It takes a very special kind of person to truly reach his or her full potential as a beauty professional. Many graduates will choose to get a job at a salon or spa and just go through the motions each day, wondering why their career never advances. The fact is that in order to really reach your full potential, you are going to have to do more than just show up. Although I believe that being successful is something that is within you, there are traits and practices to help you reach success.
PASSION
First, you have to start with passion. In our industry that isn’t hard to come by, but if you don’t have the passion for what you do, then you need to find another career! When you wake up in the morning, you should be excited to go to work, you should be excited to see your clients, and you should be excited about the services that you provide them with. I believe that if you can find something you are passionate about you truly will never work a day in your life.
CREATE A CAREER ROAD MAP
Once you have the passion, you need to map out how you imagine your career will progress. If you don’t have a goal, then you will never be able to achieve it. Your plan is your map; it defines your destination and illustrates how you will get there. Your plan should spell out, step by step and in explicit detail, how you will organize, manage and promote yourself as a beauty professional. People don’t just fall into success, they create it for themselves.
NEVER SAY NEVER
If you have a dream, you should never let anyone deter you from it. I think you would be hard to find a successful business person who had said it was easy getting to where they are. Along the road, there will be people who don’t believe in your dream. If you really believe in yourself, you have to stay the course no matter who or what might try and get in your way. Be tenacious and never let “no” stop you. When you are on the road to success, there is no room for second guessing. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with others who have the same goals.
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
So how do you make your career plan stand out from all the other beauty professionals out there? You need to start thinking outside of the box. The first question to ask yourself is how can you go the extra mile for your clients? When I first started working as an esthetician in New York City, my treatment room was nothing spectacular. Even though it was not my business, I took it upon myself to apply a fresh coat of paint and buy new curtains. Yes, I paid for it myself, but I was investing in my own success. When I finally opened my own spa, I hired a girl to wear a French maid’s outfit and push around a cart with little cucumber sandwiches and tea – and my clients loved it! That is going the extra mile. You need to provide more than just wonderful skin, hair or nail services, you need to provide an exceptional experience for your clients so that they keep coming back for more. Never forget: Your clients are your bosses and must be treated accordingly. Do that, and you will create fans for life.
ADVANCE YOUR EDUCATION
If you truly want to reach your full potential, you must understand that your education does not end on graduation day. I always say, “If you are green you’re growing, if you are ripe you rot.” Our industry is an ever-changing one, with new ingredients and treatments rolling out every year. If you are relying on your esthetician’s license, with no further refresher courses or continuing education, you won’t stay on track with our ever-changing industry. Continuing education is so important, especially in today’s competitive workplace. I have found that the most successful people are hungry for information. They read, they watch the news, they sign up for classes at local colleges, they want to be the best they can be. I propose that you give yourself the gift of knowledge. As you schedule your calendar, make it a point to allocate time for refreshing and expanding your skills. We all are living in the information age, and education is yours for the taking. It will not only give you an edge over the competition but enrich you and make you a well-rounded and fulfilled individual. I even suggest finding a mentor. It is important to get an outsiders opinion sometimes, especially if you come to a point in your career where you are unsure about something. Choose someone who you trust and respect and who has a proven track record for success.
POSITION YOURSELF AS AN EXPERT
Your clients can go to the drug store and pick up any $5.00 face wash so why should they come to you? You need to provide expert opinions and advice to create a long and meaning relationship with your clients. A great way to gain clout is through Public Relations efforts. Have seasonal skin care tips? Send them to important media, such as your local editors and bloggers with a big following! Have new and innovative products or treatments at your spa? Send them to the media! Seeing your name in print will solidify your expert status to your clients.
SHOW UP – DRESS UP
Last, but certainly not least, your job is a reflection of yourself and you should take pride in it. Someone that shows up to work in the sweat pants is obviously not taking their job very seriously. Every day, no matter how tired you are or what is going on at home, you have to dress up and show up. Your clients are looking to you to provide them with beauty, and if you do not look the part, why should they put their appearance in your hands?
The one thing I am sure of is that if you are able to rely on yourself, you have the power to achieve almost anything. Choose today to live the best life possible and your success professionally and personally will be ensured.
