Time Management Tips For Salon Suite Owners: How to Stay Organized and Efficient

Make the Most of Your Work Day: 7 Tips for Salon Suite Owners

Salon suite owners, it’s time to put some of the stressful woes of salon ownership behind you. Follow these innovative tips to maximize your work day.

1. Create a Daily/Weekly/Monthly Schedule

Creating a schedule is the first step in managing your time more efficiently. This should include an itemized list of things that need to be done daily, weekly, or monthly. For example, you might have a few things that must be completed daily, but inventory only needs to be completed two times a month on a specific day.

To stay on top of your schedule, consider downloading an app that allows you to check off items on your list when they’re completed. You can also go old-fashioned with a planner. 

While unnecessary, you can set up an award system for completing items on your schedule. This can help motivate you, especially if you struggle to stay on top of things. Consider short-term and long-term rewards.

2. Utilize Software Wherever Possible

3. Delegate Tasks (When Possible)

Delegation doesn’t have to mean relying solely on software. There are other ways to delegate tasks and be more organized and efficient, such as:

• Consider Hiring An Assistant: While not everyone has the luxury of an assistant, especially initially, it’s certainly something to consider. Your assistant can do anything from washing hair to staying on top of bookings.
• Outsource Marketing: Marketing can be difficult, especially in an age where the market is saturated and being “seen” is more challenging than ever. Take the stress off by outsourcing your marketing to a professional. 
• Partner with a Cleaning Service: As a salon suite owner, you don’t have all the time in the world to clean all the nooks and crannies. Instead of spending precious time deep cleaning, consider outsourcing to a professional company. (SalonPLEX Suites includes professional cleaning services for all common areas!)

4. Make Use of Multitasking

Multitasking is a skill. And like any skill, the more you practice, the better you will get. With that in mind, whether you consider yourself a “multitasker” or not, now’s the time to embrace it - it can really make all the difference in your day!

What are some ways that you multitask as a salon suite owner? Consider this: work on something essential for your business while waiting for your client’s hair to finish processing (which can sometimes take a good chunk of time). For example, you might need to sweep or clean your workstation, make calls, check out your inventory, or capture content - don’t forget the importance of uploading content to social media; it’s a great way to draw in new clientele! 

5. Create an Efficient Layout

One of the great things about being a salon suite owner, especially with SalonPLEX Suites, is being entirely in charge of your salon’s layout. However, lousy planning can lead to unnecessary movement and wasted time. 

The best thing to do is create a well-thought-out layout to make your life easier. For instance, you should create designated work zones for styling, washing, and waiting. Keep frequently used tools within arm’s reach and utilize multi-functional furniture, like mirrors with storage space behind them and rolling carts to hold your must-haves.

6. Cut Out Time-Wasting Activities

You can’t have efficient time management while engaging in time-wasting activities; it just won’t work. With that said, it’s essential to pinpoint which activities are wasting your time - and get rid of them ASAP.

Some of the most common time-wasting activities that should be cut include:

• Excessive Social Media: Nowadays, most people are glued to their phones - enter “doom scrolling.” But as a salon suite owner, you need to understand that there’s a time and a place for social media - and it’s not during your workday. Select specific times for marketing and other times for “play.”
• Inefficient Consultations: Consultations are critical to obtaining clients and understanding their wants/needs, but they should be streamlined to cut down on wasted time. Have a set of frequently asked questions and clearly state your options without going off-topic.
• Spending Too Much Time Looking for Tools/Products: If your workplace is disorganized, you’ll spend too much time looking for the tools and products you need. Keep your workstation tidy and organized!
• Waiting for Late Clients: While a few minutes is typically OK, spending too much time waiting on a client will wreak havoc on your schedule. Set a clear late policy—for example, if they arrive more than ten minutes late, they’ll have to reschedule.

7. Learn To Say "No"

Although beauty professionals are sometimes referred to as real-life superheroes (and they deserve that title!), nobody can do it all. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, even with schedules, software, delegating, and multi-tasking, it may simply be time to throw in the towel and admit that you’re doing “too much” and not staying focused.

Remember: it’s OK to say no and set boundaries. Doing so will protect your peace and allow you to get control of your time management, leaving you with a relaxed and happy environment - and your clients will be able to tell the difference!

8. Make Time For Yourself

This tip goes hand in hand with tip number seven, but it definitely deserves its own spot on our list of top time management tips for salon suite owners. 

There’s an old proverb that claims, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” and this statement is true for everyone. Work-life balance is essential in order to lead a happy and successful life and business. 

That said, make sure you’re taking time off to enjoy yourself. This will leave you refreshed, de-stressed, and ready to take on the workload at your salon. 

Pro tip: Add “you time” to your schedule—daily, weekly, and monthly—and stick to it!

Stay Organized and Efficient with SalonPLEX Suites Today!

While owning a salon suite can sometimes feel overwhelming, proper time management tips can help you get back on track, such as creating schedules and an efficient layout for delegating tasks. 

Are you ready to become a salon suite owner and take charge of your time management? SalonPLEX Suites offers fully equipped suites for an all-inclusive price. We currently offer professionals the option to lease a salon suite for four weeks free and for $0 down, making it easier than ever to open the salon of your dreams. Contact us today to find out more!