Life certainly looks a little different today than it did at this time last year. At the beginning of 2020, you may have centered your business offerings around one type of service. Now, more than ever, it’s important to make sure that your service menu continues to appeal to your salon guests who have been loyal throughout these unprecedented times, while also enticing new patronage. If you haven’t already begun to do so, now may be the perfect time to begin diversifying your business!
As things still seem to be everchanging, even with the opportunity for greater profitability, it’s natural to be a bit reluctant to embrace more change right now, especially when it comes to your business, your livelihood and that of the people you employ. If you consider expanding your business to include new products and services that are already in line with your current offerings, you will minimize your uncertainty.
Before expanding your service menu, it is imperative to create a solid and strategic plan for doing so. Prior research is important and although this may not consist of in-person meetings right now, there are many valuable resources at your disposal. You might consider attending an online industry event or scheduling virtual meetings with vendors.
If your diversification plans include services similar to your existing offerings, the skills and knowledge required may already be somewhat in line with the skillset you and your staff already possess. As a result, there may not be a need for extensive training or a requirement to learn new techniques that are completely outside your comfort zone. Perhaps your salon has offered UV tanning and related products exclusively. Ancillary services such as custom airbrushing, adding units with hybrid light, halotherapy, or even full body hydrotherapy will surely be attractive enhancements, as well as the products that compliment them. Doing so will allow you to appeal to a different customer base – and year-round, as well. As an added bonus, these same customers might just end up using your UV tanning equipment, even if it’s something that they may not have previously considered!
As you plan to diversify, an important item to take into account is the software program required to accommodate your new services and/or products. You will need to determine if your existing program will meet your new needs, and if not, what would be the process and cost involved with implementing a new one. If you are contemplating adding any supplemental services, does your current provider offer necessary features such as an online appointment book that is integrated with your point of sale system and does it accommodate both equipment appointments as well as appointments with a specific technician? Is there a check-in option for customers, or an employee scheduling module? Do you have the ability to mark non-regulated services as exempt from the excise tax?
Setting your business apart through diversification and having the right tools in your toolbox will set you apart and play a key role in your long-term success! The time for change is NOW.
As you plan to diversify, an important item to take into account is the software program required to accommodate your new services and/or products.
