Moving from one brand to another can be a BIG decision.
You need to reconsider your menu, think about training, updating your website and the financial investment too, of course.
BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW?
But, in some cases, moving away from the brand you use might be a no brainer.
During the pandemic, I spoke a lot to our clients and through various coaching channels about finding a brand that you align with.
And that word – alignment – is as relevant when leaving a company as it is when moving towards a company.
So, if you currently work with a brand and you are considering changing to another brand, here are some things to think about.
DO THEY SUPPORT YOU?
Whilst we are far out of the ‘P’ word time now, it was a key moment for salon owners to assess how their brand looked after them.
I heard of some suppliers that did everything they could do support their accounts by offering training, ideas, inspiration, special deals and more – with a real focus on keeping their accounts strong through a difficult time.
Conversely, I heard many salon owners say their supplier turned their phones off, ignored emails and upped monthly charge requirements.
It was heart-breaking to see small business owners who’d invested thousands of pounds into a brand, just to be dropped and ignored.
So, how did your brand support you?
HAVE THEY CHANGED?
As in any business, brands have to change, evolve, get bigger, get smaller and be reactive.
There is chance the brand you have worked with for some time have changed their ethos, product, support system, pricing…. The list goes on.
And if they have, it may no longer work for you.
And that’s OK! Just because you’ve worked with a brand and believe in them, doesn’t mean you have to stay working with them forever.
It’s good to explore what other businesses can offer you and see what serves your business more.
HAVE YOU CHANGED?
Maybe your supplier is still working hard at looking after you, but your needs have changed.
This isn’t unusual! Maybe you’ve grown, scaled down, changed your focus or your business model. Maybe your location has changed and it’s brought you too close to another stockist.
It might be time to re-evaluate your needs.
Which leads me onto….
DO THEY STILL ALIGN WITH YOUR GOALS?
What you needed and wanted before might not be what you need and want now!
As a business owner, it’s important to have clear goals that serve you, your business and your clients.
These goals should all serve each other in that you –
Can look after your customers to give them the results they want, the results they need, and are willing to pay for – over and over.
If they do, then you can reach your financial and balanced business goals
And therefore, reach your life goals.
The right brand forms part of the foundation of this journey.
IN SIMPLE TERMS
Ask yourself this…
Do they look after me?
Do they get the results I want my clients to gain?
Does my relationship with them serve me currently?
Will a continuing relationship with them serve me in the future?
If any of these answers are NO, it may well be time to find a new brand.
Check out The Source to get more help and advice and see a showcase of brand profiles to start discovering your dream brand partner.
You might also find this article written by Hollie for the Salonology website;
