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The Battles of Business: Negative Reviews and Entrepreneurial Struggles

In Episode 157, Jen and Todd discuss handling negative reviews and share their experiences with a particularly challenging one-star review. 

They discuss the common misconception that being great at a skill, like hairstyling, automatically translates to business success. 

Jen reflects on parenting milestones and mentorship, while Todd emphasizes the importance of communication and dealing with both clients and business partners. 

Together, they offer practical advice for aspiring business owners, highlighting the need for constant adaption, robust systems, and unwavering dedication.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
00:44 Opening Takes: Personal Reflections
04:01 Discussing the Negative Review
07:09 Handling Difficult Clients
15:46 Challenges of Entrepreneurship
21:13 Client Communication Boundaries
22:10 Handling Financial Stress in Business
24:26 Decision-Making with a Business Partner
26:20 Marketing and Investment Strategies
27:08 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Risk Management
31:50 Effective Communication in Business
34:41 Dealing with Distributors and Sales Reps
39:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Get Ready for the Rest of 2024: Planning, Marketing, and Preparing for the Holidays

In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss preparing for the remainder of 2024, focusing on business planning, holiday readiness, and marketing strategies.

They highlight the importance of understanding your yearly goals, leveraging pre-booking, maximizing retail opportunities, and effectively using social media to target client needs.

Additionally, they emphasize the necessity of self-care and the value of proper scheduling to avoid burnout during the holiday season.

Jen and Todd share practical tips and personal anecdotes to help listeners navigate the busy months ahead while maintaining a balanced and profitable business approach.

00:00 Welcome and Catching Up
00:22 Preparing for the Rest of 2024
01:29 Reflecting on Podcast Episodes
05:12 The Importance of Reading
07:08 Holiday Planning and Preparation
11:14 Effective Marketing Strategies
14:47 Client-Centric Social Media Marketing
19:11 Creating Desire in the Hair World
19:28 Lifting Spirits During the Holidays
19:42 The Power of Pampering
20:02 Client Experience and Social Media
22:14 The Importance of Pre-Booking
25:23 Retail Strategies for the Holidays
35:48 Balancing Service and Self-Care
37:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Books mentioned in this episode:
"It's All About the Guest"
"Unreasonable Hospitality"

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Navigating Pricing Structures & Business Strategies in the Salon Industry

In this episode, Jen and Todd celebrate their podcast's upcoming third anniversary while discussing various aspects of running a successful salon business. 

They reflect on maintaining consistent content, adapting to life changes, and share insights into different pricing models, including a la carte, hourly, and hybrid structures. 

They also touch upon the importance of understanding costs, avoiding social media pitfalls, and preparing for the future. 

A special shout-out goes to Tracy from Kentucky for her feedback. 

The episode wraps up with personal takes on back-to-school routines and setting up future goals for continuous business growth.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestone
00:09 Reflecting on Podcast Journey
02:01 Listener Shoutouts and Engagement
03:53 Back to School Anxieties
04:39 Diving into Pricing Structures
06:32 Challenges with A La Carte Pricing
14:30 Hourly Pricing Model: Pros and Cons
16:16 Client Reactions to No-Tip Policy
17:15 Establishing a Fair Haircut Rate
17:47 Understanding Profit in Pricing
17:58 Hourly Pricing Benefits for Staff
18:36 Service Providers and Tips
20:50 Implementing Add-Ons and Pricing
26:02 Social Media Announcements
31:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Planning

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Building a Positive Salon Culture: Insights from the Hello Hair Co Team

In this episode, Jen and Todd tackle a fan mail question about the challenges of retaining stylists in their salon. 

They delve into the importance of maintaining a supportive workplace environment, emphasizing respect, continuous education, and personal connections. 

They discuss their strategies for fostering growth, treating staff with dignity, and providing clear career pathways. 

The episode concludes with heartfelt testimonials from their team, showcasing the positive impact of their leadership and the unique culture at Hello Hair Co. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into creating a thriving salon atmosphere and maintaining team cohesion.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:12 Fan Mail Question: Struggling to Keep Stylists
00:40 Exploring the Intent Behind the Question
02:19 Opening Takes on Salon Turnover
04:05 Jen's Perspective on Turnover
06:29 Todd's Short Answer and Team Insights
08:21 Defining Salon Culture and Expectations
11:11 Treating Staff with Respect and Dignity
12:09 Adapting to the New Generation of Professionals
18:42 Providing Growth and Opportunities
24:35 Defining Your Goals Beyond Money
25:02 Understanding the Deeper Motivations
26:00 Personalized Approaches in Business
27:04 Challenges of Modern Salon Ownership
29:43 The Importance of Staff Relationships
31:39 Celebrating Team Achievements
35:24 Staff Testimonials and Feedback
48:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Workflows in the Hair Industry: Renting & Commission

In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the differences between renting and commission structures within the hair industry. 

They explore the misconceptions, challenges, and potential benefits of each model, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's own goals and values.

They share personal experiences and anecdotes, including perspectives on a recent whale-watching trip and the family's engagement with the Olympics, to illustrate the broader point of finding what truly matters.

They also offer insights and advice for new professionals entering the industry, encouraging them to make well-informed decisions and to not be swayed by misleading information or titles.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:48 Whale Watching Adventure
03:07 Olympics and Family Time
04:37 Opening Take on Renting vs. Commission
06:03 Challenges of Renting a Chair
10:35 Advice for New Hair Professionals
12:50 The Reality of Running a Business
16:46 The Importance of Finding the Right Salon
20:54 The Reality of Renting in the Salon Industry
21:22 The Value of Team and Community
22:39 The Illusion of Ownership
24:18 Challenges of Running a Business
25:54 Commission vs. Renting: Weighing the Options
37:31 The Importance of Marketing and Retention
39:45 Final Thoughts and Advice

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Building and Retaining a Strong Clientele in the Hair Industry

In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the importance of continually acquiring new clients in the hair industry. 

They debate the notion of closing books and highlight the pitfalls of such strategies both in hairstyling and other industries, using Todd's experience at a restaurant as an example. 

Jen and Todd emphasize the need to offer a reliable client experience, make use of SEO and Google Ads, and keep social media presence updated. 

They also explore the significance of community involvement and business-to-business relationships. 

Through personal anecdotes and advice, they offer a comprehensive guide to expanding and maintaining a loyal client base.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:13 The Importance of Gaining New Clients
00:44 The Pitfalls of Exclusivity
02:03 Real-Life Example: Restaurant Experience
04:15 Managing Client Flow
04:25 The Downside of Closed Books
05:25 Consultations and Client Fit
08:44 Leveraging Existing Clients
12:48 SEO and Google Ads for Client Acquisition
17:17 Community Engagement and Marketing
18:27 The Logo Myth: What's Really Important
19:58 The Power of Online Booking
20:56 Building Business Relationships
23:16 Leveraging Social Media for Client Growth
29:27 The Pitfalls of Discount Marketing
31:27 Evaluating Client Experience and Retention
33:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Building 'Hello': Core Values, Client Experience, and Staff Culture

In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the unique aspects of their salon, 'Hello Hair Co.', and what sets it apart. 

They touch on their initial planning stages, emphasizing the importance of creating a fun and engaging workspace, and detail their core values—integrity, customer service, and staff support. 

They illustrate how these values manifest in their daily operations, from client interactions to staff relations, through personal anecdotes. 

Jen and Todd also highlight the importance of treating clients and staff well, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment. 

They conclude with advice for both business owners and prospective employees on aligning with core values and ensuring a good fit.

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap
01:05 The Vision Behind Hello
03:26 Creating a Unique Salon Experience
05:52 Client-Centric Approach
09:08 Social Media and Industry Challenges
15:02 Building Hello from Scratch
16:32 A Day at the Spa
16:42 Helping Ashley Feel Amazing
17:50 Core Values at Hello Hair Co.
18:52 The Importance of Integrity
20:17 Challenges in the Salon Industry
20:57 Finding the Right Fit
27:12 Shadowing Opportunities at Hello Hair Co.
29:59 Hiring the Right People
31:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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The Power of Being Yourself and Staying True in the Salon Industry

In this episode, Jen and Todd share a heartfelt encounter with a listener named Ashley, who was inspired by their podcast to start her own business.

The discussion then delves into the importance of being true to oneself, avoiding industry trends just to fit in, and staying focused on personal and business core values.

They emphasize the significance of hands-on experience, trying new tools and techniques, and understanding the 'why' behind actions.

Additionally, they provide advice for salon owners and hair professionals on how to make informed decisions about products and software by aligning choices with their brand's mission and vision.

Lastly, they encourage listeners to reach out with feedback and questions to help steer the direction of future episodes.

00:00 Introduction and Shoutout to Ashley
01:45 Discussing Booth Rental and Commission Salons
04:02 The Importance of Being Yourself
06:02 Iron Maiden and Hello Hair's Unique Approach
09:23 Social Media Perception vs. Reality
12:39 Actions Define Who You Are
16:36 The Myth of Originality in the Industry
17:06 The Importance of Experimentation
17:26 Hands-On Learning and Overcoming Fear
17:57 Adapting Techniques for Better Results
19:26 The Role of Social Media in Learning
20:29 Choosing the Right Tools and Techniques
23:05 Defining Your Mission and Vision
27:35 Engaging with the Community

The Daily Stoic
Tim Howard of Vish EP:115

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Understanding the Dunning-Kruger Effect in the Hair Industry

In this episode, Jen and Todd delve into the Dunning-Kruger Effect, a cognitive bias where people with limited knowledge overestimate their abilities. 

They discuss how this phenomenon manifests in the hair industry, from new graduates to seasoned professionals, and relate their own experiences in their salon.

They talk about the signs of false confidence, the reality check often needed for true growth, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. 

Jen highlights cases from their industry where individuals either thrived or failed due to the Dunning-Kruger effect. 

The conversation also touches on broader implications, such as the culture of social media and its impact on professional development.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:04 Exploring the Dunning-Kruger Effect
02:20 Real-World Examples in the Hair Industry
03:17 Challenges Faced by New Stylists
06:11 The Importance of Continuous Learning
07:44 The Role of Educators and Mentors
10:56 The Reality of Running a Business
28:19 Concluding Thoughts and Advice

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Navigating the Highs and Lows of Business Entrepreneurship: Insights from Jen and Todd

In this episode, Jen and Todd dive deep into the rollercoaster journey of business entrepreneurship, sharing relatable personal experiences from starting and managing their salon, Hello. 

They discuss the struggles of finding the right space, the impact of COVID-19, and the intricacies of managing people and implementing systems. 

On the positive side, they highlight the importance of community involvement, the benefits of having a structured pricing system, and the rewarding aspects of building and leading a supportive and creative team. 

They also touch on the pros and cons of working with a business partner, maintaining a work-life balance, and handling both supportive and challenging clients. 

Overall, they provide a candid and comprehensive view of what it takes to run a successful small business.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:06 Starting the Business Journey
00:54 Challenges in Finding a Space
01:38 Renovation Struggles
03:14 COVID-19 Impact
06:34 Implementing New Systems
07:32 Pricing Integrity
12:50 Hiring and Building a Team
17:36 Navigating Business Reputation
18:57 The Pros and Cons of Business Partnerships
19:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life
23:43 Community Involvement and Giving Back
27:52 Managing Employees and Compliance
32:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections
33:42 Handling Client Challenges

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