Loading ...

I used to get 3-4 FEDEX envelopes a day.

I used to get 10-15 faxes a day.

I used to get 300-400 emails a day.

I used to know everyone’s phone number by memory.

I used to update my voicemail daily with a question of the day due to the number of voicemails received.

With the next generation of kids in middle and high school, we can actually predict that this generation will not use email, phones or access websites via the Internet. Instead, they will use smart devices (most likely tablet computers and a pocket item) to communicate. And all communication will be text. In many instances, it’s already this way. AOL and Google email usage is way down. And the new #1 medium we cannot live without: Facebook.

Look at what happened in Egypt. After watching 60 Minutes on Sunday, it appears that we need to credit Facebook with the demonstrations, occupations and end result.

There isn’t a corporate website that you visit that doesn’t have the Facebook logo somewhere on its home page. Heck, for some companies, Facebook is their home page. Which begs the question, do we even need home pages anymore?

My own kids (25-27-29 years old) are no longer kids but let me tell you how many times a year they call me: Once (for my birthday). Any other time, phone calls are initiated through text and only then because they know I hate to text. Why? Because once I start texting, it always seems that the other person never stops texting back and more time is wasted texting than if we just spoke on the phone. Anyway, all my kids report their daily rumblings on their Facebook page so if I know what is going on with them, that’s my out. My oldest even advertises which bar and/or restaurant he is currently at (like the world cares).

I could post naked photos on the tng homepage and give out FREE $100 bills and people wouldn’t respond. However I post one photo or one $100 bill FREE on my Facebook page, everyone responds it. Facebook surpassed Google in popularity in 2010.

The good news for salons and spas is that they have traditionally been lax in updating their websites and home pages. Now they just need a static home page and can update their Facebook pages as needed. But then again, they need to do that to make it work.

Just think 10 years from now. Will there be PC’s? Cell phones? email? Voice mail? I’m not sure. I’m thinking about February 15, 2011 and wondering, is anyone there? I think it’s time to move my blog to Facebook.

Happy Tuesday!

 Loading ...

Since 91% of Internet usage by 2015 will be video, I thought now would be a great time to experiment with video on my blog.

Upcoming videos will include new products from thebeautybook 2011 Spring edition and other cool stuff tng worldwide is doing.

This will be fun, let me know your thoughts.

Happy Monday!

 Loading ...

I distinctly remember Y2K. The entire company had its fingers crossed that the blasted computers and network wouldn’t crash. And it was the beginning of a new century. And there was something about 2000 that sounded fresh, exciting and good.

Of course nothing happened on January 1, 2000 and that was a good thing. The dot-com bust was not.

Fast forward and it’s been 10 quick years since then. Malcolm Gladwell wrote a brilliant book called Blink, but it wasn’t about blinking your eyes and watching a decade flash by.

I distinctly remember New Year’s Eve last year. We were so happy to see 2009 go away (possibly one of the worst years in history) and like the year 2000, 2010 sounded fresh, exciting and good. But that was 11 months ago and New Year’s Eve 2010 is less than 4 weeks away. Like the previous decade, where did this year go?

The sages say that as you get older, time goes by faster. Faster I can deal with, but fast forward is another story altogether. Weeks are a blur. One moment it’s Monday and you are look forward to Friday. The next moment it’s Friday and blink, it’s Sunday night with Monday right back at you.

Sure as a kid, time goes by much slower. When you are 8 you can’t wait to be 9. That’s why when someone asks an 8-year old how old they are and it happens to be midway between them being 8-9, they always say, 8 1/2. When was the last time you gave your age that way?

When you are 15, you can’t wait to be 16. Same is true for the ages 17 and 20. But after that?

Since this is a universal problem, how can we slow down time? I have a few ideas:

• Sit on a porch with a case of beer and watch traffic go by each day
• Move to an island or remote place with no Internet, TV or Smartphone reception
• Toss out clocks, watches and anything that beeps
• Plan nothing in advance
• Buy a farm and watch corn grow
• Walk to work

OK, you come up with your own ideas. Fact is, no matter what we do, time is going to march on, zip by and before you know it, we’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve 2019 bringing in 2020 and hoping the beginning of that decade is exciting, fresh, and good.

Happy Friday!

 Loading ...

MSU 10-1, first 7-0 season at Spartan Stadium. While I’m not sure how they won against Purdue (the crowd in the 4th quarter went wild), they did but alas, IOWA couldn’t beat OSU and we are destined to the Capital One bowl UNLESS U-M does something that the Wolverines haven’t done in years- win a big game.

And the Lions? Enough said.

Are you rational or irrational when it comes to behavior? Oh sure, you are rational. But really, most people are irrational. Here are a couple questions for you to answer and be truthful!

You are on a shopping trip and need to buy a business pen and business suit. You stop at STAPLES and and find the pen you are looking for and it’s $25.00. You then remember that Office Max advertised the same pen for $16.99 but it’s 15 minutes away. Do you buy the pen or go to Office Max?

You are now trying on business suits at Nordstrom are found the perfect one for $299.95. A friend of yours spots you with the suit on and says to you OMG, I just tried that exact suit on at Macy’s (15 minutes away) and they have it for $291.95. Do you buy the suit or go to Macy’s?

No doubt you answered Office Max for question #1 and Nordstrom for question #2. Although the savings is the same, the amount of the purchase swayed you.

What’s worse than:

• Flashing blue lights behind you when you were day dreaming?
• While driving on a long-distance trip, you have to go to the bathroom really bad and you pass the “Next Rest Area” sign that states 25 miles?
• You forget your badge to get into the building or your house key after a night of partying? Or how about your electronic hotel key doesn’t work?
• A 3AM phone call?
• Sleeping through your snooze and you had an important meeting that you couldn’t be late for?

What’s better than:

• Thanksgiving dinner and not having to cook or clean?
• The day before going on vacation?
• Getting on the scale and being pleasantly surprised?
• Bragging rights?
• A good book?

OK, here is another rational/irrational question for you. What would you rather get:

• FREE Amazon $10 gift card
• $20 Amazon gift card for $7

I know you picked the FREE card. Now answer this question. What would you rather get:

• $10 Amazon gift card for $1
• $20 Amazon gift card for $8

I know you picked the latter for this question. The amount of the savings are the same in both questions but because the gift card was FREE, we chose that even those the other option was better.

I will say that I will be totally irrational come Thursday. It will be candied sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes AND 2 slices of pie. How come I think we will ALL be irrational that day?

Happy Monday!

 Loading ...

There is nothing like Fall weather in Michigan especially when it’s sunny and mid-60’s. That was exactly the case last weekend. However, what really made the weekend were the results.

MSU beat Illinois to go 7-0, first time since 1966. The first half wasn’t looking promising but we were lucky to be down only 6-3. But the second half was electrifying and Spartan Stadium was rocking.

MSU is now ranked 8th overall and 7th for BCS. Next crucial game is Iowa in two weeks. We play them at Iowa where they are dominant. But if we beat them, the Rose Bowl is around the corner.

I know, I shouldn’t be so optimistic as teams like Alabama and Ohio State lost. But then again, it’s been so long that I’ve even had the chance to be optimistic, why not!

The Free Press marathon was Sunday at 7AM. For once, it was perfect weather and we didn’t have to stand around freezing waiting for the race to start. It was a balmy 53 degrees and some 20,000 runners took over the streets of downtown Detroit and downtown Windsor.

I love the route going over the Ambassador bridge and running back through the tunnel. The new wave starts was the best idea yet as there was no congestion on the bridge and the new route was also more scenic and enjoyable. Overall I did the half ten seconds more than 2008, clocking in at 1:34:51, good enough for 201 overall finish.

And finally the Detroit Lions did what they do best, figure out yet another way to lose a game. This loss sealed their fate in the record books as Jim Schwartz tossed out enough “F” bombs to make a MSU dormitory look like a convent. As long as William Clay Ford continues to own the team, the Lions will be the Lions. It’s no wonder Ford Motor kicked him out and gave him the Lions as a peace offering.

Happy Monday!

 Loading ...

Elan Sassoon has been in Michigan all week visiting salons and talking to them about his signature line, Sojourn. Today I had a chance to hook up with Elan and all I can say is that the industry best watch out. Elan has all the tools to make Sojourn the #1 premium line in the salon industry and is exactly what aggressive, entrepreneurial salon owners have been looking for. Biggest loser will be Bumble & Bumble. Good riddance.

While driving, why do we turn down the radio volume or turn off the radio altogether when we are lost, need to read a text or see flashing lights in the rearview mirror?

What if Apple and Steve Jobs never existed? Who doesn’t own an iPad and can you believe Walmart is selling them at full price?

Do you remember Korvettes? They had the best LP selection. Within two years, CD’s and DVD’s will join LP’s and cassettes.

Speaking of do you remember, how many remember that phones used to used for making phone calls? You are really old if you remember slim line phones, especially the hot selling wall mounted ones with extra long coil cords.

Who is betting MSU goes to 7-0 while U-M loses their second in a row?

The Chilean miner story is one of the best ever. I’m sure books and movies are right around the corner. You have to especially love the miner who had both his wife and mistress waiting for him. Ouch!

The Shellac saga continues. Now we are told November for stock to arrive. All I know is that NSI is coming out with their new system November 4. The Intro Kit is amazing, price point is the same but double the size bottle. Orders are already coming in.

The Detroit Lions won a game last Sunday. Fans here think they won the Super Bowl. That’s how hungry they are for a winning team.

Detroit Marathon is Sunday. I’m running the half and looks like it will be great weather. You still have time to register and you can run with me, I’m hoping to at least get to last year’s time of 1:34. And here’s a shout out to Mallory and Vicki for running as part of ACS’s Determination team.

The City of Detroit is pissed that neither Rick or Virg came to Detroit to talk about issues or their campaign. Can you blame them?

Dallas opening of our new distribution center is on track for November 1 as is our integration of Salon Source. It’s going to be great for all those Texan salons, that’s for sure.

The day is coming that business cards will be obsolete along with hand shakes. The newest app that will come out soon will be the “Greeter” app. Two phones meet each other and electronically exchange business cards. When completed, both phones beep and that also acts as the handshake.

Happy Friday!

 Loading ...

Customer surveys have been around a long time. Known mostly as a tool to help measure customer satisfaction, customer surveys are now as routine as getting a receipt after making a purchase.

The web was built on customer surveys. Think about Amazon and TripAdvisor. Does anyone buy anything without reading first what people have to say about the product?

Virtually all S&P500 companies survey their customers. Many companies depend on survey results to fund bonuses, give merit raises and help make major decisions.

Consumers have come to love or hate customer surveys. They love them when they love or hate the company and want their feelings heard. They hate customer surveys because they are so prolific, they are everywhere and annoying over time. Our own customers complain that after each order they are asked to take a survey.

In the end, customer surveys do help and they are read. We read all our surveys and respond to customers as needed. What follows are a few customer questions and answers for those that are wondering but don’t want to ask.

Q: Why do you discontinue items I love to buy? For instance, you no longer carry individual size tips or Poshe products.

A: We stock over 15,000 unique items. Every customer who places an order expects us to have their particular items in stock. We discontinue items due to: slow sales; vendor requires minimum orders too large based on sales; too many defects; difficulty in doing business.

Q: Why don’t your stores have the same selection as thebeautybook?

A: Our stores carry about 3,000 items. We would need stores 4-5 times larger to carry all items. Since we don’t sell to the public like ULTA or Sally Beauty, there is not enough business to maintain all the items. Today, most companies such as Target, Costco and Wal-mart offer many more items online than at their stores.

Q: I’m a manicurist in a small town and work in a country salon. Your magazine seems to cater to large salons and there is always a lot of pages devoted to Kemon which is of no interest to me. What’s in it for me?

A: The Industry Source Magazine is the largest circulated magazine to salons and devoted to business. Articles focus on profits, customer retention, social media and other important business areas. We have always found that even though the articles may not be 100% specific to the reader, there is always at least one idea that can be used. We highlight Kemon for the same reason- it gives salons ideas how they can better themselves.

Q: Why are you out of stock on certain items?

A: More than ever, we operate in a global economy. More of our goods are manufactured outside the USA than ever before. Consider that it takes a minimum of 12 weeks to receive an international order when everything is good. Delays occur due to ocean carriers, truckers, FDA inspections, border crossings and so forth. Other reasons include quality control issues, demand exceeds supply and something as simple as the vendor didn’t receive our purchase order.

While we can’t be all things to all people, we continue to stride to do what we do best. Please be assured if the products are in thebeautybook, they are among the best the industry has to offer. In the meantime, don’t forget to take today’s survey!

Happy Wednesday!

 Loading ...

The drive up to Ann Arbor was brutal. A typical 30 minute drive took more than 21/2 hours, just another testament to the Wolverines attitude towards outsiders.

However, the drive back home took only 30 minutes and it was the most blissful 30 minutes ever.

Not since 1965-1967 have the Spartans won three consecutive games; two of which took place in the Big House; and this game was a blow out.

Once you finally made it to your seat (113,000 lemmings all doing the same thing, what an ordeal), then you got to stand most of the game to see the action on the field or should I say the big monitor since the action was so far away. U-M spared no expense in having the game ball drop into the stadium via parachute.

I was seated in the Spartan section and two of my MSU sons joined me, Michael and Mark (my third son Daniel is still sulking at Duke). Unlike most stadiums where the fans sit in the corner of the end zone, the Big House is so big, a ton more fans sit behind the visitors. And they were all U-M fans and they made for some very tasty gestures, remarks and GO GREEN chants.

When State took a commanding 31-10 lead, you could see the flames coming out of the U-M’s fans mouths. They knew they were going to lose; they knew they would have to deal with another year of no bragging rights; and they knew their team still sucks. Apparently the coaches poll thinks so too; they dropped U-M from the Top 25 (MSU is 13).

Rich Rod made some dumb mistakes and most likely will not be around for MSU to pummel U-M next year. If he loses to Iowa this week, he best run for the border-there is nothing worse than angry Wolverines.

It’s a great time to be a Spartan. 6-0 in football and another dominating basketball season just ahead. And it’s about time. Let’s hope Kirk Cousins doesn’t let up against Illinois this Saturday and he does as he says his team does: Think about going 1-0 each week.

Happy Monday!

 Loading ...

Huge announcement coming from TNG Monday morning at 9AM. Huge. That’s all I can say for now. Come back Monday to read it.

Last barbeque of the season is today at our World Headquarters from 12 noon – 1:00PM. If you are in the neighborhood, stop on by. Today’s menu features marinated flank steak sandwiches off the grill and yummy apple slices with hot caramel topping.

Big game at Spartan stadium tomorrow night. Will the old Spartans show up and lose the game in the final minutes or the new Spartans? I’m not convinced Dantonio has done anything in his 4th year to make a difference. We will see. On thing for certain, we better hope Robinson gets injured before we play U-M in the big house.

Is it the month or the temperature when open toe shoes go into the closet and closed toe shoes come back out?

You know it’s fall when the cider mills are open. What’s better than a glass of cider and a few hot donuts? Best cider mill is Yates in Rochester.

Another disappointing season for the Tigers. Another disappointing opening loss for the Lions (they can’t catch a break). The NFL had to extend the blackout another 24 hours so the Lions could sell out today. And that’s with NFL viewership up 11% over last year. Pathetic.

One of my recent polls on where people get their hair color done was very interesting: The majority did it at home instead of the salon. With salons with extra capacity, what can be done to get more color done in the salons?

Today at our quarterly meeting we will be presenting Aflac. They sell supplemental insurance. You know them from their famous duck and his infamous call, “Aflac.” I heard if you sign up you get a little plush duck for your desk.

AM traffic sucks with all the schools now open. Does every high school student these days have their own car? I don’t think school parking lots are big enough. And when it rains? OMG, the traffic backs up for miles. Since when did a little water hurt anyone?

OK, I’m being called to the grill. I have 24 steaks to cook and slice up. One last thing. Did you know that when you are excited or anticipating something good your mouth automatically produces saliva? Interesting.

Happy Friday!

 Loading ...

Unbelievable. Incredible. Are you kidding me? It can’t be.

Yes, Labor Day weekend is upon us and you know what that means. Oh, I know what you are thinking: All the food and drink you will be consuming over the next 3 days. Oh yes, I will be consuming my fair share. More about that in a second.

The end of Labor Day weekend not only signifies the onset of Fall, but the rapid decline of the rest of the year. I don’t think there is a faster time period period September to Christmas. Already I have seen the Halloween stores putting up their signs and stocking the stores. Trick or treat.

But I’m going to do my best to take advantage of these upcoming days. My oldest son Michael and daughter-in-law Jen are coming in from Chicago and my youngest son Mark will be celebrating his exodus from Dominica. What this really means for me is that I have to go booze shopping.

I remember my 20’s and I did my share of partying. But it seems this generation of 20’s consume far more alcohol and stays up later at night (or into the morning). I’m not sure why but what I do know is that when I go to sleep, the 20’s are just starting (yes, I’m old and proud of it).

Now back to the Personal Luxury Market. With all that being said, I can say I will be proof positive this weekend that this list is spot on.

Top Winners             % Chg 2009-2008

Rum                          226%

Cognac                     220%

Bourbon                    156%

Whiskey                    155%

Scotch                       125%

Champagne              98%

Vodka                       81%

Cosmetics                 63%

Slowest Growth

Handbags                  8%

Jewelry                      6%

Dresses                    -2%

Bath and Body Lotions –7%

I find it fascinating the alcohol led the way by such a wide margin. And my earlier blog that women would rather buy an iPhone than a handbag is true. Now about those bath and body lotions. . . .Please Unity Marketing, tell us it’s not true.

Happy Friday and Happy Labor Day Weekend!