hot topics
people development - the simon cowell way
What can salons learn from programmes such as Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor?
Surprisingly the answer is quite a lot! All the contestants on the shows are performers and are very creative. The good stylists/therapists that salon owners want to attract are creative people and most of them like to think they are performers too!
Simon Cowell however is a business man and like Salon Owners his main goal is to attract the best performers and most creative people to sell his services and products.
Simon’s success is directly linked to the people he “employees” because if you and I buying the records don’t like them then he doesn’t have a product to sell. Likewise if your customers don’t like your stylists/therapists then they won’t return and you won’t have a service or product to sell either.
Simon realises if he doesn’t get it right first time (i.e. if he signs the wrong acts) then no matter how much training or support he gives them he is going to struggle to make a success of his business.
So lets’ call The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent what they really are...a glorified Probation Period ...Simon Cowell’s success is mainly due to how well he manages people through the probation period...and the fact the television companies pay him to carry out this process on TV!
There are 2 questions I would like to ask Salon Owners:
“How well do you manage the probation period?” and “What support do you get from your industry partners to help you find the right person?”
We have created a process to help Salon Owners manage the probation period; it doesn’t take up any of your time to deliver so you can focus on other aspects of your business. All you need to do is select the areas you want to monitor your new recruits on (such as technical ability, what product’s, computers systems etc you use in the salon) and at the end of the probation period you are given a report showing what the persons skills are and how they have improved during the probation period.
Remember once they have passed the probation period all the statutory regulations apply for ending their employment with you...that is why it is so important you get it right first time.
We are constantly looking for companies and individuals to provide content (such as on products and technical knowledge). We put together assessments to help salon owners assess the level of knowledge and skills of new recruits to determine whether they are the right fit for the business.
It is also a great way for content providers to get crucial information regarding how knowledgeable your customers are on your products/services. If you have expert knowledge of a product/service or you are responsible for training/sales of your product we would love to speak with you. Please contact mark@elamb.co.uk
