Beyond the Chair: Unlocking Growth and Innovation at Barber Trade Shows

Why Should You Consider Attending Trade Shows? Your Guide to Expanding Horizons

Ever found yourself wondering if attending trade shows is worth your time and investment? Or perhaps you're curious about what a trade show can offer you, both personally and professionally? You're not alone in pondering these questions. Trade shows are more than just an opportunity to step out of your daily routine; they are a melting pot of innovation, education, and networking opportunities that could dramatically shape your career path.

The Value of Trade Shows: 

Innovation at Your Fingertips: Imagine having the latest tools, products, and technologies in your industry showcased under one roof. Trade shows offer a sneak peek into the future, allowing you to stay ahead of the curve.

Education Beyond the Chair: With an array of workshops, seminars, and live demonstrations, trade shows provide unparalleled learning opportunities. Whether you're looking to refine your skills or dive into new trends, the educational value alone is a game-changer.

Networking That Counts: It's not just about who you know, but who knows you. Trade shows bring together like-minded professionals, potential mentors, and industry leaders, offering a unique chance to build meaningful connections.

Your Invitation to Growth

As you ponder the idea of attending a trade show, consider it an investment in yourself and your career. It's an opportunity to be inspired, to grow, and to connect. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there's something at a trade show for everyone.

I encourage you to take the leap. Who knows where it might take you?

Stepping into the Spotlight: The Thrill of Barber Battles

Have you ever considered joining a barber battle? Or are you wondering what the hell a barber battle is and why someone would want to join?

Well, for those with a competitive streak, this might be appealing—it's not for the faint of heart. Battles, in general, require you to showcase your skills under a specific time frame and pressure, while trying to score points from a panel of judges to win in various categories. These stages aren’t just for battling once. Some people I’ve met along my journey participate in every show they can, using it as a platform to showcase their work against competitors from different states and build a name for themselves. Even if you don’t enjoy competing, it's fascinating to watch.

Barber battles are more than competitions; they're a platform to display your creativity, precision, and innovation. They offer a unique way to highlight what makes your approach to barbering special.

Participating in a battle puts you in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of eyes. It's an opportunity to be seen by industry leaders, brand representatives, and potential clients.

How Trade Shows Transformed My Career

I’ve worked with some of the biggest brands, thanks to them noticing me at trade shows and following my journey over the years. They got to see how I spoke to people, how I interacted with others, and effectively offered a live presentation of who I am without me even realizing it! These well-known brands include Pivot Point, Takara Belmont, Mizutani, Jatai, Babyliss Pro, and STMNT Grooming, along with Pacinos, CT Barber Expo, and BarberCon. Many other brands and shows will also find interest in you if they like what you’re putting out there.

Even as a new educator in the industry, I remember thinking, "Okay, I’m obviously not getting paid much per day, but I know this puts me in front of eyes and is a way for me to meet people and get direct bookings from these trips." I never worried about the money, especially as a new “position” in any area. I knew the money would follow once the skills and values were set. I’m always taking a step back to look at the bigger picture of where it could lead me, and over time, as I expected, it all worked out in the best way possible, based on the value you can create for people to appreciate.

A Closer Look at Bite-Size Education: Learning from the Masters

One of the most under appreciated aspects of trade shows, yet incredibly impactful, is the opportunity for bite-size education. Imagine having access to a diverse array of knowledge and expertise, all under one roof. Trade shows provide just that, enabling you to learn from many masters in one place who are from the States and now many times from other countries.

The beauty of bite-size education sessions is their accessibility. They're designed to deliver valuable insights and tips in a concise manner, perfect for the fast-paced environment of a trade show. You can learn a new technique in the morning and start applying it by the afternoon.

Many of these educational sessions are interactive. This direct engagement enhances understanding and retention of new skills.

Embrace the Learning Journey

As you navigate your way through your next trade show, I encourage you to embrace these bite-size learning opportunities. Whether it's a new cutting technique, a styling tip, or the latest in grooming products, each piece of knowledge adds to your arsenal of skills. This environment of concentrated learning is rare and invaluable.

The educational aspect of trade shows is a testament to the industry's ever-evolving nature and our continuous journey as learners. It's an opportunity to grow, not just professionally but personally, as we absorb the collective wisdom of our community.

Why I Find Invaluable Value in Trade Shows

It might be clear by now, but it's worth stating outright: I find immense value in trade shows. This realization didn't come while standing on a stage or hosting a booth—it began much earlier, sitting in those very chairs you might find yourself in, soaking up every bit of knowledge and insight available.

For the first 2 years, all I knew was the information being passed around in the barbershop: the techniques, the language, the tools, and how we promoted ourselves.

I remember attending the first barber trade show that came to a local spot near my area, and I just knew I had to go. It was a game-changer at that moment in my career to hear how someone who does what I do thinks differently about how they market themselves, and from that point on, it pushed me into a new trajectory of becoming a better businesswoman. Something so simple, too. If you’re wondering what the topic was, it was how to charge more. I was stuck at $20 and had no idea what to do next. I took the advice, thought about how I could apply that to my life, and within about a month from that point, I started incorporating new ideas and saw my rates moving up in a way that didn’t freak me out. I felt prepared just because I knew someone else was able to do it; I felt like I could do it too. Another significant moment was meeting some people I followed online, and when they talked about how they structured their price list, it gave me new ideas for mine, and the lessons just kept coming. It put me on a quest to connect with people I looked up to and ask questions. You can't be afraid to ask questions, but also, as time goes by, you have to be able to really find clarity in the questions you're asking to get good answers. Bad questions get basic answers. I learned that quickly. I needed some background research before I would ask these mega businessmen and women my questions.

A Personal Testament to Continuous Growth

I’m writing this, because of the invaluable lessons and experiences gained from each trade show attended. Before I was someone who others might come to see or learn from, I was in your shoes—listening, practicing, and dreaming.

The Value of Experience: Each interaction, each session attended, has contributed to my arsenal of skills and my perspective on barbering and business. These experiences have shaped my career and my approach to education itself and continue to do so. I teach on stage alongside some of the biggest barbers in the game, and I always learn something new—and I still bug them with questions! (:

It's a path that has no end, only milestones, and each trade show, each educational session, each barber battle, is a milestone worth reaching.

As you contemplate your next steps, remember that education is ongoing. The seats you sit in today are just the beginning of a journey that can take you places you've only dreamed of. The value of trade shows, the value of learning, is as boundless as your willingness to engage with it.

A Call to Action: Explore, Learn, Connect

If you've never attended a show, or if it's been a while since your last one, go in with an open mind and a hungry heart. The wealth of knowledge available, the pulse of the industry at your fingertips, and the opportunity to see and be seen are unparalleled.

They remind us that we're part of a vibrant, evolving community that thrives on shared knowledge and collective advancement.

The experience could redefine your craft, your career, and your perspective on what it means to be a part of this incredible industry.

Trade show season has just started!! Def check out local and major barber shows coming up!

See y’all there!

SOF!