why problem solving is so important in a salon

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8 effective solutions for 8 problems faced by hair & beauty salons

Managing a salon is fraught with challenges. Paradoxically, the bigger and more successful the business is, the more difficulties it faces. Although prevention is always better than cure, it is impossible to predict every potential problem. That is why we would like to help you solve them! Very frequently, problems which you encounter in the daily management of your salon can be solved more quickly and easily than you might imagine. However, sometimes it takes a little while before you come up with the ideal formula, which wastes your precious time and subjects you to unnecessary stress. The situation is entirely different if you use the right tools on a daily basis. With them, you can overcome (and prevent) any new challenges almost naturally, without excessive effort and needless worry. This article will provide you with some perfect examples. Below you will find descriptions of 8 effective solutions for 8 problems faced by most hair & beauty salons .

Imagine a paper notebook, full of important client information or dates of booked visits for the coming months. And now imagine a glass of coke, accidentally overturned, which completely destroys all the notes contained in that notebook. Or what if someone accidentally threw it away along with a pile of waste paper? Solution: Use an electronic calendar. Enjoy a well organised and mistake-free schedule of appointments, and a comprehensible and always up-to-date rota with a clear division of tasks. Copy and modify your work rotas so as to minimise the time it takes to create them. Provide yourself and your employees with unlimited remote access to the electronic calendar – without the risk of data loss as a result of an accident.

You want to ensure that each and every client receives the perfect customer service , but with so many people you are finding it difficult to remember all the important things. Worse still, in the past you have managed to confuse two ladies with similar surnames. A ring binder with notes would be no good here either, as who has time to search through heaps of paperwork on a daily basis to prepare themselves for upcoming visits? Solution: Get to know a truly transparent database, with client records and the history of their visits. This is yet another electronic solution which gives you the ability to add notes, copies of documents, as well as before and after photos. A convenient search engine will allow you to find the information you need in a matter of seconds, so you are always suitably prepared for your client visits.

Having clients wait for you while you answer a phone call may leave a negative impression on them. On the other hand, an unanswered phone call may mean losing a potential customer. How can we reconcile these two aspects? Solution: Make your booking system available to your clients online. Permit them to make their own appointments and save time on answering phone calls. Employ a virtual receptionist who sells your services even outside the salon's working hours and enjoy watching your calendar fill up with no effort at all.

Clients are only human, and it is human to forget. When clients forget to cancel appointments they cannot attend, it has a detrimental effect on the salon's finances. Not to mention that it wastes the specialist's time. Moreover, the person who forgot about their appointment is likely never to return to your salon, as they may feel embarrassed about this whole situation. This vision is not enticing. Solution: Use automatic reminders . Do not waste time calling your clients personally to make sure they remember about their appointments. Leave this in the hands of modern technology and minimise the number of missed appointments by up to 70%!

The client arrives at your salon, but although the right specialist is waiting, the visit cannot take place because the equipment needed is being used by someone else. This disastrous scenario spoils your relationship with the client and has a negative impact on your company's image. Solution: A good salon management system will help you ensure that the required tools are always available at the right time. When making an appointment, the system will automatically check the availability of the equipment or premises and suggest the appropriate date.

Do you wish to sell gift cards, packages or memberships to your clients, but find settling accounts and recording them exceptionally difficult? Are you afraid that by doing so, instead of making money, you may lose out? Solution: Comprehensive salon software includes features that make the activities related to the management of vouchers, packages and memberships simple and error-free. Enjoy the benefits provided and do not worry about any unnecessary formalities!

Accounting sometimes proves extremely challenging, especially when it comes to calculating your employees' salaries and commissions. Errors or ambiguities lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, which in turn spoils the atmosphere in your salon – and such a situation is unlikely to escape your clients’ attention... Solution: And what if we could make accounting a straightforward and enjoyable task? All you need is a well-designed software that collects and compiles all the data you need for making monthly settlements. Partial automation of this process will allow you to deal with it quickly and make your employees feel confident that they are treated fairly.

One of the worst-case scenarios of any salon is having to send a potential client away when it turns out that the salon lacks the required products or cosmetics to carry out the visit. Especially if you were under the impression that you had placed an order only a few days before! Or maybe was it a month ago...? Solution: Get yourself an electronic system with an online inventory that will let you report sales and expenditures, send orders to your suppliers and also help you in your stocktaking. From now on, it will be easy, fast and stress-free. Although running your own hair & beauty salon is a great challenge, you do not have to have super powers to handle everything. With the help of modern solutions, such as the Booksy hair & beauty salon software, you will easily cope with any task and provide your clients with the best service possible. Discover its comprehensive features and see how many problems it will enable you to avoid . Visit www.booksy.com and start using it for free.

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What is problem solving and why is it important

By Wayne Stottler , Kepner-Tregoe

• Problem Solving & Decision Making Over time, developing and refining problem solving skills provides the ability to solve increasingly complex problems Learn More

For over 60 years, Kepner-Tregoe has been helping companies across industries and geographies to develop and mature their problem-solving capabilities through KT’s industry leading approach to training and the implementation of best practice processes. Considering that problem solving is a part of almost every person’s daily life (both at home and in the workplace), it is surprising how often we are asked to explain what problem solving is and why it is important.

Problem solving is at the core of human evolution. It is the methods we use to understand what is happening in our environment, identify things we want to change and then figure out the things that need to be done to create the desired outcome. Problem solving is the source of all new inventions, social and cultural evolution, and the basis for market based economies. It is the basis for continuous improvement, communication and learning.

If this problem-solving thing is so important to daily life, what is it?

Problem-solving is the process of observing what is going on in your environment; identifying things that could be changed or improved; diagnosing why the current state is the way it is and the factors and forces that influence it; developing approaches and alternatives to influence change; making decisions about which alternative to select; taking action to implement the changes; and observing impact of those actions in the environment.

Each step in the problem-solving process employs skills and methods that contribute to the overall effectiveness of influencing change and determine the level of problem complexity that can be addressed. Humans learn how to solve simple problems from a very early age (learning to eat, make coordinated movements and communicate) – and as a person goes through life problem-solving skills are refined, matured and become more sophisticated (enabling them to solve more difficult problems).

Problem-solving is important both to individuals and organizations because it enables us to exert control over our environment.

Fixing things that are broken

Some things wear out and break over time, others are flawed from day-1. Personal and business environments are full of things, activities, interactions and processes that are broken or not operating in the way they are desired to work. Problem-solving gives us a mechanism for identifying these things, figuring out why they are broken and determining a course of action to fix them.

Addressing risk

Humans have learned to identify trends and developed an awareness of cause-and-effect relationships in their environment. These skills not only enable us to fix things when they break but also anticipate what may happen in the future (based on past-experience and current events). Problem-solving can be applied to the anticipated future events and used to enable action in the present to influence the likelihood of the event occurring and/or alter the impact if the event does occur.

Improving performance

Individuals and organizations do not exist in isolation in the environment. There is a complex and ever-changing web of relationships that exist and as a result, the actions of one person will often have either a direct impact on others or an indirect impact by changing the environment dynamics. These interdependencies enable humans to work together to solve more complex problems but they also create a force that requires everyone to continuously improve performance to adapt to improvements by others. Problem-solving helps us understand relationships and implement the changes and improvements needed to compete and survive in a continually changing environment.

Seizing opportunity

Problem solving isn’t just about responding to (and fixing) the environment that exists today. It is also about innovating, creating new things and changing the environment to be more desirable. Problem-solving enables us to identify and exploit opportunities in the environment and exert (some level of) control over the future.

Problem solving skills and the problem-solving process are a critical part of daily life both as individuals and organizations. Developing and refining these skills through training, practice and learning can provide the ability to solve problems more effectively and over time address problems with a greater degree of complexity and difficulty. View KT’s Problem Solving workshop known to be the gold standard for over 60 years.

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Strengthen Your Business With Good Problem-Solving Skills

One of the most important responsibilities of the salon owner or manager is to field complaints from unhappy customers. The tricky job is to handle an unsatisfied customer and the techni­cian who provided the service without losing either. If you handle the situation carefully, you can actually cre­ate deeper loyalty by solving a problem well than if you had never had a problem at all.

Having a clear policy for han­dling complaints ensures that com­plaints are handled uniformly and that problems can be resolved quickly. Here are some techniques I use and some salon owners I talked to for your consideration.

The customer is always right. Most of us realize that to have a pros­perous and growing service business, you must guarantee your services un­conditionally. When you are faced with an unhappy client, essentially you don’t do anything: You listen to the client and let her know you un­derstand her concern. In many cases, an unhappy customer just wants to be heard and to know that someone is taking her concerns seriously. Do what is necessary to calm the cus­tomer down (especially if she is standing in front of the salon letting the world know her nails fell off). Next, you want to decide what action you take to correct the situation.

Penny McKnight, owner of Elegance in Nails in Richardson, Texas, takes a real hands-on approach with dissatisfied clients. When she discovers a problem, she books the client for a service with herself and redoes the nails with the original nail technician sitting in on the service. “Often it’s just the smallest filing or shaping technique that needs correcting,” says McKnight, “and the client is happy and back with her original technician

Every nail technician in McK­night’s salon is aware that she calls on new clients to check on their service. She also makes a point to have personal contact with all new clients on their first visit to the salon and to assure than that their service will be a quality one. With this total involvement of her staff and the commitment to ser­vicing the customer, McKnight has a waiting list of technicians hoping to get a space in her salon.

Some salon owners who offer multiple services or have other du­ties may need to use a different ap­proach. Theresa Ward, who owns the multi-service Chameleon Salon in Menimack, N.H., takes a systematic approach to keep her customers (whom she calls “guests”) happy. Each guest is given a “traveler” sheet, which stays with than during their salon visit. All services and retail products are sanitized on this sheet so that nothing is missed when the client checks out. A follow-up call is made to the customer three days after her visit (on all chemical and nail ser­vices). Any dissatisfied guest is asked back to have a redo.

Ward says, “We use an incident log to record any complaints ­whether it’s cold coffee or products returned. We discuss all the infor­mation from the incident logs at our salon meetings.”

Of course, there is that occasion­al time when nothing you can do will satisfy an unhappy client. If you have exhausted all your options in attempting to resolve the issue and the client is still dissatisfied, just give her a refund and suggest she may be happier at another salon.

Customer follow-up is critical. Solving the client’s problem is step one. I also recommend that a note or call from you, the owner, to reassure the customer that the problem has been corrected will go a long way to­ward reinforcing your concern with the client. Finding new customers is a lot more costly for owners than simply maintaining their current ones. Depending on the nature of the initial complaint or the potential future business of a customer, I would even recom­mend sending a small gift or a discount offer on a future service to accompany your fol­low-up note. The key is to get the customer back in the salon and to show her you can continue to service her well.

The customer who gives you an opportu­nity to fix a problem is one to be valued. So many clients will sim­ply just leave and never tell you the reason why. You should be thankful for the complaining customer because she is giving you the opportunity to keep her business.

Nail technician defense vs. offense. The unhappy customer is only half the solution in resolving a conflict. Handling the technician who originally serviced the client is equally important. You want to ensure that the problem that upset the client is not repeated, but you also want your nail technicians to know that you support them.

Never discuss the problem in front of other salon personnel or clients; always discuss problems privately and as soon after the incident as possible. There are always two sides to the story. Watch out, however, for the technician who always blames the client. It is the owner’s job to show, through constructive criticism, how the technician can learn from the incident.

Devise a “rework notice” so you can keep track of services that have to be corrected.  On each notice, include the clients name, the service technician, service date, service type, and fee.  Also explain how the problem was resolved.  You need a clear-cut policy about compensation for the rework.  This has to fit the compensation plan you have in place.  If your staff are employees, the technician satisfying the client should be the one who gets paid.  If the same technician does the re-work, she should not get paid twice.

 A technician who seems to be piling up rework notices probably needs more training in weaker skill areas.  If her skills do not improve within an agreed-upon time frame, rework notices in the employee file will help prove your reason for termination. 

No news is good news.  Of course, the best-case scenario is having clients 100% of the time.  The more closely your staff works to support each other and the more consistent your salon training programs are, the fewer of these unpleasant matters you’ll have to arbitrate.  Before the next one happens, know what you will do before it happens. 

10 Ideas for Handling Customer Complaints

1.                  Always guarantee your services and products.

2.                  Stay calm when you have an upset customer.

3.                  Find out what will make the customer happy.  Ask her!

4.                  Try to fix the problem immediately.

5.                  If you can't fix the problem, refund her money.

6.                  Discuss the problem privately with the technician ASAP.

7.                  Document the problem.

8.                  Have a rework compensation policy.

9.                  Do rework training.

10.               Follow-up with the customer and the technician.

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8 ways to take salon client care to the next level

Last updated on August 22, 2023

Published March 16, 2023

Clients are the heart and soul of a beauty and wellness business. Whether you're a salon owner or a stylist, exceptional client care is crucial to the success of your salon. Not only does it help you build a loyal customer base, it also drives positive word-of-mouth referrals, which are invaluable to growing your business. Creating a welcoming environment, tailoring each service to the individual client's needs, and making sure they leave feeling relaxed and happy are key.

We cover eight tips to help take your client care to the next level, from how to communicate effectively to timeliness, personalisation and much more.

Communicate effectively

Effective communication can provide a positive experience for clients as it makes them feel heard and understood. Make sure to explain each step of the service and address any questions or concerns they may have.

Active listening can go a long way: give clients your full attention and avoid distractions. Listening carefully to client concerns, making eye contact, nodding to show that you are engaged, and asking questions to clarify any points. Repeat back what they have said to ensure that you have understood correctly, and provide a clear explanation of the services being offered. This will also help you ensure that the expectations are aligned from the start and that your clients leave your salon happy and feeling cared for.

Don't forget that communicating effectively goes beyond verbal communication: body language also plays a part. Use open body language, make sure to maintain eye contact to convey interest and engagement, and smile to offer a sense of warmth and friendliness.

Where possible, personalise the experience

Personalise the client experience by tailoring your services and interactions to meet individual needs and preferences, from the products you use to the music you play. To help you do so, take the time to get to know your clients, understanding their preferences, concerns, and any special requirements they may have.

From customised add-on services based on the client's preferences, such as a scalp massage or a customised hair treatment, to following up with personalised messages including aftercare tips or a reminder of their next appointment, you can add personalisation to different moments of the client experience. Customising your approach can help strengthen your relationship with clients and make them feel appreciated.

Your  business software can be a great partner in personalising the client experience as it helps you store and visualise client data, such as their favourite services, products, and scheduling preferences.

Pay attention to detail

Clients expect a high level of attention to detail when it comes to their appearance, and it is up to salon staff to provide a meticulous service that meets those expectations. This can mean taking the time to ensure that haircuts are perfectly even, hair colour is evenly applied, and gel polish is executed flawlessly, for example. It can also mean paying attention and noting the little things, such as their favourite nail polish colour or drink preference. Using that knowledge on their next appointment can help make your clients feel valued and cared for.

Timeliness is key

Time is extremely valuable, and clients expect their salon experience to be efficient and timely. Make sure that appointments start and end on time, and clients are not kept waiting unnecessarily — an  online booking software can help you. Provide clients with realistic time estimates for their services. This can help to manage their expectations and ensure that they aren't left feeling rushed or dissatisfied with their salon experience.

Follow-up is a crucial aspect of client care that is often overlooked. By following up with clients after their visit, you can ensure that they are satisfied with their services and address any concerns or issues they may have.

This can take many forms, from sending a personalised email or text message to conducting a follow-up phone call or survey. Showing that you care about their experience and are committed to addressing their needs helps you build trust and loyalty.

A follow-up is also an excellent opportunity to ask them to leave a review — they are a great way to  boost your credibility online and help you get more clients.

Keep it professional

By projecting a professional image, you can ensure that clients feel comfortable and confident in your services. Make sure to dress appropriately and be mindful of your language and behaviour. Clients also expect staff to be knowledgeable, skilled, and up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the industry — doing so can help boost their trust in your services.

Maintaining a clean and organised salon is also essential for providing a positive client experience. Make sure that salon equipment is clean and well-maintained, sanitise your workspace regularly, and keep your equipment and supplies organised. This will help make the salon environment more comfortable and inviting.

Finally, treat clients with respect and courtesy, and check in with them during services to make sure they are comfortable and satisfied. This will help you make any necessary adjustments to ensure that they feel satisfied.

Use quality products, equipment and software

Using high-quality products, equipment and software can help you provide better results and experiences for your clients. Make sure to invest in quality tools and products that will provide the best possible outcomes for your clients, and choose a software provider that allows them to find and book your services with ease. 

Upsell, where suitable

When done properly, upselling can help clients achieve their desired results and add value to their in-salon experience. Treatments and products that complement the service originally booked can help enhance the results of a treatment, in turn making them feel more pampered and taken care of. Upselling can also open a door to educating clients about the benefits of the services or products offered, helping them make more informed decisions about their future bookings and purchases.

Approach upselling with care, prioritising clients' needs and desires to enhance their experience. Be transparent about the costs and benefits of the services or products you're offering, and never pressure them into making a purchase.

Upselling can also help increase revenue, which can be reinvested into your salon infrastructure and help you provide an even better client experience.

Client care checklist

We've prepared a checklist to guide your client care efforts so you can easily create a welcoming and personalised experience for every client that walks through your door.

• Greet clients warmly and make them feel welcome from the moment they walk in the door.
• Ensure that the salon is clean, tidy, and well-maintained.
• Listen actively to clients' needs and preferences, and make sure to tailor your services and interactions accordingly.
• Use clients' names during interactions to create a personalised experience.
• Manage your schedule effectively to minimise wait times and ensure that clients are seen at their scheduled appointment time.
• Pay attention to details like cleanliness, lighting, temperature, and music to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Follow up with clients after the service to make sure they are satisfied and address any concerns they may have.
• Maintain a professional demeanour at all times, from your appearance and attire to your language and behaviour.
• Offer additional services or products to enhance the client's experience and increase revenue for the salon.

Elevating your client care is crucial to building a loyal customer base. The trick lies in effective communication, personalisation, attention to detail, timely service, consistent follow-up, professionalism and the use of quality products/equipment/software. Follow these eight tips and make your clients feel welcome, appreciated and valued while delivering exceptional services. And with Fresha's salon management software, you can simplify business operations and take your client care to the next level. Sign up for free today. 

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What Are Problem-Solving Skills and Why Do They Matter?

Problem-solving skills are the ability to identify challenges, analyze them, and develop effective solutions. These skills are crucial not only in professional environments but also in everyday life situations. Whether it’s overcoming obstacles at work, resolving conflicts in relationships, or tackling complex issues, honing problem-solving skills can lead to more efficient and successful outcomes.

Understanding the Essence of Problem-Solving Skills

At the core of problem-solving skills lies a set of cognitive processes that enable individuals to navigate through challenges. These processes include critical thinking, creativity, decision-making, and analytical reasoning. Problem-solving also involves various approaches, such as trial and error, deductive reasoning, and lateral thinking.

The Significance of Problem-Solving Skills

In both personal and professional contexts, individuals with strong problem-solving abilities tend to excel. They can adapt to changing circumstances, make informed decisions, and resolve conflicts effectively. Employers value employees who can identify problems, propose solutions, and implement them efficiently, contributing to organizational success.

Vati is your ultimate career planning and assessment platform , designed to empower individuals in navigating their professional journey with confidence. for developing essential problem-solving skills. Through interactive modules, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance, Vati empowers users to enhance their critical thinking, decision-making, and analytical abilities. Whether in personal or professional settings, Vati equips individuals with the tools needed to tackle challenges with confidence and efficiency.

Vati offers insights, examples, and techniques to empower individuals in navigating life’s challenges effectively and efficiently.

How to Enhance Your Problem-Solving Skills

Improving problem-solving skills is a continuous process that involves several steps:

• Identify the Problem: Clearly define the issue or challenge you are facing.
• Gather Relevant Information: Collect data and facts necessary to understand the problem fully.
• Generate Potential Solutions: Brainstorm various approaches or strategies to address the problem.
• Evaluate and Select the Best Solution: Assess the pros and cons of each solution and choose the most suitable one.
• Implement the Solution: Put your chosen solution into action, considering practical constraints and resources.
• Reflect on the Outcome: Analyze the results of your actions and identify lessons learned for future reference.

Practical Strategies for Improving Problem-Solving Skills

To enhance your problem-solving abilities, consider the following strategies:

• Practice Critical Thinking : Engage in activities that require logical reasoning and analysis.
• Engage in Brainstorming Sessions: Collaborate with others to generate creative solutions to complex problems.
• Seek Feedback and Learn from Mistakes: Embrace constructive criticism and use failures as opportunities for growth.
• Embrace Challenges and Setbacks: View obstacles as learning opportunities and remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Examples of Problem-Solving Skills in Action

In the workplace, problem-solving skills are demonstrated through:

• Resolving conflicts among team members.
• Developing innovative solutions to increase efficiency.
• Handling customer complaints and finding satisfactory resolutions.

In everyday life, problem-solving skills are showcased when:

• Planning and organizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Negotiating compromises in interpersonal relationships.
• Finding alternative routes to reach a destination during unexpected road closures.

What are the 7 Problem-Solving Techniques?

• Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the issue or challenge you are facing.
• Brainstorm Solutions: Generate as many potential solutions as possible without judgment.
• Evaluate Options: Assess the feasibility and effectiveness of each solution.
• Choose the Best Solution: Select the most suitable option based on the evaluation.
• Implement the Solution: Put the chosen solution into action.
• Monitor Progress: Track the implementation process and make adjustments as needed.
• Reflect and Learn from the Process: Analyze the outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, problem-solving skills are indispensable assets that empower individuals to navigate through life’s challenges with confidence and efficiency. By honing these skills through practice, reflection, and continuous learning , individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve success in various aspects of their lives.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How can problem-solving skills benefit me in my career?

Problem-solving skills are highly valued by employers as they enable individuals to tackle complex challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute to organizational success.

2. Can problem-solving skills be learned, or are they innate?

While some people may have a natural inclination towards problem-solving, these skills can be developed and refined through practice, experience, and learning from mistakes.

3. What role does creativity play in problem-solving?

Creativity is essential in problem-solving as it allows individuals to think outside the box, generate innovative solutions, and approach challenges from different perspectives.

4. How can I assess my problem-solving skills?

You can assess your problem-solving skills by reflecting on past experiences, seeking feedback from others, and actively engaging in problem-solving activities.

5. Are there specific industries where problem-solving skills are particularly crucial?

Problem-solving skills are valuable in virtually every industry, including business, healthcare, education, technology, and government, as they enable individuals to address diverse challenges and seize opportunities for growth and innovation.

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Why Problem-Solving Skills Are Essential for Leaders in Any Industry

• 17 Jan 2023

Any organization offering a product or service is in the business of solving problems.

Whether providing medical care to address health issues or quick convenience to those hungry for dinner, a business’s purpose is to satisfy customer needs .

In addition to solving customers’ problems, you’ll undoubtedly encounter challenges within your organization as it evolves to meet customer needs. You’re likely to experience growing pains in the form of missed targets, unattained goals, and team disagreements.

Yet, the ubiquity of problems doesn’t have to be discouraging; with the right frameworks and tools, you can build the skills to solve consumers' and your organization’s most challenging issues.

Here’s a primer on problem-solving in business, why it’s important, the skills you need, and how to build them.

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What Is Problem-Solving in Business?

Problem-solving is the process of systematically removing barriers that prevent you or others from reaching goals.

Your business removes obstacles in customers’ lives through its products or services, just as you can remove obstacles that keep your team from achieving business goals.

Design Thinking

Design thinking , as described by Harvard Business School Dean Srikant Datar in the online course Design Thinking and Innovation , is a human-centered , solutions-based approach to problem-solving and innovation. Originally created for product design, design thinking’s use case has evolved . It’s now used to solve internal business problems, too.

The design thinking process has four stages :

• Clarify: Clarify a problem through research and feedback from those impacted.
• Ideate: Armed with new insights, generate as many solutions as possible.
• Develop: Combine and cull your ideas into a short list of viable, feasible, and desirable options before building prototypes (if making physical products) and creating a plan of action (if solving an intangible problem).
• Implement: Execute the strongest idea, ensuring clear communication with all stakeholders about its potential value and deliberate reasoning.

Using this framework, you can generate innovative ideas that wouldn’t have surfaced otherwise.

Creative Problem-Solving

Another, less structured approach to challenges is creative problem-solving , which employs a series of exercises to explore open-ended solutions and develop new perspectives. This is especially useful when a problem’s root cause has yet to be defined.

You can use creative problem-solving tools in design thinking’s “ideate” stage, which include:

• Brainstorming: Instruct everyone to develop as many ideas as possible in an allotted time frame without passing judgment.
• Divergent thinking exercises: Rather than arriving at the same conclusion (convergent thinking), instruct everyone to come up with a unique idea for a given prompt (divergent thinking). This type of exercise helps avoid the tendency to agree with others’ ideas without considering alternatives.
• Alternate worlds: Ask your team to consider how various personas would manage the problem. For instance, how would a pilot approach it? What about a young child? What about a seasoned engineer?

It can be tempting to fall back on how problems have been solved before, especially if they worked well. However, if you’re striving for innovation, relying on existing systems can stunt your company’s growth.

Related: How to Be a More Creative Problem-Solver at Work: 8 Tips

Why Is Problem-Solving Important for Leaders?

While obstacles’ specifics vary between industries, strong problem-solving skills are crucial for leaders in any field.

Whether building a new product or dealing with internal issues, you’re bound to come up against challenges. Having frameworks and tools at your disposal when they arise can turn issues into opportunities.

As a leader, it’s rarely your responsibility to solve a problem single-handedly, so it’s crucial to know how to empower employees to work together to find the best solution.

Your job is to guide them through each step of the framework and set the parameters and prompts within which they can be creative. Then, you can develop a list of ideas together, test the best ones, and implement the chosen solution.

Related: 5 Design Thinking Skills for Business Professionals

4 Problem-Solving Skills All Leaders Need

1. problem framing.

One key skill for any leader is framing problems in a way that makes sense for their organization. Problem framing is defined in Design Thinking and Innovation as determining the scope, context, and perspective of the problem you’re trying to solve.

“Before you begin to generate solutions for your problem, you must always think hard about how you’re going to frame that problem,” Datar says in the course.

For instance, imagine you work for a company that sells children’s sneakers, and sales have plummeted. When framing the problem, consider:

• What is the children’s sneaker market like right now?
• Should we improve the quality of our sneakers?
• Should we assess all children’s footwear?
• Is this a marketing issue for children’s sneakers specifically?
• Is this a bigger issue that impacts how we should market or produce all footwear?

While there’s no one right way to frame a problem, how you do can impact the solutions you generate. It’s imperative to accurately frame problems to align with organizational priorities and ensure your team generates useful ideas for your firm.

To solve a problem, you need to empathize with those impacted by it. Empathy is the ability to understand others’ emotions and experiences. While many believe empathy is a fixed trait, it’s a skill you can strengthen through practice.

When confronted with a problem, consider whom it impacts. Returning to the children’s sneaker example, think of who’s affected:

• Your organization’s employees, because sales are down
• The customers who typically buy your sneakers
• The children who typically wear your sneakers

Empathy is required to get to the problem’s root and consider each group’s perspective. Assuming someone’s perspective often isn’t accurate, so the best way to get that information is by collecting user feedback.

For instance, if you asked customers who typically buy your children’s sneakers why they’ve stopped, they could say, “A new brand of children’s sneakers came onto the market that have soles with more traction. I want my child to be as safe as possible, so I bought those instead.”

When someone shares their feelings and experiences, you have an opportunity to empathize with them. This can yield solutions to their problem that directly address its root and shows you care. In this case, you may design a new line of children’s sneakers with extremely grippy soles for added safety, knowing that’s what your customers care most about.

Related: 3 Effective Methods for Assessing Customer Needs

3. Breaking Cognitive Fixedness

Cognitive fixedness is a state of mind in which you examine situations through the lens of past experiences. This locks you into one mindset rather than allowing you to consider alternative possibilities.

For instance, your cognitive fixedness may make you think rubber is the only material for sneaker treads. What else could you use? Is there a grippier alternative you haven’t considered?

Problem-solving is all about overcoming cognitive fixedness. You not only need to foster this skill in yourself but among your team.

4. Creating a Psychologically Safe Environment

As a leader, it’s your job to create an environment conducive to problem-solving. In a psychologically safe environment, all team members feel comfortable bringing ideas to the table, which are likely influenced by their personal opinions and experiences.

If employees are penalized for “bad” ideas or chastised for questioning long-held procedures and systems, innovation has no place to take root.

By employing the design thinking framework and creative problem-solving exercises, you can foster a setting in which your team feels comfortable sharing ideas and new, innovative solutions can grow.

How to Build Problem-Solving Skills

The most obvious answer to how to build your problem-solving skills is perhaps the most intimidating: You must practice.

Again and again, you’ll encounter challenges, use creative problem-solving tools and design thinking frameworks, and assess results to learn what to do differently next time.

While most of your practice will occur within your organization, you can learn in a lower-stakes setting by taking an online course, such as Design Thinking and Innovation . Datar guides you through each tool and framework, presenting real-world business examples to help you envision how you would approach the same types of problems in your organization.

Are you interested in uncovering innovative solutions for your organization’s business problems? Explore Design Thinking and Innovation —one of our online entrepreneurship and innovation courses —to learn how to leverage proven frameworks and tools to solve challenges. Not sure which course is right for you? Download our free flowchart .

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How to Solve Common Spa Management Issues

• 11 January 2022

Spa management offers independence and creativity. Creating a relaxing environment with great service involves strong communication and problem-solving skills. Sometimes managing this environment can be stressful, but the proper training can help managers be successful.

                Here are five common issues spa managers deal with and possible solutions:

• Difficulty Booking Appointments

                Spa professionals are often expected to book their own appointments with customers. The time it takes to book an appointment takes away from the time a cosmetologist could be spending with customers. A client’s service shouldn’t be paused so that their hairdresser can make another appointment.

                Online booking makes scheduling easier for both spa employees and customers. Clients will have a clear understanding of each employee’s availability and what services they offer. Spa employees will be able to dedicate all their time to servicing their clients instead of worrying about overbooking.

• Customer Loyalty

                The spa industry is competitive. Bad service or a lack of equipment won’t result in a second visit. Customers that feel valued will want to come back.

                Keeping client records and making sure to send them personalized messages like birthday wishes will let them know they’re appreciated. Create a social media page and fill it with fun content. Clients will feel like movie stars when they see their blowout on their favorite spa’s social media page.

• Spa Maintenance

          Spas have a lot of moving parts. Oils and shampoos can run out and equipment can break. Keeping these issues in mind is important for retaining customers and avoiding overspending.

            Maintaining a spa requires diligent management. This requires having a good system to keep track of supplies and order when stock is low. It’s important to make sure that there’s always a backup budget in case of an emergency.

• Employee Retention

                Spa employees, like clients, need to feel appreciated to stay. It’s difficult enough to work long hours standing and working with many clients. The situation sours when their management refuses to listen to them.

                Schedule regular meetings with employees and put their feedback into practice. Ask employees about their career goals and ideas so they know they’re valued. Make sure that each employee’s payment reflects the service that they are putting into the company.

• Target Budgeting and Goals

                A spa is a business. It needs to have financial and customer growth goals to continue to thrive. Keeping track of these goals shows where a spa business is succeeding and where it needs improvement.

                A great way to start setting goals is to write down a mission statement. A mission statement is a reminder of the personal vision behind the goals. Keep track of sales data and budgets to constantly assess your goals.

Learn More About Spa Management

                The Salon and Spa Leadership program at Health and Style Institute prepares students to become leaders in the spa industry. This 1,800-hour program trains students to become master cosmetologists and managers.

                Call 1-844-94-STYLE for more information.

Learn more:

Keeping Your Team Motivated

How to retain long-term salon & spa employees, what is salon and spa leadership at health and style institute.

• Top 10 Qualities of a Strong Salon and Spa Leader

How Do You Manage a Successful Beauty Salon/Spa?

Communication in salon management: a definitive guide.

• 8 Skills That Will Make You A Successful Salon And Spa Owner

How Should You Market Your Salon And Spa?

Five leadership styles and how they apply to the salon and spa industry, how 2020 has shaped the salon and spa industry, related posts.

How Salons And Spas Can Improve Their Appointment Scheduling

March 29, 2024

Common Problems Salon Managers Need To Watch Out For

March 22, 2024

December 18, 2023

August 28, 2023

April 5, 2022

December 29, 2021

June 30, 2021

November 13, 2020

September 30, 2020

August 12, 2020

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Overview of the Problem-Solving Mental Process

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

• Identify the Problem
• Define the Problem
• Form a Strategy
• Organize Information
• Allocate Resources
• Monitor Progress
• Evaluate the Results

Frequently Asked Questions

Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue.

The best strategy for solving a problem depends largely on the unique situation. In some cases, people are better off learning everything they can about the issue and then using factual knowledge to come up with a solution. In other instances, creativity and insight are the best options.

It is not necessary to follow problem-solving steps sequentially, It is common to skip steps or even go back through steps multiple times until the desired solution is reached.

In order to correctly solve a problem, it is often important to follow a series of steps. Researchers sometimes refer to this as the problem-solving cycle. While this cycle is portrayed sequentially, people rarely follow a rigid series of steps to find a solution.

The following steps include developing strategies and organizing knowledge.

1. Identifying the Problem

While it may seem like an obvious step, identifying the problem is not always as simple as it sounds. In some cases, people might mistakenly identify the wrong source of a problem, which will make attempts to solve it inefficient or even useless.

Some strategies that you might use to figure out the source of a problem include :

• Asking questions about the problem
• Breaking the problem down into smaller pieces
• Looking at the problem from different perspectives
• Conducting research to figure out what relationships exist between different variables

2. Defining the Problem

After the problem has been identified, it is important to fully define the problem so that it can be solved. You can define a problem by operationally defining each aspect of the problem and setting goals for what aspects of the problem you will address

At this point, you should focus on figuring out which aspects of the problems are facts and which are opinions. State the problem clearly and identify the scope of the solution.

3. Forming a Strategy

After the problem has been identified, it is time to start brainstorming potential solutions. This step usually involves generating as many ideas as possible without judging their quality. Once several possibilities have been generated, they can be evaluated and narrowed down.

The next step is to develop a strategy to solve the problem. The approach used will vary depending upon the situation and the individual's unique preferences. Common problem-solving strategies include heuristics and algorithms.

• Heuristics are mental shortcuts that are often based on solutions that have worked in the past. They can work well if the problem is similar to something you have encountered before and are often the best choice if you need a fast solution.
• Algorithms are step-by-step strategies that are guaranteed to produce a correct result. While this approach is great for accuracy, it can also consume time and resources.

Heuristics are often best used when time is of the essence, while algorithms are a better choice when a decision needs to be as accurate as possible.

4. Organizing Information

Before coming up with a solution, you need to first organize the available information. What do you know about the problem? What do you not know? The more information that is available the better prepared you will be to come up with an accurate solution.

When approaching a problem, it is important to make sure that you have all the data you need. Making a decision without adequate information can lead to biased or inaccurate results.

5. Allocating Resources

Of course, we don't always have unlimited money, time, and other resources to solve a problem. Before you begin to solve a problem, you need to determine how high priority it is.

If it is an important problem, it is probably worth allocating more resources to solving it. If, however, it is a fairly unimportant problem, then you do not want to spend too much of your available resources on coming up with a solution.

At this stage, it is important to consider all of the factors that might affect the problem at hand. This includes looking at the available resources, deadlines that need to be met, and any possible risks involved in each solution. After careful evaluation, a decision can be made about which solution to pursue.

6. Monitoring Progress

After selecting a problem-solving strategy, it is time to put the plan into action and see if it works. This step might involve trying out different solutions to see which one is the most effective.

It is also important to monitor the situation after implementing a solution to ensure that the problem has been solved and that no new problems have arisen as a result of the proposed solution.

Effective problem-solvers tend to monitor their progress as they work towards a solution. If they are not making good progress toward reaching their goal, they will reevaluate their approach or look for new strategies .

7. Evaluating the Results

After a solution has been reached, it is important to evaluate the results to determine if it is the best possible solution to the problem. This evaluation might be immediate, such as checking the results of a math problem to ensure the answer is correct, or it can be delayed, such as evaluating the success of a therapy program after several months of treatment.

Once a problem has been solved, it is important to take some time to reflect on the process that was used and evaluate the results. This will help you to improve your problem-solving skills and become more efficient at solving future problems.

A Word From Verywell​

It is important to remember that there are many different problem-solving processes with different steps, and this is just one example. Problem-solving in real-world situations requires a great deal of resourcefulness, flexibility, resilience, and continuous interaction with the environment.

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You can become a better problem solving by:

• Practicing brainstorming and coming up with multiple potential solutions to problems
• Being open-minded and considering all possible options before making a decision
• Breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable pieces
• Asking for help when needed
• Researching different problem-solving techniques and trying out new ones
• Learning from mistakes and using them as opportunities to grow

It's important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about what's going on. Try to see things from their perspective as well as your own. Work together to find a resolution that works for both of you. Be willing to compromise and accept that there may not be a perfect solution.

Take breaks if things are getting too heated, and come back to the problem when you feel calm and collected. Don't try to fix every problem on your own—consider asking a therapist or counselor for help and insight.

If you've tried everything and there doesn't seem to be a way to fix the problem, you may have to learn to accept it. This can be difficult, but try to focus on the positive aspects of your life and remember that every situation is temporary. Don't dwell on what's going wrong—instead, think about what's going right. Find support by talking to friends or family. Seek professional help if you're having trouble coping.

Davidson JE, Sternberg RJ, editors.  The Psychology of Problem Solving .  Cambridge University Press; 2003. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511615771

Sarathy V. Real world problem-solving .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2018;12:261. Published 2018 Jun 26. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00261

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Why are problem solving skills in the workplace so important? Subskills, benefits, scenarios

Test your candidates' problem-solving skills with testgorilla.

The importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace can’t be overstated. Every business and job role has its problems. From entry-level hires to senior staffers, every one of your employees will face challenges that don’t can’t be answered by doing a quick Google search – or asking ChatGPT to come up with solutions.

That’s why employers must hire people with excellent problem-solving skills, especially for roles that require dealing with complex business challenges, tight deadlines, and changing variables – for example, when recruiting leaders .

But what are problem-solving skills? What role do they play in the workplace? 

And, most importantly, how can you evaluate candidates’ skills before you hire them?

Table of contents

What are problem solving skills, the benefits of problem solving skills: why are problem solving skills important , examples of problems at the workplace – and how problem solving skills can help, how to assess problem solving skills, evaluate problem solving skills and hire candidates who can think for themselves.

To fully understand the importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace, it’s important first to understand the broad skill set that we commonly refer to as “problem solving skills”. 

Generally, problem-solving refers to a person’s ability to successfully manage and find solutions for complex and unexpected situations. 

Candidates with great problem-solving skills have a combination of analytical and creative thinking. They’re comfortable with making decisions and confident enough to rise to challenges in the workplace.

These candidates possess a combination of analytical, creative, and critical-thinking skills – and a high level of attention to detail . As a result, they will quickly identify problems when they arise and identify the most effective solutions. 

They’ll also identify the factors and forces that might have caused the problem and instigate changes to mitigate future challenges.

There are six key problem-solving skills that you should look for when assessing job candidates: 

1. Listening skills

Active listeners are generally great problem solvers. 

They can listen to those around them to gather the information needed to solve the problem at hand. They also recognize the importance of valuing others’ opinions and experiences to help understand why the problem occurred and define the best course of action to remedy it. 

2. Analytical thinking skills 

Analytical thinkers can identify the logical reasons why a problem occurred, what the long-term effects of the issue could be, and identify how effective different solutions might be to select the most practical one. 

That’s why it’s essential to assess analytical thinking skills during recruitment.

3. Creative thinking skills

Creative thinkers can balance their analytical skills with creative approaches to challenges. Creative thinking skills enable individuals to uncover innovative and progressive solutions to problems. 

In this way, they’re able to provide new perspectives and provide imaginative and experimental solutions to all kinds of problems. 

4. Communication skills 

Problem solvers should also possess great communication skills . The ability to effectively relay complex information thoroughly yet succinctly is a huge benefit for employers working in fast-paced environments. 

5. Decision-making skills 

Those with problem-solving skills will also possess the ability to make decisions and be confident in them. This is important, because most problem-solving involves making firm decisions to reach a successful outcome. 

6. Teamwork

Although problem-solvers need to be independent thinkers, it’s also vital for them to work well as part of a team . 

Determining the best solution often requires collaboration, so it’s important that candidates can demonstrate how they can motivate others to come up with the best solutions and work with them to help develop and implement solutions. 

Problem-solving skills enable you to find candidates who are cognitively equipped to handle anything their jobs throw at them.

Problem solvers can observe, judge, and act quickly when difficulties arise when they inevitably do. Moreover, they are not afraid of the unknown, which is invaluable to employers who rely on their employees to identify and solve problems. 

There are several important benefits of problem-solving skills in the workplace. Below, we’ll go through five of the most significant ones that all problem solvers can bring to their roles and workplaces: 

1. Ability to organize their time intelligently 

Time management skills can often be underlooked as one of the benefits of problem-solving skills in the workplace. 

However, those with problem-solving abilities also typically possess stellar time-management skills. The ability to manage their time wisely and laser-focus on what’s important to the business will lead to better decision-making and business impact. 

2. Ability to prioritize, plan, and execute strategies

Problem solvers have no issue with carefully assessing customer and business needs and deciding how to prioritize, plan, and execute strategies to meet them. They can manage all moving parts and strategize to meet multiple unique demands.

3. Ability to think outside the box

Problem solvers can often identify hidden opportunities in problems. Thinking outside of the box is an important problem-solving skill in the workplace, because it can often lead to better outcomes than the originally expected ones. 

4. Ability to work under pressure

This is often one of the most important benefits of problem-solving skills in the workplace. Problem solvers often work well under pressure, for example when dealing with short deadlines and changing project requirements.

Depending on your workplace culture, you might prefer someone who can deliver quick solutions or someone who takes their time to identify the next steps. Both are valid and important problem solving qualities. 

5. Ability to address risk

Planning is an important problem-solving skill. Problem solvers are not just equipped to deal with the problem at hand but are also able to anticipate problems that will arise in the future based on trends, patterns, experience, and current events.

Let’s now look at some specific examples of problems that could arise at the workplace – at any workplace, really – and how employees’ problem solving skills can help address each issue. 

Below, you’ll find five typical scenarios where problem solving skills are essential.

Conflict between team members

Poor team dynamics or lack of a collaborative spirit might result in frequent workplace conflicts – especially within larger teams.

For example, members of cross-functional teams might disagree on the way they should address a particular issue or even on the priority they should give to it. 

How problem solving skills can help: 

Teamwork is essential when solving conflict – and a cornerstone of effective cross-functional team leadership .

For this, coworkers need to share a common understanding of the team’s goals and also be willing to work towards achieving them, even when they disagree on the specific approaches to each goal.  The ability to understand others’ perspectives, analyze information critically, and come up with a few different solutions is key to finding a common ground and making progress on the team’s objectives.

Inefficient processes

Outdated, inefficient processes can reduce productivity and frustrate employees.

Multi-step approval processes are a typical example of this. Having multiple layers of approval for routine decisions can significantly slow down team progress and lead to missed opportunities.

Analytical thinking skills are key in identifying inefficiencies and building better procedures. Employees or team leads can build flowcharts that speed up decision making without having to ask a supervisor’s permission at every step of the process. 

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Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and lack of clarity and direction – which, in turn, can be detrimental to team performance. 

For example, if you’re a remote-first company, maintaining clear and effective remote communication can be challenging. 

The over-reliance on emails and messaging apps might make it feel like teams are communicating effectively and are always connected. However, the lack of non-verbal cues and face-to-face interactions might make it more difficult to build rapport and a positive workplace culture .

Listening skills are essential to solving communication issues – and good listeners are often excellent at solving problems by recognizing, understanding, and acknowledging others’ points of view. 

One-on-one meetings enable people to communicate more freely and effectively and solve challenges together, so consider encouraging team members to hop on a call each time they encounter a difficult challenge.

Additionally, you can help employees bond with each other with some remote team building activities to improve team cohesion. Plus, problem solving challenges can be excellent team building exercises.

Technological disruptions 

New technologies often disrupt the usual ways of doing things – and sometimes, this can be disruptive for entire teams’ work. 

For example, generative AI and automation technologies have revolutionized numerous types of work, including data analysis, marketing, customer service, and even content creation.

Creative thinking and cognitive flexibility are among the top 10 most important skills of the future , according to the World Economic Forum. Both are essential for adopting new technologies successfully – and finding ways to make the most out of each new tool to improve productivity. 

Insufficient onboarding resources 

Team members may struggle to do their best work if they haven't received proper training or resources.

For example, start-ups that experience rapid growth might hire a few employees at once – or even entire teams. 

If they fail to allocate sufficient time and resources to onboarding new hires, this might lead to lost productivity, a lacking sense of belonging, or increased turnover. That’s true not only for junior employees but also for newly hired senior leaders , as the Harvard Business Review points out.

Your leadership team’s analytical and decision-making skills are crucial in enabling them to distribute limited resources in a way that would give their teams the best chances of success. 

To build a solid onboarding process , you need leaders who are able to take ownership of it – and who have the right problem-solving skills.

Many organizations use problem-solving interview questions to identify the right candidates for their job openings. However, the most effective way to assess problem-solving skills is with pre-employment skills assessments . 

That’s because skills tests provide an objective way to quantify a candidate’s problem-solving skills in a way that isn’t possible during an interview.

How problem solving skills tests work

Tests like TestGorilla’s problem-solving skills test assist organizations in finding candidates who are able to quickly identify the key elements of the problem and work through the problem at speed without making mistakes. 

By presenting candidates with a wide range of questions related to typical problem-solving scenarios, hiring teams can rank their candidates based on an intensive assessment of each candidate’s skill level.

The test specifically evaluates whether a candidate can perform problem-solving tasks like:

Creating and adjust schedules

Prioritizing items based on a given set of rules

Interpreting data and applying logic to make decisions

Analyzing textual and numerical information to draw conclusions

As you can see, even the best interviewer would have trouble assessing each of these skill areas while still covering all the other questions that they need to ask. 

If you’re convinced of the importance of problem-solving skills in the workplace and want to build a team of employees that can think independently and solve their own problems without constant supervision, assess problem-solving skills during the hiring process. 

Problem-solving skills tests like ours are an excellent way to achieve this – especially if you combine them with other skills tests. Check out our extensive test library for other tests you can use in your talent assessment process to hire the best talent. 

Sign up for our free plan to start building your first assessment – or schedule a demo with one of our experts to see how to evaluate applicants’ problem solving skills quickly, efficiently, and without bias. 

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Top 3 challenges faced by salons & how to handle them

Business is war without bullets. 

It is tough, draining and risky. Running a business isn’t easy—it comes with countless challenges along the way, and each day presents a new challenge for the owner to solve. 

Running a salon of any sort is the same. At a glance, it might seem like a simple task to set up a salon, get customers and provide good service. However, there’s definitely much more to all these. Salon owners face a multitude of problems on a daily basis, and we’ll be exploring them below, with some suggestions on how best to face and overcome these challenges.

1) Competitive Market

The beauty and wellness industry is a competitive space to be operating in. Everyday, a new salon pops up somewhere. In Singapore alone, there are more than 18,000 salons on our small island, according to IRAS . It is common to see dozens of salons of sorts in shopping malls. To do well in a competitive and highly saturated market, there are a few things for you to note as a salon owner. 

Having more competition means that your salon will need to stand out amongst the rest in order to get the attention of customers and to increase patronage. There are a few ways to help your salon stand out. Providing value is important, after all when faced with many options, customers will often narrow down their choices by going with the one that provides the best value for them. 

When it comes to providing value, customers decide based on factors like the price of packages offered, quality of service and products used, cleanliness, location and member perks. While pricing is undeniably one of the more important factors, service matters a lot too. When it comes to the price issue, it’s fine if your salon doesn’t offer the best prices in town—after all, it depends on which group of customers you are looking to attract, be it low, middle or high end customers. If you’re not focusing on price, other factors like quality of service and products and member perks will be important for you. Going through the reviews of many salons online, a distinct point being noted is the focus on the level of service that the customer receives—most customers bring up that they prefer salons with well trained staff who are able to meet their requests. Location matters too—the more salons there are within your vicinity, the more you need to focus on making yours stand out. And yes, it is possible to be a small but hugely profitable salon if you’re able to target the area that your salon operates in and establish a good reputation within an area. 

Another point to note is that in the highly competitive beauty industry, it is essential that your salon keeps up with the latest trends. Salons are expected to be the pace setters when it comes to trends (haircuts, dying, nails etc). Hiring experienced staff with an extensive background of trends will be helpful, and you should also send your team of employees for refresher courses to bring them up to speed.

2) Attracting and retaining customers

When it comes to running a business, customers are everything. Customers are the lifeblood of every business. The issues of getting new customers and retaining existing ones are often the toughest problems that any salon owner faces on a daily basis.

The ability to attract new customers is hugely dependent on the salon’s value proposition, which we touched on earlier—the ability of a salon to stand out from the rest based on factors like price, service, location, cleanliness and member perks. To get customers’ attention, effective marketing is needed to advertise your salon’s offerings. For marketing, consider these options:

• Social media & online marketing
• Listings on beauty platforms such as Faves & Vaniday
• Email & SMS marketing
• Influencer marketing
• Referral programs
• Collaborations with other suitable brands

Attracting new customers is only half of the equation. After all, getting new customers is useless if you don’t retain them. Yes, it is difficult to have and maintain loyal customers because running a salon is highly competitive with countless other salons in the market fighting for the same customers. 

While discounting might be a good short term strategy, you should not always fall back on it because that will cause customers to expect discounts all the time. Instead, focus on delivering a great experience that makes customers return. Salon reputation is built on trust and good experience. Get customers to leave reviews of their experiences—have incentives layed out for those who leave reviews for your salon. To get existing customers to return, having a loyalty program will be useful as well. Make it easy for customers to book their appointments and have your employees try to get customers to make a booking for their next appointment before customers leave the salon.

While providing a great customer experience is of utmost importance, don’t forget to stay in contact with your existing customer base. Stay in contact with your customers via social media and individual messages, updating them regularly on the latest promotions and offerings by your salon.

3. Managing Your Team

Working in a salon can be a tough job. The employees are expected to stand for long hours while attending to customers, and on busy days such as weekends, that can get really tiring. As a salon owner, you might be fired up and enthusiastic because it’s your business, but your staff may not share the same level of enthusiasm for their workplace as you. It is your responsibility to encourage and motivate them.

When managing your team, implement a system which rewards staff members who meet certain objectives, such as selling to customers. By doing so, your staff will be more motivated when working and to provide better service for customers. It’s difficult to get your employees to help sell your products if there is no incentive for them to do so. Ensuring that you hire sufficient staff is important, especially if your salon is always busy, as overworking your staff will lower their motivation and productivity levels, and it is one of the top reason behind staff quitting their jobs.

Managing a team on top of the challenges you have daily isn’t easy, but your employees are your business asset, and it is your responsibility as the salon owner to encourage them and give them a good workplace experience. Being kind to your staff and treating them as an integral part of your business will make them feel valued. Make your employees happy to stay by improving welfare packages and creating a work schedule with better work-life balance. Rewarding staff members accordingly and ensuring that they are being taken care of will go a long way in creating a better working environment for your team to show up every day.

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What is problem-solving? And why is it important in the workplace?

September 28, 2023 by MindManager Blog

If there’s one thing you can count on as a business professional, it’s that you’ll never run short of new problems to solve. Thankfully, whether it includes handling difficult or unexpected situations in the workplace, or resolving complex organizational challenges, we all have the capacity to develop our business problem-solving skills.

The best way to get better at tackling problems productively is to start at the beginning. After all, the better you understand what problem-solving is – and the significant role it plays in every organization – the easier you’ll find it to improve on problem-solving skills in the workplace.

Let’s dive in!

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving refers to the act of find solutions to difficult or complex issues.

A good problem-solving definition might be finding solutions to difficult or complex issues . In practice, however, solving problems in the workplace is a little more immersive than that.

In the workplace, problem-solving includes a variety of tools, resources, and techniques to:

• Identify what’s not working.
• Figure out why it’s broken.
• Determine the best course of action to fix it.

Whether you know them as obstacles, glitches, or setbacks, problems are a part of our everyday lives. The good news is that our brains excel at reasoning out intricate scenarios and making calculations in situations we’ve never experienced before. That means every one of us is hard-wired to be an adept problem-solver.

The trick is to learn how to take that innate ability and apply it in a deliberate and practiced way.

However, one thing is certain: successfully resolving business and workplace issues is essential.

Not only does effective problem-solving create value that encourages growth, it goes hand-in-hand with impactful decision making.

What are the benefits of problem-solving in business?

Practically speaking, problem-solving provides a golden opportunity to improve your processes, products, and systems – especially when you work through those challenges with others.

Learning to face difficulties calmly, and deal with them intentionally, can also:

• Ramp up your confidence.
• Increase your resilience.
• Help you develop valuable critical thinking skills.

Applying problem-solving skills in the face of an obstacle that seems insurmountable trains you to shift your perspective and look at potential hurdles in a different way.

It also gets you used to examining multiple options for dealing with a problem, which can help you feel more confident in the direction you take.

Solving problems as a team

Business problem solving as a team offers an even wider range of benefits since active collaboration tends to make good things happen at both the individual and group level.

For example:

• Team-based problem-solving is akin to having a built-in sounding board when you explore new approaches and ideas.
• As each team member’s critical thinking skills evolve, they bring fresh insights to the collective problem-solving process, bearing out the old adage that many heads are better than one.
• Solving problems as a team also reduces the feeling of personal risk and exposure that’s common when one person is tasked with solving a puzzle. When that same problem is shared, the sense of risk gets dispersed, and individual team members are less likely to feel singled out.

Not only is there less chance of arriving at an unreasonable or biased solution when you problem-solve as a group, team members assigned to carry that solution out will feel more invested in its success.

Examples of problem solving skills in the workplace

Improving on your problem-solving skills helps you make the most of your brain’s natural capacity to analyze and reason things out.

There are dozens of problem-solving skills that play out in the average workplace – all of which can contribute to your ability to correct oversights, resolve conflict , and work around unexpected obstructions.

Here are a few common examples of problem-solving skills in the workplace, and tips on how to improve them.

1. Data gathering

Figuring out the cause of a problem hinges on collecting relevant data. Consulting efficiently with colleagues, conducting online research, and brainstorming with your team are all valuable data gathering skills.

2. Active listening

As opposed to listening in a purely supportive or empathetic way, active listening involves concentrating fully on what the other person is saying so you can understand the content, respond accordingly, and remember what was said later.

3. Troubleshooting

The ability to analyze and troubleshoot a situation with the help of any data and human input you’ve gathered is essential for drilling down into the core of a problem, and scrutinizing potential solutions.

4. Brainstorming

Brainstorming has become synonymous with creative thinking, innovative idea generation, and problem-solving. The more productive your brainstorming sessions, the more likely you and your group are to put together a list of quality, workable solutions.

It’s interesting to note that effective decision making is both a contributor to, and a by-product of, effective problem-solving.

For example, honing your analytical abilities and other problem-solving skills will inevitably help you make better decisions. The more efficient your decision-making process becomes, meanwhile, the better you’ll get at uncovering and acting on the most promising solution to any dilemma.

A simple problem-solving scenario

It’s clear that we can all benefit from getting more comfortable with problem-solving in the workplace.

Examples of situations where your problem-solving skills will come in handy aren’t difficult to find, and might include:

• Fixing a technical issue for your customer.
• Improving your student’s test performance.
• Reducing the theft of your in-store merchandise.
• Bumping up your marketing reach.

But, here’s the interesting thing. While it’s evident in each of these situations that there’s a problem to be solved, the exact nature of that problem isn’t so obvious.

In the student’s case, for example, you’d need additional input to help you figure out why they’re performing poorly. Only then would you be able to take steps to find the best-fit solution and achieve the desired learning outcome.

Here’s a simple scenario to help demonstrate that idea:

Bringing new customers onboard in a timely manner is an important part of your client relations strategy. Since hiring Alex a few weeks ago, however, your onboarding process has been taking longer than it should and team members are beginning to complain.

While you can see that the problem in this scenario is the fact that your team isn’t meeting their client onboarding goals, the key is to get clear on exactly what’s causing the hold-up.

You could jump to the conclusion that Alex has time management issues and that it’s time to start looking for a replacement. But, since one of the most common mistakes in business problem-solving is attempting to seize on a solution right away, that might cause you to waste time and resources on a remedy that ultimately proves unnecessary, or that doesn’t provide a viable fix.

Instead, it’s time to put your problem-solving skills to work.

Using data gathering and troubleshooting to pinpoint and clarify the bottleneck in your onboarding process – and active listening to interpret the situation from Alex’s perspective – you soon determine that the real cause of the problem is not what you thought.

In truth, an administrative oversight during the hiring process (yet another problem to be solved!) left Alex unaware of, and without access to, the business process map that’s so vital to efficiently onboarding new customers. Once you provide the necessary resources, it doesn’t take Alex long to get up to speed – and your client onboarding process to revert back to the well-oiled machine that it was.

Even with a team of eager problem-solvers by your side, the truth is that it’s often necessary to have the right problem-solving tools in place to achieve your desired results. That’s where versatile mind mapping software can help.

Not only does MindManager® provide a visual framework that fully supports the problem-solving process, it improves comprehension, inspires more creative solutions, and boosts your ability to make the best possible decisions.

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MindManager® helps individuals, teams, and enterprises bring greater clarity and structure to plans, projects, and processes. It provides visual productivity tools and mind mapping software to help take you and your organization to where you want to be.

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Running a successful salon requires more than just the ability to cut hair or apply makeup. As a salon manager, you must be adept at managing staff, handling finances, marketing, and customer service. Whether you're a seasoned salon owner or just starting, upgrading your salon management skills is essential for long-term success.

From effective communication and delegation to financial management and marketing strategies, here are some critical skills you need to run a thriving salon.

Invest in Quality Salon Equipment

Investing in quality salon equipment is one of the first steps towards improving your salon's management. Investing in the right tools and products can help you provide superior customer service, improve employee efficiency, and increase overall profits. Research the latest trends and techniques to find the best salon equipment for your budget.

Ensure your salon has essential equipment such as scissors, combs, brushes, and hairdryers. Consider investing in more advanced tools to help you stay ahead of the competition. Research the latest trends in salon equipment and services to ensure you provide your customers with the most up-to-date treatments. Find out what are the different types of hair clippers? You need to also learn about dryers, styling tools and Fabulive hair extensions .

Effective Communication and Delegation

As a salon manager, effective communication and delegation are some of the most essential skills you must possess. Communicate clear goals and expectations with your employees so everyone is on board with the same objectives. Ensure to provide constructive feedback and guidance so your employees understand what is expected of them.

Delegating tasks to your staff can reduce stress and ensure everyone is working towards the same goal. Take time to evaluate which tasks should be delegated and communicate any changes with your team in advance. This will help keep things organized and ensure that all tasks are completed on time. If you're having difficulty delegating tasks , consider seeking professional guidance to help you improve your skills. The proper guidance can help you become a more effective leader and manager.

Financial Management

Financial management is another critical skill in running a successful salon. As a salon manager, you need to be able to track your expenses, manage inventory, and keep accurate records of all transactions. Investing in quality accounting software or hiring an accountant can help you stay on top of your finances.

It's also important to understand your area's laws and regulations related to taxes, wages, and employee benefits. This understanding should extend to the specific insurance requirements for salons in your jurisdiction, as maintaining adequate salon liability insurance is often not just prudent but legally mandated. Researching these areas will ensure you comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Budget management is another crucial component of financial management. Monitor your expenses and create a plan for investing money back into your salon as needed.

Marketing Strategies

Developing effective marketing strategies can help you reach new customers and keep existing ones returning for more. Take time to understand the latest trends in digital marketing, such as SEO and social media marketing. Investing in quality websites and campaigns can help you increase visibility and boost customer engagement.

Make sure to track the performance of your campaigns so that you can determine which strategies are working and which need improvement. A/B testing is a great way to measure the success of your campaigns, so consider investing in software or services that can help you with this. Remember to also use traditional marketing methods such as flyers and business cards. Investing in quality print materials can be a great way to reach new customers and keep current ones returning for more.

Time Management

Planning ahead and staying organized can ensure that all aspects of the business run smoothly, from managing customer appointments to paying bills and ordering supplies. By keeping close track of appointments and customer orders, the business will run more smoothly and efficiently. Scheduling appropriate breaks throughout the day can help to ensure that employees are not overworked. It is important to be able to prioritize tasks in order to make the best use of resources.

With good time management practices in place, salon owners can ensure efficient planning and scheduling so that salon owners can make sure their services are excellent and their customers are satisfied. Good time management also helps with cost savings as it reduces waste and improves productivity.

Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service is essential to running a successful salon. Train your staff on the importance of delivering high-quality customer service. Create an atmosphere that makes customers feel welcome and appreciated, and provide them with clear communication regarding services, prices, and scheduling. Take time to understand their needs and be accommodating whenever possible. Consider offering incentives and rewards for repeat customers.

Make sure to stay on top of customer feedback. Take time to review reviews and complaints so that you can identify areas that need improvement. Implementing customer feedback will help improve satisfaction, boost loyalty, and ensure that your salon remains successful in the long term.

Meeting Coordination

As a salon manager, you must efficiently manage meetings and coordinate events. Investing in scheduling software can help streamline the process, as well as eliminate any potential conflicts. You should also take time to create an agenda for each meeting so that everyone is clear on what needs to be discussed or accomplished. If necessary, provide team members with any resources or materials that they may need. Taking time to ensure everything is organized will help ensure the success of each meeting. It also helps to follow up after a meeting to ensure that action items have been completed. This will help keep everyone on task and ensure your salon runs efficiently.

Conflict Resolution

Every business will experience conflicts from time to time, and salon managers need to know how to resolve disputes effectively. Always stay calm and respectful when dealing with any issues, and keep an open mind. Take time to understand both sides of the story before taking any action. Consider mediating the situation if necessary. Once you have determined the best course of action, communicate it clearly and concisely. Taking time to resolve conflicts quickly and fairly will help maintain a positive atmosphere for customers and staff members.

Conflict resolution involves patience and understanding, but it's essential for a successful salon.

These are just a few responsibilities of running a successful salon. With dedication and hard work, you can make sure that your salon is managed effectively and continues to thrive. Make sure to stay organized and communicate clearly with customers and staff members in order to ensure success.

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See also: Essential Skills for Becoming a Beauty Tech Professional The Successful Barber-Business Owner: 6 Skills to Develop The 4 Approaches Business Leaders Should Adopt to Grow Their Company

Why is problem solving an important workplace skill?

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The course of work never did run smooth. From time to time, we all run into trouble in our workplace, coming across challenges which can’t be solved with a quick Google. That’s why it’s important to hire people who have good problem solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and strategically about any unexpected issue that comes their way.

In this article, we’ll break down what’s meant by the umbrella term “problem solving skills”. We’ll give you examples of problem solving skills and talk about why problem solving is so important in the workplace. Creating the best environment for team problem solving requires hiring skilled candidates, so read on for everything you need to know about problem solving skills and how to find them in the recruiting world!

What are problem solving skills?

The definition of problem solving skills is the ability to first identify problems, then strategically brainstorm and implement solutions. As you can see, problem solving skills are basically a three step process:

• Spot the problem
• Analyze and brainstorm answers
• Execute the solution

Problem solving skills therefore are an umbrella term for a lot of smaller and equally important skills which go together to create a whole. As a recruiter, you’ll be looking for candidates who display great analytical and creative thinking, as well as the ability to take the initiative and launch themselves into solving a problem without being explicitly directed that way. Attention to detail is another skill that complements problem solving, as someone paying close attention to every tiny element of work is likely to spot problems sooner than others.

What are some examples of problem solving skills?

Because problem solving skills are such a broad field, it’s useful to look at examples of specific types of problem solving skills and how they enhance the workplace.

Listening skills

Problem-solvers are independent, but not solitary. Rather, they recognize how important other people’s input is, and there’s no better place to showcase this than in their active listening skills. People with good problem solving skills listen actively to their colleagues, take onboard other people’s opinions and ideas and listen to everyone around them to get a full picture of the scenario. That means that they have a good sense of the entire context surrounding an issue before they start coming up with solutions, ensuring they have no blind spots.

Analytical thinking

Someone with good problem solving skills will analyze each issue in order to design a specific and effective solution for the problem. They use analytical thinking to identify the reasons why a problem occurred and what the problem’s long-term effects might be. They apply the same analytical thinking to brainstorming a solution, considering how different solutions might be effective and selecting the most practical one.

Creative thinking

Often, solving a problem means thinking outside the box. Creative thinkers don’t rely on pure analysis or how problems have been solved in the past: they are ready to embrace new ideas, try new techniques and come up with unexpected solutions to typical problems. A creative thinker values innovative and progressive solutions that will be useful in more ways than one. Imaginative and experimental answers make them great problem solvers!

Communication skills

Because no employee is an island, someone with good problem solving skills also has great communication skills to back them up. They’ll be able to explain the problem and the solution to their colleagues, coordinate a team response, and make sure that no one is left out of the loop. They’ll be able to break down a complex problem and solution into a succinct explanation that everyone can understand and implement.

Decision-making skills

A good problem solver tends to be confident and bold in their decision making. Solving the problem often means taking the initiative, acting independently and implementing solutions quickly, so you want someone with smart and assured decision-making skills who is ready to make a call when needed.

A lot of problem-solving requires independent work and taking the initiative. But it’s crucial that someone with good problem solving skills also works well as part of a team, to ensure that the solution is fitting for the entire organization and that it’s communicated well. Creating the best solution often requires collaboration and you need a candidate who recognizes that.

Why is problem solving important in the workplace?

These problem solving examples show all the different ways problem solving can help a workplace. But more than that, a candidate with good problem solving skills can handle anything their jobs throw at them. They can spot flaws, help you optimize your organization and adapt as your organization changes over the years. They observe, judge and act quickly when you need them to. And most of the time, they will do this without direct supervision, making them an asset to every team!

Let’s look at some examples of why problem solving is so important in the workplace.

The gift of time

People with good problem solving skills organize their time intelligently and have great time-management skills, making them a gift to any company. They organize their priorities and focus on the most important problems in a workplace. And they also save the time and capacity of other people around them, because good problem solvers don’t go running to their manager with every little issue.

High-level strategies, day-to-day detail

People with good problem solving skills keep an overview of both the day-to-day problems and tasks coming their way and of the higher level strategy and direction of the company. They are able to easily assess customer, client and colleague’s needs as well as planning, prioritizing and executing strategies to meet them. They are the ideal mix of a high-level thinker who keeps on top of everyday tasks!

Creative thinking under pressure

A problem solver thinks outside the box, always, in order to come up with unexpected and imaginative solutions to long-term problems. But they’re also skilled at working under pressure and to meet deadlines, ensuring that your company’s workflows are both efficient and thorough.

Risk-takers, risk-thinkers

Any business venture has a certain amount of risk built into it. People with good problem solving skills embrace this risk. They expect problems, so they’re not phased by issues coming their way, but then they work hard to solve them, sometimes in unexpected and innovative ways. That means they are people accustomed to both taking and thinking through risks, ensuring that every move they make is calculated, bold and strategic.

How do I assess problem solving skills?

Now that we understand why problem solving skills are so important, it’s time to consider how to assess them. Lots of organizations use problem-solving interview questions to assess a candidate’s problem solving skills. But often, the most effective way of assessing this skillset is via a pre-employment problem-solving skills test . These problem-solving skills tests give you the best idea of a candidate’s existing skills and are one of the most important indications of how well a candidate will perform in the future.

Assess problem solving skills and more with HiPeople’s smart hiring technology to ensure you hire the right candidate, every time. Book a free demo today .

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Top 15 Challenges Faced by Salon Owners

Owning and running a salon can be a profitable business when you have a good management system. If you are thinking of setting up a salon business, it’s a great choice of business because there are excellent solutions for many of the issues owners of salons encounter. After all, there is no business without some level of risks. What matters is how prepared you are to face the challenges and win. Some advantages of running a salon are as follows; 1) You are your own boss 2) There is potentially a high-profit margin for services offered in a salon 3) With the right ideas and implementation, your salon can exist for many years. 4) High patronage, you can make much money daily with good marketing and customer retention strategies.

SALON SCHEDULING SOFTWARE

Running a salon profitably will require you to be physically involved while sourcing and managing your capital and staff. In this article, I will be writing about the common issues many salon owners encounter and simple tips to address problems. In this context, by the salon, I am referring to beauty salons, hair salons, spas, and establishments that offer all three services. Over the years, the salon business has thrived. There is high demand for the services of a stylist or cosmetologist. The transformation people undergo after a visiting a salon will make salons a highly patronized business, and one of the long-term investments anyone can have. Here are the top fifteen challenges you may encounter while running a salon and possible solutions;

1. Hiring staff

Recruitment should have been a simple task for salon owners; however, some factors have made this process quite different when compared to other businesses. In a salon, there are different types of services. This means you will need to hire experts to offer a variety of services you have chosen to sell in your salon. Some tips to ensure you always have the best employees are as follows; 1) Find out the standard rates paid as salaries for experts with different skill sets. 2) You can outsource recruitment to professionals or interview all applicants personally to identify the best candidates 3) Always keep a list of potential candidates after a recruitment exercise, who can be invited to work when there is a vacancy.

2. Staff training

Hiring people who already have an idea about hair styling and makeovers is one thing. You will need to train your staff regularly to learn your preferred methods and to keep up with the trends. People visit your salon to look trendy; if your staff cannot deliver as expected, you may be losing customers. The high costs of staff training can discourage salon owners, but there is a way out. Here are some tips; 1) Include costs of staff training in your initial annual budget 2) Bargain with consultancy companies for lower rates since you will be using their services often 3) Ensure an assessment is done after training to know if it has been impactful

3. Choosing the right products

Many customers will visit your salon demanding for particular products. If the product is not in stock, you may lose them as customers. However, it is going to be expensive to stock up on a variety of products to meet your customers’ needs. This is what you can do to address such issues; 1) Study customer behavior to know what they really want. 2) Stay updated with the trends to know which products are needed for trending styles 3) Buy products wholesale; you can get much lower prices

4. Customer loyalty

It is difficult to have and maintain loyal customers when running a salon because it is a highly competitive business. The chances that there is another salon down the road, offering similar services is high. To encourage customer loyalty, you can consider these tips; 1) Create an email list to send personalized messages to your customers 2) Ensure that all customers are aware of a direct channel to contact you when necessary 3) Create a social media page and encourage customers to follow your page 4) Fill your social media page with educative and entertaining content regarding your salon business.

5. Price distortion

In a bid to win more customers, newly opened salons can lower their prices, making it almost impossible for you to make a profit. There’s no need to sell services at a loss because of the competition. Instead, point out the value you are offering and take necessary measures to improve customer experience when they visit your salon.

6. Marketing your services

Salons mainly offer their services locally. This means it is necessary to develop the best marketing strategies targeted at your local audience. If it is done right, your business will thrive, but many salon owners encounter issues with local marketing. The best option is to engage the services of a digital marketer who can run local advertising campaigns for your salon. Also, consider registering with the local business directories.

7. Maintaining consistent income

The unpredictable scale of patronage can be shocking. Salon owners record different income figures each month, depending on patronage. Inconsistent income can make it difficult to have long-term plans. With better money management skills, you can maintain high standards even with irregular income from sales.

8. High bills

Salons require many types of equipment that consume much energy. Consequently, the energy bill will soar and lower the expected income from sales. Some tips to lower energy bills include; 1) Get smart switches and sockets to lower energy consumption. 2) Install LED bulbs; they consume less energy 3) Speak with an engineer about installing insulated fittings in your doors and windows to keep the interior areas comfortable.

9. Keeping up with the trends

Salons are expected to be pacesetters regarding the latest trends in the beauty industry. To attract more customers, it is necessary to ensure that your salon features the latest designs regarding furniture, equipment, and style. However, remodelling a salon is going to be expensive. While remodelling is often necessary, with the financial projection, you can invest in remodelling your salon and recoup the funds from sales over the next few months.

10. Staff motivation

Working in a salon is a tough job. The employees are expected to stand for long hours and still deliver their best. The strain can lower staff motivation and productivity. Salon owners can spend more money to hire motivational coaches, psychologists, or use incentives to keep the employees motivated and happy.

11. Payroll management

Many salon owners attempt to manage their payroll independently. This is a difficult task and requires much time. The solution is hiring an accountant at extra costs or learning how to use payroll management software.

12. Difficult customers

Some customers are impossible to please no matter how hard you try. On such days, staff may feel less motivated and ready to quit their jobs. This is what you can do; ensure all your employees are properly trained so that they can provide quick and accurate answers to customers’ questions. Also, avoid compelling employees to work longer hours; this can make them irritable and impatient with difficult customers.

13. Salon maintenance

Many of the equipment used frequently in salons must be regularly maintained, or they will malfunction. It is also necessary to maintain a hygienic environment in the salon. The problem is that maintenance costs can be very high, eroding profits. Maintenance is important, and the costs can be included in annual budgets for the salon. Also, it is a great idea to establish a good working relationship with a maintenance company to get lower charges for long-term services.

14. High employee resignation rate

This can be a problem. Some employees quit the job after learning how to deliver the best salon services. A shortage of experienced staff can cause longer wait times and delays in service delivery. Customers who have a poor experience may not return. Make your employees happy to stay by improving welfare packages and creating a work schedule that allows them to have a better work/life balance.

15. High start-up costs

It may cost a fortune to open a salon, regardless of the scale of business. The high costs can put salon owners in debt when they borrow funds and then get under pressure to pay off loans. However, there are some great funding options, government grants for start-ups that could also be explored. Find out the options in your city and apply. As a salon owner, you will soon realize that it is not that bad business at all. The secret is identifying potential issues that can arise and reducing the risks.

Copyright © Queueme Technologies Pvt Ltd 2016

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Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day

Why is problem solving so important in a salon?

Table of Contents

• 1 Why is problem solving so important in a salon?
• 2 What is problem solving method with example?
• 3 What is problem-solving team with example?
• 4 How do you write problem-solving skills?
• 5 What are some examples of problem solving skills?
• 6 Where do you put problem solving skills on a resume?
• 7 How is problem solving considered a soft skill?

Solving the client’s problem is step one. The key is to get the customer back in the salon and to show her you can continue to service her well. The customer who gives you an opportunity to fix a problem is one to be valued. So many clients will simply just leave and never tell you the reason why.

What is problem solving method with example?

Problem solving is a highly sought-after skill. There are many techniques to problem solving. Examples include trial and error, difference reduction, means-ends analysis, working backwards, and analogies.

What are the solving problems skills?

Problem-solving skills help you solve issues quickly and effectively. Problem-solving skills require quickly identifying the underlying issue and implementing a solution. Problem-solving is considered a soft skill (a personal strength) rather than a hard skill that’s learned through education or training.

What is problem-solving team with example?

Problem-solving teams: These types of teams are usually temporary and focus on solving a specific issue. For example, after the 2008 financial crisis, several organizational task force teams and governmental committees were created to come up with solutions to help the country climb out of a steep recession.

How do you write problem-solving skills?

Typical problem-solving competency-based questions include:

• Give me an example of a time when you ran into a problem on a project.
• Give me an example of a difficult problem you had to solve outside of your course.
• Tell me about a time you worked through a problem as a team.

What is an example of creative problem-solving?

Creative challenges should be simple, concise and focus on a single issue. For example: “How might I improve my Chinese language skills and find a job in Shanghai?” is two completely separate challenges. Trying to generate ideas that solve both challenges will be difficult and, as a result, will stifle idea generation.

What are some examples of problem solving skills?

Where do you put problem solving skills on a resume.

Which is the best definition of problem solving?

How is problem solving considered a soft skill?

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