Smart Barbershop Musts:
Your Guide for Bringing Your Barbershop Into the Future
It’s true—being a barber is not a new-fangled thing. In fact, professional hair styling dates back to ancient Egypt and barbers especially were hugely important figures in the Middle Ages (they were also surgeons, bloodletters, and dentists, too, but that’s a story for another time).
But just because the craft has been around forever doesn’t mean things haven’t changed. It’s actually crucial for our survival in the industry to evolve as our demands do—and this covers all aspects of our skills, our services, and even our space.
Yep, we said space—we’re talking about your barbershop.
For as often as we need to evolve our offerings, it should come as no surprise that our environments need to change every now and again, too. We live in a modern, technological era—and that fact extends into our barbershops. It’s pertinent to your success to start implementing technology and smart tools that make your job easier, automates your efforts, and bring comfort to your clients like never before.
But how exactly can you do that? We’re here to help. Here are a few smart shop suggestions to kick off your journey toward bringing your shop into the present century.
Hey Siri—Turn On That Custom Playlist
With tools like Siri and Alexa, you have your own personal AI robot in your pocket that can help you put together small touches that make your customers feel right at home.
One of those little perks? Personalized playlists. If you know what your clients like to listen to, you can ensure that it’s on and ready when they walk in the door. How’s that for top-notch service?
Speaking of Artificial Intelligence
So, we’re not yet at the point where our entire shop is run by robots (and honestly, thank god for that), but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick your artificial intelligence up a notch.
There are tons of AI features out there that deal in lighting, temperature, security, and more that can make your shop a little smarter and a whole lot more convenient.
And guess what? Even if this stuff has a higher upfront cost, it can ultimately save you money in the long run. With AI-run, smart technology, you can create custom settings that adjust on their own.
Not planning to be in the shop for the weekend? Your smart hub can adjust your thermostat, make sure the lights are off, and run the cameras to keep your shop protected.
Seems crazy, right? It’s all possible—and it can all take your shop to the next level.
Tool Updates For the Win
Your skills and talents obviously make the difference when it comes to how great of a barber you are, but that doesn’t mean your tools don’t matter at all. Don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a classic that always works, but did you know there are smart tools out there that are designed to make your job easier than ever?
From high-tech trimmers and cordless clippers to all-in-one tools that take tech to the next level, there’s a ton of good stuff out there—you just have to find what works for you.
Let’s Talk Automation
Take your smart shop to the next level with automation.
Whether you invest in automated online booking software (so easy and so helpful—think about how Airbnb has 1-click booking that doesn’t require you to confirm an appointment), point of sale and inventory that tracks and schedules re-orders, automated social media and web marketing software that keeps your online presence up to date, or text, call, and email software that helps you confirm appointments—there’s always some form of automation that can make your shop a little smarter.
Go Green As Can Be
The future is undeniably all about sustainability—there has never been a more important time to start considering your going green options. Now is the time to start focusing on reducing waste, minimizing your carbon footprint, and keeping the environment and the planet at the forefront of all you do.
Want so go-green ideas? We got you:
- Go paperless and make everything digital (AKA, stop giving your clients physical forms to fill out!)
- Recycle your chemicals and materials as responsibly and eco-friendly as possible.
- Compost, reduce your trash, and recycle!
- Work with environmentally friendly, sustainable products and companies to do your part.
- Be open with your clients—talk to them about what you’re doing and how they can help.
Evolve, Evolve, Evolve
The most important step for taking your shop to the smart tech level? Don’t be afraid to change—always. Your job is all about evolving, and that means your shop needs to be a part of that, too. It is crucial to your success that you never (ever) stop changing in this dynamic industry.
The smarter your shop, the more on-par you’ll be when it comes to serving your clients’ needs! So, our advice? Don’t slack—evolve, change, and adapt as needed.
Ready to take your barbershop to the next level? We thought you might be. We’re big fans of leaning into the future, especially when leaning could be the ideal way to boost your clientele, better serve your customers, and enhance your barber career.
In need of more tips, tricks, and industry advice? We’ve got your back. Make sure you never miss a beat by subscribing to NAOB right here, right now—we’re always uploading the good stuff you need to kick your career up a notch.
