Not for Me - Article by Joanne Jordan

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Greater PROFITS
are within your reach! We can help!

Joanne Jordan
Salon PROFITS Now!
Call us at 203-231-1957
joannejordan17@gmail.com

WWW.NOT-FOR-ME.COM
Published by INSPIRE: The Source, Fall 2000

Not too long along, I used to refer to myself – without embarrassment or pride – as "computer illiterate." It was just a fact of life, as being a hairdresser was. The idea of "speaking" to someone by typing into a computer seemed ridiculous. I expected "this computer nonsense" and the World Wide Web (www) to pass, as fads do.

Today, I operate a consulting business for hair salons – a business made possible by technology I once discounted. Faxing, electronic mailing, uploading, downloading, pasting, copying, printing, and surfing the Net are among my daily activities. I even attend a "virtual university."

As a consultant, I spend a lot of time encouraging clients to accept technology and travel the information highway. Many of them resist changing as much as I once did.

According to Tom Finelli, an Information Technology consultant, such resistance stems from the lack of knowledge. But he points out that technology has grown tenfold in ten years and will continue to expand. Our society is undergoing a monumental change.

As a salon owner, why shouldn’t you start profiting from the benefits already available? Consider just a few:

E-commerce is buying and selling products on-line. It eliminates sales reps, expensive display space and other overhead costs. The savings are passed on to you. You can access detailed product information instantly – and order with the click of a button.
E-mail, my personal favorite, provides 24-hour convenient worldwide communication at less cost than phoning or faxing. Automatically receive industry updates, newsletters and publications. Instantly network with other salons.

This is why I love e-mail: Recently I phoned the state labor board with an important question. After what seemed 20 minutes of menu choices, I reached a recording. It asked me to leave a message and "someone would reply within 3-4 business days." I hung up the phone and e-mailed my question to the department. Within hours I received a reply, which included the name and direct phone number of the person answering my question. Immediately I called to express my gratitude.
E-mail can save your salon time and money. Imagine scheduling and confirming client appointments, producing newsletters and announcing special events - all without phoning, printing or postage! Does this sound cold and impersonal? So did phoning and mass mailing when they were new. E-mail is only one more means of communication. It’s not difficult; it’s just a new form of communication.
A website (www.com) reinforces your business image and tells consumers what you do. It’s a strong marketing and recruiting tool. Though it produces invaluable results, you can build and maintain a website at minimal cost.

How do you become more computer savvy?

You already know how! You do it the same way you’ve learned to use other new technology: Start small and keep going.

One client told me she resisted getting an ATM card for five years. But, having made that small beginning, she kept going. Today her salon has an automated "music on hold" phone system, fax, e-mail and a website.

Accept the reality of unceasing change. Buy a computer. Take a course. Read a book. Hire an Information Technology consultant. I myself have done all those things.

(If you’re really overwhelmed, ask a child or teenager for help. Young people aren’t afraid of computers. They love and understand them.)

It is essential for all of us – as business people and as human beings – to expand our thinking. Changes surround us like a rising tide. If we don’t learn to ride these changes, we will be swept away.

Clients’ expectations keep pace with technology. They expect exceptional, speedy, and reliable service. Automation makes that possible. Information technology is now a fundamental part of business life.

So don’t be afraid. I’ve traveled a great distance in cyberspace - and it’s been nothing short of exhilarating!

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