A Publication by Millennium Systems International®

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS CULTURE

info@millenniumsi.com | millenniumsi.com | 888.813.2141

A Publication By

©2017 Millennium Systems International®. All Rights Reserved.

Salon Today Magazine perfectly describes salon culture as “an

invisible, yet tangible, energy that binds and propels a team and

attracts clients.”

While a strong business culture takes time to build, it has the

power to turn your salon or spa into an unstoppable force.

Need help improving the vibe at your business? Here are 5 ways

to improve your culture.

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR

BUSINESS CULTURE

01

WHAT A BUSINESS CULTURE

SHOULD BE…

02

A company’s culture is deep-rooted values, and actions. It should

embody all that you do. From your services to the way you treat

clients, to your internal team dynamic, to the way you interact

with your community – business culture is the foundation of a

successful business.

“ Business culture is the foundation of a successful business.”

03

…AND WHAT ITSHOULD NOT BE

04

Your business culture should not be a marketing stunt to help you

stand out from the crowd. While your culture will attract clients

and potential team members, it not should be created solely for

that purpose.

The culture of your salon or spa affects productivity, morale, goals,

values and much more. Furthermore, studies show a healthy

business culture increases employee motivation, openness

to change, involvement, teamwork, improved relationships,

and happiness.

“ The culture of your salon or spa affects productivity, morale, goals, values and much more.”

05

1. CREATE A STRONG MISSION & VALUE

STATEMENT – AND STICK TO IT.

06

Your mission and values are much more than a list of bullet points

on your ‘About Us’ page. They are not just words that sound nice,

collected during a heavily-caffeinated brainstorm session.

Your mission and your core values are your guiding light and the

heart of your business. Consistency is key when engraining your

mission and values into your business culture. Once you’ve decided

what defines you as a business – lead and live by example.

“ Put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their perspective.”

07

2. EMBRACE TRANSPARENCY

08

Transparency, internal and external, fosters healthy communication.

Transparency is appealing to both employees and clients in a raw,

human sort of way. We like people who are transparent, so it makes

sense that we like businesses that are transparent, too. It’s not about

some new “hack” to make yourself more intriguing – it’s about being

real and relatable.

Transparency produces trust. Who can trust a company or a leader

who doesn’t share anything? Embracing transparency includes:

• Two-way communication

• No gossip

• ‘Open door’ policies

• Team huddles

• Revealing sensitive information to clients (when appropriate)

• Celebrating successes and owning up to mistakes

• Nurturing unsatisfied customers

• Openly declaring changes

• Openly resolving conflict

“ Transparency produces trust. Who can trust a company or a leader who doesn’t share anything?”

09

3. SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

10

Support the continuous education of your team, such as training

to learn a new skill or tuition reimbursement to help further their

professional development. Studies show that access to continued

education improves an employee’s motivation, morale, and

likelihood for sticking around.

Consider creating ‘career paths’ within your business. This gives your

team milestones in their career to work towards, thus increasing

work ethic and motivation.

Your front desk career path may look something like:

Part-Time Front Desk Associate > Front Desk Professional > Guest Services Coordinator > Guest Services Manager

“ Studies show that access to continued education improves an employee’s motivation, morale, and likelihood for sticking around.”

11

4. HEALTHY WORK AND PLAY

BALANCE

12

When employees feel a greater sense of ownership over their own

lives, they tend to have better relationships with management and

can leave work issues at work and home issues at home. Balanced

employees tend to feel more motivated and less stressed out at

work, which can increase productivity and reduce conflict.

Beyond a work-life balance, don’t forget to play with your team, too!

Team-building activities help create strong bonds between your

team members. Fun at work inspires creativity and reignites a sense

of pride for your business.

“ Team-building activities help create strong bonds between your team members.”

13

5. DON’T EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN OVER NIGHT

14

Building a company culture takes time, energy and commitment. It

doesn’t just happen overnight. Rushing the process may leave you

with a company culture that is not true to your brand.

There’s no finish line. A truly amazing business culture is a constant

work in progress, because as a business evolves, so does every

working part.

Take the time to nurture your company culture. Exemplify it in every

way so your team can follow suit.

“ A truly amazing business culture is a constant work in progress.”

15

Great company cultures were not built in one day by one person.

With the right diligence, flexibility, and persistence, you have the

power to create an amazing culture that will help make your salon

or spa unstoppable.

CONCLUSION

16

MORE THANJUST SOFTWARE

For More Resources Visit

The Business Side of Beauty Blog Weekly industry insight on everything

you need to know to build a business.

millenniumsi.com/blog

Educational White Papers Downloadable resources and worksheets

to grow your business and thrive.

millenniumsi.com/resources/whitepapers

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thought-leaders and influencers.

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About Millennium Systems International

For 30+ years, Millennium Systems International is the

trusted brand to provide the beauty and wellness industries

with forward-thinking, powerful management software and

innovative tools. Our software is utilized in thousands of

salons and spas in over 36 countries and processes billions

of dollars in transactions per year. We are company in the

industry still privately owned.

Through unparalleled industry experience and decades of

research and development, our software and educational

mission empowers 100,000s of users — from solo artists to

enterprises — to build and grow a thriving business. Each

of our employees exudes passion for the industry and are

committed to being a valued and trustworthy resource for

our clients. Discover more at millenniumsi.com.