Monthly Archives: August 2016

Have you checked your business Energy Field lately?

Posted on August 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

Global Business Strategy

THE INVISIBLE FORCES THAT HOLD YOUR COMPANY TOGETHER

I have recently read several articles about Storytelling. I have however come to realise that the objective of a well-crafted , complete story is to create synergy.

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

This combined effort or synergistic effect produces energy in many places within the company. These fields of energy become an invisible force that holds your company together (see Figure 1-). While the concepts of field theory are still relatively new as they are applied to an organisation, we must believe that people working together toward common goals display a different level of excitement than a loose collection of individuals with no defined purpose. That excitement is created by lots of leaders telling lots of good stories about the organisation. It is about leaders creating myths, legends, and fables of the company that tend to attract people. It’s the stories told around the coffee station. Leaders can create energy, synergy, and bonding to corporate stories by appealing to people’s sense of belonging, challenge, purpose, and contribution.

Figure 1. Four fields of energy that generate passion.

Fields of Belonging

People want to belong to something. That’s why they join clubs, work in groups, and live in communities. They want to be part of a winning work organisation. I’ve never met a single person who said, “I think I’ll go to work for a losing company.” Use this basic human need to create a field of energy around membership in your organisation. If you work by yourself, then connect with groups with like minded people.

Fields of Challenge

People want to experience challenge in work and life. That’s why they search for the cure for cancer or participate in extreme sports. Give people a challenge. Ask them to do the impossible. Stretch their knowledge and ability. Tap into their unused energy. Channel it toward your goals. Again if you work for yourself, then reach for the stars, stretch yourself so you can grow. You will be surprised at the results.

Fields of Purpose

People want to know that their work has meaning. That’s why they need to know if what they do has relevance. Even if you work alone and for yourself, knowing that you are appreciated goes a long way to motivating you. Show everyone how he or she fits into your business plan and why it is important for every employee to be successful. It is amasing how easily your goals will then be accomplished.

Fields of Contribution

People want to know if their work has contributed to the activity. Have they made a difference? Show employees where their individual efforts help the team achieve its goal and you have a satisfied workforce. If I can make a difference I will work at a different level than if I believe that my work is just part of a giant struggle that leads to no conclusive end game.

Belonging, Challenges, Purpose and Contribution are some of the key drivers to becoming self employed or doing something that you love. If you find that these ingredients are missing from your daily cycle, this could be some of the reasons why your self esteem could be low. So let us take a look at nine tools.

THE NINE TOOLS FOR GENERATING EFFECTIVE BUSINESS ENERGY FIELDS

According to many articles, effective leaders can use the elements of a business plan to create the necessary energy to make things happen. They know energy fields and business plans cannot operate independently. A business plan that has an inconsistent story will be flat, lackluster, and boring not to mention under believable. There will be no passion or sense of purpose. Employees will not work with pride or display enthusiasm above and beyond. There will be no sense of urgency to complete the plan. Lethargy toward the written plan will be evidenced.

On the other hand, well-crafted business plans generate all the human power you need for accomplishing ambitious goals. Turning people on turns on the business plan. I know business plans can be a pain, but revising them can help refocus you and recharge your energy. Each of the nine element has a unique value to your business plan and the underlying company story. Margaret J. Wheatley describes our present understanding of energy fields.

“We have moved deeper into a field view of reality by our present focus on culture, vision, and values as the means for man- aging organisations. We know that this works, even when we don’t know how to do it well.”

9 elements to create energy by Diane Shawe

Figure 2

Here are nine critical elements ( Figure 2.) I believe are core to any organisation’s ability to create energy fields:

Vision Statement (creates passion)
Mission Statement (creates purpose)
Strategic Goals and Objectives (set direction)
Strategies and Tactics (generate action)
Philosophy Statement (creates ethical boundaries)
Focus (creates efficiency)
Value Statements (create a scale of importance)
Principles (benchmark behavior)
Strategic Intent (signals commitment)

Without beating the rug anymore, when was the last time any of your nine elements updated?

Get your exclusive copy today and save £3.00

Six tips to encourage your hair clients to come back

Posted on August 30, 2016 | 1 comment

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What you can do to encourage clients to come back so you meet your weekly minimum thresh hold.

extracted from Getting Started in the Hair Extension Business by Diane Shawe

Your database has much more marketing potential than you probably realise. You can refer to it when doing promotions and it will act as a reminder system. I have always captured my client’s details so that I can send them special offers and guess what by creating a Whatsapp group you can reach them in the click of a button.

It is a way of keeping records of client’s visits with you. You will keep dates, services and products used or recommended customers’ goals and important dates. If a client rings for an appointment, but isn’t sure what to book for, you will have the answer by checking your well-kept records. Also take a nice photo of your finished work, email it to the client it does not cost much and they can use it on their facebook. Show them how good you made their hair look when they last visited.

When running competitions or conducting a survey, make sure to get the prospects’ details. Every time you get a new enquiry, complete a proper consultation form. When collecting details, always ask for name, address, phone number, e-mail address and birthday. It’s very useful for marketing afterwards. Get as much detail as you can.

The more you can find out about clients, the better you will be able to serve them. Make sure you inform the client that their information will not be sold or passed on to any other party and will remain confidential.

As an incentive for them to give you their details you could offer a gift voucher or discount coupon for each survey that is completed and returned.

Keep in regular contact with your customers by e-mail or by post. Don’t let them forget about you which they may do if you don’t keep reminding them about your business.

It’s important to refresh your database regularly. Any clients that haven’t been heard from in over six months could be given a courtesy call. Check everyone’s details and if you find that some customers have moved, remove them from the database.

You don’t want to waste money sending mail-shots to people who havemoved.

1. Send reminders

Use your database as a reminder system. It is a good idea to send text messages as reminders to appointments. Keep detailed records of each client’s product and service history, so that you know when they are due for an appointment and also, what type of service they are due for. It’s also wise to record what prices you have charged them.

Send your clients a reminder text message if they are overdue for an appointment. Tell them how long it’s been since they last had their hair done. Tell them that they are overdue and tell them what service their hair is due for. A cheap and easy way to keep them updated it by creating a whatapp group. So don’t forget to get their numbers.

When you write to them, advise them of any promotions you are offering. If you have any news like new products, new services or new staff, mention that as well.

2. Questionnaire questions

It is a good idea to consider sending out a questionnaire at least once a year to find out what you are doing wrong so that you can change it, or doing right so that you can improve or upgrade it.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to ask them to give answers with a rating, where you give them a box to tick. Also give them room to explain their answer.

Here are a few examples of questions you could ask:

Was your last appointment carried out to your full expectation?
Was your last appointment carried out on time?
Were you happy with the technician who attended to you?
Were you made to feel important?
Did you receive a full consultation about your service?
Were you advised of suitable retail products for your hair?
Were you attended to immediately upon arriving?
Are there any services you would like to see improved?
Are there other services you would like to see provided?

You could add the following to quality check your products and services.

Please rate the following as either: poor, average, good, very good, excellent.

overall customer service
hair extension appearance
hair extension cleanliness
staff appearance
staff attitude
friendliness of staff
quality of service
quality of products used
choice of retail products
value for money

3. Teach clients about hair maintenance

Get your clients to come in more often by telling them when to come back.

Tell them how often they should have their hair re tightened or for barbers you could look at intervals and suggest special allocated times for them.

Teach them how to look after their hair with retail products. Teach them about the benefits of the products, so that they feel the need to buy them.

Get them into the habit of booking you to do their hair for special occasions.

Sometimes clients just need a bit of nudging.

Provide a ‘frequently asked questions’ list

Present your clients with a well presented FAQ list. Do this at regular intervals, changing the look of the list and some of the questions each time. Offer some free advice and promote your services and products at the same time.

If you make a list of questions and answers, you can educate your clients about the latest styles, hair maintenance, retail products and the services you provide. You could post it on your website.

Give any information that will help promote your business, making it as detailed as you like, but be careful not to bore the clients.

By asking the right questions you can plant ideas about services or products that the clients might not have thought of before.

When giving answers make them short and clear, but add a reason for each answer.

Always explain the benefits. If clients can see a benefit or extra value in doing or using something, they are more likely to take your advice. Anyone can tell them that a product is great, but they need to know what’s in it for them.

Remember your clients at Christmas time

At Christmas time send your customers a Christmas card. Thank them for their past custom and tell them how much you are looking forward to seeing them next year.

Some customers might expect you to close you studio around holiday time. Quote the days that you will be closed and also, mention any extra hours that the hair extension will be open. If you are going away, tell them which of your staff can look after them in the meantime.

Christmas is a good time to also take some nice photos of your clients and either print them out or email it to them in the form of an online Christmas card that they could send to friends.

4. Look ahead, book ahead

All clients should be asked if they would like to book their next appointment.

Tell them that by booking ahead, they can book their preferred day, time and technician. This might be more convenient for them, rather than having to wait for an appointment if their technician is booked out when they call for an appointment.

In the course of the conversation, find out if the client has any function or special occasion coming up. Ask if the client would like sprucing up for the occasion and if so, book the appointment before the client leaves the hair extension studio.

The client may be attending a function in a few months. This might give you a chance to book in a couple of appointments a bit closer to each other than usual so that the client’s hair is done just in time for the function. It’s more profitable to squeeze in an extra booking like this, than to let the client wait longer and only have one appointment.

5. Provide loyalty cards

One way of getting clients to keep coming back is to give them a free service every now and then. Give the clients a loyalty card each and explain how the concept works. For example, the loyalty card contains boxes that are stamped each time the client visits you. You could offer differing numbers depending on spend and after reaching a certain number the client receives a service to a specified value free.

Alternatively you could give free products with the cards or you could even give a gift certificate from another business that you have an alliance with.

6. Follow up

When clients have been to the hair extension studio for the first time, it’s good to call them up a few days later and ask if they are happy with their hair.

This is a way to show them that you value them as clients. They will be pleased that you made the effort.

If they’re not happy with their hair, it gives you a chance to offer to make

changes, so that you don’t lose them as clients. If you find out that clients aren’t pleased with the hair extensions, you have the opportunity to change things, so that other clients aren’t affected by the same problems.

Any feedback is good feedback. Make sure to use the feedback to your advantage.

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Posted in appointments, educational apps, online colleges, online courses, Smartphones, training courses

Tagged appointment, clients, diane shawe, diane shawe hair extensions, getting more clients, rebooking clients

Is free online courses dumbing down adult education?

Posted on August 12, 2016 | Leave a comment

Ignorance is not bliss

Is free online courses dumbing down adult education?

Adult education has become under-valued in an overpriced educational infrastructure.

The people who need the most help are already systematically ripped off by greedy loan companies, NHS parking, having to pay charges for drawing out their own money from private ATM machines in poorer boroughs, pre-paid electric meter’s to name but a few. The more you seem to need help the more you seem to have to pay.

Off course the arguments are always about risk, but to compound on top of their needs, a premium, just to make sure the risk is compensated for is questionable indeed.

But another kind of ripping off is taking place. ‘Free online education’ you may ask ‘why is this a rip off?’

I will answer this from my prospective initially and then make further arguments as to why we should be very concerned about this unpoliced, unchallenged butchery of the values originally infused into our adult educational system.

As Isaac Asimov—a master of science fiction literature—once said:

“No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.”

What has happened? Why have these large institutions priced education out of some fundamental principles?

How can we make the new economic age enhance, rather than diminish, our quality of learning? How can we make this amazing innovation advance the prospects of all people especially those with experience and not just youth?

It is clear that at this moment most educational systems are not keeping pace with changing technology and the ever-evolving world of work.

Not enough people are thinking strategically enough in this area. Fundamentally, we need to innovate what people learn, how people learn, when people learn, and even why people learn.

We must get beyond the traditional model of students sitting passively in classrooms, following instructions and memorising material that they are tested and scored on which sometimes turn out to be of little use in an ever changing economy. It is evident that computers can do that for us!

What should a 21st Pedagogy for Adult Education Look Like?

A 21st century educational system must focus on the areas where humans can outclass computers—such as in cognitive skills, interpersonal skills, fine motor skills, or sophisticated coding skills.

We need to make sure that the type of education can keep a population in work or self-employment, performing meaningful tasks relevant to todays and tomorrow needs within a community.

I believe that education has to become student centric and move away from solely institutional constructs that are not fluid to change.

There has always been a great deal of lip service given to the idea of learning by doing, but not much has been done about it. In fact, John Dewey remarked in 1916, in his book, Democracy and Education:

“Why is it that, in spite of the fact that teaching by pouring in, learning by passive absorption, are universally condemned, that they are still so entrenched in practice? That education is not an affair of “telling” and being told, but an active constructive process, is a principle almost as generally violated in practice as conceded in theory”

I think it is imperative that this century focuses on Adult Transformative Learning because, if we don’t, we are already seeing the internet unintenionally affect the minds of some of our impressional adults who have no sence of usefulness within our society and can be easily motivated in learned stimulative blended information that could be perceived as devisive withing many communities.

“Transformative learning is a structured way forward in time of crisis when Individuals face Collective Challenges”

Diane Shawe M.Ed.

During the last twenty years, the use of the word “crisis” seems to have increased around the world. Referring to sudden and intense political, economic, social, psychological, cultural or environmental changes, this term emerges now more frequently in everyday vocabulary.

According to transformative learning theory, the emergence of a crisis represents a potential opportunity for personal and/ or collective transformation, grounded in the capacity of individuals and groups to revisit the perspectives through which they interpret their own experience.

Considering recent history, how does the emergence of social, economic, political, cultural, intellectual or environmental crisis manifest an opportunity, or an expression, of transformative learning?

In the mean time I think that some of these fundlemental questions need to be addressed:

How does the experience of individual or collective crisis affect the way one learns to critically interpret one’s own experiences?
What are the learning resources required in order to overcome the experience of individual or collective crisis?
What kinds of learning opportunities facilitate the management of personal and collective transformations triggered by a crisis?
What are the emerging issues and how do they affect research on transformative learning?

How can we effectively deal with some of these burning question when we are constantly dumbing down Adult education?

If you would like a copy of my full essay on this topic fill in the form below to request a copy be sent to you.

Top 10 Money Making Hair Extension Techniques

Posted on August 3, 2016 | 2 comments

Starting a Hair Extension business

WHICH 5 HAIR EXTENSIONS TECHNIQUES ARE THE MOST PROFITABLE?

With the growth of Hair Extensions let us examine the most profitable techniques for your mobile business or Salon

Article written by Diane Shawe M.Ed
Founder www.hairextensionstraining.academy

We have seen the hair extension market grow over the past 15 years, now there are more hair extension techniques than ever before and it can be confusing to decide which is the right one for your business or for your clients.

If you are thinking of becoming a qualified technician, it is important to consider how potential clients might make their decision. Some people will make a decision based on their budget, others on their hair type and life style, some on what their friends recommended. Whilst these points are interesting, it is important for you to consider techniques that will service your clients and keep them coming back.

Here are just a few tips to help with your decision making process.

1. Wigs: Wigs are a quick and easy way to give a client a quick makeover. What you need to bear in mind is that the cheaper the wig the more un-natural it will look. If you have a client with special needs then it might be possible to make at least 28% profit. We know that the internet has changed a lot of shopping habits and clients can sources their own wigs on line or in some of the high street hair supplier shops for as little as £25.00. Sourcing or even making a custom wig for a client is an alternate route and they will pay between £220 – £600 for a good quality wig which could last for up to 12 months. MAKING WIG 4HOURS, INSTALLATION 1 HOUR – NOT PROFITABLE

2. Hair Pieces: There are lots of different hair pieces from pony tails to rear hair attachments in all different shades, curly, straight or plaits. There are also specialist hair pieces for thinning hair that can help disguise any thinning hair problems. The thing to bear in mind is that hair pieces are not often very secure and could make a client feel a little self concious. Some of the ponytail pieces can be securely fixed, for a temporary look. INSTALLATION 45 MINS. NOT PROFITABLE

3. Integrated Weaves: This is when wefts of hair is sewn onto a fine cornrow which is then hide by the bulk of your hair on top. It is a popular technique because if done correctly it can look very natural and offer up a robust and secure hair enhancement solution. If the client looks after the hair they can reuse it when they get it re-tightened. Clients could pay between £190 – £430 for the integrated weave and £60 – £120 for a retighten every 8 weeks. INSTALLATION 2 HOURS – RETIGHTEN 1 HOUR – VERY PROFITABLE

4. Pre-tips: This is small pieces of hair that have been pre bonded together. They can be added in sections all over the head to aid thickening, give the impression of highlights or lowlight and length. Pre-tips can be applied using heat, micro rings or even small elastic bands. Be aware that they have to be professionally removed so as not to damage your own hair. Client could pay between £160 – £500 for installation. Retighten every 10 – 12 weeks can be expensive as it involves removing and reapplying (sometimes new hair) £55 per hour.
MAKING PRE-TIPS 1 HOUR – INSTALLATION 2 HOURS – RETIGHTEN – 4 HOURS – SLIGHTLY PROFITABLE

5. Strand by Strand (glue gun): This is when hot bond heated up in a glue gun is used to bond small sections of hair to the recipients own hair. It was a very popular technique in 6 years ago, but requires professional application and removal by a qualified technician. Can give the appearance of flyaway hair that client could somewhat run their fingers through. It is a very time consuming technique and is much better for a long term wear over 3-4 months. Clients could pay anything between £400 – £2100. INSTALLATION – UPTO 5 HOURS – RETIGHTEN – 6 HOURS – MODERATELY PROFITABLE.

6) Clip in hair extensions: These are now very popular. They are best used for lengthening mid should length hair. If the hair is shorter they don’t sit very well because they can be a little bulky in appearance. They don’t offer up much security unless they have been professionally fitted. This is when a very small cornrow is done and the clips are slipped through for much added security. Great for an evening occasion but not advisable for long term wear. Clients can now buy these themselves or even make them from purchasing wefted hair. NOT PROFITABLE

7) Net Weave: This technique is used when the client wants to partially extend just a section of their hair or if the client suffers from patchy alopecia. This technique is suitable for 2-4 months wear. Clients can expect to pay between £190 – £500 INSTALLATION 3 HOURS – RETIGHTEN 4 HOURS. PROFITABLE

8) Hook and Latch: This technique does not use any glues or threads. It is a beautiful technique, flat to the touch and hair could be worn up. It works well with shorter hair especially the Micro ring track technique. Clients can expect to pay between £160 – £550. INSTALLATION 2 HOURS, RETIHTEN 1 HOUR – VERY PROFITABLE

9) Lace Wigs: Lace wigs have become very popular. They are really good for girls with short thin hair, damaged hair, hair damaged by medication or cancer. they can be used for hair that needs a rest or a complete makeover for a client who does not want to use chemicals. Top celebrities have made them really popular and you can see why from the video testimonial below. See Radio TV presenters new lace wig

Clients can expect to pay anywhere between £400 – £3000 (included the Lace wig) If the clients looks after the hair the lace wig could last up to 6 months. INSTALLATION 3 HOURS – REFIT 2 HOURS – PROFITABLE

10) Braides and Plaits: Braides and Plaits have been around for hundreds of years. A technique that can look very simple or quite exotic. Braids can be worn for a number of months until the hair grows out, they can even have beads added to the end for that extra special look. Clients can expect to pay from £90 – £400. INSTALLATION UPTO 5 HOURS – RETIGHTEN – 7 HOURS – NOT PROFITABLE

Hair Loss Specialists
One of the up and coming growth sector is the Non Surgical Hair Enhancement using Hair Extensions. For now you can download a training course Catalogue which will go into more details about the different hair enhancement techniques.

If you are professionally qualified, this is a very profitable and fulfilling service. My favourite sector.

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Posted in become a trainer, educational apps, hair extensions, Hair Extensions courses, mLearning, online colleges, online courses, online universities, Smartphones, training courses

Tagged clipin hair extensions, diane shawe, expresstrainingcourses, hair extension, hair extension courses, hair extensions, Hair Extensions Awards, how to do hair extensions, long hair extensions, microrings, popular hair extension techniques, weaves

Calling all Sponsors an opportunity to reach high spend customers this autum

Posted on August 1, 2016 | Leave a comment

Oscars Hair Extensions Awards Now Open

View our Sponsorship packages now

Free Entry is open to New Comer’s, Individuals, Experts, Hair Extension Salons and Hair Extensions Training Schools in over 14 different categories.

As the heat turns up this summer, celebrity hair extensions stylist Diane Shawe is looking for the next master hair extensions consultant to be crowned winner in one of the 14 categories at in the UK.

Predictions abound for the coming summer to be another scorcher, the trend for hair extensions is hitting headlines with TOWIE and Miley Cyrus amongst others. Author and expert in hair extensions, Diane Shawe has teamed up with UKhairdresser and Beautyfinders to name just a few to help look for the next champion in the forth-coming Hair Extensions Awards 2016

Previous awards have always lumped together Hair Extensions without defining the specialism within the industry says Diane Shawe. So now is the time to specify with our 14 different categories who will be crowned once and for all the expert in their chosen hair extensions field.

With Judges coming from all around the globe, such as HRH Princess Moradeun Ogunlana, Lena Mar Reatz from Hollwood and UKHairdressers candidates will be judged on preparation, work area, application and the final look.

There will also be exhibition stands so that visitors can enquire about candidates services.

So if you are the type of hair extension technician who can help clients with summer styles that favour the short; taking the heat off the head. But… Oh! Those summer nights as the evenings closes in, can you can also help clients to unpin long locks to wrap around their shoulders as the perfect solution to shivering in the evening.

These awards are specifically designed to showcase your skills as one of the most natural, seamless and creative hair extensions technician from hair loss, theatre through to couture.

Click here to find out more about the categories and submit your free entry today. Don’t forget you can also promote the VIP Red carpet and after party tickets to your clients.

If you fancy sponsoring the event then click here to view the range of different sponsorship packages

The Hair Extensions Awards is actively looking for more online judges, if you are interested then please contact us.

www.hairextensionsawards.com
www.facebook.com/hairextensionsawards