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 Entering industry competitions can be invigorating and rewarding, but it can also be exhausting, disappointing and confusing – the best and worst part of being a successful hairdresser. Whether it's an award for business direction or for Avant-Garde styling, the rules for entering are the same – research, plan and be thorough! If it all seems a bit daunting, let Rachel Gould, award-winning
journalist, hairdressing marketer and consultant, guide you nearer to
winning.
L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy and Talentspotting, the Fellowship's F.A.M.E Team, Creative HEAD's UK's Most Wanted, Wella TrendVision... the list of industry Awards seems to grow and grow.
To simplify things, our industry breaks down awards categories into the components of your business. Team, salon, retail, general business, website and photographic – they’re all important to successful salons so treat the categories you choose NOT to enter as a challenge to strengthen these areas. Be objective about the reasons you are not entering all categories. What would the benefits be to your business to strengthen the areas where you feel less confident?
Awards for our industry fall into the following categories:
Business general – these are the business director, customer service, marketing and salon awards. These entries are the ones that will make you examine how you tackle specific parts of your business. They should be backed up with strong rationale and good evidence.
Team categories – this is your chance to celebrate your staff and their unique talents.
Local salon categories – if you are a salon that really embraces your community and enjoys strong bonds with your clients and with your business peers, then this one’s right for you.
Website categories – these days simply having one isn’t enough! If you truly feel that your website is your shop window on the world and you use it as such then consider this has potential.
Salon design – had good results from a refurbishment? Documented all your costs and photographed before and after? Included special touches to your design? Then this category has potential.
Photographic entries – The two issues most associated with photographic entries are accessibility and affordability. Not all competitions require professionally shot imagery so seek them out if that's not something you want to get tackle. If you don't have experience in professional shoots then costs can get away from you, so it's good to look for bundle rates. An agency like The Rawson Partnership offers competition packages from £5,500. (www.therawsonpartnership.net)
IMPORTANT!
Don't forget to look outside our industry – your local Chamber of Commerce, your county council, your local magazines and newspapers. National competitions such as the Sunday Times Awards and specialist competitions like Women in Business.
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