Want to run your salon smarter, not harder? This guide shows you how to set salon management goals that work for both your business and your life.
You’ll learn practical ways to automate tasks, develop your team, and create the work-life balance you deserve.
Watch episode 42 of Marketing 100 where salon business experts Kayle Yanez and John Hallberg share their fresh take on goal-setting and creating meaningful change in 2025.
Continue reading below for practical advice on setting achievable goals, real examples from salon owners, and a simple quarter-by-quarter plan to help you succeed in 2025.
A Different Approach to New Year Planning
I don’t want this to be like one of these typical goal setting exercises. That stuff is important, but this is about being present and making yourself two promises – one professionally and one personally.
This refreshing perspective cuts through the typical New Year’s planning overwhelm. Instead of creating extensive business plans or setting arbitrary targets, we’re focusing on meaningful, achievable changes.
The Mindset Shift: Business Goals That Support Your Life
One of the biggest mistakes salon owners make is setting business goals in isolation. Your salon shouldn’t just be about hitting revenue targets or expanding services – it should be about creating a business that supports the life you want to lead.
If you’re going to set goals for your business, they should support the life you want to live. Think of them in terms of, “What will this allow me to do? How will this allow me to be more fulfilled? How will this allow me to accomplish my goals outside of work?“
Learning from Experience
Let me share a personal example that resonates with many salon owners I’ve worked with. Last year, I set a goal to get out of my comfort zone and learn new things, even when they felt scary. The result? I expanded into video production and digital content creation – skills that transformed my business approach.
Your comfort zone expansion might look different – perhaps it’s delegating more responsibility to your team or implementing new technology you’ve been hesitating to try.
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Essential Salon Management Focus Areas for 2025
1. Systems for Independence
Modern salon business automation can free you from constant hands-on management. Focus on:
- Creating documented salon systems and procedures
- Developing salon team leaders for daily operations management
- Implementing salon management software and automation tools
Start by exploring different the best salon automation software options to streamline your operations.
2. Team Empowerment
Effective salon team management starts with comprehensive training and trust-building. When your staff feels empowered, you can maintain high service standards without constant oversight. This approach is fundamental to building a strong salon culture that supports your goals.
3. Scalability Planning
Beauty business expansion requires careful planning. Whether you’re considering multiple locations or preparing for a future sale, ask yourself: “Is my salon business model scalable? Have I developed systems that increase my salon’s market value?”
Real-World Implementation
Consider starting with one system or procedure per quarter. For example:
- Q1: Implement an automated appointment reminder system
- Q2: Develop a team leadership training program
- Q3: Create standard operating procedures for opening/closing
- Q4: Set up performance tracking and reward systems
Focus especially on mastering salon rebooking to maintain consistent revenue throughout the year.
Setting Measurable Goals
While we’re focusing on meaningful change rather than arbitrary targets, having some concrete goals can help.
My New Year’s resolution is to take the salon business to 100k subscribers. While your goal might not be about social media growth, the principle remains: choose specific, measurable targets that excite you and align with your vision.
Understanding how to grow your salon business strategically will help you set realistic targets.
Achieving Salon Owner Work-Life Balance
As an entrepreneur, there’s so many expectations on you. Finding alignment between your personal and professional goals is crucial.
Implementing Your Salon Business Goals
Rather than creating an overwhelming salon management checklist, focus on two key commitments:
- One salon business goal that will drive growth and efficiency
- One work-life balance goal that supports your personal wellbeing
Effective salon planning doesn’t require immediate answers to every challenge. Pay attention to those recurring thoughts about your beauty business. The improvements you’ve been considering during quiet moments.
What salon management changes have you been postponing? 2025 might be your year for transformation.
Moving Your Salon Business Forward
Success in salon management is about recognizing and acting on the opportunities for improvement you’ve identified throughout the year. These insights often reveal your most crucial next steps in beauty business development.
While reflection is valuable, avoid getting stuck in the planning phase. Prioritize changes that enhance salon efficiency, strengthen team capabilities, and improve your work-life balance. This approach will make 2025 a transformative year for both your salon’s success and your personal fulfillment.
Your Next Steps
Consider implementing proven salon promotions that perform as part of your 2025 strategy.
Be easy on yourself. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. It’s not about building a business plan on New Year’s Eve.
Start by identifying those recurring thoughts that have been nudging you throughout the year. What’s that one change that keeps coming to mind during quiet moments? That’s likely your best starting point for 2025.
P.S. For even more proven salon marketing tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of our Marketing 100 series.
