How to Build Your Dream Team | Spa Business Tips

As business owners one of the biggest challenges we face is building the perfect dream team. The people who make up your salon/spa staff are the faces of your business, they represent you, so it is important that you find qualified employees who represent your brand. But while being qualified is the number one criteria to hiring, there are many other important factors that help build the perfect team.  For example,  employees not only need experience; they also need to fit into your spa or salon’s culture and shares your business’ goals and standards.

1. Ongoing Outreach

I believe that the best recruiting strategy is one that is ongoing. Constantly be on the lookout for valuable new talent. Are there schools near you? Contact the school and see if they would allow you to speak with some of their students about your business.

In addition, encourage and reward your team members when they refer candidates who are hired and pass the three month trial period. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, and can often be the best way to find qualified talent.

2. Hire Slow

Finding someone that is a perfect fit for your business is impossible after one interview. Think of hiring like dating, you wouldn’t get married after the first date! I recommend a series of interviews, including some of the managers of your business to make sure that your candidate is a good fit.

Then, hire on a trial basis. Your potential hire will have the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer, and also, they will be able to determine for themselves whether or not they think they are a fit as well.

If you decide that they are a good additional to your team, then you can offer them a full time position. If not, gently explain that although you value them, you can no longer continue your working relationship. It isn’t easy, but it is necessary for your success.

3. Fire Fast

When it comes to creating a positive work environment, one bad apple can spoil the bunch. If you find that one of your team members are bringing the rest down, it is time for them to move on. Keep those who come in with a positive, can-do attitude, they are the ones who will carry you to success.

4. Keep Your Eye on the Prize

We build our team based on the specific goals and needs of our business. In order to not lose sight of your goals, you must know how to lead staff in the right direction via weekly staff meetings. This is a great way to find out who is dedicated to the growth of the business.

Being absent or tardy are telltale signs of an unprofessional and irresponsible employee. Being prompt and coming to the meeting prepared with client feedback, problems and potential solutions, and success stories are signs of team members who not only come in and do their job, but are committed to doing it better each day.

Discuss three to four topics during these meetings or demonstrate a new product or service. Touch base on promotions and make sure that they are being promoted trans-departmentally.  Even your front desk staff should be well versed on your promotions and services. This is also a great time to recognize the efforts in best services, best customer retention and best team player. Your team needs positive reinforcement, and if you don’t give it to them, you run the risk of them either finding it somewhere else, or losing the urge to perform.

5. Retention

A good employee is a hot commodity. It takes a lot of effort to find the right person, and once you have them, it is important to keep them. Your employee’s happiness is important. I believe that the key to employee retention is providing education, on-the-job training and a positive work environment. By providing education, you are showing your employees that you care about their career.

Although we may sometimes want to, we cannot do everything on our own. We need a strong team behind us to work together in order to reach our goals. This is one of the most important aspects of your business and with the right outreach, education and encouragement, you will be able to build and keep your perfect dream team.

For more on how to succeed in the beauty business, please read my book Success at Your Fingertips: How to Succeed in the Skin Care Business.