We want you to reach your goals and love what you do because, let’s face it, we love this industry. It’s the greatest industry in the world. As beauty professionals, we get to make people look and feel great every day. As a result, people look forward to seeing us. There is so much potential for success. But getting started is the hardest part. In this series, “Business Advice from Eric Fisher,” we tap into Eric’s wealth of knowledge and share advice that will help you reach your goals. Without further ado, here’s the latest business tip.

Focus Your Attention

Focus your attention on the client in your chair. It sounds simple, and yet it is difficult to do. As hairstylists, we are constantly being distracted. Maybe its your phone. Maybe its the stylist next to you or their guest sharing some interesting news. It could even be that you are thinking about what you want for lunch or dinner – all of this takes your attention away from where it should be. With your client.

Most of us got into the beauty business to make other people feel great.  Part of that experience is paying attention to the person in your chair. You need to make them feel important, because they are!

LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND

One way to focus your attention is to LISTEN. How many times have you been introduced to someone and three minutes later you can’t remember their name?  Stephen Covey said “We don’t listen to understand, we listen to reply.”  Think about that for a minute. Are you guilty of this?

Truthfully, it happens to all of us. It is important to make a habit out of conscious listening.  You may have heard the quote from Greek Philosopher Epicetus, ‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”  Listening is one of the best and easiest ways to ensure that you are someone your clients WANT to spend time with.

When you focus your attention, you stay in the moment with your client.  And believe me, they will be highly aware of it.

THE CHALLENGE

If you’re having trouble focusing on your client, try this. Pretend that your clients have M.M.F.I. stamped on their foreheads.  M.M.F.I. stands for – Make Me Feel Important. Make a habit of conscious listening. Your guests will feel special and want to spend time with you again. It can’t be repeated enough: People like to spend time with and patronize others who make them feel good. Listening the simplest way to ensure that you’re someone they want to be with.

For more business advice from Eric Fisher, click here!