Fashion Doesn't Change?

Who says fashion doesn't change? Check out these YouTube videos, they are a riot!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZAA8hLutjs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRcRIbExrfg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zIMfBloHkc

Wishing you all the best in 2011! Happy New Year.

Never Be Afraid To Ask

The only bad question is the one never asked. Ask another stylist to show you a technique they know. You can cut years off your learning curve by getting tips, tricks and techniques from established stylists. Take what you learn from them, then make it your own.

Vidal Sassoon the Movie!

Take a look at the preview for the new Vidal Sassoon movie. You might be interested in checking it out, it's a very important part of our industry's history. I know I'm looking forward to seeing it!

Wishing you all a happy holiday season, and a very happy, healthy new year.

http://www.vidalsassoonthemovie.com/trailer.php

New iPad

Whatever great things people are saying about the iPad—it isn't enough. I just purchased one last week, and it's the coolest new product out there! I can't believe how many different things you can do with it. My favorite thus far is being able to connect back to my hometown through all the apps.


If you have the iPad, download the NY Post. If for nothing else, just to get a laugh. They have the best headlines every day.

What's Your Signature?

A signature is really an expression of your work. My signature is the outline of the cut. Take a look at this video and learn how to stand out with your own work.

Home at Last

Well, I made it home from the hospital two days ago and am feeling much better. After that experience I have realized more than ever how important good service is to a person. After being there for a week it became more and more apparent to me that people want to feel welcomed and cared for, including me. And at the hospital, I felt that. Even though I was in the worst pain, the people there made it bearable. Because of these amazing people, and the level of service they provided to me at all times, an experience that was certain to be awful, turned out to be great.

This made me think about our industry. If great service made my bad situation good, think what great service can for our salons? Do we provide that level of service to all of our clients? If we do, we're sure to be successful. Success doesn't solely rely on our location, or the materials we have in our salon - success depends on providing that one of a kind service to all our clients, at every visit.

Creative Talent Wins Big

Congratulations to Regis Corp. stylist, Tim Findon! Tim took first place in the Stylist category of the first-ever Matrix Mannequin Mania competition.

Competitions are a great way to re-energize your creativity. You wouldn’t give this look to a client, but challenging your skills teaches you what’s possible. And it’s a lot of fun. Then translating what you've learned about cut and color into new looks for your clients can ignite a passion for your work.

Thanks Tim, for your creative vision. We're really lucky to have amazing talent in our salons.

Tim Findon is a stylist at Outlooks for Hair in Harrisburg. PA. Read what Tim said about his winning look, "Calais" at http://www.mannequinmania.com/vote/?mannequin=1

Hospital Visit

For the past 6 days I have been stuck in the hospital with Pancreatitis. All I can say is Pancreatitis sucks - it's really painful. But, I've been lucky, I am going to be okay and that's what's important.

I am extremely disappointed that I missed our managers' meeting in Las Vegas this past weekend. I was really looking forward to the trip and seeing you all. I am also missing the next Hair Book shoot in NY, which I always look forward to. So, needless to say, I am disappointed.

I will say that the hospital staff is getting a kick out of me. I am able to get them to laugh—it's probably due to my inappropriate behavior and jokes.

Hope you all are having a great day. Remember, having a great day is a deliberate choice on your part - make the most of it!

Also, pass this site along to your fellow stylists. I am looking for followers. And, if you have any feedback for me on the blog, let me know! Email anything you would like to see, hear about, etc. to blogfeedback@regiscorp.com.

Thanks and good luck!
Gord

Secrets to a Successful Career

Success is in your hands. It's all about being your best, becoming who you want to be and standing out from the crowd.

American Crew Video Shoot

American Crew was in town yesterday shooting a new product video at our studio in Minneapolis. Take a look at some behind the scenes footage from the shoot.

Here is the Hairworld link - check it out. http://www.omchairworld.com/index.php?id=198

Holiday Rush - It's Official

Now more than ever it's so important to deliver a positive salon experience to your clients. During the holidays, clients are harried and hassled with all their planning. Creating an atmosphere of relaxation will benefit them and you. Start with a knockout shampoo massage to set the tone of the visit. Allowing your client to shut off for 30-60 minutes and trust you to create a great look for her is the best gift you can give her.

Suggest services that are quick, but make a big impact.
Highlights and lowlights really enhance a client's cut. You can boost her look and her mood with vibrant color and healthy, shiny hair.

A 15-minute in-salon conditioning treatment nourishes and moisturizes hair. It's also the perfect time for your client to sit back and take a deep breath.

Waxing is like a mini makeover. In just 10 minutes, your client has a fresh look.

Make the season bright for everyone in your salon.
Happy Holidays!

Change your hair... change your life?

In the movie Coco Before Chanel, after Coco moves to Paris a visiting friend comments on her short haircut. He tells her, "You know what they say, 'when a woman cuts her hair, she's about to change her life.'"

Not all salon visits are dramatic, but every salon visit results in a change and that change is important. A great look is visual self-esteem. Your look reflects who you are and impacts how you feel. Clients expect a lot from you, whether it's a trim or a completely new style, they look to you to fulfill their expectations. What will you do to stand above the rest to exceed those expectations and give your clients a superior—and maybe life-changing salon experience?

The 2 Rs of Making Money

Retention and Referrals help you build a client base and make more money.

Retention: Be nice to your clients and they'll come back. Yes, it's that simple. A smile, eye contact or saying "hello" makes a customer feel welcome. Take interest in your client's style by teaching styling tips and helping them choose products. And a "Thanks for coming in. I love doing your hair, " goes a long way.

Referrals: Asking a client to refer you to a friend can feel awkward, but it doesn't need to. Your regular clients should be happy to refer people to you. Just remember, don't ask a first-time client for a referral, you're still developing your stylist/client relationship and they may feel imposed upon. Wait until the third visit to ask a newer client for a referral.

Try the two Rs of building a client base in the next two months and keep track of your progress.

Good luck!

D.C. Hair Show

Michael O'Rourke joined me on stage at this years Supervisors' meeting hair show in Washington D.C. Check out a brief clip from some of the stage show and finale.

Go Home with Your Clients

OK not literally, but you can send your knowledge and the right products home with each client. Back when I was in the salon, we didn't have the product choices we have today. Products are your wardrobe of opportunity—choose the right one to dress your client's individual style.

Clients get frustrated when they can't recreate a great salon style at home, and choosing just one product from a wall of products can be overwhelming. Save your clients from wasted time and money by sending them home with the right products. They'll be happy and they'll look great.

Try it: Suggest a product to every client for the next month. You end up with happy clients and more money in your paycheck.

Supervisors' Trip to D.C.

Michael O'Rourke from the Institute of Courage
joined me and all of our supervisors in Washington D.C.
for a hair show. Check out the video to see pre-show

footage and find out what's crucial to keeping your clients.

Quick peek of our model prep prior to the hair show.