I've noticed a dangerous trend lately where stylists and salon owners are treating DMs as a burden instead of a gift. We're shutting them off, ignoring them (or even worse) hiding behind auto-responders that act as total lead killers. I get it; DMs can feel time-consuming. But in a world where AI is rapidly disrupting the workforce, human connection is the one thing we need to cling to, and that's what this episode is all about.

Today, I reveal why the Instagram "like and follow" game of 2015 is dead and what the algorithm is actually looking for today (spoiler: DMs are your #1 indicator of success). I'm also sharing my 4-Step Pipeline to help you streamline these conversations and get guests to the finish line without wasting hours of your day, and a whole lot more.

Right now, trust has to be built before they ever walk through the salon doors. It's time to stop the automation rush and start reopening the most powerful channel you have for building demand, and let me know how this helps you!

Join me live for our upcoming free, high-impact training where I'll break down exactly what's driving demand for today's fastest-growing stylists and how to apply it to your business right now. Limited sessions start February 23rd, and you can save your FREE spot at www.thrivingstylist.com/bookedbydesign/! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Get yours now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/.

The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/.

Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!

With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.

Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!

If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this.

Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/