This chapter goes hand in hand with what I was saying about working and making money. Yes, you have to work to make money. But do you work hard or do you work smart? I have been guilty of working hard – and still do – but have been figuring out ways to work smarter. Why be so stressed all the time? Shouldn’t you love what you do? (If you don’t enjoy and love what you do, perhaps you are reading the wrong book!)

I will be the first to admit I am not book smart. No, I am not lacking in intelligence, but I think my common sense is a far greater barometer as to how my intelligence meter moves its needle. I have been told by friends that I am one-of-a-kind. I appreciate that compliment, but in reality, we are all one-of-a-kind. You just have to know how to make your own light shine.

Let’s face it. As hair stylists, we are artists of another kind. We are creative and expressive. We speak who we are through what we do. However, we also have to have some sort of business sense or the financial end of our career could plummet. I do know that being an independent contractor – as most of you will be or already are – is not for everyone. You have to manage your own money and the state’s money. Plus, you are managing retail! That’s a tall order.

But when I refer to business sense, I am also speaking outside of products, numbers and bottom lines. I am referring to how you want to leave your mark in this world. You are essentially selling yourself and the products you believe in. For me, I am very people-oriented (as if you haven’t figured this out already!), and I truly care about others. I exude positivity. I love that. But don’t confuse that upbeat mindset with never having had a stumbling block. I have no shame in admitting that I went to therapy when I was in my 20s. I had several issues to sort through and talk about: losing family members, traveling a lot, separating from my husband at the time – and I had to get it all off my chest. Fortunately, I found a counselor that worked for me.

I can tell you this: if you ever feel the need to speak with someone professionally, do it. But if you are not comfortable with that person, then get out and fine another one. This is all about finding the balance (one of my favorite words!) that works for you.

When I educated others in this industry, it made it a point to tell people that it is so important to say what is on your mind. When you work with people, you see them so many times over the years. You get to know them. You really like them. Don’t be afraid to express what is on your mind. Just say, “I love your hair. I love your smile. Your make up looks great.” Whatever it is that is on your mind, let it flow from your lips. Just do it. Life is short. Make others feel good about themselves. There is so much power and magic in that. Fill the world with happiness. Let your passion flow. However, make sure that what you say is a warm and sincere compliment. (One caveat: in corporate America, I realize there is a certain line you don’t cross when it comes to giving compliments, as it can be confused with harassment. Fine lines, people! Fine lines!)

If you are in this industry and love it, there are so many avenues you can pursue: stylist; sales rep for a product line; director; or owner of a salon. No matter what appeals to you about this industry, you can still find a job tailored just for you.

And remember your attitude and confidence counts. Those are empowering. Talking to clients is a simple thing….to you…but to them it is HUGE! You are in a unique position to educate them. They are eager to learn new ways to do their hair. They look to you as a source of knowledge and inspiration. Don’t be afraid to share that with them. Show your clients different tools to use. Share your education so they can do their hair well without you in between visits. You may only have an hour or two at a time with them while they are in the chair, but over time, those hours add up to something pretty significant. You are making your mark as a stylist, working smarter every time! You are leaving your legacy this way, making your mark in the world. That is powerful!

The post Work smarter, not harder: find a way to leave your mark in this world appeared first on Susan Eyton.

While taking out advertisements and relying on every day word-of-mouth from current clients are great ways to get your business out there and noticed, there are other, less direct, yet equally powerful, ways to ensure your brand is seen and heard. If you have a charitable mindset, then you can begin today. Giving back to the community in which you live is a sure-fire way to deliver a tremendously positive impact on your revenue in the long run. Besides, I know from experience that giving back and helping others is a highly-fulfilling endeavor. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about what you do, even if that means extending a helping hand and expecting nothing in return.

We all know negative news seems to permeate society today. However, good news has just as much traction, if not more, and people love a feel good story. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a writer to create such a story. You just have to have a servant’s heart. The rest will take care of itself. And you can use such acts of kindness and generosity to promote your business on social media, too. While it may seem selfish to do so, it is a great way to gain increased respect from your community and for your business/brand, helping you achieve added exposure in a positive light, resulting in potentially more clients, and well, more money in your pocket. But the best part of having more money (in addition to being able to pay your bills!) is that you can re-invest some of that treasure into continually doing good, whether that means donating your time, talent, services and/or products. The more you give, the more you receive. It’s that simple. Plus, I have to admit, it’s a lot of fun.

I love to get involved with the world around me, and one of the most rewarding activities into which I wholeheartedly dove was my work with the Alzheimer’s Association. I spent four years with this phenomenal organization and served on the gala committee, for which I was co-chair one year. I certainly did learn a lot and met so many wonderful people I never would have encountered had I not decided to pursue this opportunity. I have received new clients who have stayed with me over the years simply because we made a connection at a charitable event.

Additionally, when you are out and about giving of your time and treasures, you just might make connections with community leaders who will in turn get to know you and most likely refer to you as the “go-to” person for their hair and styling needs. However, I will caution you not to go into this with a “what’s in this for me” attitude. People can easily read that message and it will only backfire on you. So, extend your acts of charity to events and causes that truly speak to your heart and your passions. From there you will see unmatched results.

Yes, it may seem like a challenge at times to get out there and do some good this way, but it is a calling that you should put upon your heart as often as you can. There is always time to do good for others. Challenge yourself to do so and remain persistent in your commitment to do so. When you give of yourself, you are not letting go of anything. You are simply opening the door to receiving more. After all, it was once said that when one person gives, two people receive. Think about that for a minute.

The post Marketing Measures from the Heart appeared first on Susan Eyton.

Alright – I just colored my hair with the New View which is a Demi Color from Davines and I just wanted to try it on myself to see how it works. Gorgeous color – intense – pretty intense but I like more red so it’s okay. I want to tell you my formula. I used 666 and I used the clear gloss and I did the 10 volume so I ran out – I didn’t have quite enough of the 10 volume with the two ounces of each of the glass and the 666. So, I put a little bit of the finest pigment clear in there just to make it a little creamier. I left this on 15 minutes – you know just natural, no heat, nothing. And you know you can see in the mirror too where I have some highlights. You know you can see it grabbed a little bit different which I like because dimension is good. But yeah it was only processed 15 minutes and the only thing that’s in my hair right now is the OI oil and the plumping dermafiller and a little bit of like just a moisturizing cream just to smooth down some of my ends. But I just thought it’s really natural so you all could see. I’m digging it! Alright so ciao for now!

The post View Davines Ammonia free Demi colors! appeared first on Susan Eyton.