According to Kitty Victor, business consultant and co-founder of the Masters audiotape subscription service, you need to offer more than just money to attract and retain the best salon personnel-quality of life and balance are number-one issues. “Instead of trying to compete in terms of wages and benefits, think of creative, real-life solutions that will compensate your employees in other areas of their lives. For example, Victor told ICSA member at their most recent conference about one salon owner who rewards his staff with gift certificates for a day of house cleaning services. He even got a special discount on the certificates from a local service. Victor also recommends offering employees classes in fitness, nutrition, finance, relationships or any other topic of interest to send a clear message that you care about their quality of life.

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