Dear John,
We're about to start the New Year and want 2016 to be a winning year when it comes to taking advantage of all the digital and social tools available to help grow our business. If you were to offer up some potential New Year’s resolutions on the subject, what would they be?
Over the past couple of years, we have seen how social and digital tools have magnified the talent of our industry. Creatives are now able to put their work in the hands of people across the world. A decade ago the possibilities were limited, but now with the help of a hash tag— any stylist’s work can be found.
As a salon owner or stylist, you must understand the positive impact that a social and digital presence has on your business. Unfortunately, whether you agree or not—the digital future is here and you must learn how to utilize social and digital tools to aid in the success of your business.
This past year, I was able to see just how big Instagram has become in our industry and how it has helped so many stylists and businesses reach a greater audience. This industry is much more than hair. Creatives and stylists are a part of their clients’ stories. My advice for a social and digital New Year’s resolution is to stay authentic in your sharing. Authenticity can’t be bought; no matter how many “likes” they try to sell you. Be open to the new digital trends (like video, for example) in the upcoming year, stay true to your story, let your passion shine through the images and videos you share, and don’t compromise your integrity for a “like.”
John Harms
Millennium Systems International, Founder and CEO
About: John Harms, Founder & CEO of Millennium Systems International, creator of Millennium Software, has been designing industry leading salon scheduling software and educating the beauty & wellness industry since 1987. Today Millennium is utilized in thousands of businesses in over 38 countries and operating with approximately 150+ employees worldwide. Millennium currently runs its corporate headquarters out of New Jersey and its international office is based in the U.K.