Build Your Salon with Phil Jackson

Hosted by Build Your Salon with Phil Jackson

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Episodes

309

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

Are you ready to build a brilliant, profitable salon business without burning out? I’m Phil Jackson, your go-to salon friend, coach and Queen of Salons. Each week I dish out real-world strategies for hair, beauty, and aesthetics pros who want bigger profits, a stronger team, and a life with more freedom. No fluff, just clear advice (and a sprinkle of sass). Step up, get inspired, and Build Your Salon!

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60 recent

October 26, 202610 min

Are You Running Your Salon to Be Popular, or Profitable?

Running a salon takes more than great skills. It takes strong salon owner boundaries. You will learn how setting clear limits leads to better team performance, happier clients, and a more profitable business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marketing must match reality Phil’s marketing promised a certain experience, but the real salon felt different. Clients came in excited, then left disappointed. After changing the marketing to match what the salon actually offered, more clients stayed. Fewer new ones came, but those who did stayed longer. People-pleasing hurts team standards One assistant manager always said yes, even when it meant ignoring rules. He didn’t want to upset anyone. This made the team think rules didn’t matter. No one took standards seriously, and service quality dropped. Bonuses can backfire The assistant manager got a Christmas bonus based on how many staff stayed. He kept quiet about poor performance so no one would leave. This stopped progress and made it hard to fix problems. Old clients should not set price rules Betty had been coming for years. She kept getting old prices even after others paid more. Other clients noticed and started asking for discounts too. Soon, prices felt flexible to everyone. Tolerance breeds lateness Clients started showing up 10 minutes late, then 20. No one said anything. Soon, 30-minute delays became normal. Appointments ran behind, and staff got stressed. Leadership needs balance Phil used to shout and scream during team meetings. He only met when someone cried. This scared people and made them quit. Later, he learned to lead with calm and clear rules instead. Boundaries keep your salon strong You can’t be popular with everyone and stay profitable. Saying no to last-minute cancellations or price talks helps your business grow. It also reduces your stress over time. CONCLUSION Phil Jackson emphasizes that clarity is the key to balancing popularity and profit in Build Your Salon. Visit buildyoursalon.com to download his free cheat sheet and start setting effective boundaries today.

October 23, 20269 min

Why Client Loyalty Matters More Than Ever Right Now

Salon client loyalty isn’t just nice to have. It’s essential for survival in a crowded market. In this episode, you’ll learn how to keep your regulars coming back, even when competition is fierce. KEY TAKEAWAYS Salon client loyalty is a zero-sum game There are not more clients out there. You get them by taking them from another salon. Every new client you win is someone else’s lost client. This means your focus should be on winning loyal customers, not just adding names to your list. Retaining clients saves 12 times more It costs 12 times more to bring in a new client than to keep an old one. Sending a simple “we miss you” message to someone who hasn’t booked in a while can bring them back without spending big. This is one of the smartest uses of your time and money. New client numbers don’t measure real success Rewarding stylists for bringing in new clients leads to empty appointment slots. Clients leave because of small issues, not big ones. If you only focus on new names, you’ll end up with gaps in your schedule and no real loyalty. Small salons are rising fast More part-time stylists now run mini-salons on two or three days a week. They’re not full-time, but they’re still competing for your local clients. This means more choices for your customers — and more pressure on you to keep them. Small frustrations break loyalty Clients don’t leave because of one bad haircut. They leave because of small things like being late, price changes with no warning, or feeling like just a number. These add up and make them feel unimportant. Use “we miss you” to win back lost clients When someone stops booking, send a text or email saying “we miss you.” It’s simple, cheap, and works. Reconnecting with a lost client is far easier than finding a new one from scratch. Build loyalty with salon memberships Don’t rely on luck or chance. Use a membership system to keep clients coming back every month. It creates a steady flow and builds trust. Get a free cheat sheet at queenofsalons.com to avoid common mistakes. Loyalty is not magic. It’s built with small, consistent actions. Phil Jackson of Build Your Salon reminds us that when you focus on keeping your regulars, your salon thrives. Visit buildyoursalon.com to start building those smart habits today.

October 19, 202636 min

Do Salons Even Need AI? (with Conrad James)

AI in salons is changing how you run your business. This episode shows you to use AI to grow your salon, keep more clients, and free up your team. KEY TAKEAWAYS Use AI as a team member Callpad acts like another staff member, not a robot replacement. If a client says “Nicola,” it connects them straight to her. This means your front desk team can focus on guests in the salon, not on answering phones. Frame AI as online booking with your voice Clients can ask things like “When is my appointment later today?” even when the salon is closed. The system uses your past records to give quick, correct answers. Prioritise reliability and consistency Callpad answers calls after 4 to 5 rings, before voicemail kicks in. It now has a steady pause length, making the conversation feel natural and smooth. Allow gradual adoption with flexible setup You can start by letting AI handle just blow-dries, not colour treatments. Test it for weeks or a month before going all in. This builds trust step by step. Measure success by client interaction rates Only 20% of voicemails get listened to. Callpad gets 70 to 80% of clients to reply. Over time, with good experiences, that can rise to 80 to 90%. Address resistance through education Some clients don’t like AI because of bad past experiences. Conrad notes that people often have had negative interactions with other AI systems, but invites skeptical owners to experience a well-designed one to see the difference. This turns doubt into a chance to see it work. Position AI as a tool to protect revenue Salons miss 100 to 200 calls each month. The average salon using Callpad books an extra £30,000 a year through the service. It stops business from fading away quietly by turning missed calls into real bookings. AI in salons is not about replacing people — it’s about giving you more time and more clients. For more tips like this, visit buildyoursalon.com and learn from Phil Jackson’s real-world salon stories.

October 16, 202611 min

Minimum Wage Is Killing the Salon Industry (Just Not How You Think)

Paying above minimum wage in the salon industry isn’t just kind — it’s smart business. You’ll learn how one salon boosted staff loyalty and profits by choosing pay over perks. KEY TAKEAWAYS Pay above minimum wage This salon paid more than any other in the area, even if it meant cutting back elsewhere. They believed higher pay was a business strategy, not a cost. It helped them keep staff longer and attract better talent. Use self-funded improvements Instead of hiring a decorator, the team painted the staff room themselves on Sundays. They bought two cans of paint from B&Q and wore old jeans. This saved hundreds without lowering pay. Invest in training, not events Their Christmas party was a simple curry from a local restaurant. Other salons spent thousands on limos and big nights. This salon chose training over flashy events because it knew development matters most. Be clear about your trade-off Staff knew the salon couldn’t afford luxury because it was focused on high pay and training. The team understood the choice. When you’re honest about your plan, people can support it. Reduce turnover with fair pay Underpaying leads to more staff leaving. That means constant hiring and retraining, which costs money. Paying well keeps people longer, saving time and cash in the long run. Raise prices to stay profitable If you pay more, you must charge more. Otherwise, you lose money. This salon raised prices slightly to cover higher wages without hurting profits. Try new pay models They moved away from simple wage-plus-commission. Now some staff get team bonuses or no commission at all. This lets them pay higher hourly rates and still keep everyone motivated. CONCLUSION Paying above minimum wage in your salon can cut costs and build loyalty when done right. If you want to grow your business with real results, check out Phil Jackson’s advice at buildyoursalon.com.

October 12, 202612 min

Why Your Salon Has No Profit (You Never Set a Target)

You need a clear salon profit target to know if your business is truly successful. In this episode, Phil Jackson shares simple, no-nonsense steps to track and grow your profits. Set a clear salon profit target Most salon owners don’t know their profit target. Phil says if you don’t set one, you won’t hit it. Use her free cheat sheet at queenofsalons.com to check if your salon is actually making money. It’s not just paperwork, it’s what your business needs to succeed. Track real-time takings reports Your salon software should show accurate numbers every month. But many reports don’t add up. Takings, services, retail, and vouchers don’t match. Phil says this is nonsense. Real-time data is better than old accountant numbers, and it helps you make smart choices fast. Cancel software that you don’t use If you’re not using the reports from your software, cancel it. You can get a free calendar app with online booking links for a fraction of the cost. Google Calendar now offers free booking links, so you don’t need expensive software if you’re not using it. Know the true cost of small expenses A £69 monthly website bill needs £4,140 in service revenue each year to cover it. That’s 103 Hollywood waxes at £40 each, or 276 kid’s cuts at £15. Think hard before spending on things that cost so much to break even. Avoid low-return spending Spending £69 a month on railway station ads costs £828 a year. To break even, you need £4,140 in sales. That’s not smart. People don’t walk into stations and think, “I need a wax now.” That money could go to better uses. Check if your software is worth it Paying £200 a month for software? At a 20% profit margin, you need £10,000 in sales just to cover it. That’s like doing 218 back sack and cracks to pay for it. Only keep software that gives you real, useful data. Track numbers as a daily habit Seeing numbers isn’t a chore. It is the highest leverage habit you can build. When you know your numbers, you know when enough work has been done. You take what your business is meant to earn, not what’s left over. Phil Jackson shows you how to turn your salon into a profitable, clear-thinking business through Build Your Salon. Visit buildyoursalon.com for more guidance.

October 9, 202610 min

Is Social Media Actually Hurting Your Salon?

Social media salon marketing can cost you more than you think. This episode shows you how to save time and boost real results by stepping back from daily posting. KEY TAKEAWAYS Time cost of content creation Spending four hours a week on social media at £60 an hour means £240 a week. That’s £1,000 a month. To break even with a 1:5 profit margin, you’d need £5,000 in bookings just to cover the cost. That’s a lot of time for little return. Low conversion from social media Most people on social media are not looking to book a salon. They scroll to be entertained, not to buy. That means your posts get seen, but few turn into actual appointments. Every hour spent on social media is an hour on a channel that doesn’t convert. Ineffective audience intent Users are there to scroll, not to book. They skip past ads and ignore promotions. Just like turning off a TV ad, they avoid your content. This leads to low engagement and even lower booking rates. Comparison trap and confidence erosion Seeing other salons post perfect photos and happy clients can make you doubt your own work. You start questioning your choices, even when they’re strong. This constant comparison drains your confidence and leads to burnout. Platform dependency and fragility You don’t own your audience on social media. Platforms can change rules overnight, hide your posts, or even ban your account. You can’t save your followers or contact details. Relying on these platforms is risky. Privacy trends limit insight Many new followers now have private accounts. You can’t see their posts or even know if they’ve seen yours. Growing your follower count no longer means you’re reaching real customers. Minimal presence recommended You don’t need daily posts. One to three posts a week is enough. Update your opening times, share a quick tip, or post a seasonal photo. This keeps your profile active without wasting your time. Stop chasing likes and start building real client trust. Focus on email and in-chair conversations instead as Phil Jackson suggests with Build Your Salon at buildyoursalon.com.

October 5, 20269 min

Why Salon Email Marketing Gets Ignored (And How It's Costing You)

Salon email marketing can boost your income in ways social media never can. You’ll learn simple, proven ways to grow your business with every email you send. KEY TAKEAWAYS Email Marketing Sells More Email puts money in your bank. Unlike social media, it directly drives sales. Phil Jackson suggests using unique discount codes in emails to see real results. Track Every Result Use special links or codes in your emails to see who opens them and clicks. You can track how many people bought something just from your email. This is much clearer than guessing with social media stats. Automate Aftercare and Upsell Set up emails to remind clients about care products after hair extensions. This builds trust and leads to extra sales. Phil Jackson used this strategy to sell more products during detangling visits. Win Back Lost Clients Email is the best way to reach clients who haven’t visited in months. Social media can’t reach them if they unfollow. A simple re-engagement email can bring them back. Show Your Expertise Send tips, behind-the-scenes posts, or team stories. This makes your salon look like a trusted expert. Clients feel they’re learning something valuable from you. Keep Your List Safe Don’t store your email list only in your salon software. Keep it separate. If the software changes or fails, you won’t lose your client list. It’s your most valuable asset. Use a Paid Email Tool Stop using free email tools. They limit what you can do. Invest in a paid platform. Phil Jackson says it’s worth the cost for better tools and full control over your campaigns. Salon email marketing is a powerful tool you can use to earn more, keep clients, and grow your reputation. Listen to Phil Jackson on Build Your Salon and visit buildyoursalon.com.

October 2, 202612 min

Too Many Salons? What are you going to DO about that?

Too many salons miss the mark by cutting corners on small details. This episode shows how small changes can hurt your business more than you think, and what to do instead. KEY TAKEAWAYS Stop being cheap in operations Switching from Yorkshire tea to a cheaper brand in a hard water area caused three client complaints in one day. The tiny saving cost you more in trust and repeat visits. A small detail like tea can make or break your reputation. Charge for a premium experience Don’t promise a luxury service if you’re not delivering it. Phil Jackson warns that you cannot charge for a Bentley and deliver a Ford Fiesta. Your price must match your performance. Adopt Mise en Place for organisation Use the chef’s method: keep your station clean, tools ready, and supplies in place. Phil references the book Mise en Place to explain how chefs organise their workstations to cater efficiently without clutter. This discipline helps salons deliver consistently high standards. Eliminate running late or forgetting appointments Clients will let you get away with it once or twice, but more than that, they are going to start walking. If we are charging for a premium experience, you cannot drop the ball. Stop being lazy about business basics Avoiding your inbox, skipping financial checks, or ignoring pricing updates hurts your salon. Phil advises owners to identify the task they have been putting off and bring it to the top of the list. He suggests using 47 post-it notes around your computer screen to force action. Demonstrate integrity by following through A client signed up for a premium service but wasn’t contacted for three days. Phil shares this story to illustrate that if you say you are going to do something, you should do it without being chased. Your word matters, even when it seems small. CONCLUSION Small choices shape your salon’s reputation and determine whether you survive in a crowded market. Follow the advice from Phil Jackson on Build Your Salon and visit buildyoursalon.com for more insights.

September 28, 202611 min

Should You Raise Your Salon Prices Before Christmas?

Many owners struggle when they think about whether or not to Raise your salon prices right now before the holidays roll around. This episode shows you exactly when the timing is perfect and why waiting might actually help your business survive the winter rush. Raise Prices When You Are Busy Increase prices ahead of Christmas if your utilisation is high enough for success. Your booking calendar needs to be above seventy per cent full or you are turning people away already. This means about three quarters of your week is booked solid before you make a move on rates. Wait Until After The Holiday Rush Ends Hold off on increases until the busy festive period has finished completely due to financial strain on clients. November looks like a bit of a money grab if you act too soon during this time of year. Waiting ensures your raises do not look like you are just trying to get as much money through the till as possible. Raise Immediately If You Are In Trouble Raise prices immediately only if the salon is in iceberg mode and failing badly to save the business quickly. In this crisis scenario it does not matter about the timing because there is nothing left to lose anyway. Creative thinking is needed when the business is on its last legs so you can turn things around. Review Prices Twice A Year With Spaced Rises Review prices twice a year with two rises spaced out rather than increasing them very quickly all at once. Changing prices again very quickly starts to look chaotic even if each increase was justified by rising costs. Jumps are much more manageable for your clients if the changes are spread out over a longer time period. Do Not Sell Old Price Appointments When Unprofitable Do not let people buy batches of appointments at the old price if the business is unprofitable right now. Even though most salon software allows a promo to beat the increase, you should never do it for goodness sake. You must stop letting customers purchase batches of visits that cost more than you earn from them today. Phil Jackson shares his expert wisdom on these topics in Build Your Salon to help you master your finances. Visit buildyoursalon.com today to start growing your career and securing a profitable future for yourself now.

September 25, 202615 min

Black Friday in Your Salon (Without the Ick)

Salon Black Friday promotions are often a trap that hurts more than they help if you do not plan well. You will learn exactly how to run deals that bring profit instead of disaster for your business. Time-Bound Offer Windows Create Urgency Set a clear start and end time for every special deal so customers feel they must act now. For example, you can run your offers from one minute past midnight on Black Friday through to the very end of the day on Cyber Monday. This creates a strong sense of urgency that pushes people to book immediately without overthinking their choice. Limit Discount Options To Stop Decision Fatigue Choose only three different price points instead of offering a dozen confusing deals. You might pick offers around fifty quid, one hundred quid, and another between three hundred, four hundred or five hundred quid. This simple rule stops customers from feeling overwhelmed and helps them pick the right treatment quickly. Calculate Profit Impact Before Discounting Core Services A twenty percent discount on a sixty quid service does not save you as much money as you think. The profit drops from twenty pounds down to eight pounds, which means you lose sixty percent of your original profit rather than just twenty. Always do the maths first to ensure you still make enough money to run your salon after the sale. Restrict Booster Voucher Usage To Quiet Periods Use free vouchers only during slow months like January and February to fill up empty chairs. Your terms must clearly state that the offer is not valid before Christmas to avoid a rush of redemptions right when you need cash flow. This strategy keeps your busiest times free for regular clients who expect normal prices. Avoid Vouchers During Financial Crises Be careful with vouchers when there are economic problems like the recent VAT crisis because customers may want refunds later. One salon sold about eleven thousand worth of vouchers during that time, which pushed their redemption date forward just as another tax bill arrived. This timing issue almost caused them to run out of money at the worst possible moment for any business owner. Phil Jackson has been helping salons succeed for years and he knows that smart planning beats random discounts every single time. If you want more practical tips like these, check out Build Your Salon to learn how to grow your career today at buildyoursalon.com.

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