THE NEW RULES OF DATING #SalonSmart19
Move over Tinder – it’s all about hooking up for business nowadays!
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter… They’ve all built their empires on the presumption that their social network tools help people build their networks and remain better connected. But do social networks make you more powerful? Actually no. When it comes to gaining access and information and simply having fun, nothing beats the thrill of meeting like-minded real human beings. And that’s where Salon Smart comes into its own.
Running a salon business can be a very lonely job, which is why Creative HEAD launched Salon Smart – way back in 2010 – as a place for salon owners and managers to come together to share ideas and experiences in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. At Salon Smart you can learn from a host of respected industry innovators onstage – but you can also just as importantly learn from each other!
All the way through your Salon Smart experience you’ll find opportunities to network with your peers and gain invaluable connections that could become lasting partnerships. Feeling shy? Here are our top tips to get you pow-wowing like a pro…
Don’t be shy…
Salon Smart is MADE for networking and is designed to be a relaxed, informative environment to discuss and debate the industry going-ons with salons and stylists from across the country. Don’t be afraid to approach a familiar face in the crowd, a speaker who’s inspired you, a brand you’ve been meaning to reach out to – or team Creative HEAD! The best way to get the most out of Salon Smart is to meet as many people as you can, get chatting and swap contacts – there are lots of exciting collaborations brewing among attendees – we just know it!
Meet & Mix
DO NOT we repeat DO NOT miss a moment of the Meet & Mix on Sunday at 18.30 – this is prime networking time. Armed with a glass of bubbles (sure to loosen any nerves), this 45-minute session provides a unique opportunity to discuss your business goals and challenges with the industry’s good and great.
The Working Lunch
If you were tempted to duck out to a local establishment for lunch, you’d soon regret it! The Working Lunch is 90 minutes of business networking served up with a plate of tasty food! Leading hair and business brands including L’Oréal Professionnel, 3•6•5 Education, Salon Success, Innoluxe, Mutu, Mindbody, Salon IQ, Treatwell, Prostyles, Kent and the NHF will be on hand with exclusive offers and a wealth of business-boosting info and you’re sure to spot some familiar speakers in the midst too – be sure to grab them for a chat!
Stage Surf (not literally)
Our on-stage experts and industry stars often stay behind after their session ends and can be found frequenting coffee breaks and free time. If you think of a burning question you didn’t ask during the Q&A, hot-foot it over afterward or keep your eyes peeled around the event for your opportunity to ask it.
Pay it Forward
Everyone knows when it comes to networking, introduction is the easiest in-road. Chatting to someone who is keen to hit up a colleague or friend of yours for advice? Make their day and give them an intro – likelihood is, they may know someone you’ve been hoping to meet too. Pay it forward with your contact book and reap the rewards.
Social networks are useful, but they are no substitute for direct personal contact, new real friendships and the kind of history you develop with people when they’ve known you for a long time. Throw a couple of glasses of fizz into the mix, and suddenly networking sounds like the most fun pursuit of all!
Get the full Salon Smart experience with a Weekend Pass (£295 plus VAT), which includes overnight accommodation, breakfast AND a three-course dinner with wine. A Monday Pass (£100 plus VAT) is for the Monday business programme only.