Discover how a value-driven strategy fuels success in business, as hairdresser and coach Lorenzo Colangelo shares his insights.
In today’s world, businesses must stand for something meaningful, or risk fading into the background. Lorenzo Colangelo, hairdresser and business coach, embodies this philosophy through his successful Tunbridge Wells salon, The Gallery. He demonstrates that a strong value system directly drives profitability, building his salon into a thriving case study. Lorenzo understands the challenges of maintaining focus, drive, and structure in a competitive market. He has developed a tried-and-tested, value-driven strategy to address these challenges, focusing on business growth, team investment, and client acquisition. His approach offers practical pointers for building a sustainable business while nurturing a dedicated team and attracting loyal clients. This strategy emphasizes the importance of core values in creating a brand that resonates deeply with both employees and customers.
The Importance of Core Values
Collaboration forms the cornerstone of Lorenzo’s approach to establishing company values. He believes in engaging the entire team in this process, rather than simply imposing a set of corporate ideals. Collective values emerge from these collaborative discussions, truly representing the shared beliefs of the team. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and strengthens team cohesion. When everyone contributes to the value system, they are more likely to embrace it wholeheartedly. This shared commitment translates into a more positive work environment and improved customer experiences. By prioritizing values and collaboration, businesses can build a strong foundation for long-term success and create a brand that stands for something significant. Lorenzo’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern business.
Bringing the team together. Whether that is a team day, a team meeting or a blue sky thinking session, coming together and having everyone invested is vital to belief and success.
Talking points. Have a clear idea of the talking points, but be open to the team taking it in a direction you hadn’t expected and listen to what they are bringing, this is valuable stuff!
Focus. Encourage input on integrating individual values with the salon’s larger vision. This approach strengthens internal dynamics of our salon but also set us apart as a model of value-driven operation.
Summarise. Bring together the collective thinking and share and importantly reflect it back. In this way, the team can see their impact and feel integrated. Collective values are crucial for creating a cohesive, resilient, and empowered team capable of navigating the business world with integrity as well as purpose.
Measurement. The real challenge is measuring something as intangible as values. But while you can’t put creativity, teamwork, or passion on a spreadsheet, you can create systems that reflect the success of these qualities in your salon. For example, customer reviews will often reflect the atmosphere and experience they felt in your salon. Positive comments about the service, the vibe, or how they felt cared for are indirect indicators that your team is living the values of the business.
Celebrate. It is important to celebrate when your team embodies the salon’s values. Positive reinforcement not only boosts morale but also signals to the team that these values are essential for the success of the business
Follow Through & Training. I am a great believer in mentorship, this is essential to give life to these values and see them have meaning and continue in the business. Addressing the values of the team through professional development makes them feel seen, while upskilling reflects our commitment to inclusivity and diversifies our services to reach a wider market.
Everyday Life. These efforts create a positive feedback loop, where the values become a part of the everyday fabric of the salon. Over time, they won’t just be something you talk about—they’ll be the foundation of your success.