Hello Everyone!!!
It's February and this month is mainly represented by the color RED.....signifying "LOVE is in the air." This is the time to have that Valentine's Day Special for your clients. Shampoos and Sets, Hair Color services, Chemical Relaxer services, Haircuts, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, and more, discount it all, this month! Show your clients some LOVE.....
Some businesses don't ever run a special and clients have been patronizing them for years. This is a major problem for small business owners. But, you have to follow the "Big Boys." Practice the "Law of Duplication." Walmart sends out a sales paper, Pizza Hut has the large $10 dollar pizza, Papa John's has the large $11 pizza with any toppings, Dunkin Doughnuts has "heart-shaped" dougnuts on sale this month, the jewlery stores are promoting specials throughout the month, and YOU, the small business owner are NOT doing anything to show customer appreciation.
And, you're frustrated, wondering why you're business is not as successful as you thought it would be at this time. Remember, your clients want to feel loved and appreciated.....
It is also important to show love to the black people who don't get mentioned or recognized until this month. February is Black History month. But, in my mind, Black History is being made every month, because someone black somewhere is doing something great. And, our youth should be taught about current and historical black people every month.
In the hair industry, we have so many black contributors who are not mentioned in the cosmetology books. People who have made millions, have been philanthropists and helped a lot of people. The most common individual mentioned is Madame C.J. Walker, who was the first black female, self-made millionaire. Many think she invented the pressing comb, but, she invented a salve/oil to be used in conjunction with it.
We have other "greats" in our industry, such as, but not limited to: Mr. S.B. Fuller, Mr. Cornell McBride, Mr. Joe Dudley, Jr., Ms. Annie T. Malone, Mr. Harry Green, and more. Personally, Madame C.J. Walker's story is very inspirational, as Mr. S.B. Fuller and Ms. Annie Malone's. For the "greats" who are still alive, I try to "pick their brains" everytime I see them at a show or event.
Trust me, they have more information than any textbook about achieving success, selling, recruiting, branding, marketing, etc.
Another mistake many people make, they don't want to ask for help or advice. Especially from a person who has done what they are doing now. If the person was successful at it, you need to ask alot of questions. You can make the new job or position your own, but, if this person is willing to share knowledge and tips to make it easier and better for you, get rid of your pride.
I have been very fortunate in my life and career, because I have intentionally surrounded myself with people who are more intelligent.
A lesson I learned from Mr. Dudley. He said, "Toni, if you're the smartest person in your business or organization, you have a problem. You have to surround yourself with people to help you think, make suggestions, take initiative, be creative, etc. You can't surround yourself with a bunch of laborers. You need people who can handle things when you're not there."
He has given me so much great advice, as well as Mr. McBride, Mr. Green, and others. My point is, they showed me a lot of LOVE. They wanted me to do well and they shared the information.
On a personal note, I have experienced love from my parents, when I was younger, my dad gave me a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day until he died, both parents showered me with lots of hugs and kisses, my siblings showed me love, as well as my extended family, my clients, my employees, co-workers, and the special people reading this today. (wink):-)
I have been blessed to experience love in my life....to know what it feels like to be happy, in love and smiling with my eyes, when I look at a person. Love is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Create a Better Day!!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere)
Facebook: Toni Love Cosmetology 2
Twitter: @Cosmogirl205
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Understanding Your "Brand".......
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
I hope this is a better year. And, as you grow in your business, you will make new decisions, target new markets, create new environments, etc. The new decisions can be made as to "how" you conduct your business. The things you will change or modify to increase your business.
Targeting new markets is always fun and interesting, as you learn "why" you need to do it and "how" will you do it. Each year should bring a change. If you are not accepting debit and credit cards in your business, this may be the year to do it. If you are extending credit to clients and they are not appreciative enough to pay you, this may be the year to stop it. These are the decisions you may need to make in regards to "how" you continue to conduct business.
I heard a speaker say, "there is pain in change," some people are afraid of the unknown, so they continue in a way, in which, they are comfortable. Even if it's NOT lucrative and/or productive.
Many people in business DO NOT understand "branding." In order to have a successful business, you have to understand your brand. For example: Toni Love is a brand. Most people know the Toni Love brand for Cosmetology, Education, and Weaving. Your brand should be real, authentic, consistent, and ever-evolving as time goes on.
For example: the Toni Love brand started as a licensed cosmetologist, who developed a large clientele while working behind the chair. Then, a licensed cosmetology instructor, a platform artist, a published author, a International Educator, a school owner, a supplier of educational dvds, and now a product owner. (see http://www.tonilove.com/) All of these areas of interest evolved from being a licensed cosmetologist.
Also, I have always identified "my nucleus/my core" and stayed true to it. Many people want to do so many things and they become known for several things or never become known for anything of significance. For example: When you think Oprah, you think "Talk Show Host," Martha Stewart is known for being "Crafty," Richard Simmons is known for exercise and he ALWAYS looks like his brand. Everytime you see him, he's usually wearing the stripped shorts or some type of exercise attire.
When people see you, your brand should be represented; be it business, sexy, contemporary, etc. To build your brand faster and consistently, you must have exposure! Today, because of social media websites and other avenues, it is very easy to get some exposure. But, of course to get major exposure, you will have to spend some money. But, again, it depends on your brand and what you have to offer the market.
So, starting this month, take time to do some "soul searching"......identify what you like to do, identify the market that could benefit from your services, ask yourself, are you really targeting the right market? And, if you are thinking about expanding your market or changing, ask yourself, "why?"
Remember, EVERYONE is a brand, now ask yourself, "WHAT ARE YOU REPRESENTING?"
Create a Better Year!!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (now sold @ Walmart.com)
Twitter: @cosmogirl205
FBook: Toni Love Cosmetology
http://www.tonilove.com/
I hope this is a better year. And, as you grow in your business, you will make new decisions, target new markets, create new environments, etc. The new decisions can be made as to "how" you conduct your business. The things you will change or modify to increase your business.
Targeting new markets is always fun and interesting, as you learn "why" you need to do it and "how" will you do it. Each year should bring a change. If you are not accepting debit and credit cards in your business, this may be the year to do it. If you are extending credit to clients and they are not appreciative enough to pay you, this may be the year to stop it. These are the decisions you may need to make in regards to "how" you continue to conduct business.
I heard a speaker say, "there is pain in change," some people are afraid of the unknown, so they continue in a way, in which, they are comfortable. Even if it's NOT lucrative and/or productive.
Many people in business DO NOT understand "branding." In order to have a successful business, you have to understand your brand. For example: Toni Love is a brand. Most people know the Toni Love brand for Cosmetology, Education, and Weaving. Your brand should be real, authentic, consistent, and ever-evolving as time goes on.
For example: the Toni Love brand started as a licensed cosmetologist, who developed a large clientele while working behind the chair. Then, a licensed cosmetology instructor, a platform artist, a published author, a International Educator, a school owner, a supplier of educational dvds, and now a product owner. (see http://www.tonilove.com/) All of these areas of interest evolved from being a licensed cosmetologist.
Also, I have always identified "my nucleus/my core" and stayed true to it. Many people want to do so many things and they become known for several things or never become known for anything of significance. For example: When you think Oprah, you think "Talk Show Host," Martha Stewart is known for being "Crafty," Richard Simmons is known for exercise and he ALWAYS looks like his brand. Everytime you see him, he's usually wearing the stripped shorts or some type of exercise attire.
When people see you, your brand should be represented; be it business, sexy, contemporary, etc. To build your brand faster and consistently, you must have exposure! Today, because of social media websites and other avenues, it is very easy to get some exposure. But, of course to get major exposure, you will have to spend some money. But, again, it depends on your brand and what you have to offer the market.
So, starting this month, take time to do some "soul searching"......identify what you like to do, identify the market that could benefit from your services, ask yourself, are you really targeting the right market? And, if you are thinking about expanding your market or changing, ask yourself, "why?"
Remember, EVERYONE is a brand, now ask yourself, "WHAT ARE YOU REPRESENTING?"
Create a Better Year!!!
Toni Love
Author: "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (now sold @ Walmart.com)
Twitter: @cosmogirl205
FBook: Toni Love Cosmetology
http://www.tonilove.com/
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