Hiring and Firing, It's Not as Tough as Everyone Thinks.

My hiring practices are pretty simple and logical. Given that I'm not a hair stylist nor have any styling experience I cannot judge styling technique. My judging ability is limited to what I feel is most important, the personality. I judge applicants personalities before they even pick up a blow dryer. I hire based on gut feelings, energy, and what I call a marketable personality. 

A marketable personality is a type of person that is easy to like, easy to talk to, and easy to be completely open with. Hair stylists provide a service, marketable people build relationships. I've sent home numerous applicants that although were great stylists, were not marketable. 

However, given that without a quality blow out it doesnt matter how personable someone is I wont make it in this business, I pay close attention to quality! I judge the length of time the blow out takes, the clients feedback, and the comparison of what the client thought they were going to look like to what they actually look like. I've begun to pick up some hints about what good hair stylists do. 

What I look for most in a quality hair stylist is confidence. I want every stylist at Blo/Out to be able to pick up a blow dryer and be 110% sure they are the best person to complete the job at that given time for that given client. Confidence can accomplish anything! When I was in the financial industry I tought my sales guys to always be confident. "Answer YES! I dont care if the correct answer is NO and you're not sure about it!". I never wanted to hear my sales people stuttering or pausing or referring to a manager. "Is this the best solution for me? YES!" It's much easier to come back later and say "Mr. Client, earlier when you asked about the solution I said yes, but after researching further I do believe the best answer would be No." 

Now it's pretty obvious that confidence wont make a subpar stylist into an expert but the lack of confidence really can make an excellent stylist into an unemployed one. In the short time Blo/Out has been in business I have seen criticism absolutely ruin skill. Shaking hands, being too meticulous, asking for confirmation over and over again, and taking too long are some of the results that criticism has had on some stylists that are no longer with Blo/Out. 

So hiring is one thing, what about my firing practices? Well, given that I'm super honest, blunt, and do not let personal feelings interfere with my business, being fired or let go at Blo/Out is not a drama filled event. I have very simple rules to employment:

• Never, ever be late! - Every Blo/Out team member knows that is my biggest pet peeve. Everyone gets one chance, the second time you're late you might as well turn around and go home. However, being late is not the same as calling me and letting me know that youre running behind. 

• No Bullshit! - I'm not a child and hopefully you're not either. Dont fuck with me. We're all adults. I'm not a fan of politics, rumors, or stupid decisions. If you think I'm not going to agree, you're probably right. 

• Give me 100% or go home! - I respect people that tell me "I'm having a shitty day, I would rather not be in there today than be there and not bring my "A" game". If you're a part of my team you better be the best you can be, otherwise I'll find someone who is. 

• Be ambitious! - Sounds simple enough, however people are typically too lazy to be ambitious. Give me a reason to promote you, pay you more, respect you more, trust you more! Being average is bullshit. 

My ultimate rule for letting go of someone is client complaints. I have a very narrow threshold of complaints that need to be met in order for you to be let go. It doesnt matter if you are the best stylist I have, something you're doing is wrong! 

I've managed to build the absolute best core team here at Blo/Out, they really are a part of the family, those that made the cut will grow and prosper with Blo/Out.

Yours,

Avi.