evsenior09

I am graduating high school in 2 months, and am going to college for Business Management. Any tips on how to get started in the tanning business? I hope to open my own salon in years to come! (by the way, I am not looking for any specific information, just some overall tips)

Thanks!

engfant

Business management and business finance. LEARN THEM. It's 80% of the game. The rest is just "superficial" and your personal way of doing things.

JOLEE

Engfant is correct. In any business you need business know how first, then your trade know how 2nd. I've seen soo many people without the business end in tact..and they are left running in circles.

river_brat

I did things a bit backwards. I first opened a fitness center that had very small set up costs. I was thankful that my family helped me with that initial cost. I then used the income that I was getting from the gym to open my tanning salon. Three years into ownership I decided to return to school for a second degree. That was in 2006 and two weeks ago I graduated with a second bachelors but this time in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. I am currently starting to study to sit for the CPA exams. Quite honestly education helps but is not a integral part of operating a business. It takes a certain type of person to run and own a business and that is not a quality that is learned in school. For those who are business owners you know exactly what I am talking about. There is a much needed balance between book smarts and street smarts. I have seen many well educated people fail at their business ventures because they were so black and white, inside the box type of thinking. The advice that I would give is continue with the education. Get the degree because if you do open a salon and it is not successful you have the degree to fall back on. During college I would say if you have not already get a job at a salon to learn all faucets of the business. You may get into that position and not like it. It is all about experience. My other piece of advice is pick a concentration that is more specific and not so vague such as business management or entrepreneurial management. They are basically nothing and it is difficult to get a job after graduation. Try to stick to something like finance, accounting, accounting information systems is a huge demand right now. Education is important and I would continue it even if the end result is not opening a salon.