Topic : keeping your business competitive

A Work in Progress: Keeping Your Business Fresh

February 1, 2005  | Article

We're always trying to improve ... to make YOUR life and work easier.

Changing Scenery

February 1, 2005  | Article

Whether it’s revamping your current location or conquering uncharted territory in a new salon, how well you prepare for the renovation could be the difference between high hopes or high stress. While the most exciting part may be seeing it all come together, the most important part is done before you ever lift a finger.

Keeping the College Crowd Polished

November 1, 2003  | Article

Market your services to students and turn them into loyal clients. Read on for tips from salons who've successfully brought students in--and kept them coming back. From advertising in the school paper to participating in sorority events, there's more than one way to go about it.

Spa Spin: How To Amp Up Your Menu

November 1, 2003  | Article

You may not look around your salon or nail station and think "spa." And you may not look in the mirror and see a publicist. But chances are your services are just as luxurious, relaxing, and satisfying as those at the spa down the street-your clients just wouldn't know it by reading your menu. Here we show you how to spruce up the language to make your services sound as good as they are.

Is Your Pay Structure The Problem?

November 1, 2003  | Article

How a salon chooses to pay its staff can make all the difference in employee retention, quality of service, profitability, and your ability to compete. After payroll, salon owners are often left only with their own tip money and revenue from services they've performed. Should you abandon the traditional commission structure for a pay system that rewards behaviors that are key to the salon's overall success?

Learning the ABCs of Electric Filing

February 1, 2003  | Article

Investing in an electric file means knowing how to properly use it — and that means getting the right education. Here,we show you where to go and why it’s important to keep learning.

Grow Through Good Management

December 1, 2002  | Article

By understanding and committing to the principles of good management, your business can succeed and even flourish. Are you doing all you can do when it comes to smart scheduling, customer relations, employee management, and analyzing the numbers behind your business decisions?

Cut Your Cost to Boost Your Profits

October 1, 2002  | Article

As competition and tough economic times keep service prices flat, salon owners and booth renters need to look elsewhere to increase profits. Learn ways to cut your overhead costs — without sacrificing customer service.

SWOT: Analyze Your Business

August 1, 2002  | Article

SWOT means you should ask yourself: What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppportunities, and Threats?

Learn What Retail Clients Really Want

August 1, 2002  | Article

"The Retail Help Kit" produced by The Spa Association includes this valuable resource for identifying and satisfying your most challenging retail clients.

As I See It: Do Your Own Thing and Do It Well.

March 1, 2000  | Article

Lessons From the Discount Salon Front

January 1, 1999  | Article

There are a couple of practices found in most discount salons that I think all nail salons could learn from.

When Your Competition Comes Calling

October 1, 1998  | Article

As a salon owner for more than 10 years, I have found myself in some uncomfortable situations—from confronting an employee with poor workmanship to taking a customer to small claims court to recover money form a bad check. But nothing unnerves me more than when a competitor walks through my salon door.

Editor's note: 1997: A Year of Controversy

December 1, 1997  | Article

Asian Influence: Building A Bridge

April 1, 1997  | Article

As competition increases, the gap between Asian salons and the rest of the industry is actually getting smaller. To keep their English-speaking clientele, Asian nail technicians are making efforts to learn the language and expand their salon services, while non-Asian salons are discovering the value of quick service and client convenience.