Business Administrators: The Skills Needed for Making Good Decisions

A company’s business administrator plays a crucial role in ensuring its efficient operation. Regardless of title – CEO, general manager, operations manager or something else – the one who assumes the role of business administrator should be a mentor and motivator with many responsibilities. Perhaps the most important duty is making decisions that affect the organization, its employees and its stakeholders.

Skills required for a business administrator

Because a business administrator needs to “hold things together” in the company, he or she will face challenges throughout his or her tenure. Graduating from a good business administration program, such as the one at MTI College in Sacramento, can help prepare you for those challenges. However, to manage the needs of the organization, the business administrator also needs to be particularly skilled in:

• Communicating business activities and status with management and between management and employees
• Planning and organizing procedures and policies
• Critical thinking and knowing how to make decisions that will affect many
• Concepting ideas and strategies to help keep the company on track and in the black
• Negotiating to improve the organization
• Being part of a team to achieve goals
• Using technology to update and manage data, plans and procedures

Of those skills, critical thinking is most important to a key area of the business administrator’s job: decision-making.

Steps to making decisions

Herbert Simon – Nobel Prize-winning American political scientist, economist, sociologist and psychologist – wrote in Administrative Behavior: a Study in Decision Making Processes in Administrative Organizations that decision-making is the “heart” of business administration. He believed that the logic and the psychology of human choice determine administrative theory, and the duty of the business administrator is to design an environment that allows the approach to decision-making to be as rational as possible. This is accomplished by following these general steps to making decisions:

• Recognize the problem or opportunity and then address it.
• Gather information to make an informed decision.
• Identify other possibilities by analyzing various solutions.
• Weigh the pros and cons, and choose the option that offers the greatest potential for success.
• Choose from among the alternatives, but understand the risks that come with each.
• Take action by creating a plan to implement your decision; know which resources are required and get others involved.
• Review the decision and evaluate it for effectiveness; determine how you can improve it for the next time.

Although the steps in making decisions are similar, the approach to decision-making can differ.

Reactive decision-making

Sometimes unexpected things happen, and the business administrator – the decision maker – is put on the spot to solve the problem; he or she “reacts” to the situation. An example could be a burglary at the office, the sudden resignations of several key players or a natural disaster. When companies make reactive decisions that are not well thought out, they can be unwise, putting the company behind its competition. An administrator who chronically makes decisions reactively may not have the experience and adaptability to plan ahead and take charge.

Proactive decision-making

A business administrator who proactively makes decisions can actually relieve stress and maintain control. By being proactive, a business administrator can anticipate problems and plan ahead. He or she develops habits that help advance the company’s objectives and respond to unexpected situations. For example, if the company has an emergency escape plan that has been communicated and practiced among employees, everyone will know what to do if and when the time comes. Similarly, if there’s a backup plan in place for scheduled employee absences, it can be put in place in the event of resignations or downsizing. By planning ahead – being proactive – the company, through its business administrator, can stay ahead of potential problems and issues, and focus on the long-term goals.

Strategic decision-making

Creating a plan based on the company’s mission or long-term goals and visions is strategic decision-making. When the “big picture” is in the foreground, it’s much easier to align shorter-term goals so that they ultimately impact the long-term mission. Each of these is a step toward the company’s goals, which guide the strategic decisions and provide a quantifiable assessment of progress.

Business administrators use strategic decision-making to plan for their company’s future, keeping in mind the impact potential decisions will have on the company, its competition and its market. They need to consider:

• Long-term company growth
  The administrator and management need to determine how much growth they want to achieve, how they want to get there and how to handle scenarios that are likely to come up as the company grows.
• Risk
  No one can know exactly what the future holds, but administrators must anticipate change and the risks associated with it. Usually, the changes are significant, such as having to introduce a new manufacturing system or needing to modify company culture because of excessive employee turnover.
• Analysis
  By analyzing the company’s position in the market and understanding its strengths and weaknesses, the business administrator can plan appropriate responses to remedy any problems and improve market share.
• Implementation
  Administrators need to map out their plans and figure out what resources and staff to use to reach their goals.

MTI College

Getting an associate degree in business administration from MTI College is an important first step to put you on the path to a versatile career in marketing, human relations, management, economics or accounting. MTI’s thorough training is a foundation in general business administrative skills and the principles of business management – that you can build on and grow with.

There’s no time like the present to begin your business administration training. Contact MTI today to get on the road to an exciting career.

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Alumni Spotlight – Jenni Burton

Sometimes things are just meant to be. That would certainly be an appropriate way of describing Jenni Burton’s journey to MTI College.

A 2012 graduate of the Paralegal Studies program at MTI, Burton never really expected her professional life to go in the direction of a legal career. Born and raised in what she describes as the Sacramento “bubble,” Burton simply knew that she had a passion for helping people.

After graduating high school in 2006, her mind was set—she was going to attend a local junior college and pursue a degree in nursing. But as she started down that path, Burton quickly discovered that the extreme demand for nursing degrees in the area meant that she would likely have to wait for entry into her program.

“I would have had to wait longer than I wanted to, and I knew I didn’t want to put my career on hold that long. So I had to rethink what direction I wanted to go.”

One thing Burton was sure of was that she still wanted to embark on a career in a field where she would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. And another profession in which she knew that would be the case was law.

“The idea of being in a position of standing up for ‘the little guy’ and making sure people who find themselves in tough situations had the best possible advocates backing them up was really appealing to me.”

Being from the Sacramento area, Burton had heard of MTI College and was aware that it offered accelerated programs, but at first that was all she really knew. She determined that a paralegal studies program was the best fit for what she wanted, and as she researched area programs the picture became even clearer.

A friend of Burton’s was very familiar with MTI and helped open Burton’s eyes to just how respected the school was. She then discovered that the Paralegal Studies program at MTI was approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)—which distinguished it from other respected programs in the area—and her decision became clear.

“Being ABA approved is a very big deal. It means that that program is held to a higher standard than others. Another great thing about MTI that I found was how flexible they are with students, giving many options for them to complete the program.”

Throughout this time, Burton had been working at Raley’s Supermarket, in its online customer service department. When customers put in their grocery orders online, Burton was one of the team members who would put those orders together and have them ready for the customers to pick up.

And as luck would have it, many of her regular customers were attorneys.

“I remember I’d be talking with them and they’d always say how respected the MTI program was in their professional circles. How they knew that anyone coming from the MTI paralegal program would be so well versed and prepared to enter the legal field that they’d usually hire them on the spot.”

It didn’t stop there.

One of her regular customers at Raley’s was an attorney at a major Sacramento law firm and actually worked with Burton to get her foot in the door at that firm while she was working her way through the program at MTI. At first she started working as a file clerk. From there she moved on to reception and calendaring and then helping with discovery.

“That was another great thing about the MTI program. I was able to apply what I learned in my program on the job.”

She continued her work with the law firm as she completed her courses in the Paralegal Studies program, utilizing MTI’s convenient day and evening course options and four-day class week. Since she’d completed general education courses at the junior college she had attended, Burton would only need one-and-a-half years to complete the program.

She stayed with the firm for a couple years and, after completing the program at MTI, put her credentials to work at another firm specializing in employment law, where she continues to work today, helping stand up for the little guy.

“It feels good knowing that I’m playing a major role in helping people who need support. And I’m constantly amazed at just how comprehensive and relevant the MTI paralegal program is. I felt totally prepared coming out of the program and do feel like I was ready to hit the ground running.”

Other aspects of Burton’s MTI experience she appreciates are the bonds and friendships she was able to build. To this day she remains close with several of the students that she was grouped with in her last full year of the program.

In her time away from work, Burton most enjoys relaxing and spending time with her husband, Josh—also a graduate of MTI’s Paralegal Studies program—as well as their two children. The couple is currently remodeling their home, and the entire family enjoys taking care of their two dogs and two cats.

“And maybe one of these days we’ll get chickens, but who knows.”

Regardless, Burton says she will always believe in MTI and its mission of empowering students to achieve their professional goals. And to those students who are considering enrolling at MTI, her advice is simple.

“Don’t hold back. MTI is an amazing school with amazing programs. Don’t sell yourself short when it comes to your future or your education. They’re very supportive and focused on giving every student the support he or she needs to succeed. The really want to know you on an individual level, and that’s something you really don’t see that often in higher education.”

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6 Reasons Why Technology is Important to a Paralegal’s Career

Technology’s importance in everyday life and business continues to grow by leaps and bounds. It has revolutionized the way legal processes function, creating a wonderful career opportunity for a paralegal with excellent technology skills.

Changing rules

According to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the courts expect attorneys and their support team (including paralegals) to be up to date on electronic stored information (ESI). Since paralegals are usually assigned discovery tasks, it is crucial that they understand ESI and e-discovery.

Ethics and professional conduct

The American Bar Association in 2012 amended its Model Rule of Professional Conduct to include technological knowledge in a legal professional’s obligation to keep client information confidential. In California, Formal Ethics Opinion No. 2015-193 details tasks that attorneys and paralegals must comply with to ethically and competently represent their clients (in terms of technology).

Efficiency and cost control

Legal technology costs have diminished over the last 10 years, but the greatest expense is in processing, storing and searching for data. The cost for each case is different, so it is important for a paralegal to be aware of technology tools that can reduce both firm and client costs. Having electronic information that is accessible to those who need it increases the efficiency of the legal process.

Value to employers and clients 

A paralegal who is technologically skilled is an asset to a law firm. Attorneys are busy people who rely on paralegals to search databases, do research electronically and keep abreast of new rules that are updated electronically. If a paralegal knows where to go to quickly and gather information a lawyer or client needs, he or she is performing a valuable service.

ESI overload

Paralegals and other law professionals must know how to access, retrieve and manage ESI to protect their clients.

ESI includes emails, Word files, spreadsheets, digital photos, videos, texts and IMs, call logs, voicemails, database records and social media postings that can be found in computer hard drives, network servers, USB drives,  databases and mobile devices and on social media websites.

Career opportunity and higher salaries

The rise of technology has created expanded responsibilities – and new job titles – for paralegals. Increasing your technology skill set can also increase your salary. New career opportunities are appearing for paralegals who specialize in e-discovery and legal project management. Your salary (and value) can go up if you are able to combine legal expertise and advanced technology skills in litigation, information governance, compliance and cybersecurity.

How to increase your technology skill set

There are several easy ways to make yourself invaluable to the legal industry as a paralegal, but being technically savvy is one of the best. Here are easy ways you can boost your skills:

• Learn the legal technical vocabulary
• Volunteer to work on e-Discovery and seek additional training
• Accept offers from vendors who demonstrate litigation software
• Read industry blogs and sign up for free webinars on changes in legal technology
• Be proactive
• Find a mentor to help you learn more about technology

MTI College paralegal program

If you’re fascinated by the legal world but becoming an attorney is not on your immediate radar, consider registering for the ABA-approved MTI paralegal program. It gives you the education you need to work in a law firm, government agency or corporate legal department, assisting lawyers and performing many of the same duties. The MTI paralegal program provides you with the minimum requirements to become a paralegal in California. In just two years, or less, you can earn your associate’s degree in paralegal studies and head out to begin a career in a field that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says is growing.

If you have the interest and the necessary personal traits to become a paralegal, enroll now in the MTI College Paralegal program for the education you need to get that important first job.

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Alumni Spotlight – Josh Burton

When Josh Burton was 16 years old, his first child was born. At 18, he was homeless. He turned 21 while on a 12-month deployment to Iraq after having joined the United States Army. That same year, he returned to the U.S., was stationed in Alaska, and bought his own home.

Burton knows how to persevere. He has fought his way through hardships. He has accomplished things that most people at the same age typically do not accomplish, like owning a home at age 21.

It is the kind of determination that has served Burton well throughout his life. And it’s a big part of the story when it comes to his journey to MTI College, his student experience, and what he is doing today.

Born and raised in the Seattle area, Burton knew that after his military service was over he wanted to enter into a profession where he would be helping people.

“At the same time, I knew that there were a lot of different ways to go about helping people. I narrowed it down to engineering or law. I ultimately decided on studying law because it seemed more dynamic and entertaining, something where I’d be working on all kinds of different things every day.”

With his military service ending, Burton was able to take advantage of the GI Bill, so fortunately for him, price was not going to be a factor when it came to finding the right academic program. “I wanted to find a place that would have the best possible name that I could put on my resume.”

Another key aspect to his decision was the fact that he was going to relocate again. He had family who were living in the Sacramento area, and he decided on moving down to the area from his home in Washington.

“So I had to think about what I wanted. At first I figured I’d pursue a career as an attorney, but thought about it some more and decided that being a paralegal was the best path for me.”

Knowing virtually nothing about Sacramento, he began researching schools in the area and upon discovering that there was only one with a paralegal studies program that was approved by the American Bar Association, the decision became easy.

“Within three days of being out of the Army, I was enrolled at MTI. I knew it was the right place for me, and they made the process very easy. Because of the GI Bill, I didn’t have to worry about finances, and I didn’t have to do any of the coordination with getting that taken care of. The school handled all of the interaction with the VA.”

It was this heightened level of individualized support that Burton says characterized his MTI experience. He had attended community colleges in the past, and while they had different missions than MTI, the personal attention was nowhere near, what he experienced at MTI.

“I was just a number at the other school. I couldn’t get the classes I needed, didn’t know when I’d be able to get the classes I needed. At MTI they worked closely with me, they made sure I was signed up for the right classes. I knew all four terms what I’d be taking, and if I started in January I would be able to complete everything I needed to complete by the following January.”

In Burton’s second year of the program, he wanted to complement what he was learning with real-world experience. Again, the support staff at MTI came through. It was a Tuesday when Burton went to speak with the counselors in Career Services. Two days later, he got a call from an area law firm. Later that same afternoon he had an interview, and when they saw he would soon be a graduate of MTI, he was offered the job.

Burton graduated in 2014, and he continues to work at the same firm to this day—with a twist.

He started working as a paralegal, and eventually had taken on a heavier caseload than any other paralegal at the firm. But before long his professional path took an interesting turn. Another lifelong area of interest for Burton was computers. In fact, he built his first computer at the age of 10. When there was an opening for an IT manager at his law firm, Burton saw it as a chance to broaden his professional horizons.

Burton got the position and for a time was balancing his work as a paralegal—handling more than 25 employment law cases mostly during the evenings—and spending daytime office hours overseeing the IT operation.

Today, Burton’s firm has expanded to multiple locations throughout California. He spends virtually all of his time “putting out fires” with regards to technology and overseeing all aspects of the firm’s IT needs. He is even considering going back to school and entering an IT program since he does not have a formal degree in the field.

Although he says he does not have much spare time, when he does take time away from work he spends it with his wife Jenni—also an MTI graduate who is a paralegal at the same firm—and he also enjoys motorcycles.

Burton’s is a story of overcoming challenges, following your interests, and constantly improving yourself. During his time as a student at MTI, he earned all of the awards he possibly could have, including the MTI College Master Student Award, Outstanding Graduate, and Perfect Attendance, and he received the 2013 John O’Sullivan Memorial Scholarship from the Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association.

He recently enrolled and will begin directly in the second year of the IT degree program at MTI, which he will start in February 2018. In addition, he has returned to MTI on several occasions to speak with MTI students in the Paralegal Studies program.

His advice to anyone considering the Paralegal Studies program at MTI is clear and direct.

“Really think about what you want to spend your days doing, and the type of people you want to be around. I knew I didn’t just want to work with numbers. I wanted to work with people. As a paralegal, I was able to work on all facets of a case, helping people who have been wronged. Even though I’m doing the IT thing now, I still feel close to it.

“MTI is a place that definitely has the best interests of its students at hear; and you’ll find other students there who are like-minded and just as driven as you. To this day I’m still good friends with some of the guys who I met in the program there.”

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Healthcare Medical Apps: Connecting Patients and Physicians Globally

If you’re like 75 percent of Americans, you have a smartphone. You are probably an app user and keep in touch with friends, check the weather or your bank balance, and maybe even watch the latest hit on Netflix. If you wear a fitness tracking device, you have an app linked to it to monitor your steps, heart rate and more.

Technological improvement has made healthcare apps a reality. Apps have transformed the healthcare industry, benefiting both providers and patients. Currently, more than 318,000 healthcare apps on the market are helping to aid communication between patients and providers, reduce costs and increase the efficiency of delivering patient care.

Doctors can hold video conferences with their patients or colleagues across the globe on tablets and smartphones. They can access drug information, EHRs, research and studies instantly because the information is available on their personal devices. There are apps that show X-rays and CT scans, help with stress management, monitor insulin levels, remind you to take your medication and even detect cancerous tumors.

Healthcare apps can do some amazing things.

Apps to help patients stay in control of their healthcare

When you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is get dressed, go to the doctor’s office and wait in a room with a number of other sick people. Thanks to some innovative apps, you may be able to avoid that scenario and still get the treatment you need. Others let you monitor your illness.

• Medici – Patients can text a doctor, describe their symptoms, send pictures if needed (of a rash, cut, burn, etc.) and possibly cut out unnecessary doctor visits, all while providing info on an app that is HIPAA compliant.
• ZocDoc – There’s nothing worse than needing to see a doctor and being told you have to wait three months for an appointment. This app helps you instantly schedule an appointment to see a doctor within 24 hours.
• Talkspace – This is online therapy via messaging with a psychologist. You pay a weekly subscription fee, which is usually less expensive than insurance co-pays and in-person visits, and a therapist is specifically matched to help you deal with your issues.
• PediaQ – The only thing worse than going to the doctor when you’re sick is having to take your infant or child to the doctor when he or she is sick. With PediaQ, you contact a nurse practitioner who makes house calls for urgent pediatric care.
• Sugar Sense – Diabetics can record their sugar levels throughout the day with this app that also gives an estimate of your HbA1C levels.
• Pill Pack – The app user receives prescriptions by mail, which is not new. However, the packaging is.
  Pills come in date- and time-stamped individual packets in a dispenser so that you can take them in the proper order.
• Epocrates – The number-one medical reference app among U.S. physicians, it details clinical practice guidelines and lists medical billing codes and drug information.
• Patient Keeper – Through this Computerized Patient Order Entry (CPOE) app, a physician can order labs, radiology services, medications and other services or procedures for patients. A handy “favorite” feature allows the doctor to mark certain often-used procedures and medications to save time.
• AmWell – Think of this as a virtual waiting room, allowing doctors and patients to connect remotely. Doctors can e-prescribe and accept patient payments in one app.
• Medigram – An easy, secure way for the app user to go paperless, this app provides image sharing of scans and lab or test results.

Apps to help medical assistants or those in a medical assistant (MA) program

A medical assistant is critically important to the smooth operation of a doctor’s office, hospital or medical clinic, and his or her duties are split between administrative and clinical responsibilities. Many healthcare apps are available to help the beginning medical assistant or MA program student.

• Epocrates – The number-one medical reference app among U.S. physicians and medical workers, it details clinical practice guidelines and lists medical billing codes and drug information.
• Nursing Central – This app allows frontline medical personnel, such as medical assistants and nurses, do their jobs more efficiently. It’s not inexpensive, but it provides a database filled with drug information, a medical terminology dictionary and tools that assist in interpreting test results.
• Medscape – This handy reference guide features drug names and drug interference information, 129 medical calculators and additional resources for patient care.
• Medical Assisting Pocket Guide – Ideal for newbies and students, it offers step-by-step procedural guides, help with building communications and clinical skills, and information on legal issues.
• CMA Test Prep – This gives students in medical assistance programs a preview of what taking the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) exam will be like and provides more than 2,000 multiple choice questions.
• Visual Anatomy – An interactive reference tool, Visual Anatomy allows the app user to view high-resolution images that show each body part, with 3D models of the organs.

Smartphone apps to help doctors treat patients – at home and on a global scale

Telehealth is making medical care more convenient, preventive and less expensive. It helps physicians make better use of their time and have all the information they need (medical history, drug info, codes, anatomy charts, etc.) with them at all times. For doctors in third-world countries who don’t have the resources to treat all the patients who may need them, smartphone apps and mobile technology are making quality healthcare possible. In China, for example, more than 100 million people suffer from rheumatic disorders, yet there are only 5,000 doctors to treat them. An app developed by Smart System Disease Management (SSDM) lets patients connect with physicians via online consultations that are far less costly than traveling to a doctor for an in-person consultation.

More help needed in healthcare industry

The future is now in terms of medical technology and mobile healthcare apps. Medical assistant jobs are in demand. With new technological advancements, more technology-savvy individuals are needed to use them.

MTI College prepares students for a career in medical assistance in less than a year with comprehensive training in administrative, clinical and laboratory procedures. Additionally, a required 160-hour off-campus externship provides hands-on experience in a professional healthcare facility setting. For those more interested in technology, MTI College offers a medical billing and coding program that focuses on computer skills and electronic health records (EHR).

Contact MTI College today to begin your MA program.

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Why Becoming a Medical Assistant Is a Good Career Option in Sacramento

If you live in Sacramento and are thinking of registering for a medical assisting (MA) program, you’re in the right place. According to TalentWorks, a job recruiting agency, Sacramento is one of the best cities for finding a job as a medical assistant, with a monthly demand of 270 jobs.  The best news is that demand for skilled MA students is only going up – regardless of where you live.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth of the medical assistant field on the national level is expected to increase by 24 percent through 2024. One reason for the increased demand for medical assistant degree holders is the rapidly aging population – the baby boomers. With technological advancements, more technology-savvy individuals are needed to use them. In addition, there is predicted growth in the number of physicians’ offices, hospitals and outpatient clinics to accommodate the increasing elderly population.

There is predicted growth in the number of physicians’ offices, hospitals and outpatient clinics to accommodate the increase in mature patients. Why, though, is Sacramento leading the way in job demands to serve those facilities?

Sacramento’s need for skilled MA students

With new key healthcare businesses moving into Sacramento, such as RxTE Health, new jobs will be created. There are already 100 biotechnology and medical device companies in the region, and the healthcare industry is responsible for approximately 20 percent of the total payroll for the region’s workforce. In addition, in recent years, more than $18 million has been spent on expansion projects at Kaiser, Mercy, Sutter and UC Davis. Whenever a facility expands, it needs more personnel to operate.

This year, in particular, the widespread flu outbreak is requiring even more trained medical assistants.

The roughest flu season in years

This year’s designer flu, the H3N2 strain, is claiming the most victims nationwide since the swine flu of 2008–09.

The death rate among people younger than 65 in California already hit 97 by the third week of January – and that doesn’t include the elderly, who are at greater risk. The flu can be especially devastating to the following groups of people:

• Pregnant women
• Children under 5 (and especially younger than 2)
• People over the age of 65
• Those with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities

Many of those who show symptoms of flu activity (cough, sore throat, headaches, fatigue, body/muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, fever) are making outpatient visits or are being hospitalized. The CDC says the number is higher than in the past five flu seasons. Medical assistants are needed to help with the influx of patients who harbor infection, helping physicians who are extra busy and who need to focus on diagnosis and treatment. The medical assistant can be a lifesaver to a doctor or medical facility, performing the following tasks:

• Welcoming patients and surveying the situation
• Filling out patient charts
• Overseeing patients’ medical history
• Supervising patients’ insurance information
• Organizing hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Preparing patients for medical examinations
• Collecting fluid samples
• Taking vital signs
• Drawing blood
• Assisting the doctor during exams

When there is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, as there is in Sacramento, patients can suffer from a lack of speedy and quality care.

Trying to keep up with industry demands

Unfortunately, the Sacramento region does not have enough trained graduates to keep up with its significant job growth – especially in the healthcare field – according to Sanjay Varshney, chief economist of the Sacramento Business Review. That supports TalentWorks’ report that indicates Sacramento has a 10-percent “unmet” demand for medical assistants, indicating that companies are having a difficult time filling medical assistant jobs.

Fortunately, MTI College at Sacramento offers a certified medical assistant degree program that prepares you for a career in medical assistance. You receive comprehensive training in administrative, clinical and laboratory procedures, and a required 160-hour off-campus externship provides hands-on experience in a professional healthcare facility setting. With the flexibility of MTI’s MA program, you can be on your way to that important first career opportunity by going to school just three times a week.

If home and family obligations require you to work while you earn your medical assistant certification, the MTI College program is ideal for you. In as little as one year, you can graduate and be ready to take your California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam. From there, it’s on to your first job and a career with many opportunities for advancement.

When you start your career as a medical assistant, it opens the door to more choices down the road. You will have a versatile portfolio of skills that you can take with you wherever you go.

Help Sacramento catch up with its rapidly growing healthcare job market. Contact MTI College today to start your  MA program.

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5 Important Considerations Before Setting Up Your Salon or Spa

Opening your own spa or salon is exciting! You probably have the name picked out and may even know how you want to decorate it … but you’d better slow down. If you are a cosmetologist and plan to set up a new business, there are several things to consider before you start doing the fun stuff.

As of 2016, there were approximately 270,000 salons in the United States, but salon and spa services grew by 3 percent to $62 billion in sales. Regardless of the state of the economy, people make room in their budget for haircuts and styling. That’s good news for you! If you plan well and are smart about your salon’s operations, you could very well succeed in this highly competitive industry.

Before you sign on the dotted line and set up a new business, make sure you have meticulously considered the following:

• Financial matters – Unless you have won the lottery or have a significant amount of personal wealth, you may need to look for financing for your spa or salon business.
  • Find a strong business partner or mentor to share financial responsibilities (and profits).
  • Determine a budget. You’ll need to buy equipment and supplies and pay utilities and employees.
  • Think about the services you’ll offer and how much you need to earn to break even every month.
  • Discover ways to save from the beginning, and you’ll be in a better financial position if unexpected problems arise.
• Legal, licensing and insurance concerns – Contact the Small Business Administration to find out which licenses you’ll need before you can open your salon.
  • See if your city and state require special licenses.
  • Make certain that each cosmetologist you employee is certified.
  • Your salon must pass health, fire, sanitation and electrical inspections to deem it safe for customers and operations.
  • Look into small business and liability insurance as well.
• Location choice – This may well be your most important decision. With so many salons vying for market position, you want to be sure that yours is not within easy reach of another that offers the same services.
  • Look for an area that gets high traffic but has easy access to parking and/or public transportation.
  • Choose an area frequented by your targeted demographic. If you’re catering to young adults, you’ll want to be in an area where they shop and hang out. You want your clients to be comfortable in your location).
  • Drive around the area or areas you’re considering and look for properties that might be available to buy or lease. You could also enlist the help of a local realtor.
  • Maybe you know of an existing salon that is closing. If so, you might get a really good deal that includes equipment. A cosmetic overhaul is certainly easier than starting from scratch.

• Staffing issues – Unless you plan to be the sole stylist, you’ll need to hire employees – and hire wisely. Your business is only as good as the people who work there.
  • Think about whether you want to pay on commission or rent out chairs in your salon. If you do the latter, realize that if the stylist leaves there’s a good chance his or her clients will follow.
  • The ideal salon or spa employee has a mix of skill, attitude and personality. You know the image you want your salon to project, so look for stylists who share your ideas. Obviously, they must be licensed and at least know the basic techniques. You can always help them hone their technical skills, but you can’t restructure their personalities.
  • Do a background check and get references. A good employee must be reliable, follow sound business ethics and not have a tarnished record or reputation.
  • A skilled barber or stylist needs to show good customer service abilities and engage with the clients. They need to be likable and confident – and preferably have a good list of clients.

• Marketing goals – You can have the most beautiful salon around with highly skilled stylists that offer cutting-edge services, but if no one knows about it you won’t succeed. Along with a business plan, you need a marketing plan. Here’s where your creativity can shine.
  • First of all, have a good website. Make certain that it is user friendly, and add an appointment-booking feature if you can. If you need to, hire a professional to build and maintain it. If not, there are some low-cost options for a do-it-yourself website.
  • Take advantage of free marketing through social media. Put up a Facebook page for your business, and post photos on Instagram. Get on Twitter. Then share with friends and family, and ask them to do the same. Build up a potential client base from the “likes” you get.
  • Have an open house or a “grand opening” to get people in the door. Offer free bang trims or demonstrate a makeup application. Offer a coupon for a first visit or a referral discount. Be sure to have complimentary snacks on hand for your event.
  • You might also partner with another local business in a reciprocal arrangement. When customers of ABC Restaurant dine, they get a coupon for a percentage off at your salon and vice versa. Ways to promote your business are only limited by your imagination.
  • Partner with a known cosmetics line or hair product company. It may help you with marketing tips and promotions you can offer your clients.
  • Join professional trade organizations. You can network with your peers and find out what has worked for them.

If this is all a dream for you and you haven’t even gone through school, the cosmetology program at MTI College in Sacramento is an excellent choice. MTI’s Paul Mitchell The School helps you develop the beauty and cosmetology skills you need for a rewarding career – and maybe even your own salon. Class size is small, and the one-on-one attention you receive from your instructors – professional hairstylists and estheticians – helps you succeed.

Make your dream a reality. Register for the cosmetology program at MTI College today.

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