The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Strategies for Weathering the Economic Storm
Neil Ducoff, CEO of Strategies, gives a little economic advice.
by Staff
May 1, 2008
2 min to read
If economic worries are causing clients to stretch their time between appointments or not show up at all, Neil Ducoff, CEO of Strategies, can help you with tips to keep your business in business. “I’ve been through enough recessions to know that businesses that prepare for rough patches can continue to thrive,” he says.
Here, Ducoff offers his quick must-dos to ensure that your business stays on track — no matter what the economic forecast:
> Stop spending on the “nice to haves.” Only buy the “gotta haves.”
> Stop flying financially blind. If you can’t understand the story your financial reports are telling you and/or you don’t have a cash-flow plan, it’s time to learn. It’s the only way to make the best financial decisions.
> If your service payroll percent is greater than 30% to 35%, it’s too high. Administration and support should be under 10%. If you think it’s scary addressing pay, the alternative is even worse.
> Pre-book every client and don’t offer discounts to clients as an incentive. Properly designed systems, scripts, and execution produce results. For example, ban the line, “Would you like to book your next appointment?” from your front desk vocabulary. It’s too easy for the client to say, “Not now.” I go to the dentist every six months. When I get to the checkout desk to collect my free toothbrush, the receptionist says, “Six months from today brings us to August 11. I know you like early morning appointments. We have 8:00 or 8:30 am available. Which works best for you?” Book them when maintenance is required. Appointment reminder calls are more important than ever.
> Make every team member responsible for every hour available for sale. Cross-sell, up-sell, refer waiting list clients to competent team members. Having unsold hours in any column on the appointment book hurts everyone.
> Be a no-compromise leader. Be accountable. Hold yourself and others to task.
> Hoard cash in a cash reserve account. It’s “sleep good at night” money.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.