For years people have considered their competition to be the enemy… because if your clients aren’t coming to you, then they must be going somewhere else.
However I’m going to say something which many might see as somewhat controversial here.
They aren’t your enemies anymore.
The real enemy?
A full diary.
Hear me out, as I totally understand that some might think I’ve eaten too many Easter eggs this weekend and completely lost the plot.
I’ve not.
Lemme explain.
For pretty much as long as salons have existed the primary goal has been a full diary. Lots of lovely clients back-to-back-to-back equals success.
Because it just must, right?
Well, maybe one, but that’s not the case anymore.
Soaring salon costs have changed all of that. In 2026 more than ever. In fact, it’s showing few signs of changing right now. It’s more expensive than ever to employ staff, rent premises and buy stock.
A combination of these rising costs and not enough focus on the numbers truly driving businesses has left many salons in somewhat of a pickle.
They are still busy in many cases… but there’s nothing left at the end of the month when all the bills have been paid.
Salon owners are scratching their heads… as well as scratching around to find the money to stay open.
It’s a tough situation, without question.
Mercifully, there’s a cure.
In fact I know many salon owners who’ve bucked the trend and are still in a great position.
A full diary – when full of unprofitable services – simply traps people.
You’re busy but with nothing to show for it.
It’s heartbreaking.
For years salons have been able to simply “fill the diaries”. Margins were healthy enough that just about any business was good business and if you did enough of it then you’d most likely be fine.
Not anymore for the most part.
The key now?
Focusing on the services which actually make you the most profit.
This means understanding your numbers.
It means actively promoting the services and treatments which bring in the money.
It might even mean losing the services which don’t make you enough – as they are simply clogging up the space and meaning the other services can’t even be booked.
I’m fully aware that some people will be shaking their heads reading this… maybe even their fists!
Some will unsubscribe.
Some will think I’ve lost the plot.
That’s fine.
This isn’t for everyone.
But maybe it is for you.
Because if you’ve made a wonderful salon life over the years but you’re finding it harder and harder to make a comfortable living then this should be a wake up call.
You can’t just keep doing the same things and expect the outcomes to change.
And we both know that all of those rising costs aren’t magically going to drop overnight.
Our Hollie is doing another special webclass on this later this month; on Monday, 20th April at 7pm.
It’s called ‘The Freedom Formula’ as when you crack this it’ll open up a whole new world for you.
It’s free to attend, but you do need to register.
You can do that here;
https://www.salonceoaccelerator.com/freedom-formula-webclass-live
