The Best of 2008: Members Respond
The PBA Membership Department recently caught up with four PBA salon members to get the scoop on what worked for them in 2008 and what their plans are in 2009.

Here is what they had to say:

Sondra Thrasher
- Appearances Hair Color & Design Studio

"One of the biggest changes we are making is to start our own line of products.

Also, I took over all managerial duties within the salon in 2008 and now have weekly communication with employees and opportunity to coach them individually. I also communicate regularly with our client base, sending out emails, making phone calls and speaking to them when they are in the salon. Communication has been an extremely important aspect within the salon and one that we are continuing in 2009."

Jill Wiltberger
- Perfection Salon

"If I could go back, I would tighten security around my data. I just had three employees steal my entire database and it happened because I trusted them all way too much. I am putting into place tighter controls on the front desk, access to information, and communication with our guests.

We capture email addresses from our new guests, then leverage that into an ongoing communications campaign including bi-monthly e-newsletters, weekly last-minute appointment availabilities, special promotions and holiday-related greetings. It works well to help strengthen the relationship between the salon and our guests. I am more and more convinced that email is the way to go."

Melissa Huetter
- Indigo Salon and Day Spa

"I am dedicating 2009 to growing my team's awareness on the importance of retail sales: how it directly affects client retention, the clients ability to maintain and reproduce the style we've achieved for them and the advertising potential it all has for our salon.

In 2008, I implemented my two newest positions, an on-staff pr/marketing director and a general manager who has saved my life - seriously! She has taken over employee accountability, client relations and the management of all our systems.

Now, I am able to spend more time working on my business versus in the business, and have had more of an opportunity to spend "quality time" versus "quantities of time" in my salon / spa."

Krista Martin
- metro FOR MEN

"I have realized that being an owner/operator is not the ideal leadership style and want to move away from the fear of leaving my clients behind and focus on the positive forward movement it would have on the overall business in 2009.

In 2008, I worked incredibly hard on going green at the shop and using green strategies to reduce the shop's overall expenses. We doubled our net profit margin. I will continue to seek green methods in 2009 and use the savings to grow the business internally with the staff and externally with additional locations."

New Membership Benefits for 2009

This is a big year for the Professional Beauty Association. PBA Symposium is joining Cosmoprof North America and the North American Hairstyling Awards in Las Vegas to create PBA Beauty Week, the largest, most inclusive beauty event in North America. But that's only the beginning.

PBA Beauty Industry Guide

In 2009, PBA is proud to announce the launch of PBA's newest online resource for PBA members and all beauty professionals, the PBA Beauty Industry Guide. This online directory is a valuable resource for PBA members and other industry professionals who use the Internet to locate, research and purchase products and services unique to the industry without the clutter of general Internet search engines.

Professionals can search the guide directly from the PBA home page and PBA member company listings will all be identified with a PBA logo!

Visit pbabeautyindustryguide.com to search now or download the guide to your desktop.

PBA CareerCenter
probeauty.org/careers

The new PBA CareerCenter is the definitive online resource for employers and job seekers in the professional beauty industry. PBA members receive one free job posting annually and discounted rates on additional listings! Job seeker services are complimentary. Connect with the best employers and employees in beauty!

Upcoming Teleconferences:

• Salon Series: Best Practice Club Web Workshops

• Advocacy Updates

• Industry Research and much more.

For more information on all the exciting new programs at PBA, visit probeauty.org or give us a call at 800.468.2274.