Tale Time: Two Ways to Win Customers Like a Barber

by Kevin Smith Author

Barbershops aren't exactly where you go to learn how to run a company and wow customers. But how do barbers retain loyal clients and thrive for years, if not decades? It's probably because of the training they get from barber schools in Orlando. Or maybe they just learn the best practices on the job. Regardless, here are some of the business tricks they're hiding up their sleeves.

Make It Personal
Barbers are notorious for telling tales, good and bad. Think about all those times you had your hair cut. Before the first snip, some barbers are already sharing stories about themselves, their families, or friends. A visit to your local barbershop isn't the same without hearing an anecdote or two, right?

Apart from their way of sharing tales, what's amazing about barbers is that they know exactly how to keep the conversation going. As much as they love storytelling, they show interest in what you have to share as well. They know that effective communication is a two-way street.

This is what every businessperson should do - build a strong connection by showing that they can relate to their customers through amusing yet sincere stories. They should also be ready to lend an ear when it's the other side's turn to speak.

Standing out from the pack often means becoming viral online. But this type of fame is fleeting. The bottom line is, stay active on social media but don't be afraid to revisit the basics. Start real conversations with your customers. Make it personal again.

Go Beyond the Service
Describe the nearest barbershop. Does it have sports posters on the walls and magazines on the tables? Do you hear ESPN playing in the background? All of these aren't there to just keep you occupied while waiting. These are carefully selected to complete the ultimate barbershop experience.

Salons can give haircuts and even relaxing treatments. But they don't give the feeling that barbershops offer. The point here is that many other companies deliver the exact service you're providing, which is why you have to go beyond the service. Create an environment and experience that people will love coming back to.

Next time you have a haircut, look around the shop. You'll be surprised by how many business lessons barbers can teach you. These professionals learn from the best barber schools in Orlando, but most of them get better through observation - something you might want to start doing now.