Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Girl, What's The Latest: Hot Gossip...Bad Topic

What is one of the first things you think of when you hear the word Beauty Salon (besides hair)? GOSSIP! Yes, gossip. We are all active participants in this cyclical activity whether you are doing the talking, listening or just simply being a spectator. It may sometimes seem innocent, but unhealthy conversation can do more than hurt someone’s reputation. Loose lips may also lead to violence such as the internet video which displayed a young beautician, who was servicing a client at the time, being brutally beaten by patrons of the salon due to gossip a.k.a. ‘he said, she said’.



We learn how to do it at such a young age; playing telephone, listening to our mother’s conversations with friends, and also watching the women interact with others in the beauty salon. And do not get me wrong ladies, men do gossip too, whether they will admit it or not. To some gossiping is like second nature, they just cannot help it. But it is our job as the professional to maintain control of what is being discussed in our salon, whether we own the salon or are just renting booth space. It is often seen as unprofessional to take part in such activities as gossiping. This may even turn some clients away, therefore affecting the amount of cash in your pocket.


We are not only cosmetologist, but did you also know we are counselors, therapists, and sometimes even mediators. Although it is fine to get into conversation about what is going on in the lives of your client, be careful not to get too involved in the situation. Sometimes the client may want you to pass a message on to someone else, but I would be careful in doing even that. Words get so twisted when trying to relay messages, it is usually just best that the client relays the message on her own. Unless it is that client’s personal business that he or she chooses to share with you, or a general topic, there is really no need for it to be discussed.


Now I am not saying be silent while performing services on your client, but what I am saying is find other things to discuss other than who is doing what, who, when, why or how often. For example:


Make it interesting. Try to come up with an open-ended question you will ask each client as a way to get conversation flowing in the right direction.



Guide the conversation. Do not be afraid to re-direct conversation when it gets into talking about other people who are not present in the salon to speak for themselves.

 
Lead by example! Be the one to set the tone of how their salon visit is going to be, and check yourself when you find yourself talking about somebody else’s business other than your own.



Ladies let’s get some business about ourselves and discuss topics that are of substance. Topics that may encourage uplift or educate another individual. Your mouth is a powerful tool and what you say you can never take back. There is no rewind button or do-overs. Once it is out there, that is it, be ready for whatever consequences may follow. Let me leave you with a quote from an unknown source:


GREAT MINDS DISCUSS IDEAS, Average Minds Discuss Events, small minds discuss people!


Where do you fit in?


Please feel free to comment below by clicking on the word ‘comment’. Thank you for your feedback.

1 comment:

mia said...

I totally agree with you Kyla. There's way to much gossip going on in some salons/barbershop. My very first experience in the salon in Indy was horrible. I made an appt with a stylist on 38th street(won't mention the salon), and the whole time the stylist gossip with the other stylist the whole time. Never once said any thing to me (the client). I left feeling like I paid for a service and didn't get my money worth, she didn't seem interest in what or how I wanted my hair or ask to rebook an appt. It took me awhile before I called & made an appt. with a different salon. Nether to say, same thing happen again. I said to myself, WHATS WRONG WITH THE STYLISTS IN THIS CITY! Bottom line treat people like you would want to be treated. Stay away from certain topics, cause you never know who you may offend.

Thanks for listening.
Mia