longevity | Shannon kamal

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!

Shannon kamal