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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Goals and Strategies

Hello Everyone!

As we enter the new year, many people have set new goals, short and long term.  But, most do not have a strategy or plan of action to use as a guide.  Goals have a better chance of becoming reality, if you have a strategy.  A strategy is a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.

In business, many owners and managers set financial goals for the next year.  They look at the numbers and the percentages of increased and decreased business from the past year.  Therefore, the plan of action is needed to decide what steps are required to improve the business.

In our personal lives, a lot of people make plans to lose weight by implementing a fitness regime, trying a new diet, or both.  They start planning their meals and an exercise schedule.  For example:  the fitness plan may include cardio exercises on certain days of the week and toning the body on others.  Also, a meal plan may go into affect, for example:  fruit and juice for breakfast, salad for lunch, and fish and veggies for dinner.

In both scenarios, a strategic plan is needed to achieve the goals.  Discipline is also needed in our personal and professional lives.  As you think of the goals you have set for your life, think of the changes and/or adjustments you will have to make along the way.  For example, if you are attempting to save money this year, instead of purchasing designer clothes and shoes, even if they are on sale, you will maintain the discipline needed to avoid the purchase.

Remember, most goals can be achieved, but, before setting them, be sure they are realistic.  They reflect something you really feel is attainable through discipline.  You need to obtain  a burning desire to achieve the goals, gather your thoughts, design your plan of action, and implement it.  

Once these steps are taken, you are on your way to success and self-gratification!  I dare you to try it!:)

Create a Better Day!
Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions (sold everywhere, Walmart.com, etc)
Twitter: @tonilove205
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Branch Out in 2014!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

I would like to encourage all the readers to "Branch Out" in 2014.  Sometimes we can get comfortable and forget about the skills we used to obtain that position.  I receive calls from hairstylists all across the United States who are frustrated about the state of their business.  Most want to blame the economy and other factors.

It's true, millions of people are unemployed and are altering their spending habits.  But, a lot of hairstylists who have been in business for a while have lost their "burning desire" to succeed.  They are not "hungry" anymore.  They are not doing anything different, they are not introducing new services to their clients, they are not changing the look of the salon (a gallon of paint will make a difference), and they are not continuing their education.

Classes are being offered at the local community colleges, enroll in one class per semester. (Business, Marketing, Office/Administration, Computer, etc.)  Enroll in a class to improve your technical skills, (Cutting, Styling, Weaving, Hair Replacement, Salon Management, etc.) even if you're already a great hairstylist. Expand yourself through people in 2014, learn some new things and teach others.  Clients sitting in your chair would love to learn about a new product you discovered or a new technique you want to try on them during their next visit.

Timing is everything!!  I heard a speaker say, "people have gotten hooked on encouragement."  You have to become self-motivated and encourage yourself!  Many have forgotten the "basics."  The things learned in school, such as, distributing business cards and flyers, run specials in your business, offer quality service, the clients are always right (even when they are wrong/professionalism), and ethical practices.

Lastly, as you branch out in 2014 and enter new territory, it's okay be afraid of the unknown results.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Take the first step of faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."

Create a Better Day!!!

Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere)
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Get Ready for 2014!!

Hello Everyone!!!

Happy Holidays to you!!! This is the time to finalize business for the year and prepare documents for the accountant.  It is also time to set new goals for your personal and professional life.  And, it is the time to celebrate the blessings of this year.

Be thankful and grateful for being in a position of service.  Because of you;  men, women, and children feel better about themselves and leave with a smile.  You make that happen!  If this year wasn't your best, make plans to improve next year.  Don't let your past hold you hostage!

Many people like telling sad stories of the past and how they have given up hope.  Remember, dreams don't have deadlines.  You are never too old to set and achieve your goals.  The holiday season is a great time to introduce new specials, conduct holiday raffles to raise revenue for your business, as well as start a new marketing campaign.

People tend to be in a "festive" mood and will spend on something new and innovative during the holiday season.  Don't be afraid of criticism, try something new in your business.  If it doesn't work, try something else.  Eventually, the right idea will work.  

Write down at least ten ideas that can be utilized in your business throughout 2014.  You may not implement all of them before the end of the year, because one idea may work for a longer period of time.  If not, remove it from the list and implement the next idea.  Also, plan for EDUCATION in 2014.  In order to be successful, you have to continue to learn something, such as:  a new hair cut to offer clients, a new chemical process, how to write a business plan, etc.

Start now by setting short term and long term goals and pace yourself accordingly, and don't be concerned about what someone else is achieving in their business.

Create a Better Day!!!

Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions"
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205



Friday, October 25, 2013

Pay Your Way!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

The Hair Loss and Business Conference was a blast!  If you missed it, mark your calendars for next year! All of the speakers were great and the feedback from the attendees was AWESOME!  They were so excited to learn new and helpful information.

The Hair Loss Certification class on the Tuesday after the conference was also great.  It was unfortunate that some people missed the conference because they failed to register BEFORE the early bird special ended. Many of them contacted me after the special was over and almost insisted on receiving the discounted price with the "threat" of NOT attending.  And, unfortunately for them, they missed valuable information.

I was told by one of my mentors, Mr. Frank Caciatto, earlier in my career, "Toni, pay your way and earn respect in this industry."  When participating in hair shows and other events, there are major costs involved in some cases.  I learned early on, pay the fees, whether it's docking fees for merchandise to be moved into the building, electrical fees for the booth, travel fees, etc. Also, when offered FREE things, sometimes, it's good to say, "No, Thank You."

If you want someone to take you serious and respect your business, you have to PAY YOUR WAY!  Stop looking for a handout and a hook-up!  I would never allow $50 or $100 stop me from receiving information that could assist me in earning thousands of dollars and even more.  Especially, when I knew about the costs 5-6 months ahead of time.

If needed, I would have saved $20 a week until I accumulated enough to pay the discounted fee.  What I have learned is, everyone is NOT serious about their business.  Some people like to hear themselves talk, but, have no plan of action.  This is the time to make plans for the upcoming year.

Start now and set aside funds for education for the upcoming year!

Create a Better Day!!

Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere!!)
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Hair Loss and Business Conference 2013!!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

We are preparing for the upcoming Hair Loss and Business Conference on October 6th-7th and we are super excited!  We have great speakers aligned for this event.  Trey Turner of Trans America Financial will be bringing a wealth of information pertaining to money management to assist attendees with savings and retirement.  Dr. Gloria D'Hue, an Atlanta-based dermatologist, will tell the attendees about hair loss and some of the common causes and how she is writing prescriptions to certified hair loss specialists.

Greg Lyles of a major pharmaceutical company will teach the attendees how to build relationships with medical professionals to assist hair loss clients.  And, if you want a celebrity as a client, photographer, Allen Cooley will share his experiences as he has worked with the cast of The Game, Lisa Raye, Future and many more.  All of this information will be delivered on Sunday, October 6th, 2013.

On Monday, October 7th, Shannon Dixon, a certified Hair Loss Specialist who has a thriving business will inform the attendees on how to open and run a successful hair loss center. And, she will conduct a live demonstration.  Following her, Attorney Charles Fields, who is returning by popular demand, will educate and enlighten the attendees on federal grants.  Many of the attendees from last year applied his information and have seen great results.

If you have not registered for this event, be sure to go online to www.tonilove.com today!  All the registration and direct contact information is on the site.  Let this event be the beginning of your commitment to take yourself and your business to a new level.

As I heard a speaker say:  "Stay Home and Stay Dumb!"  And, as gospel singers Mary Mary entitled their song:  "Go Get Your Blessings!"  We'll be here, won't you join us?

Create a Better Day!

Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" sold everywhere!  Walmart.com, Amazon.com
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205

Sunday, August 25, 2013

FAME or GREATNESS????

Hello Everyone!!!

The end of summer is almost near and most business people are preparing for the holidays.  If you are a business owner, you should be thinking about the holiday specials you will offer.  In business and in your personal life, you have to align yourself properly.

Many people don't do this and therefore, the scales of life are not balanced.  Either you are working too much and not spending enough time with love ones.  Or, spending too much time with love ones and not attending to business.  You have to create balance in order to achieve your goals.

This is also the time to align your business with upcoming local events such as, football games. You can incorporate something in your business with the local team showing support. This includes high school and college teams. A lot of hairstylists forget about the local people in the community, because they are so focused on achieving fame.

You have to start where you are at this time in your life.  Become famous in your local community through your work as a stylist and your community service as a person and through your business.  There are people in your local community who know others in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and other major cities throughout the United States, who can probably help you achieve your goals.

Also, when you start working in the community, people will volunteer to assist you.  Most people want to be a part of something positive and will donate money and time to a worthy cause.  October represents breast cancer month, this is a great time to host an event at your business for survivors.  If nothing major, during the month of October, offer cookies with the breast cancer logo on them with punch and pass out informational handouts. The event doesn't have to be anything major.  The point is, your business is doing something positive in the community and projecting a professional image.

If you are reading this and you are not in business and you want to make a difference, these same things mentioned can be done through a social club, a church congregation, a sorority or fraternity, etc.  Stop searching other places and start where you are today!!!

Lastly, do things because you care, not because you want to be famous.  Most people who achieve fame quickly can't handle it.  And, usually become famous for other things such as:  going broke, doing drugs, etc. Always remember, FAME can come over night, but, GREATNESS takes time.

Make a decision today and get to work!!!!!

Create a better day!!!

Toni Love
Author:  "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere) Walmart.com, Amazon.com
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove

Monday, July 22, 2013

No More Shortcuts!!!!

Hello Everyone!!!

As we go through life, we are faced with obstacles and challenges.  As we mature, we tend to be better equipped to handle things as they arise.  We will experience challenges in our personal life, in our business, on the job, etc.  But, usually, we learn a lesson.  Most times, we work through the issues and reach a solution.

Sometimes, we want a "shortcut," therefore, we don't have to deal with the real issues.  We look for a way out, over, or around the obstacles and challenges.  Many people go through life taking shortcuts and this trait has become a part of their persona.  When it comes to their personal lives, some people shut down, won't talk, walk away, deny and lie.  They will do anything aside from accepting responsibility for their actions. These people usually live an unfulfilled life.  They are unhappy, their souls are unsettled, and they feel incomplete.

But, yet, they are not brave enough to deal with reality and embrace the challenges and obstacles.  In business, I see it and hear it on a regular basis.  Many hair stylists are frustrated because they are not busy enough to pay their bills.  They feel like their back is against the wall and there is no way out.  They are angry and questioning their decision to enter the beauty industry.  They are blaming the economy, the "boot-leg" hairstylists, the cosmetology schools, and the beauty supply store for taking their clients.

Yet, they have NOT taken ANY continuing education classes or it's been years since they were enrolled in a class.  Or, the one class they took, they had a bad experience, therefore, they feel all continuing education classes are going to yield the same results.  These hair stylists won't equip themselves to embrace change or anything new.  They will wait until someone else learn something and share it with them at no cost!

Many will complain about the expenses involved with enrolling in a class.  But, yet, they will spend money on buying expensive furniture for the "empty" salon that is not generating business, to impress others.  They will purchase expensive, name-brand clothing, shoes, and accessories, to impress others.  They will even borrow money from financial institutions to go on exotic trips, purchase expensive cars, and jewelry to impress others.

To become successful and have healthy relationships, we have to work through our challenges and obstacles, deal with the problems and address them accordingly.  We have to invest in ourselves and NOT depend on other people to feed us information for FREE.  As professional hair stylists, attempting to go to the next level, what good is it going to do to get there and NOT know what to do when you arrive?

Shortcuts may get you there......But, knowledge will KEEP you there!

Create a Better Day!

Toni Love:  Author of "The World of Wigs, Weaves, and Extensions" (sold everywhere)
www.tonilove.com
Facebook:  Toni Love Cosmetology
Twitter: @tonilove205