Boardroom BLITZ

HJ’S Business Boardroom, supported by L’Oréal Professionnel, brought together eight mentees to take their businesses to another level

HJ’s Business Boardroom, supported by L’Oréal Professionnel and mentored by award-winning hairdresser and industry entrepreneur Sean Hanna, started its third day with a recap of everything the mentees had learnt so far this year.

“As business owners it’s important that you focus on the money – I am here to get you to a better place than you were before,” Sean explained. “A lot of people who start a business start it because they are passionate, but then when you’re the leader of that business you need to learn everything you can to make it successful. As hairdressers we are creative and not everyone is motivated by money. So, if you are making £30,000 and you are happy with that, then that is fine. But if you’re working really hard and running a business, we might as well make it work for you!”

The programme sees Sean and a host of guest speakers guide and support eight business owners. Held at the L’Oréal Academy, participants are developing their skills and expanding their knowledge in areas including marketing, profit growth and strategic planning, helping them build stronger, more successful businesses.

The final day will see them present their business plan to a panel of industry entrepreneurs including Michael Van Clarke and Hellen Ward.

After a successful session on marketing, and a presentation with two-times winner of HJ’s Business Director of the Year Michael Van Clarke, the team used their newfound knowledge to present their marketing campaigns, using a special calendar created by Sean.

Michelle Summers-Davies started the session talking about the lessons she has learnt and implemented in her marketing campaign, Liquid Layers, which has seen an increase in bookings.

Laura Bates spoke about the inspiration she took from guest mentor Salv Mule. She created the avatar of her typical client and discussed introducing her own product range to the salon.

Julie Charles broke down her brand messaging before explaining how her new Gloss, Tone & Refresh Service will work for post-holiday clients.

Liza Raby described her new Colour, Cut and Confidence marketing campaign to encourage new clients and reward existing ones. “Be careful when offering something to new clients; you don’t want to alienate your existing clients who see new clients getting exciting things,” Sean warned.

The evening saw them attend the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 70th anniversary, and gave them an opportunity to catch up with creative and business leaders.