To all
the business owners out there, I am ringing my hand bell in the piazza, “ HEAR YE, HEAR YE, the more education you provide your
employees on professionalism and business etiquette, the more professional they
will be (and act!),
and become a huge
asset to your company.”
I was
fortunate enough to start my career in a hair salon that provided an
apprenticeship program. This program
included education on hair styling, as
well as business classes. I
attribute much of my confidence in taking on new ventures, and building a successful
business, on the training and discipline I received as an apprentice: It was an invaluable start to my career. The
owner of the salon provided a means of education in his establishment (unique
and visionary),
producing a staff
that raised their bar high,
resulting in many
satisfied clients.
I was
taught to see myself as a professional from day one, and never looked
back. By the time I finished my
apprenticeship program I felt confident, highly skilled, and “ready for
action.” (I have to confess, I took a
three month break in Italy—but I’ll tell that tale
elsewhere.) One of the biggest lessons
learned in my personal outlook is the impact it had on my business. Because I felt confident, clients had confidence in me.
Positive energy is contagious, and can only attract more of the
same. There is a lot of laughter and fun
working in a hair salon, which always makes for a great environment, but I
never let myself forget it is my business, and to be a professional.
