Stay in Your Lane

By Deidre Borders Cannon, Owner, Matt James Solutions for Hairloss, Buford, GA

Starting a hair loss business is like hitting the open road with big dreams. My first step? Make a plan, map it out, and count the cost. It's critical to avoid stalling mid-journey, so l assess needs, research markets, and budget for equipment. Ensuring my plan is realistic about what it will take — time, effort, and investment — keeps me driving toward success, not stranded.

The road is busy, and it's easy to fume at other drivers. Don't get upset with other drivers on the road. I remind myself that they also have somewhere they're trying to get. Patience turns the trip into something I can enjoy. When an impatient driver — be it a skeptic, a naysayer, or even the competition — zooms by, I let them go. Keeping my attitude positive avoids regret and trouble. Anger only slows me down, but a steady pace, fueled by optimism, helps me serve clients better and build my business.

But what kind of driver am I? Distracted by trends, tired from long hours, or overwhelmed by choices? Sometimes, I feel lost. That's when I pull over and ask for directions. The American Hair Loss Conference is a pit stop of wisdom, with experts and peers ready to guide me. Admitting I need help isn't failure. It's smart business, connecting me with resources to keep thriving.

Sometimes, I need to get off the expressway and take the scenic route. Slowing down, resting, and recalculating recharges me. A break to strategize or learn at a conference workshop reminds me to savor progress, like securing new clients or refining services. Rushing blinds me to the joy of building something lasting. Confucius said, "He who chases two rabbits catches none". Running a hair loss business taught me to choose my path and stick to my lane. At the American Hair Loss Conference, I found my map, my team, and my pace. So, decide where you're headed, plan wisely, and drive on. Your business journey is worth it.

We'll see you in September!

"One of the most rewarding parts of attending the American Hair Loss Conference is seeing familiar faces and making new connections."

Over the years, I’ve interacted with many sales associates and professionals in the industry — whether through phone calls, emails, or social media — without ever meeting them in person. This conference gives me the chance to finally put names to faces. There’s something special about chatting in an elevator with someone you’ve only read about in industry publications or recognizing someone you’ve followed on social media. It reminds you that we’re all working toward the same goal: improving the lives of those affected by hair loss.

Another powerful reminder from attending the conference is the importance of welcoming newcomers to the industry. As professionals, it’s easy to forget that we were all once in their shoes — unsure of how to navigate this complex field. I have had the chance to meet several first-time attendees, and it took me back to my own early days, when someone took the time to help me find my way.

The key takeaway is the reminder to let go of the urge to handle everything myself. It’s important to stay in my lane and focus on what I do best. Trying to be all things to all people can dilute your impact. Instead, surrounding yourself with a team of professionals who excel in areas where you may not allows you to work more efficiently and effectively. By focusing on my strengths, I can ensure that I’m providing the best possible care and solutions to my clients, while relying on others to do the same in their expertise.

Trying to handle everything and being all things to all people only dilutes my impact, so I focus on what I do best, customer service, delivering top-notch care and support. I surround myself with professionals who excel where I don't, like trichologists and hairstylists, to fill gaps in expertise. By honing my strengths, I work efficiently and effectively, ensuring my clients get the best possible service and solutions.