape. Our turnover will have been the lowest it possibly ever has, and hurt clients may also be in a state of lower income. Re-evaluate how you will pay the bills, specifically after the stimulus packages come to an end. “Work out what your staffing will look like; how you’ll pay them and how you’ll keep them employed,” says Caron. “And consider how you’ll manage with fewer bookings if that were to happen.”
Re-start
This is where you hit ‘play’ on your new strategies, everything from marketing to finance and everything in between. “This is where you really get that empowered feeling back,” says Caran. “You’ve done your homework and your planning. In situations like this, it’s feeling uninformed and unprepared that can contribute to feelings of anxiety. But once you have your plan in place, you have your road map and you’re ready.”
Visit the #BEAUTYSTRONG hub at https://www.professionalbeauty.com.au/beautystrong/
For more news and updates, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.