Getting Your Feet Wet Suggestions for Getting Started in the Scissor Sharpening Business It’s been a while since my first days of sharpening, but I vividly remember the doubt and fear of those early days. These are some suggestions that got me through and some newer ideas that have worked for some of the sharpeners I trained. 1. Leave the Shore 2. Fish with the Right Bait 3. Scout for Fishing Areas 4. Catch Fish that Swim in Schools 5. Get Out of the Boat 6. Keep Your Eyes off the Waves 7. Put Your Net Down on the Other Side Leave the Shore. Decide where you would like your territory to end and start there. In other words, don’t start calling on the salon next door. If you plan to travel 30 miles from home, begin your calls there and develop your territory from that point back. You will have more confidence in an area where no one will know you. Fish with the Right Bait Be sure you have professional business cards, literature and supplies. Dress professionally. You always feel more confident when you are dressed and groomed well. Take in your scissors pliers, chamois and oil and offer free adjustment, cleaning and oiling of their shears. This gets the shears into your hands for you to discuss their sharpening needs and prolongs your exposure to the stylist in the salon. Not all fish like the same bait. Recognize some stylists and some salons may snub you for no apparent reason and accept and expect that. Scout for Fishing Areas Begin developing your territory with the attitude that you are on a “fishing expedition.” Some new sharpeners call on salons with the attitude that they are there to introduce themselves and set up sharpening appointments for a later time. This serves two purposes. When you go out assuming you are setting up sharpening for a later date, you are more relaxed and the stylists are more relaxed. They feel like you will be there to service them in the future if you are setting up a return trip. It’s also easier to get the courage to make those first few salon visits if you tell yourself you are just going out to make appointments. However, bring your equipment if you sharpen in the salon or loaner shears if you have a pick-up service, and be prepared to accept business that might jump out of the water and into your lap! Catch Fish That Swim in Schools Start out with students at the schools. They actually know less than you about scissors and that can be a real confidence boost. Offer the discount sharpening to give you some practice and create future clients. Make friends with instructors and tell them you are new and want to learn from them. Swap them free sharpening for some of their scissor knowledge and expertise. These contacts can become some of your most important contacts throughout your career. Get Out of the Boat Don’t rely on an ad or mail-outs or phone calls to get your business. These may help, but nothing will be as effective as personally walking into a salon. Keep Your Eyes off the Wind and the Waves When I started out I read Matthew 14:30 every morning. Peter walked on water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. When he looked at the wind, he began to sink. Beginning a new career in sharpening shears was so far out of my comfort zone when I began it felt like walking on water. However, when I focused my mind on what I was doing rather than focused on my fears, I did fine. I knew I had prayed through this new career and I was where God wanted me to be, so what did I have to fear. Put Your Net Down on the Other Side So, you made your first venture out into the deep and got rejection after rejection. No one was interested in you, your sharpening or your shears. Go back to Matthew 14:30 and keep your mind focused, and then go to another area of your territory. It is amazing what huge differences a few miles will make in how well you are received. Spend your time in the areas where the stylists are glad to see you and you get a warm reception. Geography can make a world of difference to your business. Bonnie Megowan www.bonika.com |
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