Networking Tips Every Badass Barber Needs
Let’s face it—networking isn’t always easy.
For a lot of different reasons, learning how to network can be a challenge, especially when you’re working in an industry that might seem like there aren’t a ton of networking opportunities. Whatever your reason for not networking until this point (or not networking to the best of your ability, maybe) might be, we’re happy to deliver some solid news to you—the age of no-networking as a barber ends now.
If you’re Team No Networking, we’re not here to judge you, but we feel it’s important to really emphasize just how important networking is in your industry. Especially if you’re hoping to build some kind of success for yourself in your community.
As a barber, community is huge—connecting with other barbers and beauty professionals can help you develop your skill set, stay on top of trends in your industry, make sure you’re keeping up with what’s going on in your job market, and can even help you meet up with prospective clients, partners, and mentors.
See? Networking is a big deal. We don’t say that to scare you or tell you that you’ve been going about this whole barbering thing the wrong way up until this point, but we do believe that diving into networking (and diving in the right way) can make a huge difference in your career.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t sweat it.
We’ve compiled some of the best networking tips around that every badass barber should know. Study up and get ready to change your career for the better!
Join a Local Business Networking Group
Even if it’s not specific to barbershops or beauty professionals! By connecting with your fellow local businesses, you’ll be able to get a better feel for your community, meet new people, find new clients, and maybe even team up with someone in your community who can help your business thrive!
The best part? These meetups are typically hosted somewhere fun—bars, restaurants, etc. So, not only will you get the opportunity to meet and connect with other people, but you can also enjoy some local food, beverages, and more in your community. It’s a win-win in our book.
Local networking groups can often be found with a quick google search in your area, but also check out your area’s Chamber of Commerce, online Barbershop Groups, and even Facebook Groups for local businesses in your area.
Once you find a group, don’t hesitate to invite other business owners or barbers like yourself—that’s how you grow networks!
Use Your Existing Customer Base to Network
This shouldn’t be the foundation of your networking strategy, but it’s definitely an effective one. Your existing clients are regulars for a reason, right? They keep coming back because they value your skills, love your service, and think you’re the best at what you do.
Who better to sing your praises to other customers? Offer referral programs or loyalty rewards for clients who help you expand your network by passing your name and information along to other people.
These incentives can help you build that badass barbering network you’re after!
Attend Educational Events & Trade Shows
Even though trade shows, barbering events, and expos can be a little pricey (depending on which you want to attend), they can be excellent opportunities to meet new professionals in your industry.
Just by attending a show, you’ll meet industry heroes, chat with barbers just like you, and make connections seamlessly! These events are great opportunities for connecting and networking.
Create Your Own Barbershop Gang
Who says you should wait around for the best barbershop networking group to just appear? No one. We always say, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, make it yourself—and that definitely applies here. If there’s no barbershop or beauty networking group in your community, then build one!
Whether you want to be a barbershop breakfast club, a beauty pro group that hosts happy hours, or you simply want to join up and discuss barbering in a strictly business setting, then do it!
Invite fellow barbers or beauticians in your area to join your club, swap stories, share ideas, talk trends, etc. this type of networking group can offer pros in your area the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to level up with you!
Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating—and it doesn’t even have to be something you dread doing.
Networking in ways that make you feel comfortable is important, but don’t let your comfort zone totally stop you. Even though connecting with other professionals might seem scary at first, we promise, taking one small step at a time outside of your comfort zone can prove to be super beneficial for your career, your business, and your life.
Have some tips for barbers on how to better network? Want to share networking success stories or advice on how to overcome networking fears? Do it! That’s why we have a comment section below.
Let’s hear from you, barber! Let’s talk networking and let’s talk about it now.
