Sharpening in salons is rewarding, challenging, exciting and fun; but it can also be very lonely. Even with a supportive spouse, it is nice to talk to other sharpeners who understand your struggles and triumphs. Having encouraging sharpening pals across the country can greatly increase your satisfaction in your sharpening business. When I began sharpening in Atlanta, GA, I had two sharpeners I could call; both were over 700 miles away. It is important to have sharpening pals with no territorial conflicts. Since then I have met literally hundreds of sharpeners, but I have a handful that I really trust and can share with. The first such “Sharp Pal” I made was a sharpener in Oregon. I don’t remember whether I found her or she found me, but we came together over the internet. We were both delighted to find another female sharpener. Back then, women sharpeners were rare. Our friendship developed at a Wolff Sharpening Convention in Reno, NV and at other conventions and meetings. We have been a support to each other ever since. This anecdote illustrates the two easiest ways to create your team of “Sharp Pals.” First is the internet. Get involved in chats and research websites. Create your own website even if it’s only a “My Space” site for making contact. Send emails to sharpeners that you feel you might have something in common with. It is hard to imagine life before internet and emails. The other way to make contact and friends in this business is through opportunities to network. Gene, my husband, was just at the Wolff seminar in Texas and met some new sharpeners and seasoned sharpeners. Don’t rule out either of these guys in your quest for new associations. The experienced sharpeners have years of wisdom, even if they might use a different sharpening technique. The “newbies” in the business often have the best and freshest ideas of ways to market your business. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Cultivate both of these types of friendships not just in terms of what they can do for you, but in how well you relate and genuinely like each other. Find “Sharp Pals” with whom you have things in common like hobbies and other interests. The Sharpener’s Jam Session in Atlanta in July is another event designed to let you network. The farther you come to these events, the more likely you are to make friends with sharpeners far outside your territory, which is what you want. This year your chances of making sharpening friends is increased with an evening of dinner and jousting at Medieval Times as well as more space to move around and break out into small groups between and during the sessions. I believe creating friendships is one of the most important goals for our Jam Sessions. Use this time to find people you are comfortable with and get their phone numbers and emails. Be sensitive to their schedules when you call, especially when there are time zones involved. Don’t be a sponge, but be willing to share your knowledge as well. Generosity, even in giving knowledge, is rewarded. If you develop some “Sharp Pals,” it will not only improve your business, but will enrich your life. Every life can be improved by the addition of friends. Submitted by Bonnie Megowan, Bonika Shears. Published March )& in ON THE EDGE. Learn more about the Sharpener’s Jam Session in Atlanta at www.sharpenersjam.com or call Bonika Shears office at 1-888-290-3393 for a brochure. The Jam Session is free although there are charges for the dinner theatre entertainment and additional small group sharpening classes. |
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