February 25th, 2010
It’s GA cosmetology license renewal time again (Please try to contain your excitement).
Remember, you must complete a GA 5-hour CE cosmetology course, including the mandatory 3-hour DTAE course, prior to renewing your cosmetology license. For Master Cosmetologists in Georgia, continuing education online can save time and money. There are no travel expenses, and you can learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. Choose from multiple courses and print your certificate of completion immediately after passing the final quiz.
Georgia Master Cosmetologist licenses expire on March 31, 2010. Act now! Enroll in a GA 5-hour cosmetology course today!
All the best,
Tags: GA Cosmetology License Renewal
Posted in Cosmetology Continuing Education | No Comments »
January 8th, 2010
As a salon owner, you need to be familiar with the various legal structures. Choosing the wrong structure can put you at risk of losing all the assets you have worked hard to get.
There are 5 basic legal structures: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, S corporation or C corporation. Many salon owners operate as sole proprietors. This is extremely risky as your personal and business assets are considered one in the eyes of the law. If you are ever sued, everything you own, including your house and car, is at risk.
Generally, a limited liability company (or LLC) is your best bet as only the amount of money you put into the business is at risk. If one of your stylists accidentally injures a customer, that customer won’t be able to take your house in a lawsuit judgment. S and C corporations also limit liability, but LLCs are much simpler to set up and manage. The best feature of LLCs is that you have the option of “pass through” tax treatment. This means that any profit you earn is taxed only once as your personal income. With C corporations, profit is potentially taxed twice at the corporate and personal level. And now for the disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, so please don’t rely on my description as legal advice.
Anyway, I used legalzoom.com to set up my company’s LLC, and I was very pleased with how simple it was to do. I have an affiliate relationship with Legalzoom, but I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t love it. Their website also provides a lot more information about tax structures.
Stop putting your hard-earned assets at risk. To invest in the proper corporate structure today Click Here!
All the best,
Tags: Salon Legal
Posted in Salon Legal | 1 Comment »
January 7th, 2010
Many salons sell products in addition to offering cosmetology services. Retailing is a fabulous way to increase revenue and profit, since salon products tend to have high markups. However, managing your inventory is important for ensuring that your retailing efforts are yielding the results you desire. To do this, you need to understand a concept called inventory turnover which measures the average length of time it takes to sell and inventory.
First, there are a few definitions you need to know:
- Inventory: Products you have purchased but haven’t sold yet.
- Cost of Goods Sold or COGS: The amount you paid for the inventory you sold to your customers during a specific time period.
Let’s look at an example. Your salon sells private label shampoo. During the course of one year, you paid $1,000 for 200 bottles of shampoo. This means that each bottle of shampoo cost you $5.00. You like to keep 200 bottles on hand at all times, so your average inventory value is $1,000 for the year. During the year, you sold 150 bottles which cost you $750 (150 x $5.00 per bottle). To calculate inventory turnover, you divide $750 by $1,000 and you get 0.75.
You’re probably thinking, “So what?” Well, this number is important, because dividing it into 365 will tell you, on average, how many days it takes you to sell those 200 bottles you like to keep around. In this case, it’s 487 days. Generally, a low inventory turnover number like 0.75 indicates ineffective inventory management. In other words, you spent money on products on which you will make a profit for a long time. Higher inventory turnover is generally better as it means you are making money quicker and products are not gathering dust on your shelves. Using inventory turnover is one way to decide how to stock your shelves efficiently.
All the best,
Tags: Salon Finance
Posted in Salon Finance | No Comments »
January 6th, 2010
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) manages 20 industries and has a very large website. Consequently, finding the information you are seeking can sometimes be confusing. Follow these steps to find a current list of approved Texas cosmetology license renewal courses. All you need is a computer and internet access.
- Go to the TDLR website. Click on Cosmetologists under Programs on the right side of the page. This will take you to the Cosmetologists page.
- Select Cosmetology Continuing Education under Inside Cosmetology on the right side of the Cosmetologists page. This will take you to the Continuing Education for Cosmetologists page.
- On the Continuing Education for Cosmetologists page, click on the List of Registered Continuing Education Providers and Courses link. This will take you to the All Continuing Education Providers for Cosmetologists page.
- Choose either the Offers Classroom Courses or Offers Internet Courses button to find the list of approved providers of Texas cosmetology license renewal classes.
- Click on a provider’s name to locate approved courses and CE hours.
Tips & Warnings
- Be sure to note the category in which the CE course has been approved to make sure it meets your needs. Texas requires 2 hours of sanitation, 2 hours of Texas cosmetology law and rules, and 2 hours of other topics.
- Be sure to review the Texas cosmetology license renewal requirements before you enroll in any continuing education class.
All the best,
P.S. For a limited time, all state-approved Texas cosmetology CE classes (powered by 360 Training) are 20% off at Axiom Continuing Education. Enroll today!
Tags: Cosmetology Continuing Education
Posted in Cosmetology Continuing Education | No Comments »
January 6th, 2010
Master cosmetology licenses expire on March 31st of even-numbered years. To renew, you must complete 5 hours of Georgia cosmetology continuing education on-site or online, report those hours to the Georgia state board and pay a renewal fee. Follow these steps:
- Verify the continuing education requirements with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology: Sometimes the rules change, so it is essential for you to be familiar with the current obligations. Currently, Georgia requires 3 hours of health & safety training (including the standard DTAE curriculum) and 2 hours of other pre-approved courses or activities such as trade or product show attendance.
- Locate and enroll in a state-approved continuing education course: You can find a current list of on-site and online approved providers on the state board’s website. Be sure to get a certificate of completion or other written proof of attendance from the provider.
- Go to the Georgia Board of Cosmetology’s website complete the online license renewal application and pay your renewal fee: During the process, you will be asked questions about your citizenship status, whether you have completed your CE requirements, and whether you have been convicted of a crime or received a board sanction since your last renewal.
Tips & Warnings
- The state board will send you a courtesy reminder about 6 weeks before the expiration date of your license. However, it is your responsibility to renew your license every 2 years on or before the expiration date. Be sure to keep your mailing address and email address current with the Board.
- There is a 6 month late renewal period if you miss the March 31st deadline; however, the board will place your license in a lapsed-late renewal status during that time. If you continue to practice with an expired license, you may be subject to a fine, disciplinary action or criminal prosecution.
- Georgia allows cosmetologists with at least 25 years of experience or with a demonstrable hardship to obtain a CE waiver.
- You can verify the status of your license on the state board’s website.
- If you live out-of-state but want to keep your license current, you still must complete all Georgia cosmetology license renewal requirements.
All the best,
P.S. For a limited time, all state-approved Georgia cosmetology license renewal classes (powered by 360 Training) are 20% off at Axiom Continuing Education. Enroll today!
Tags: Cosmetology License Information
Posted in Cosmetology Continuing Education | No Comments »
January 6th, 2010
If you are licensed in cosmetology, nail technology, or esthetics in another state, you must complete the requirements listed below to obtain an Iowa license. Please verify all information with the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences as rules change often.
Unlike many other states, the Iowa board does not offer reciprocal licenses. By definition, a reciprocal license allows an individual to practice cosmetology in a state based upon an agreement with another state to accept licensed applicants who have met the same or similar qualifications.
In contrast, the Iowa cosmetology board may choose to issue a license by endorsement provided you do the following:
- Submit a completed application and appropriate fees to the board.
- Direct your cosmetology school send to the board a copy of your diploma or an official transcript of your grades. If you graduated from a school that is not licensed by the board, you must direct your school to provide an official transcript showing completion of a course of study that meets the board’s requirements as outlined in administrative rule 645—61.14(157).
- Pass, with a score of at least 75%, a national examination determined by the board for your practice discipline. The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology administers national examinations according to its own guidelines.
- Provide verification of cosmetology licenses, current or not, from all jurisdictions in which you have ever been licensed. Verification must come directly from the board offices.
- Provide verification of a current license or a license that was current for at least 12 months in the preceding 24 months.
- Web-based verification may be used if the other jurisdiction board’s website provides:
- Your name;
- Date you received your initial license;
- Current status of your license; and
- Any disciplinary action taken against you.
Best Regards,
P.S. Remember, to maintain your license while you are practicing in Iowa, you must meet the Iowa cosmetology continuing education requirements.
Tags: Cosmetology License Information
Posted in Cosmetology Continuing Education | No Comments »
January 2nd, 2010
Iowa cosmetology licenses expire bi-annually on March 31st in even or odd-numbered years depending upon the date you were licened. At least 60 days before your license expires, you will receive a renewal notice from the board. Please note that you are responsible for renewing your license on time regardless of whether you have received this notice.
Follow these steps to renew your license:
- Complete at least 8 hours of Iowa cosmetology continuing education. Four of these hours need to be in your practice discipline, and a minimum of 2 of the 8 hours must cover Iowa cosmetology law & rules and sanitation. You may choose independent study (including online courses) for up to 2 hours of CE bi-annually.
- Visit www.licensediniowa.gov to complete the online renewal application and pay your application fee. Be sure to have your license number and a credit or debit card handy. If your Iowa license has expired, you may renew it within the 30-day grace period by also paying a late fee as well as the renewal fee. Your license is still considered to be active and you may continue to work during the grace period.
- Once you complete the online license renewal process, the board will mail your new wallet card within 3 business days.
Tips & Warnings
- New licensees are not required to complete continuing education hours to renew their licenses for the first time. You may apply continuing education hours you earn from the date of your initial licensing to your second license renewal.
- If you do not renew your license within the 30-day grace period, your license will become inactive, and you will be required to apply for reactivation. You are not permitted to work while your license is inactive.
- If you practice exclusively in another state, you may follow Iowa’s CE requirements for license renewal by meeting the cosmetology continuing education requirements of the state where you practice. If the state in which you practice has no continuing education requirements, you only have to pay Iowa’s renewal fees when due.
- The board does not pre-approve cosmetology continuing education providers, sponsors or individual programs. It is your responsibility to determine if the continuing education programs you take meet the requirements of the state board.
- A percent of licensees are randomly audited following each Iowa cosmetology license renewal cycle. If selected, you must submit your certificates or other evidence of completion from the course provider to the state board office. These documents must contain the course title, date(s), contact hours, sponsor and licensee’s name.
All the best,
P.S. For a limited time, the sanitation course for Iowa Cosmetology CE is 20% off at Axiom Continuing Education. Enroll today!
Tags: Cosmetology License Information
Posted in Cosmetology Continuing Education | No Comments »
December 18th, 2009
Achieving your goals takes careful planning and consideration. However, the challenge is to understand when it’s time to act.
Many people use planning and analysis as an excuse to avoid taking action.
- “I’ll take a new cosmetology continuing education class when my schedule frees up.”
- “I’ll write that helpful article for my customers when I think of the perfect title.”
- “I’ll start my own salon when the economy turns around.”
Stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan. Eliminate analysis paralysis. Do something today that will move you closer to accomplishing your goals. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Solicit feedback from your customers to determine what you do well and what you can improve your services.
- Start asking customers for referrals. You have not because you ask not.
- Start collecting customer information such as email addresses, birthdays and anniversaries. Use this information to send out e-mail newsletters or offer special services.
All the Best,
Tags: Motivation
Posted in Salon Growth | No Comments »
December 6th, 2009
My free press release announcing the launch of Axiom Continuing Education has been picked up by two other press release distribution companies and by a guy who twittered it to his 2,000 followers. Momentum is building, and I’m so excited. The company I used is PR.com (not an affiliate link), and I have been very pleased with the results. Give it a try if you want to get a lot of free exposure. Just be sure you have something newsworthy to talk about. Consider writing a press release about your salon opening or a new service or cosmetology continuing education class you are offering. You can also discuss new hires or promotions and any charitable activities in which you are involved.
All the best,
Tags: Salon Growth, Salon Marketing
Posted in Salon Growth | No Comments »
December 5th, 2009
Earning your CE hours for cosmetology online can save you valuable time and money. You can access courses 24 hours a day, and you don’t have to travel anywhere. Best of all, online courses are less expensive than on site classes. There are many online cosmetology continuing education providers. Learn how to choose the one that is right for you.
- Decide Which Type of Course Presentation You Prefer – Some online cosmetology continuing education companies offer computer-based courses, while others offer PDF class materials for download. Computer-based courses are completed online and usually have no course materials to download. If you prefer to have physical course materials to review, then consider using a PDF course CE provider. However, if you prefer more engaging courses, a computer-based internet course provider might be right for you.
- Make Sure Courses are State-Approved – Iowa cosmetology continuing education classes are not not pre-approved by the state board; however, most other boards do not accept CE hours from providers and/or courses that have not been previously approved. Be sure to visit the website of your state’s cosmetology board to determine if the provider and the courses have been approved.
- Determine What Type of Classes You Need – Always review your state board’s cosmetology CE requirements before you enroll in a course. For example, Georgia cosmetology license renewal requires 3 hours of HIV Prevention & Sanitation (DTAE). Be sure to consider this obligation when you’re choosing CE classes in that state. Also, if you need an individual course rather than a package to complete your continuing education requirements, look for a company that provides both. There is no need to sit through 6 hours of training if you only need 2 hours to fulfill your cosmetology license renewal requirements.
- Try Before You Buy – Look for clear course descriptions and the option to try out the course before you pay for it. Some providers allow you to take the entire course for free before paying. Others offer free course demos but require payment before you can take the actual class. Either method is fine as long as you are comfortable with the course format and information. If you like the course, it doesn’t really matter when you are required to pay for it.
Tips & Warnings
- Some providers offer 24/7 customer support. Since cosmetologists typically work unconventional hours, this type of service is especially important and convenient. Knowing someone is always available to answer your questions allows you to move forward with the course at a time that works for you.
- The website should be attractive and easy to navigate. Avoid unscrupulous sites by looking for information about the company and key management. Also, search for multiple points of contact such as an e-mail address, toll free number, live chat link and physical address.
All the best,
P.S. For a limited time, all state-approved continuing education for cosmetology classes are 20% off at Axiom Continuing Education. Enroll today!
Tags: Cosmetology Continuing Education
Posted in Cosmetology Continuing Education | No Comments »
It’s GA cosmetology license renewal time again (Please try to contain your excitement).
