In this episode, Susan explores the vital role of gift vouchers in salon businesses, especially during the holiday season. She shares six effective strategies to maximize gift voucher sales, emphasising the importance of year-round promotion and eye-catching displays. Susan highlights the growing gift voucher market, worth £9 billion in the UK, and discusses how salons can attract clients by creating attractive gift packages, offering gift wrapping, and implementing wish lists. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gift vouchers should be part of the conversation with clients throughout the year, not just during the holiday season. This consistent engagement can help increase sales.

• Create attractive displays for gift vouchers in the salon to ensure they are visible and appealing to clients. This can significantly boost interest and sales.

• Enhance the appeal of gift vouchers by including goodie bags with samples or small products. This adds value and makes the gift more special.

• Implement a wish list system for regular clients, allowing them to express their preferences. This can help gift-givers choose the right voucher or product, increasing the likelihood of sales.

• When clients redeem gift vouchers, they often spend more than the voucher amount. Use this opportunity to upsell additional products or services, maximizing revenue.

BEST MOMENTS

"The gift voucher market in the UK has doubled in the last decade and it's now worth £9 billion. That is absolutely huge."

"50 to 60% of all gift voucher sales are made in that final push towards Christmas. So it's crucial that you have your gift vouchers displayed."

"Statistically, men normally spend around about 12% more per gift card as well. So guys are a great one because they don't relish normally like shopping."

"If you can make it into something where it's just a nice little gift package, that just makes that gift that little bit more special."

"57% of gift voucher recipients spend over and above the voucher amount. So, obviously, when someone's got a gift voucher, that is the ideal time to upsell."

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

In this episode of "Beauty Business Matters," Susan Routledge sits down with Andrea Simpson, a remarkable beauty therapist and mentor, to discuss her unconventional journey from the British Army to the beauty industry. Andrea shares her inspiring story of transformation, detailing her experiences in various roles, including her time as a national trainer for prestigious spas and her successful establishment of a skincare centre. The conversation delves into the importance of personal connection with clients, the power of touch, and the significance of tailored treatments. Andrea also highlights her achievements, including her recognition as an advanced therapist in the Fab Service Stars and her new venture, The Facial Mentor, where she aims to empower other therapists to elevate their practices. This episode is filled with valuable insights and golden nuggets for anyone in the beauty industry looking to enhance their client experience and business success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Personal Connection is Essential: Building a strong connection with clients is crucial. 

Holistic Approach to Treatments: Treatments should not be viewed as isolated events. Instead, they should be part of a continuous journey that includes personalized consultations, home care recommendations, and follow-ups to ensure clients achieve the best results.

Manifestation and Opportunity: The importance of manifesting one's goals and being open to opportunities is highlighted. 

Education and Mentorship: Continuous learning and sharing knowledge with others in the industry is vital. 

Exceptional Customer Service: Striving for excellence in customer service, akin to the standards of luxury brands, can set a business apart. 

BEST MOMENTS

 "I always want to know that whatever I'm doing for your skin today, if I bumped into you 20 to 30 years down the line, that I look at you and I know for a fact that I've done everything with the best integrity."

 "You were a victim of your own success. The hours that you were working weren't sustainable."

"It's never just a facial. Every decision I make, every brand I work with, every treatment I do, all my clients, anything... those five little words are everything."

 "Listening is everything. I watch people's body language... it takes it to another dimension completely."

"I think it gives sometimes the opportunity to come out of the industry and some people to probably change careers that they would never maybe have done before."

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

In this episode, Susan addresses a common concern among salon owners: how to attract and employ the right therapists. She emphasizes the importance of being specific in recruitment efforts and maintaining relationships with former employees, as they may return after realizing their new choices weren't ideal. Susan shares her proven recruitment process, which includes initial Zoom interviews, team involvement in trade testing, and a structured selection process to assess candidates' skills and confidence. She also highlights the significance of building a strong reputation and engaging with local colleges to create a magnet for top talent. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Maintaining relationships with ex-employees can lead to their return, as they may realize their new choices were not ideal. Keeping in touch can facilitate easier reintegration into the salon.

• Clearly define the qualities and skills you are looking for in potential employees. A well-defined job specification attracts the right candidates and helps avoid wishy-washy applications.

• Build a strong reputation through awards, social media presence, and engagement with local colleges. This makes your salon a desirable place for therapists to work.

• Encourage your current team and clients to recommend potential candidates. They may know talented therapists looking for new opportunities or those who are moving into the area.

• Use a multi-step selection process that includes initial Zoom interviews, trade testing by team members, and self-assessment of skills. This helps ensure that the chosen candidate is both competent and a good fit for the team.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think if you put out wishy-washy, you get wishy-washy."

"Always stay in touch because quite often a therapist will think that it's going to be so great to be working on their own or going somewhere else."

"For you to attract the best therapist to employ, really you need to be a magnet for them."

"Make sure that everywhere your reputation just shines."

"If you're trying to recruit in haste, then it's the wrong way to do it."

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this episode of "Beauty Business Matters," Susan engages in a captivating conversation with personal development expert Vicky Ross, exploring the intricate relationship between our brain's functioning and achieving success. Vicky shares her multifaceted approach to transformation, emphasising the importance of understanding beliefs and paradigms that shape our behaviours. The discussion delves into the science of brainwaves, illustrating how our early experiences influence our adult lives and decision-making processes. Listeners will gain insights into the significance of being specific about their goals, the impact of emotional patterns, and the necessity of self-awareness in breaking free from limiting beliefs. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding Paradigms and Beliefs: Paradigms, which are formed from early experiences and observations, significantly influence our behaviour and decision-making. 

Brainwave Development Stages: The brain undergoes different developmental stages from birth through adolescence, transitioning from delta waves (suggestibility) to theta (creativity and exploration) and finally to beta waves (conscious thought). T

The Importance of Consciousness: A significant portion of the population operates unconsciously, reacting to life rather than proactively shaping it. 

Emotional Addictions: People can become addicted to their emotional states, whether positive or negative. This addiction can drive behaviours that reinforce limiting beliefs and paradigms.

The Role of Stress and Self-Care: Chronic stress can lead to physical and emotional issues. Taking time for self-care and mindfulness is vital for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout.

BEST MOMENTS

 "The precursor to change... you have to know what it is that has happened, how it happened, so that you know how the system works to be able to then go and change the system." - Vicky

"I always say, so what do you want, what's your future, what do you want to achieve? and quite happily tell me what they don't want and go back over." - Susan

 "If you weren't born with it, it means you've learned it. And that's great because if you learn something, you can unlearn it and learn something different." - Vicky 

 "We are not taught to think about our thinking. It's a huge topic and it should be a number one necessary life skill." - Vicky

 "You have got to listen to your body as well. You've got to listen to the signs." - Susan

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

www.vickyross.com

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters

 https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this episode, Susan tackles the provocative question of if awards are actually a 'fix'. Drawing from her extensive experience as a judge for various beauty industry awards, she emphasizes the rigorous process behind award selection and the importance of distinguishing genuine awards from marketing gimmicks. Susan encourages listeners to view the award application process as an opportunity for self-reflection and celebration of business achievements. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Not all awards are legitimate; it's important to differentiate between genuine awards and those that are merely marketing tools. Consider whether you feel deserving of the award based on your efforts and achievements.

• Filling out an award application can serve as a valuable exercise in self-reflection for your business. It encourages you to highlight your accomplishments and recognize the progress you've made.

• Decide whether to keep your award application private or to share it with clients and stakeholders. Sharing can elevate your business's status and create excitement around your participation.

• The judging of awards involves a significant commitment of time and effort, including thorough reviews of applications, deliberation calls, and sometimes site visits. This process ensures that deserving businesses are recognized.

• If you become a finalist or win an award, prepare a press release and a list of contacts to share the news. This proactive approach helps maintain visibility and leverage the recognition for your business, even if you only reach the finalist stage.

BEST MOMENTS

"Awards, are they a fix? And normally, I think when I get something as abrupt as that, I think the person sending the question in does think that they are a fix."

"If you haven't entered awards or you haven't judged before, you don't realize how much work goes into it."

"It's a great process to actually fill in an application form for an award because it really makes you look at your business from a different angle."

"If you do become a finalist, that's great because then you can really, really go to town, tell everyone."

"Make sure that at every point you've got a press release because it becomes old news very, very quickly."

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this episode of "Beauty Business Matters," Susan Routledge sits down with the inspiring Sara Shoemark, founder of the multi-award-winning Glow Salons. Sara shares her journey from a young beauty therapy student to a successful salon owner with multiple locations. The conversation delves into her experiences in the beauty industry, the importance of training and supporting her team, and the little things that set salons apart in a competitive market. They discuss the significance of creating a welcoming environment for clients, the value of communication, and the power of flexibility in the workplace. Sara also highlights her commitment to continuous learning and development, both for herself and her team, while sharing insights on managing a multi-site business effectively. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice for anyone in the beauty industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Emphasis on Personal Connection: Simple gestures like using a client's name, offering a warm welcome, or providing small comforts can significantly enhance the customer experience.

Importance of Training and Development: Offering opportunities for professional development not only helps retain staff but also ensures high-quality service for clients.

Flexibility in Work Environment: Providing flexible working hours and understanding individual team members' needs can lead to a happier workforce. 

Learning from Experiences: Both positive and negative experiences in the industry can provide valuable lessons. 

Community and Support: Maintaining connections with former team members and supporting their journeys fosters a sense of community. 

BEST MOMENTS

 "I always say I was never the best therapist but I was the only one. So I became extremely popular because there was no one else around." - Sara

"I always think as well, Susan, does it matter when they're in work as long as they're fully booked?"- Susan

"It's those small things that those clients see... It's a smile, it's feeling welcome, it's somebody just taking a moment to look up at you."- Sara

"I always say to my team, you know, the thing is, if something happens, just say. It doesn't matter. It's real, isn't it?" - Susan

"I do need to... get back into training as well... to keep my teams motivated and progressing with me." - Sara

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/blueprint-masterclass

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this midweek episode, Susan addresses the pressing issue of declining retail sales in salons. Susan emphasises that while clients are still purchasing products, salon owners must take responsibility for understanding why their sales are down. Susan offers practical advice, including the importance of communication with team members and clients, implementing a seven-day money-back guarantee, and ensuring that staff are well-trained in product recommendations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Client Engagement: If retail sales are down, it's essential to communicate with your team and clients to understand their needs and preferences.

• Proactive Reordering: Implement a system to track when clients are likely to run out of products. Reach out to them before they run out to encourage reordering.

• Training and Education: Ensure your team is well-trained in product recommendations. Emphasise that retail sales are just as important as treatments.

• Money-Back Guarantee: Consider offering a seven-day money-back guarantee on products.

• Product Re-evaluation: Regularly assess the products you offer to ensure they meet client needs. Conduct surveys or discussions with clients about their preferences and what they are currently using to identify potential gaps in your offerings.

BEST MOMENTS

"If your retail sales are down, then I think, you know, the book stops with you. You need to address what is going on."

"If a client has bought some products from you, you should have a rough estimate of when those products are going to run out."

"It takes a lot for a client to actually take your advice, leave the salon, go online, look that product up, buy it online."

"We are selling things that those clients are still going to be buying. And that's why marketing's there, to get in front of people."

"If you really think that your clients aren't liking your products, are they the right products for you?"

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/blueprint-masterclass

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this captivating episode of "Beauty Business Matters," Susan sits down with the remarkable Andrew Hansford, a seasoned expert in the skincare and aesthetics industry. Andrew shares his unique journey, from his early days in hairdressing to his unexpected 14-year stint in Bermuda and a modelling career that exposed him to the darker sides of the beauty world.

The conversation delves into Andrew's transition into education and his passion for empowering others in the industry through his ACH group and aesthetic teachings. With a focus on the importance of knowledge and evidence-based practices, Andrew discusses the evolution of beauty treatments, the significance of combination therapies, and the exciting advancements in regenerative medicine. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Diverse Career Journey: Andrew's career began in hairdressing, which led him to Bermuda and eventually to modelling in California. 

Importance of Education: Andrew emphasises the significance of education in the beauty industry, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of skincare and aesthetic treatments. 

Combination Therapies: The discussion highlights the effectiveness of combining various aesthetic treatments to achieve superior results. 

Regenerative Medicine: There is a growing trend towards regenerative treatments in the aesthetics field, which focus on long-term skin health rather than temporary solutions like injectables. 

ACH Group Resource: Andrew's ACH Group serves as a valuable resource for skincare knowledge, offering a wealth of information that is accessible and unbiased. 

BEST MOMENTS

"I think life takes you on some random path sometimes. And I've always been the kind of person that just kind of ran with it." - Andrew

 "Regenerative medicine is absolutely... there's a massive need. People who know their stuff are on board with that already." - Andrew

"I think you bridge that gap that was missing in the industry... your knowledge, it's just, it's enthralling." - Susan

"Combination therapies are various therapies, individual and together, that loads of people use. But the beauty industry especially, they're taught never to mix and match." - Andrew

"If it doesn't come with evidence, then bye-bye." - Andrew

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/blueprint-masterclass

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this episode, Susan interviews the multi-award-winning salon owner Paula Clipsham, who shares her remarkable journey from a small basement salon to a thriving business with a dedicated team. Paula discusses the challenges she faced as a salon owner, particularly during the pandemic, and how she transformed her vision into reality by expanding her salon and fostering a supportive team environment. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The journey of a salon owner can be isolating, and having a supportive network, such as Salon Success Freedom and Beauty Directors Club, can provide motivation and guidance during challenging times.

• Starting from a small, basement salon, the transformation into a larger, beautifully designed space was driven by a clear vision and the determination to create an environment that reflects high standards in the beauty industry.

• A successful salon relies on a strong team. By fostering a culture of trust and allowing team members to take control.

• Building personal connections with clients and showcasing the salon's personality through social media can enhance client loyalty and engagement.

• The salon owner emphasizes the importance of ongoing training and development for the team and staying updated with industry trends.

BEST MOMENTS 

"I always knew that I wouldn't be happy working for someone else. So as soon as I qualified, I started doing mobile treatments."

"Being a salon owner can be a really lonely place. You don't really fit in with your team because there has to be some kind of boundary."

"Lockdown was so tough for so many people and yet for me, it's the best thing that ever happened."

"I want my team to earn as much as they possibly can. They work hard and they train hard."

"It's waking up in the morning and wanting to come to work and feeling part of it that always sits far higher than money."

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty and the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters 

 https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/blueprint-masterclass 

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this episode Susan shares her extensive experience in the beauty industry, having run her award-winning clinic for over 36 years. Susan addresses a key question from Beauty Directors Club member Verity Davies about the most important aspect of running a successful beauty salon. Susan emphasizes the significance of the salon owner as the CEO, highlighting the need for self-care, effective systems, and a balanced approach to managing clients, cash, assets, and team dynamics. Susan introduces her trademarked formula, "STABLE," which focuses on creating robust systems, building trust, ensuring adaptability, establishing a strong brand, fostering valuable links, and prioritizing education.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The most crucial aspect of running a successful beauty salon is the owner’s mindset and ability to step back from the day-to-day operations.

• A successful salon requires a balance among four key areas: clients, cash, assets, and team. Disruption in any of these areas can lead to financial losses.

• The acronym "STABLE" represents the foundational elements necessary for a robust business: Systems, Trust, Adaptability, Branding, Links, and Education.

• Regularly assessing and improving business practices is vital. The process involves breaking down existing structures and rebuilding them to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Engaging with a community of like-minded salon owners can provide valuable insights and support. Programs and memberships, such as the Beauty Directors Club.

BEST MOMENTS

"You are not your business. It just needs to be your lucrative, profitable friend that you can leave, go away and it'll still work for you."

"The first thing I would say is as a CEO of the business that you need to look after yourself."

"If a key team member leaves, there's something in place straight away, rather than it being a flat panic of trying to recruit."

"Every area of your business needs to have systems in place."

"You need to know exactly what's going on in the business before you try and rebuild these building blocks to make it rock solid."

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty and the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters 

 https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/blueprint-masterclass 

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/