In my 50 year professional career, I’ve attended a number of “educational” conventions or seminars that were supposed to give me haircutting and haircare knowledge. It would have been nice if these gatherings were as advertised.
I suppose I learned a thing or two by attending these get-togethers, but because the organizers of these things are in the business of selling the wide world of hair chemicals and/or gadgets, the primary learning is how those products will put more $$$ in your pocket while emptying your customer’s pocket.
These “educational events” are where you find out about the “latest” styles, which , of course, could not be achieved without the chemicals or special tools the promoters are selling. With few exceptions, the stylists who come up with these “latest” hairdos work for the sellers–their hair creations are designed to sell more stuff.
The problem with this way of treating your customers, is it makes the customer into nothing more than a “thing” burdened by too much weight in their billfold–your task is to lighten their “load”. This get-them-for-all-you-can approach has led many shops to have quota programs in force. Employees must sell enough products and/or extra services, or they are out of a job.
I take a minimalist approach when it comes to caring for hair. Over the years I’ve heard of a couple of haircutters who described themselves as “natural hairstylists”. I suppose my way of operating fits the “natural” description. I know I’m definitely out of the mainstream (when is the last time you heard of an educational gathering with “natural styling” as the focus or even a side show?) Search far and wide, that show doesn’t exist.
Do you like to be treated like a thing with a bulging billfold? I don’t, in fact I avoid it like the plague! There are many businesses that treat folks this way, but not at my shop. My customers appreciate the “no bull” relationship we have that meets their needs without any sales job.
SELF DECEPTION
No doubt Jack the Ripper excused himself on the grounds that it was human nature.
A. A. Milne