Make 2024 your year of growth and success by stepping outside your comfort zone. Challenging yourself will help you progress and Joe Pomper, Murdock London’s master barber, offers advice on pushing yourself to the next level. Here’s how to grow your career, grow your client base, and stay motivated.
Step outside your comfort zone
Bold consultations
Don’t be afraid to offer advice based on your expertise. Contradict the client if they are asking for something unsuitable for them. It might seem like the easier option is to go with what the client requests. However, if you know their request won’t suit their face shape or is a style, they won’t be able to maintain at home, recommend alternatives. Ultimately, they’ll thank you for their great-looking hair.
Resolute recommendations
Suggesting your client buys a particular product to help keep their hair looking sharp at home, is not selling, it’s part of a professional service. During the appointment, don’t be afraid to talk about the products you are using and why. Don’t assume to know a client’s budget; they may be more than happy to spend money on professional products that will help them look great between appointments. A nudge from you, their expert barber, could be all they’re waiting for.
Challenging change
It’s easy for you and your loyal client to fall into a routine, but if a client gets bored, they may go elsewhere for a new start. Don’t shy away from suggesting a change. If a client has had the same cut and style for a long time, they may be desperate for a transformation, but not know what to ask for. Make sure every consultation gives the client an opening to ask for change and for you to make suggestions about how they can mix things up a little. The smallest change can make a big difference to how a client looks and feels, so don’t be afraid to make suggestions, or your client may decide to change their barber!
The ‘no-nonsense’ no
Sometimes it’s ok to say no to a client, whether it’s constantly missing appointments or being rude when they’re in your chair. Your mental health is important, so start the year as you mean to go on!
Tenacious new talents
You spend time learning new skills but using them on a client can be hard. Practise on friends, colleagues, and blockheads until you have your new skills mastered, then have confidence in your abilities. The more you can offer your clients, the greater their loyalty will be.
Thanks to Joe for sharing these points. Maybe you’d like to start challenging yourself today? However you’re feeling, the start of a new year is always a good time to start trying new things, so good luck.
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