How to Choose a Mentoring Program for Salon Owners (and What to Look for in a Mentor) by Joe Cignetti

Choosing a mentoring program for salon owners is like picking the perfect hairstyle—it’s all about finding what suits your needs, vibe, and future goals. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice and understand how the right mentor can transform your salon game.

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What to Look for in a Mentoring Program

1. Experience in the Industry Look for a program led by someone who’s been in your shoes. A mentor with real-world experience running or growing a salon will understand the unique challenges of the industry. They’ve faced staff dramas, dealt with no-show clients, and navigated the ups and downs of business.

2. Proven Success Stories Does the program have a track record of success? Check out testimonials or case studies. If other salon owners are raving about how their business skyrocketed, it’s a good sign you’re in the right place.

3. Tailored to Salon Owners Some mentoring programs are too generic. You want one that speaks directly to your world—staffing, client retention, services, and marketing a salon. A program focused on “small businesses” might not get the specifics of running a beauty empire.

4. Flexibility and Accessibility Running a salon is a full-time gig. Find a program that fits your schedule, whether it’s one-on-one Zoom calls, group sessions, or on-demand resources you can binge during downtime.

5. Support Network Bonus points if the program connects you with other salon owners. Sharing tips and experiences with peers can be just as valuable as the advice from the mentor.

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What to Look for in a Mentor

1. Alignment with Your Goals Your mentor should be someone who “gets” your vision. Are you focused on opening more locations, growing a luxury brand, or just balancing a profitable business with less stress? Choose a mentor whose expertise aligns with where you want to go.

2. Great Listener and Problem Solver The best mentors listen more than they talk. They should ask about your challenges and give tailored advice rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

3. Honest and Encouraging A good mentor won’t sugarcoat things—they’ll give you constructive feedback—but they should also cheer you on. You want someone who believes in you and your salon’s potential.

4. Willing to Share Their Network A mentor with connections can open doors for you, whether that’s introducing you to suppliers, marketing gurus, or even potential partnerships.

5. Passionate About Helping Others Look for someone who genuinely enjoys mentoring. Their enthusiasm will motivate you and make the process enjoyable.

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What Will a Mentor Help Me With?

Here’s the magic a mentor can bring to your salon life:

1. Building a Solid Business Strategy They’ll help you set clear goals and create a roadmap for growth, whether that’s increasing revenue, streamlining operations, or expanding your services.

2. Managing and Inspiring Your Team Struggling with staff retention or team dynamics? A mentor can guide you in creating a positive work culture, handling conflicts, and motivating your stylists to perform their best.

3. Marketing and Client Retention From social media strategies to loyalty programs, your mentor can offer ideas to attract new clients and keep regulars coming back.

4. Financial Savvy Learn how to track your salon’s finances, manage costs, and improve profitability. A mentor can help you avoid common money pitfalls.

5. Boosting Confidence Owning a salon is no walk in the park. A mentor is like your personal cheerleader, reminding you of your strengths and pushing you to overcome self-doubt.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing a mentor and program is an investment in yourself and your salon. Take the time to research, chat with potential mentors, and find someone who feels like a good fit. The right mentor won’t just help you grow your business—they’ll help you grow as a salon owner, leader, and professional. And remember, mentorship is a two-way street; the more open and engaged you are, the more you’ll get out of it.

You’ve got this!