Power & Polish with O. P. T

Elevate your business & embrace new techniques with advice from the Scratch Stars award-winning OPI team

Belinda Price OPI education & capability manager @belinda_opi

A t this time of year, there is a focus on starting afresh. Many of us set personal resolutions surrounding diets or exercise, or attempt dry January or Veganuary. But what about business resolutions? Use the ‘new year, new me’ mantra to reset your business mindset and make better choices for the year ahead.

I own a salon: Nailspa in Huddersfield, and there are two things that are most important to my business, which I call the two C’s: cash (any money coming into the business) and customers. We need them both, so I’m kicking off 2024 by looking at ways to increase profit. I have invested in a new booking system and retail training for staff, to increase sales of products on my shelves. In previous years, I’ve also spent time looking at the cost of treatments to ensure maximum profits.

Customers respect you for putting their safety and comfort first, so I recommend working with brands and business partners that can provide you with good education and support. At Nailspa, we are committed to using the full OPI GelColor gel polish system, but if you are not using a full system, I encourage you to research the importance of this, and why you should be using the correct lamp for your gel or gel polish nail services.

After working long hours over the festive season and feeling the effects in my neck, shoulders and hands, I have assessed my workspace setup and considered solutions to improve my posture, while ensuring regular breaks. To start your business makeover for 2024, make a list of what worked last year, and what didn’t. You can also create a client survey; asking your regulars what they like about your business and what they think can be improved. This is very insightful and can often ignite ideas.

Goal-getting

It’s important to focus on your own development, so write down your goals for the year ahead. Identify any dates that you could put aside for training, such as those that were quiet for business last year, and take a look at OPI’s course schedules to pinpoint when you need to book out time in your diary.

Perhaps you’d like to add another service to your treatment menu, or look for a vegan nail lacquer to widen your retail offering? The opportunities are endless, so take the time to research brands or talk to your sales rep or distributor to see what’s available.

I’m also an advocate of entering awards and competing, as the process helps you to see where improvements can be made. Not only that, but success in industry events adds to your credentials, raises your profile and makes your skills and services more sought after. Entry for the Scratch Stars Awards 2024 opens on 1 February, so read up on the rules and categories available and make it one of your goals this year to enter. Answer all questions on the entry form and make sure you meet the criteria. Each question will be scored, with the points added up to determine who becomes a finalist. If you skip something or don’t answer specifically, you may not gain points for that area.

Happy new nail year, and all the very best for a successful 2024.

From Belinda and the team at OPI x

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