The Hair Hustle Podcast

Episode 89: Guest Experience - THE Controversial REBOOK

Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact] Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers] Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the importance of pre-booking for hairstylists, debunking myths and sharing practical strategies to build a sustainable business. She emphasizes how pre-booking enhances client retention, income stability, and professional confidence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and topic overview 00:32 Debunking social media myths about not pre-booking 01:23 The shift in industry perspectives on pre-booking 02:22 Why pre-booking is vital for a sustainable business 04:45 Understanding the 65% pre-book rate benchmark 05:44 Common reasons stylists avoid asking for rebooking 06:15 Reframing the conversation: Helping clients maintain their look 07:52 How to plant the seed for rebooking during the service 09:20 Using confident language to secure future appointments 10:43 Handling client hesitation and follow-up gracefully 11:41 The importance of professional communication and client experience 12:10 Action steps: Improving pre-book rates and business sustainability Keywords hairstylist, pre-booking, client retention, salon business, sustainable income, hair industry, booking strategies Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

Episode 88: Guest Experience Series - Salon Sensory Audit

Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney explores how salon environment impacts guest experience, emphasizing sensory elements and intentional space management to create a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for stylists, salon owners, and independents looking to elevate client satisfaction without high costs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series 00:56 Why Environment Matters for All Salon Types 01:49 Creating a Positive First Impression 02:48 What Clients See in the First 10 Seconds 03:56 Incorporating the Four Senses in Your Salon 05:06 Conducting a Self-Assessment of Your Space 07:19 The Power of Scent and Seasonal Ambiance 09:09 Music and Sound Environment Tips 10:58 Greeting Clients Effectively Without a Front Desk 13:21 Control and Enhance Your Salon in a Suite Setting 15:08 Actionable Steps for All Salon Types 16:09 Conducting a 10-Second Salon Audit 16:34 Wrapping Up and Next Steps Keywords salon environment, guest experience, sensory marketing, salon tips, client retention, salon decor, ambiance, customer service, salon management Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

Episode 87: Guest Experience Series - Say THIS or Say THAT?

Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Coaching Interest: HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact] Free Know Your Numbers Worksheet: HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers] InSalon Class: HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact] Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney launches a new guest experience series focused on improving client interactions in salons. She shares practical scripts, tips on effective communication, and strategies to build trust, upsell, and enhance guest satisfaction. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series 00:27 Why Guest Experience Matters in Salons 01:20 The Power of Words and Trust 02:15 The Consultation: Setting the Stage 03:39 Swapping 'What Are You Looking For?' for Open-Ended Questions 05:52 Guiding Clients with Descriptive Questions 07:07 Handling Client Pictures and Self-Consciousness 08:25 Discussing Budget Without Making Clients Uncomfortable 11:08 Confirming Client Goals and Desires 11:53 Using Feedback to Identify Client Problems 13:18 Encouraging Client Feedback and Problem Solving Keywords guest experience, salon tips, client trust, communication, consultation, upselling, hair styling, salon success

Episode 86: The Mental Load and How it Shifts from Emotional to Physical

Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact] Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers] Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the mental load faced by working moms and industry professionals, sharing practical tips for resetting and protecting energy. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, getting mental clarity, and prioritizing self-care to thrive both personally and professionally. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:58 The mental load faced by working moms 01:57 Heather's personal marathon experience and need for reset 02:50 Upcoming guest experience series in June 03:50 Understanding the mental load and its misconceptions 04:45 The mental load as an invisible layer of busyness 06:55 The importance of honesty and getting things out of your head 07:52 Techniques to manage mental load and regain clarity 09:56 The concept of bouncing back and consistency 10:27 Self-reflection and being kind to yourself 11:42 Recognizing moments of clarity and taking action 12:28 Protecting your energy and setting boundaries 13:14 Protecting days off and creating sacred time 16:18 Stopping mental load from living in your head 18:09 The Big Three technique for daily focus 19:48 Conducting a calendar audit and identifying drains 21:55 Tools to protect your time and energy 23:47 Treat your energy as a resource and prioritize self-care 24:54 Final thoughts and encouragement for a reset Keywords mental load, self-care, boundaries, working moms, productivity, energy management, reset, work-life balance, industry tips Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

Episode 85: REPLAY - Leading YOU Even When You Don't Think You are a Leader with Heather Spencer

Contact Heather Pod: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Links from Ads: Know your numbers Worksheet [www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers] In Salon Class or One on One Coaching HERE [www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact] Discover practical insights on leadership, balancing a thriving career with family, and personal development from Heather Spencer, a seasoned salon owner and industry leader. Whether you're behind the chair or managing your own salon, these tips will help you lead intentionally and create a meaningful, balanced life. Main Topics: * The importance of leading yourself first as a foundation for leadership * Building boundaries and managing energy for sustainable success * Balancing family, business, and personal growth through clear non-negotiables * The power of daily habits, mindset, and self-care * Developing leadership through reflection, goals, and a personal leadership statement * Strategies for overcoming challenges and embracing failures as growth opportunities Key Insights: * Leadership begins with self-awareness and self-leadership, not just managing others. * Daily habits such as proper rest, movement, and mindset shape how you show up for clients and team. * Setting clear boundaries protects your energy and promotes mental health and resilience. * Your mindset influences your client interactions and overall success—what you permit you promote. * Reevaluate and prioritize your non-negotiables to align your actions with your goals. * Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth—failure is part of success. * The importance of financial health and intentional time management in personal and professional life. * Leadership is personal and adaptable; create a leadership statement that reflects your values. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Heather Spencer and her industry journey 02:00 - Why leadership is the cornerstone of salon success 03:30 - The significance of leading yourself before leading others 05:00 - The impact of continuous learning with John Maxwell's leadership training 07:00 - Practical daily habits for stylists to prevent burnout 09:30 - Mindset shifts: treating every client with love and respect 11:45 - The influence of words and how to promote positive client interactions 14:00 - The importance of product knowledge in service and sales 16:00 - The role of problem-solving in leadership and client care 19:00 - Recognizing and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth 22:00 - Balancing family life, business, and personal health 26:00 - The trade-offs in career and life priorities 28:00 - Insights from corporate experience and transitions to family-focused leadership 33:00 - Developing resilience and learning from setbacks 36:00 - Identifying and honoring your non-negotiables 40:00 - Practical strategies to set boundaries and protect energy 43:00 - The importance of rest and self-care in leadership 45:30 - The significance of strategic time management for growth 48:00 - Heather's leadership workbook – how to develop your leadership identity 51:00 - Advice to young and new salon owners 52:00 - Final motivational quote on embracing challenges and failures 53:00 - Wrap-up and connecting with Heather SpencerResources & Links: * Heather Spencer Leadership Workbook [https://www.instagram.com/heather.spencer.salonlead] (Available via link in Instagram bio) * Follow Heather on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heather.spencer.salonlead] * John Maxwell Leadership Course [https://www.johnmaxwell.com/products/leadership-university] Connect with Heather Spencer: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/heather.spencer.salonlead] True leadership starts with self-awareness, setting boundaries, and embracing challenges. Your journey is unique—lead intentionally, balance wisely, and keep hustling! Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact