IS IT TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE?

I know you are probably thinking, "Is he afraid to have this conversation?" Honey, this is what HAIR BY ANTONIO is all about, having difficult conversations with you, for you, to help you...

No one in any job has ever maintained every client they have ever touched for the rest of their careers. It is just not realistic. Actually, change is healthy. But maintaining a happy client is key for both parties involved.

THE STYLIST

We as the provider do have the power to deliver our best, which should be our main focus with every client. It is also important to try our best to read the client’s every comment and reaction to our ideas. If a client is unhappy, there is always a little something in their facial expression to tell you, "I am not feeling it." What is very important to me is to keep a mental note while I am interacting with my clients. I ask myself, "Am I doing the best I can do? Does his or her facial expression really show complete satisfaction? Are we on the same page? How can I take my ego out of this and be open to how the client sees him or herself?”

THE CLIENT

You have a relationship with your stylist, but at the end of the day, it's about knowing what's right for you. By the time it gets to the point of thinking of a divorce, something important must be bothering you. The longer the relationship the harder it is. Whether it has been a 1 year relationship or a 15 year relationship, give your stylist one more chance. At the next appointment, be honest and vent your frustrations. Make sure they hear what you are saying. This conversation will be your deciding factor on your next move. Let's face it, a great hairstylist is hard to come by, but at the same time, so is a dedicated client.

If you feel that the relationship with your stylist is hopeless, don't be afraid to flee the sinking ship and step onto someone else's yacht! Informing your stylist of your decision is entirely up to you. Some clients are comfortable being completely honest and upfront with their stylist. Although, it is a difficult conversation to have, you might just be the client to pull the blinders from in front of your stylist’s eyes; ultimately helping to make him or her a better stylist. Others may opt to pull a Houdini disappearing act; never to be seen or heard from again. In the long run (after a long search for a new stylist) you might wind up wishing the relationship could have been saved.

These are a few reasons that some of my new clients have DIVORCED their previous stylist.

-Wanting change
-Miscommunication
-Stylist moving
-Being too familiar
-Feeling neglected
-Stylist feeling too creative

While these are all valid reasons, many could have been worked out. What is the key to any relationship? COMMUNICATION!! You are paying for a service so never be afraid of having an open dialogue to achieve your desired results.

Have I ever been DIVORCED? Child, I am still paying alimony :)

Next topic: “How to know if your stylist is divorcing you.”

AFG
Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved