DistributionOdd3846

So, how do you all handle Zillow and all of these huge companies taking all of your big clients? Had several amazing agents who were constantly feeding me business and all was well. Had quite a few last minute cancellations and "house not ready" situations in June so I implemented my same day cancellation fee and was told that it was reasonable and understandable from my big clients. Did that twice to one of my customers that has been using me for 10 years and guess what? She has been giving all of her Zillow showcase homes to a Zillow photographer. Every now and again she throws me a crumb or two. After talking to her about the cancellation fee and asking her if she still plans on using us,

This is a Happy Birthday post and no today is NOT my Birthday, but, I need a once and for all reason for this. I will start off by saying I am not on social media at all. Reddit is about the only place I reach out to people so there is that. I do have a cell phone though and never forget to reach out when it is close friends and families B-days. I love doing it, it makes me happy and I feel like I want to let them know I remembered, and I cherish them. The problem is that when it is my B-day I get very few texts from friends or family. I also know these same people are on Facebook making big Happy Birthday posts about people they barely know, or aren't even in their circle. Even putting a p

Hello, this is my 35th year doing hair and I have never seen so many gaps in my book. My longtime clients are stretching their appointments out longer, opting out of coloring so much and not even keeping up on cuts. I know the economy has changed but this feels very different. Just 2 years ago, I couldn't even accept new clients my book was so full. Now, it's like women and men do not care as much about their appearance. Not only that, but there are more reschedules and cancels more than ever before. I am currently in a suite and started taking new clients again. I am also repainting and changing up the decor in my suite next week as I've had it the same for 4 years now. I am hoping the chan

So, I recently purchased a new car, and the salesman was great. The problem is that he took my photo right before I drove off the lot standing by the car. I told him "sure you can take my picture, just please do not post it anywhere" thinking he would respect it. I work late at night and come out to an empty sometimes dark parking lot and DO NOT want my customers to know what I drive for safety purposes. So what did he do? He made a big FB social media post about how he sold another car, put the picture on there with the make and model of my new vehicle. I understand that he was being celebratory, but I texted him after the post was seen by a salon client of mine. I tried to be polite and as

People watching used to be a sport, a way to pass the time when you are having a coffee or eating lunch at a mall or airport. Now, there is nothing to look at, nothing to see. Virtually no one is fixing themselves up, wearing a hairstyle, putting on a little makeup or even putting together interesting outfits to wear. What has happened?

In the last few years it became shameful to care about your appearance. Everywhere you go its casual now. I don't just mean jeans, I mean athletic wear, like you are going to work out everyday. Sweats, lounge pants, and guess what goes best with that? The easy way out. I'm talking ponytails, no makeup, no hair color and to top it off? No one is even wearing

The other day after a hair service one of my clients (who thought she would help speed things along) picked up my broom and started sweeping up her hair up after her cut! With my back turned, she tried to dump all of the hair into my smaller waste can that is not for hair, but for candy wrappers, empty cups, etc.. All of the hair did not make it in the can making a mess. Then she GRABS my Windex, starts wiping things down (a wooden table!) while asking me if I needed her to go get my towels. I politely told her to stop and that I would not be able to find things if she cleaned. I am in a suite and very protective of my space. I also keep it very clean already.

Look, I know that the clients

I see so many of you feeling defeated, overwhelmed and wanting to quit. I get it. It has taken me 34 years to FINALLY get bold. I have to say, setting boundaries for those who are constantly stressing you out is a game changer. As stylist's we are natural people pleasers but sometimes we have people that take advantage. These people will ruin your time behind the chair if you let them. I recently just decided I don't give a hoot and weeded out a few clients with this one simple text I created. Feel free to copy and paste.

"Sue, although I have enjoyed our time together I feel like I am not the best fit for your current hair goals. We are having some scheduling and communication issues and

We are considering offering floor plans at no charge with every house shoot from here on out. Has any of you ever offered this and has it helped you keep clients or grow your business? Moving into a buyers market, we are thinking this might be a competitive way to recoup some interest. We have always done them but charged a fee for them. Bad idea? Good idea? Input appreciated. Thanks !

My husband has been an independent RE photographer for many years. Although many of the agents do rebook and pay on time, there is little to no feedback on the work anymore. It seems like many of them are more concerned with getting "deals" than picture quality. To create new interest and enthusiasm he added many new services last year which have basically fallen flat. Some even preferring to create their own cheap videos and slide shows on their phones over having them professionally done. They do not want to pay for extras and just want basic services like pictures, floor plans and drone. With the lack of feedback and unappreciated services it is getting very discouraging. Many of the agen

So I've noticed in the last 5 or 6 years that warm hair tones (reds, golds, caramel, and even some neutrals) have become a very undesirable effect. I personally think warm tones can add life to a dull complexion, add shine, and look healthier. I also think the clients don't want it because it is EASY! I am not talking color that comes out brassy, or too orange when it's not supposed to be. I'm talking about pretty golden blondes, a nice caramel highlight, and maybe a beautiful auburn brown? While many are complaining about not being able to get warmth out of hair, why are we not embracing it ? After all, most people's hair naturally pulls a little warmth. Why are our clients so opposed to

There is our clients and then there is our clients that are family. Why does it seem that family want to take the most advantage of us? Put pressure and unrealistic expectations on us that even our regular clients would never do? Like expecting us to work them in whenever they want AND produce miracles? As someone who cannot even take new clients, I have a family member who is visibly upset that I cannot add her to my already packed schedule. On top of having a ton of hair she is very young and one of those back and forth people that want the most time consuming, detailed, and unrealistic changes possible. I have already stated I cannot add new people, and that her hair would take me hours o

Over the years I have come to understand by experience that your most difficult clients will be giving you red flags at their very first visit. If you can learn to spot these early on, it will save you a whole lot of time, energy, money and effort. It has been my experience in the 34 years now of doing hair that difficult clients all kind of start out the same and they oddly almost display the exact same type of behavior! Here are some red flags to look out for. These clients never get better, their behavior only worsens. Best to nip them in the bud before they get worse! Here are my top examples!

1. They like you "Too Much" and don't hesitate to let you know. Yes it's true. They complimen

Ok so this is kind of mean, and I know they mean well but.....Does anyone else HATE receiving hairstylist themed things from your clients for Christmas? So far this year I have received a blow dryer ornament, a scissor ornament, 2 necklaces with old fashioned rollers on them and a cheap bracelet with a scissor charm. I hate this stuff. I look at it all day. Would you give a dentist an ornament of the tools he uses to clean teeth with? Or a nurse a necklace of a thermometer? It's silly, and honestly I hate it. Please give us extra money, a gift card or something we can use. I would honestly rather have nothing at all than this stuff. I understand that this may be an unpopular opinion and I g