Off-Menu Requests
Have you ever had a client ask for something that’s not on your menu of services and it hits you wrong and you don’t know why?
You don’t do kids cuts, but your new client wants to know if you’ll cut her daughter’s bangs while she’s processing. Or you don’t do blowouts, but your client hurt her shoulder and wants to come in three mornings a week for the next 6 weeks so you can give her a blowout.
You get that tightness in your chest and don’t know what it means or how you should respond. No matter what you say, you’re going to let someone down. It’s like a hungry fish closing its mouth around a worm while simultaneously realizing the worm is attached to a hook. You’re a split second away from being trapped into doing something you dread or disappointing someone you don’t want to let down.
First of all, let’s acknowledge that a client asking you to do something you’ve already decided you don’t want to spend your time doing is unfair. At best, it’s a request that doesn’t consider you at all. At worst, it’s a bait and switch. But, it’s only unfair if you have a menu of services or some other way that lets them know what you do and don’t do.
If you don’t have a menu of services, then that’s an area of vulnerability for you. You have no ground to stand on when it comes to these requests because you never clarified what you offer. But, you can start now.
Below are some quick ways to figure out what should be on your menu of services.
Each time a client asks you to do something that doesn’t align with you, make note of it and build your menu based on the services that bring out your best.
Go through your last three months of services and make a note of the ones you loved and the ones you dreaded.
How can salon owners know when to support the stylists’ service preferences and when to push back with guidance?
There’s a fine line between “I’m scared.” and “This isn’t right for me.” It’s your job as a leader to help the stylists know how to tune into their body and make decisions from that place.
And when they make those decisions, you have to support it. If you can’t support your stylist, then you need to train them. If they can’t be trained, then you need to replace them. You shouldn’t employ someone you can’t support because that means it’s a bad match. And you both deserve better.
It helps of you’re tuned into your own body. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, check out my video. It’s something every stylist wished their salon owner knew.
Tap the photo to watch the video that explains what every stylist wishes their salon owner knew.
