Mad as Hell!

Hi,

Jonathan Guthrie wrote an interesting article for the Financial Times (10/15/09) about hairdressers in the United Kingdom. Concluding with some very upbeat comments about the industry, saying, “Hair cannot be cut over the internet, or automated without the risk that ears will be trimmed off along with the split ends. ...Hairdressers have something many big businesses would kill for: a defensible market position.” That is very positive and positively true.

On the way to his conclusion he explored some not-so-complimentary ideas, including his quoting the writer Douglas Adams “Who hypothesised that, given the chance, society would maroon those inessential snippers on a wilderness planet, where they would dopily use sticks to make curling tongs rather than fires for cooking.”

Rarely do we have a business conversation with salon owners or stylists when they don’t mention something about wanting to increase the professional image of stylists or the respect for stylists in our industry. For example, we often hear, “I really need to take my staff to the next level,” or “I don’t get it, I provide just as valuable a service as (fill in the blank) and their reputations are more professional than stylists’.”

As people, we sometimes take our motivation from an inspiring thought or from great examples of leadership; but in this case we don’t think it’s unreasonable to get “Mad as hell” and do something about it.

We believe that one of the most powerful actions stylists can take to improve their work life, professional standing, and increase their earnings is to do something that many find completely unreasonable:
1. Work with salon owners to build their salon into a powerful brand
2. Work together as a team with fellow stylists
3. Invest in their business education at the same rate as their hairdressing education.

Imagine what a salon could achieve with stylists able to create that kind of vision.

Now, if you would like to discuss the enormous benefits—to you as a stylist, or as an owner—and learn how to implement this kind of powerful change in your salon, please contact us. We’d love to show you how it’s in your own selfish best interest to improve yourself, your teamwork, and your brand.

Jim Lucas
Séva Education
(925) 980-7871
gojimlucas@sevastyle.com

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