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/