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Jan 18 2018
Why is education imporant for a succesful career?

I often wonder what life would be like if we as humans learned to walk and talk just to never have another learning experience again. Wouldn’t it be better to wake up with zero responsibility, no concerns, no need to be productive? Why is education so important? With these questions I began to think about my career. What good is my career if I don’t attempt to learn more? How can I be a Master if I don’t explore ALL areas of my field? That’s simple I wouldn’t be able to be a master, or I wouldn’t reach maximum potential. My thoughts on why education is important for growth, impact, profit and success in your career.

Key to growth is held in the sufficiency of light

Knowledge is defined as: Familiarity or conversance as with a particular subject of learning. Becoming more in tune with the subjects in front of us we will shed light on what is unknown. To be unknown you will be prepared for what will encounter throughout the life of your career.
The goal is to never cease finding light to shed on what we don’t know. The more education means we can keep up with the times and how styles and trends evolve.

Besides the more you know = the more you can do which means a higher yield of profit on the back end! Once you have learned it all you will no longer need to grow. Growing to the max should be every barber/ stylist dream!

The blind can’t lead the blind

Would it be fair to say that everyone can learn something from someone at any given time. To be of impact you should be willing to lead the person next to you with providing light on a dark situation.

Your knowledge is no good if no one else can learn from it. You’re only as good as those you have around you so be active on making an impact with sharing your education. Those that don’t have the knowledge should be mindful of not being misleading with information. If you don’t know how, can you direct others that also don’t know?

The blind cannot lead the blind.

Acquire more, give more, and earn more!

Nothing will ever stay the same in this lifetime. Everything evolves for the better or the worse, but in a barbers case the styles will always evolve or come back around. To be able to stay in the know we have to be educated in what’s up and coming.

If you stay ahead of the curve with constant education you will be able to keep up and introduce more to your guest list. Here is where you will get feedback from your customers furthering your education experience making you ready to get creative.

Not only does this help your creativity, but it creates a bond of trust with your customers. A stylist/barber that listens will rarely ever make a mistake or leave one unsatisfied. The more you know the more light you have giving you max potential for growth.

Finish Line

By now your career is coming to a close, I mean we can’t cut/style hair forever. What will you have left behind? Have you grown, made an impact, or made good money? If you can answer yes to any 3 of those you will have had a successful career.

Of course you will have to define your meaning of success. My thoughts of success is to have a major impact on the next generation of barbers. Getting them to learn how to save money, invest, become product driven, and be a service to your community. We shouldn’t just take from the community we work in but we should be a structure of support for the community we work in.

Whatever you decide please remember success isn’t really success if you’re the only one benefiting. Education is something we all can share and grow from. So, if you’e ever sat and wondered Why is education so important? I hope this can answer the question in some form of clarity for you.

Don’t forget to be Social, and share with a barber or stylist you may know!

Shannon Kamal

Shannon kamal 2 Comments
Jan 13 2018
Learning through your mistakes will create strength and wisdom!

Hello friends, colleagues, and guest! Welcome to another page from the Social barber.

Today it’s all about mistakes and how learning through them will make you a stronger barber, A more wise barber. Perfection isn’t possible for a human being, so we should be prepared for things that just won’t go our way. It’s not enough to acknowledge a mistake .. we have to be willing to learn from our mistakes. We have to ask ourselves will we be better than yesterday?. and proceed to be better tomorrow. Learning through your mistakes will separate a good barber from a GREAT barber!

Mistakes are necessary for growth!

Mistakes cannot be avoided, and will happen a lot when beginning as a barber as you grow experienced you will begin to limit those mistakes. The process of learning is to remain willing to take in information, honest about what you don’t know, and open about making corrections. An old proverb goes “he who teaches himself has a fool for a teacher.

We need some sort of instruction to gain the proper know how in any subject. “When the student shows up the teacher will appear” that old saying is true. Having the Will to learn will begin the process of becoming accomplished & better than the day before.

Honesty only works when we can remain humble and ask “can you explain exactly?” it doesn’t do any good to pretend to know. The possibility to be wrong is now present, and you will end up looking like a complete fool when you were just trying to be mr. know it all. Be are open about not knowing then you will receive clarification which will in turn guarantee no mistakes can be made from not knowing!

Corrections play a big role in the mistake. Remember that the mistake doesn’t matter, but how we bounce back from it is key. Imagine a supermarket is crowded and you’re in aisle 8 debating ragu, or prego. The lady feeding an army with the carriage filled to ceiling comes down and knocks a bottle off the shelf and sauce gets OVER EVERYTHING including you! Now two things can take place from this honest mistake. An apology can be offered and attempt to get you cleaned up will be made, or she can keep strolling because it wasn’t her fault. In her eyes her she couldn’t see anything above the Cheerios and kibble n bits!

Same rule applies with us barbers. The customer know what they want when they sit down. Our job is to recommend professionally alternatives to meet the request. Imposing our sense of style is a no no! The Biggest mistake made is to take into your own hands how a customer is to be styled. 2 things can happen you can offer an apology accompanied with a discount or you can deny the mistake and find every reason why it isn’t your fault.

Why is it important to bounce back?

Being able to find a way to understand what went wrong is what will determine how well you are received. People don’t care about mishaps they care about feeling respected. It doesn’t matter you took it down too low or nick him behind his ear what matters was the way you made it right.

This makes your customer trust you for one and gives you point for being professional. The more accidents you make is another opportunity to understand next time what NOT to do! Today your blending is patchy and you leave the blend line too heavy.

That’s OK!

Today you will practice on working the weight of the blend line and use your mirrors to check for consistency throughout your work. The more you realize your mistakes it will be easier to advance. My motto is to make as many mistakes early in your journey while you have guidance to ensure you are learning properly. The person who is perfect and never made a mistake doesn’t exist. Keep a positive outlook on your career while learning through your mistakes will prove your worth for the rest of your career!

Stay positive, keep grooming, and be Social!

Shannon Kamal

Shannon kamal 0 Comments
Jan 11 2018
The 5 reasons why barbering should be a bond!

Hello and welcome once again.

To continue with the 5 series theme today I will give you my 5 reasons why I believe there should be a bond of solidarity in the world of barbering. I’m sure everyone has things they do well and there are some things others do better than you. What does that really mean in the grand scheme of things?

The constant that should remain is that we ALL should have the same approach in common. Be consistent! While the beginner should consistently get better we have the vet whom should be consistently giving his, or her best.

Again these are just my beliefs of how it should be to give the oldest profession life

Reason #5 Our families will thank us

When you think about a bond what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For me, It would have to be a closeness that is hard to separate. When there is a connection as this we will have a level of respect for what the other is setting out to achieve.

Shop owners are setting out to be a successful business owner so as a booth renter/chair operator there should be a level of support to assist your barber brother, Be dependable and active so he can get home to his family for more QT. Nothing worse than having to cut all day and night because you can’t trust the individuals in your shop to keep it under control.

Shop owners have some direction and protocol to ensure your barbers have a workplace with purpose and vision. Who wants to rent a chair, or work for long where there are no boundaries or rules so anything goes? Some people are looking for a place to settle in, and grow roots to grow a prosperous career to raise a family.

I look out for my brother to ensure his work life compliments his home life.

Reason #4 Takes care of the next generation

Imagine a brotherhood started with the goal to last for years to come! This isn’t to say barbering is going anywhere, but plumbing is here to stay as well that didn’t stop them from forming a UNION. Making the arena a place where the game has codes to work by will ensure the integrity will grow stronger.

Do we lack integrity? I guess we’d have to poll that question to find out to get an accurate answer, However if we take a look at our social media accounts we’d witness barbers calling out barbers for using enhancements to add detail when the work they do need detail. Calling barbers phony and whack because they want to dive in enhancing the look of his market is a foolish way to think. We are service driven first in all ways! if your market demands a service, why would you deny it?

Or the ones who have a problem with the use of holding cameras while cutting to get that video feed of that sharp lineup and clean fade. I don’t have much time to hold and cut like I want as I have to clear my schedule timely being the only barber present that makes me feel left out.

Understand one another to grow from one another and be united. When there is unity you will find a union!

Reason #3 we can do more

This one is pretty simple and easy to explain there is strength in numbers. More people on one page means insurance packages, Retirement funds, and Annual conventions. The conventions are actually in existence so we have that down.

What would be lovely is every area having a network of shops paying in to an insurance package as well as some sort of 401k retirement program. Even if it was done in a regional sense the more organized we are the more prepared we can be therefore the more will get done!

Reason #2 It builds character

Building a bond means a learning experience is to be had and where there is growth rough patches will be present. Strength can only be accomplished with resistance lessons are learned with mistakes and a will to learn can make the world of difference.

Some of us put in more hours in shops than we spend at home with our loved ones, if we don’t take the time to iron out details without taking everything personal we leave space for bitterness, regret, and a career without resolve. To be able to have an open honest conversation for the sake of growth will become contagious and become a need in every relationship in our lives.

Our families may even thank us again!

Reason #1 What we work for

That leaves my number one reason for a barber bond and that would be OUR guest! That will rollover to all aspects of our lives we work by a code.

The whole goal of cutting hair is to create relationships with our customers so that they will bring their children to see us, and if we are blessed to have a long-lasting career we will create a bond to cut the grand kids as well.

Repeating customers mean we have built a book of steady support which is the plan for a prosperous career! If the income isn’t steady How can we survive? Sure flexible hours, and being creative, is nice but we need steady income to survive!

And once again our families will thank us.

To finish my thoughts

These beliefs are just where my thoughts go when I view the barber game as a whole. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t areas out there that are professional and united because I have witnessed true barber love. This is a view from a wider stance which may make me a nitpicker, but I as a whole we can do better.

I know this approach is miles off base with wishful thinking. There will always be a shop owner who doesn’t believe in growth, education, and fairness. Giving the help free rein to come in whenever. Do whatever and be as irresponsible as ever.

The support won’t be there no matter how much we don’t agree with approaches, or applications there will always be that person who feels the need to crap om it,

We’d be better off if this was the case, but no one is out for teaming up most are out to tear down! This was just my thoughts why U believe we SHOULD be a bond It won’t happen but I’m a dreamer!

If you agree leave a comment

Disagree? Give me your best reason why?

Shannon kamal

Stay positive, Stay sophisticated, keep grooming!

Shannon kamal 8 Comments
Jan 9 2018
5 reasons why your barber/beauty shop should feature a professional product line

Hello friends, colleagues, and guest

The beauty industry is a Multi-Billion dollar industry projected to reach 445 billion dollars by 2020 if it hasn’t already. Beauty products are a necessity in every persons grooming regimen throughout the world. Everyone wants to look good and will stop at nothing to achieve this. If we took a look in every medicine cabinet here and abroad you’re going to find some sort of beauty product for the purposes to maintain, aid, or create a desired look. Here’s my 5 reasons why your shop should feature a professional product line.

Reason #1 Necessity

Your guest NEED it! Just like a dental check up is necessary to avoid dentures and extractions at a later date the same can be said about hair. The products you use today can preserve your color or prevent the damage that may occur from everyday life. Use good products or watch as the color fades, or watch as it begins to fall out later.

Professional products are a necessity to achieve the desired results and keep the hair in good health. Hair is composed of mainly a protein called Keratin that can compromised with different chemical processes that take place by request of the guest. Leaving the chemical composition compromised it will take the proper product to ensure it is bought back to full health.

Keeping the hair clean and conditioned is a good way to ensure your guest will return the same way he or she has left. Taking the time to analyze each persons head of hair to discover the daily routines, health issues, textures, state of hair will ensure you prescribe the proper maintenance routine.

Styling products can do more damage than good if they aren’t used properly or contain harmful ingredients making It important to stress that your guest use professional aids, and stay away from the drug stores.

Reason #2 Shows professionalism

Products in the retail area shows you are serious about hair care and you supply the needs of your customers. You wouldn’t go to a bait shop to find candy, or head to a pharmacy to find no medicines.

Hair care is your profession and the upkeep of hair begins and ends in your chair. I’ve seen time and time again stylist would send customers out to pick up product from a beauty supply that caters the public. It’s even worse to have the customer arrive with store bought chemical to use along with some bottom of the barrel irregular product purchased from a supermarket.

It may say redken but if it wasn’t purchased from a professional retailer that product is not redken!

Reason #3 Be different

Every barber shops cuts hair and every salon colors hair but what sets yours apart?

This will be determined by the featured product you carry. Make it exclusive and new to the area do your research in the trends and needs of your area. Depending on your demographic area you may be the only establishment to carry products at all.

Customer enjoying a pore clearing peel off mask

How cool would it be to have exclusive product first in your area. With proper signage and decals for the windows this can lead to an increase of walk ins.People always want to be a part of something new and be one of the first to take part. Introducing the “Sophisticated Grooming Black mask” Discounted service for limited time only “leaving your skin refreshed and pores cleaned!”

That alone will raise curiosity and drive in that much needed foot traffic!

Reason #4 Keeps staff Learning

It is important to understand that frequent education is key for a fruitful styling business and career.

Keeping up with the times can only occur when you stay up on what’s new and relevant. New product should be introduced with the proper way to use it demonstrated by the distributor.

Product knowledge for the stylist is important for sales to effectively take place in your establishment. Product can’t be sold until you educate the guest on how to use it. Give them the information of the benefits they will feel empowered to maintain their style.

This will gain you that needed trust by the public to continue patronizing your establishment. With that you can assure a few new referrals will be on the way. Who doesn’t like referrals? The service model is to expand your base and grow for a profitable business, referrals are what we strive for.

Reason #5 More revenue to earn

A full register is the goalAbove all reasons as a shop owner this may be the most important. Retail sales = passive income! Properly marketed products can boost the average ticket price between 15-20%. There should not only be a retail area by reception but a selling point at each and every station for employees to make recommendations.

It’s a lot easier to make a sale when the product is in eyesight where it can be analyzed, sampled, and shown how to use. This will come with the proper prescription for the guest to purchase and continue use at home. Keep in mind that a prescription is a recommendation for product use at home. It doesn’t guarantee that they will purchase right away so it’s important to practice your pitch.

Remember to highlight the Pros of the product and why they will benefit from its features. The purchase may not be made then and there but you will leave an impression for the future, and leave the door open for a later sale.

To sum it up

Whether you have a Barber shop or Beauty salon professional products can be the difference maker when times get slow. They also can be used as leverage in packaged deals to entice people to spend especially during the holidays or other special times of the year.

“Get a free blow dry with the purchase of a 12oz shampoo & conditioner. or Free beard wash with the purchase of any beard product on display. The combinations are endless so get creative. You will find that even on you slowest of days you will have a steady stream of customers ready to spend money. Stay positive, Get creative, and Feature a professional product line!

Leave a comment below with your preferred product line and what you carry in your shop/salon, or plan to carry.

Shannon Kamal

Stay positive, Stay sophisticated, Keep grooming!

Shannon kamal 6 Comments