Barbers Doing Business, Not Playing Business
By Toni Love
Today, barbers have been recognized and accepted as “business people”.
Barbers are their own business man…or woman. You need to know how
to handle yourself and not just your clippers. Even if you are not a shop
owner, look at yourself as your own entrepreneur. What skills do you need
to succeed? First and foremost, you need the technical skills you learned in
school. Display your license prominently to remind yourself and your clients
of your professional training. Secondly, you are an artist, using your client’s
head, neck, or face as a canvas. Use your creativity to identify the look that
is best for them. Thirdly, you must have strong communication skills. You
must listen to the client’s requests and follow up on them with questions to
get a thorough picture of their lifestyle and their needs. Time management,
organization, and marketing skills are also necessary to keep your current
customers and bring in new ones.
Successful barbers who understand this business are aware that
they are in control of their own destiny. Only a focused, dedicated barber
will capitalize on
opportunities presented to them
as well as create
their own path
to success. These
barbers are “doing
business” instead
of “playing business.”
Here are a few
tips to grow your
own business:
Take Charge of your Finances
One of the main reasons a business fails is poor financial planning. Learn
to resist impulse buys, except on some celebratory occasions. Know what
you have in your checking account and set some aside each month to put
in a savings account and/or Roth IRA. Be sure to set a yearly financial plan.
Sit down with a financial planner or loan officer to devise a plan. Money
management has been a known problem for this industry. Speak to a professional about securing your future.
Use your Time Wisely
First and foremost, be respectful of your client’s time. Know if they are in a
hurry or have some time to relax. Whether you have five minutes or an hour,
use that time to develop a relationship with that client, do your best work,
and exceed their expectations. When you are between clients, ask yourself what you should be doing with that time so that at the end of the day,
you can go home
satisfied
with
what you accomplished. You may
decide to read
your textbook or a
professional trade
magazine (like this
one!) to stay
abreast of what
is going on in the
industry. Also
remember that
clients appreciate
a clean, sanitized environment, so you could clean your clippers, sanitize
your brushes and other implements, sweep the floor, and check the bathroom. Recruiting more clients is another great past time. Go into the
community that surrounds your business and pass out business cards or flyers
to potential clients. With current clients, get on the phone and call the ones
who haven’t been in for a while; they will appreciate you thinking of them.
Successful barbers
who understand this business
are aware that they are in control
of their own destiny.
Take Continuing Education Classes
Knowledge is the key to success. Continuing education provides a vehicle to
teach you business skills like management, marketing, sales, and manufacturing and advanced barbering skills beyond what you learned in school as
well as the latest trends. These classes will help prevent you from burning
out by constantly sharpening your mind, making you think creatively. Best
of all, continuing education, in most cases, is free - attend hair shows and sit
in on the classes.
Network within the Barbering Community
Social networking sites are a great way to meet people in your profession
from across the world. You can also meet fellow barbers by showcasing your
skills at community events or trade shows. If you meet or see someone doing
something you want to learn, approach them and ask questions. Follow up
with them and build a relationship. You may also want to find a mentor to
assist in your growth – and be a mentor to someone who is still in school.
Learn to Upsell
Embrace your inner salesman. Sure, the client only came in for a trim, but
suggest a shave and a color. Maybe their son who came in with them could
use a design cut to show off at the next school football game. There are
haircare and skincare products geared towards every type of need or problem.
Be sure to stock and sell products to every client before they leave your
chair. Product knowledge classes are available to learn everything about the
product line you are retailing. The more you know, the more you will sell.
Remember, selling is a transfer of feelings. If the client “feels” your sincerity
and passion about the product, they will buy it. This also applies to selling
additional services; tell the client why he should add the service, how it will
enhance his look.
Become Self Aware
A professional understands their strengths and weaknesses. N