word. with Gordon Miller

Google search is now 25+ years old -and, for the first time, has competition that could drive innovation in how consumers and businesses use the web and other platforms. Over time, we have adapted our presence online and across social platforms to meet ever-changing algorithms driving search and discovery. With the advent of more advanced AI, many project big changes in how we use 'search'. In this episode, I share thoughts on what it might mean for salons and professionals. For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com to sign up for my free weekly e-newsletter.

If time truly is money in our pro lives, then our 'capacity' represents the maximum amount of time that we have to generate revenue. Productivity, on the other hand, drives the reality of your financial outcomes - the difference being your potential for financial growth at this moment. The solution to closing the gaps? Finding efficiencies. This is my geeky take on a critical topic that doesn't get enough attention.

A quick take on the ever-growing need by salons and pros to stand out in a meaningful way from the competition - and how your use of tech can add value to clients as well as help separate your business from the rest in meaningful ways. Please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com to sign up for my free weekly e-newsletter featuring my curation of new and interesting information, links, and more.

Today perhaps more than ever, there is tension by many (inside of the industry) between the ideas of artistry and service. Most concerning is what seems to be the opinion of many that these are mutually exclusive ideas - that we cannot be artists as well as 'service providers'. On that point, I've never heard a consumer call us with either of these terms. Both to me are inside the industry terms - as the public tends to call us their 'hairdressers, stylists and/or barbers'. A short rant on some big and important ideas around these industry conversations.

Part 3 of my look back at 2023 - and how we too often seem to be our own worst enemies coming out of the dysfunction of the pandemic era. Inflation is today's main topic - and my opinion that misinformation and misunderstandings are at the root of miscalculations by too many have kept the industry from growing in 2023.

I continue where i left off in Episode 64 - plus dig into how to think about the math of independence and setting prices. Arguably these two topics are industry-wide 'Achilles Heels'. For added context: when successful pros move to independence unprepared, their income will often fall. Multiply this times tens of thousands and the impact on the industry can be far-reaching. The same is true of price increases: if a large percentage of those controlling prices in salons choose not to keep pace with inflation, the impact on the larger industry can be significant. As an example, the larger percentage of traditional salons not keeping up with inflation in the past likely has fueled interest in independence as wages in those salons then also did not keep pace with the cost of living. Something to ponder.

2023 was a crazy year: Lots of success stories but perhaps even more failure (and mostly confusion over what it all might mean). My take relative to those who struggled: "overcorrection" of pricing, shifting of boundaries, and too many jumping unprepared into self-employment. For those who did well, the big ideas seem to align with pre-pandemic core success drivers: Great SERVICE and customer CARE....tied to a bit of hustle. Please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com to sign up for my free weekly e-newsletter featuring my curation of new and interesting information, links, and more.

Perhaps one of the most important questions any professional can ask themselves today is "Which business model is best for my career?" The answer is rarely simple - as the larger realities around the categories remain very much a mystery from a data perspective. Importantly, this episode features a mostly high-level look at the process that I suggest most follow in sorting through their aspirations and related options. 

Thanks to Nashville hairdresser @mikedenton for encouraging me to begin to tackle this big topic.

Iconic salon owner, educator, artist, and thought leader Sam Brocato joins Gordon to share his take on the impact of AI upon professional salons (as well as our larger industry). Sam is an early adopter of artificial intelligence who shares Gordon's belief that the technology is going to have a far-reaching impact on the business of beauty - as it will upon our larger world. To encapsulate his larger view: "AI is going to permeate every part of our lives" - Sam Brocato

Here to talk about pushing past the 'shackles' that hold most of us back in career and life, @DavidThurstonOfficial is known as an innovator. From Butterfly Lofts and Butterfly Circus (changing how many think about both suites and education) to becoming co-founder and now former CEO of Pulp Riot, David has been at the forefront of change for some time. His newest passion, @DangerJonesCreative, will launch its new color line on 4/1/2023 - in over 1200 stores with Cosmo Prof, Armstrong McCall & Modern Beauty! Next up: The Danger Jones Clothing line! Stay tuned for updates.