I have a confession.
I love the New Year much more than Christmas.
For me, it's a time for new beginnings and an opportunity to turn the page on my business and life, while deciding where I want to go in the coming months.
This January, if you're beginning to think of running your own spa, clinic or salon - or even if you are already in the planning stages - this quote might just help inspire you.
"Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is just another
stepping stone to greatness. - Oprah Winfrey
Of course, Oprah is a huge success now, but it wasn't always that way. Early in her career she struggled, she was fired from her job as a reporter and not many believed in her - but, she did believe in herself - and wasn't afraid of set backs.
With that in my mind, I thought I'd share some advice that I wish I was given when I first started out over a dozen years ago.
- Make your spa/salon business resolutions stick
- Overcome procrastination, and
- 'Think like a queen'
1.) Keep your focus sticky
When I first started my spa business I was very young, just 17 in fact, and really threw myself into everything that I believed was important to being successful. Thankfully I had an abundance of energy to make up for my lack of focus.
Being focused will increase your likelihood of success as well as creating realistic expectations of what can be accomplished.
Sometimes we get lost in the details of the day-to-day responsibilities and duties that we have to accomplish - so much so, that it zaps our energies from fulfilling our dreams or resolutions. Before falling behind, try this. Make a 'Not-to-do' list. Write down everything that was zapping your energy or wasting your time in the last year. By doing this you can often find ways to free up your energy and spark your motivation again.
The second half to being focused will seem like the exact opposite of the above tip, but make a list of the really important big picture things that you wish to accomplish. This will allow you to focus on what is really important to you and your goals. You might just find that there are synergies between what you shouldn't be spending so much time doing and what you should be spending your time on.
2.) Make your business plan stick
The most effective way to stay laser focused is to complete your business plan. Here you should write a summary of your business, including the company name, contact information as well as your business structure. Also briefly outline the reason for starting your business and describe your customer service philosophy and descriptions of your products and services. There are many sites online that offer advice of how to build a simple business plan - but, what is most important is to focus, focus, focus - and you will be one step closer to succeeding.
3.) Inspiration to combat procrastination
If you're a visual, creative person, then a mood or vision board is a great tool to combine focus and inspiration.
SECRET: Did you know that Oprah Winfrey uses vision boards to help her achieve her business goals and resolutions?
A mood or vision board is a popular tool among fashion, film, interior, designers and other creatives that allow them to visualize their concepts. When you have compiled your resolutions find artwork and quotes that reinforce your goals and dreams. These are great motivators that can keep you on target for the entire year.
4.) Regal ideas to 'Think like a Queen'
Oprah isn't my only inspiration when I want to 'think like a queen' and below are some other quotes that help me stay on track.
Work ethic: “Your work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth.”-Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (U.K.). There is no short cut to success and being diligent, consistent and hard working is the surest way to achieve your resolutions and goals.
Drive. “It is necessary to try to surpass one’s self always; this occupation ought to last a lifetime.”-Christina, Queen of Sweden. This quote is one of my favourites. It reminds me that the reason I got started was because I really love helping people in the beauty industry. It also reminds me to keep taking little steps each day to both improve myself and my business.
Happiness. “To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.” –Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. The real key to my success, has been to love what I do and the people I work with. It's the best motivator to get me up in the morning and keep challenging myself to be better each day.
Remember, what you plan and how you resolve to implement your plan will effect your chances of success this coming year - so, take the time to make this year your best ever!
Ultimately, our biggest regrets in life were not our failures, but our failure to act. The secret to success is the same secret you instinctively knew as a child; just don't be afraid to take that first step…
__________________________________________________________________
If you want to learn more about the Dermalase IPL - the lowest priced, Health Canada approved Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation device manufactured and serviced right here in Canada, including training and certification - just give us a call at 604-788-3413 to book your FREE demonstration.