Ford's Thoughts

Global business & beauty education expert, KIM FORD, shares news, views & observations from the international nail circuit

ABOUT KIM FORD

Kim Ford has worked in the beauty and education sectors for over three decades, in more than 40 countries. She has honed her skills in beauty, spa, sports, nails, holistic therapy and aesthetics, in private and public education establishments, spas, salons and retail businesses.

Kim has extensive experience as an international examination officer for awarding organisations, and has held the titles of chairman of BABTAC and CIBTAC and vice president of CIDESCO GB. An education consultant for CIDESCO International, she sits on a number of industry boards globally as a director or trustee, and has won awards for education and business in the UK and internationally.

As owner of Beauty Enterprise Solutions, Consultancy & Training, Kim supports industry education establishments in gaining accreditation or endorsement. She strives to raise industry standards and help beauty professionals reach their education and career goals.

SAVE THE DATE

I’ll be speaking at Tones of Beauty: a trade show dedicated to multicultural beauty, 30 June - 1 July 2025, at ExCel London. www.tonesofbeautyexpo.com

Hello nail superstars! It’s a busy month, as clients embrace the festive season. However, January tends to be quieter, so is a great time to focus on business admin, such as updating operational and legal documents, and to consider refreshing your marketing strategy, website and social media profiles.

Why is it important to update business documents?

Updating your documents each year ensures their relevance for the business year. Laws, regulations and industry standards alter frequently, so your documents must reflect these changes to remain compliant. These include contracts, employee handbooks, operational manuals and financial statements. Making updates will enhance communication with your staff, and align the team with your business goals and expectations. By doing this, clients also gain clear and accurate information about your business, which builds trust and strengthens relationships.

Completing these processes allows you to identify areas that are not working or need revising, to prevent legal issues and misunderstandings that could arise from outdated requirements. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement, allowing your business to adapt to the changing market and remain competitive.

An operational document

A standard operational procedures (SOP) document gives a detailed guide of your business’ processes. This is essential for maintaining consistency, efficiency and compliance. It should outline specific procedures and detail step-by-step instructions for day-to-day operations, ensuring that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities. It should also contain relevant policies, compliance documents, safety protocols and any changes in your organisation’s structure.

It is beneficial to collaborate with staff when reviewing this document, so that they can give feedback based on their experiences. This culture of collaboration and adaptability can enhance the operational efficacy of your business.

Legal documents

New legislations, court rulings or changes in public policy can affect the validity of existing documentation. Ensuring that documents reflect the current legal environment and protect the interests of all parties reduces the risk of potential disputes and complications in the future.

Your marketing strategy

Updating your marketing strategy helps your business to stay relevant in a rapidly changing environment. Market trends, consumer behaviour and technology evolve, and what worked last year may not foster the same results today. Experiment with new ideas, tools and platforms to strengthen customer relationships, as well as your reach and engagement.

Business website & social media

Your website serves as the digital storefront for your brand. An outdated design and content can deter new customers. Your social media platforms may also require fresh content and engagement tactics to maintain visibility and relevance. By analysing your performance metrics and consumer feedback, you can refine your online presence, to ensure you attract and retain customers effectively.

I look forward to seeing your new strategies put into action, and thank every one of you for your continued support. Have a great Christmas and prosperous year ahead!

Kim

Connect with Kim: /kim.ford.3114 @kimfordexpert /kimcaford