Recession recovery is on the way – but when? Without a clear timetable for better days ahead, right now you have to keep the salon running, the clients and staff happy, and the new clients coming through the door.

Studies show that businesses that position themselves for success during an economic turndown recover faster and fly higher than those who merely tough it out. P&G Salon Professional believes in thriving now and partners with salons to provide the tools to make the most of today while building tomorrow’s growth.

P&G Salon Professional partner salons aren’t sitting around waiting for the good times to return – they’re embracing the new Consumer-in-Charge world and taking their own road to recovery. Where are you going?

TAKE THE TEST – How healthy is your business? Give yourself a point for every “yes.”

1. Do you have a written mission statement?
A written mission statement makes your goals and values real. Write it down, then share it with your staff, your business partners and your clients; they’ll help you stay true to your promise.

2. Do you have a business plan for the next 12 months?
Plan your work, then work your plan. Start by taking your salon temperature. Look at your current sales and profits,
assess your staff’s skills and performance, evaluate your clients’ satisfaction. Then set goals—short-term (30 days) and
long-term (a year and beyond). Goal-setting will focus you on what counts. If you need help developing your plan, talk
to your P&G Salon Professional business consultant—s/he is a trained specialist in building successful salon operations.

3. Do you have a strategy for retaining clients?
Regulars are your best bet for keeping your salon’s foundation solid. You should aim to retain 90% of
long-standing clients and 70% of first-timers. Pre-booking is the first line of defense; client loyalty programs up the
effectiveness. Seal the deal with satisfaction guaranteed on all products and services.

4. Do you set specific sales goals for every stylist?
Goals are signposts on your road to recovery: make them big and make them clear. Start by setting your annual target
for service and retail income, them work back to monthly, weekly, even daily goals. Share with the staff—it’s great to
know that everyone’s going in the same direction!

5. Do you have a consistent consultation process?
Seven out of 10 clients who leave their salon go because they feel their stylist doesn’t care. Establish a solid relationship upfront with a great consultation. Plan to spend 20 minutes with new clients, 10 minutes with existing ones. The time you invest will pay off in higher client satisfaction—and a tighter bond the next time a client thinks about beauty.

Got 4 points or more? You’re on the right road! Less than 4? Time to get business-building help.