Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1544743
Explore your benefits at ahphair.com 39 Internet and Social Media Competing with online product sales and social media marketing is a huge challenge for salons trying to drive retail revenue, Underwood says. Having a viable social presence is another aspect of this. She says, "Salons now have to be social media influencers, online retailers, and brick-and-mortar businesses." Team Stability When the economy feels uncertain, emotions oen run high. "Leadership has to stay steady even when things feel shaky," Peacock says. "Big decisions are made on a dime. Stylists get nervous. at emotional management is something people don't talk about." Walker adds that workforce expectations have shied and are impacting team stability. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many hair pros value flexibility more than ever. "ey want fewer Saturdays, shorter weeks, and more time with family," Walker says. "at's understandable, but it requires salon owners to rethink scheduling, productivity, and coverage models." Losing team members—be it receptionists, assistants, or stylists—translates to lost revenue and lost time spent training new hires. Keeping them happy requires intentional business strategy and genuine care that fosters trust and loyalty. 8 WAYS TO RUN A THRIVING HAIR BUSINESS Running a small business has always come with highs and lows. But what truly makes the difference between a thriving hair business in uncertain economic times and one that barely scrapes by, or worse, ends up going under? It all comes down to structure, discipline, and high standards. 1. Know Your Numbers Let's start on a financial note. When running any business, it's imperative to have a clean and accurate understanding of your numbers. How much money is coming in and how much is going out? Walker says one of the fastest ways to understand that is to know your specific numbers on a daily basis—not just monthly or quarterly. "We track service totals, retail totals, guest count, and prebook percentage every day," she says. "at awareness keeps us proactive instead of reactive. You cannot manage what you don't measure." Peacock agrees, adding that she also does all of the above every day. "I review revenue, service STOCKSY