Software, Hard Truths!-By Steve Gomez

I read somewhere that all of the knowledge in the world doubles everyday! Think about that! There is so much out there to learn on the information super highway!

Sometimes, you can feel that you are behind. I did. I owned my business for eight years. I never owned a computer, let alone have a software program for my business. I used to say that I was old school, that I dealt with people face to face and that I didn't have a computer or software because it would be to impersonal.

Blah! Blah! Blah! I never had a computer or software because I never learned how to use it! I didn't for years because I thought it would be hard and I was just too lazy to try to learn, so I kept going about my business life doing the same old thing expecting to get different results. That's the definition of insanity!

Only when I met the CEO of our company did I see the impact of how much money it was costing me to not have a computer, software and a website. He showed me how much money I was losing by not being connected to my clients at the click of a button, how much I lost by not having a software program to track my sales and expenses and how much harder I was working because of it. I went out the next week and bought a computer and started to learn. What a difference it has made and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!

Over the last three years, I have coached dozens of salons and spas throughout the USA and Canada. I have met many owners that think like I used to. Most salon owners that do not have a computer and software usually will not get one because of the same reasons I did. I am here to tell you, it is time to step up to the plate and take on your business at a whole new, accelerated level!

First, purchase a computer or laptop. Second, register for a night class and learn how to understand the basics of using a computer. Third, purchase salon software! Do you want to make more money, save more time and have more peace of mind? Software will help support this! Here are just a few important benefits:

• Schedule & confirm appointments on line. This allows you to control your books, increase client retention and cut down on no shows. All of which will save you money!

• Inventory control. You can manage your inventory and purchasing to stay on budget and increase profitability!

• Software can have the capability for you to track your accounting and billing, to teach you how to save more money, allowing you to save extra time.

• You can track your sales quicker and support your team to hit their goals.

• Save time in scheduling appointments and eliminate needless paper trails!

Once you get your software in place, I recommend that you invest in having the company that you purchased it from train you and your staff on how to use it. Get

as much support as needed to help you. Time and again, I see owners who buy the software and don't spend the money to get the proper training and then complain when their software “doesn't work”. Invest into learning everything about this vital investment.

The bottom line is if you want to increase your bottom line then you have to spend the time and money to implement a software program that works. Everyday that you do not have one will cost your business valuable time and money.