Yes, you read that right.
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Post-COVID, salon operators have staff returning to work, are hiring new staff, and I’ve seen some who are a little lax about their staff requirements. I know it has been rough when some people don’t want to work (or have gotten very comfortable being in quarantine in PJ’s all day), but we need to remind ourselves and our staff that we are in the people business. Because in all reality, people don’t do business with businesses, people do business with people.
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Throughout my long tan biz career, there have been days when I am just not in the mood – everyone has them – we show up to the salon in a t-shirt and no makeup, or we had a fight with our boyfriend or girlfriend and are just standing behind that salon counter in a bad mood. If anyone can say they have never had a day when they’d rather lie in bed and watch Netflix than go to work, then you’re a machine and I congratulate you!
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Throughout my travels and countless salons I have been to over the last couple of years, I have seen a shift in employee etiquette and this is especially true in current times. The no-call/no-shows have increased, the level of motivation has decreased and the sense of entitlement is at an all-time high.
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Somewhere down the line, there has been a disconnect, a shift in employee etiquette. It is a privilege to have a job, in a time when our unemployment rate is around 8%, there are people who would gladly take your place.
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In all reality, people don’t do business with businesses, people do business with people.
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This section is for salon staff. I am not saying I did it perfectly, but after 17 years, I’ve learned a couple of things.
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1. Always smile.
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No matter what kind of day you are having when you get to work, you are at work being paid to make others feel good. Leave your problems at the door.
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2. Keep social media in mind.
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We share everything: our highs, lows, and everything in between. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok provide a platform in which everyone in the world can know what we’re thinking at any given moment. Keep this in mind when speaking about your job, the salon, your employer, teammates and salon guests. They should all be off limits when it comes to your online rants; the only person you are making look bad is YOU, and the ones who are reading your negative post could have been a future employer.
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3. Show up! Be present!
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Help out! One of my biggest pet peeves is the phrase “that’s not my job.” Anything and everything needed of you is your job. Do you think those in positions you look up to (management) responded to their superiors with that phrase? I doubt it. The harder you work, the higher you climb. Even if tanning isn’t your forever job, don’t you want to be known for having an amazing work ethic and always willing to help?
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4. Watch your attitude!
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If I could bold and underline this any larger, I would! Your attitude toward customers, managers, teammates, the growth of the salon and your willingness to learn are crucial for success. When I was hiring, I always chose the candidate with a friendly, willing attitude rather than the one who can “sell a lot.” I can teach sales, but I can’t teach work ethic and attitude.
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5. Dress for work.
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I’ve seen it all – Ugg boots and sweats, super-short shorts, baseball caps, you name it! Let’s not forget you’re selling an image and a brand. You would never walk into Nordstrom’s to buy a $100 bottle of perfume and see the salesperson behind the counter on a stool in snow boots and a sweatshirt, so why is it any different when you’re selling $100 bottles of tanning lotion? I was always told “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
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Here is a final tip: Work hard, be kind and remember, good things come to those who hustle.
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