If you have been a regular reader of this blog, you know that this site is about conquering your world through business acumen, strategy, and the art of hustling. Since they dont teach these topics in school, the next best way to learn them is by looking at people who are already where you want to be.

On my quest to take over my world (by the way, there is a difference between taking over “your” world and taking over “the” world!) I came across an unlikely group of men that embody what this site is all about: The Millionaire Barbers

Against the Grain

Part of my long term financial strategy includes opening a number of businesses, including a barber shop. Since I really didnt know anything about the business behind barbering, I started my learning process with Against the Grain, a barbering industry trade publication. Now, if you have ever tried to read a trade magazine, you know that theyre about as interesting to read as a phone book, but not Against the Grain. Heres why:

• First off, the photography was nothing short of amazing, probably the best I have seen in any magazine.
• Second, the interviews and barber profiles are the best in the industry. In fact, I dont know of any other trade magazine that profiles its top professionals as well as ATG
• Lastly, and most important of all, the lessons taught in “Shop 101″ makes this magazine damn near priceless.

“Making It”

In order to achieve excellence in your profession, one must have the attributes that attest above the normal contingency of simply working. You must possess a passion reflecting your love to do it. This must happen in order to excel to the highest plateau possible.”-Mr. Fademup

The path from where you are to “made” is difficult, but without a road map, its almost impossible. Mr. Fademup, CEO and founder of Fademup Productions and one of the magazine’s contributing writers gives us some of his keys to success:

Begin by maintaining your own appearance. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Remaining well groomed will build your confidence, which will illuminate how good you feel about yourself.

Be and show professionalism at all times

You have to be willing to try new endeavors. Go outside of your comfort zone. Dont be afraid to get your feet wet

Set your goals high!

Talk to as many [professionals] on the circuit as possible. Go to [professional] events to gain ideas about your own strategy

Self promote! Tell people who you are. Network! Set up a website.

These are the philosophies that guide the millionaire barbers, and you can tell; they are the barbers who never have an empty chair, whose clients are willing to wait 2 hours for them, and who would rather “take whose next” over eating lunch. In case you arent lucky enough to live in a city with barbers of this caliber, here are the two best examples I know of…

Living Legends

Ron Hayes, owner of GoodPhellaz Barber shop in Atlanta, Ga

I first met Ron in 2004 (his then 5th year of business) near Atlanta, GA. Today, his 83 barbers produce an estimated $1 MILLION in annual sales (according to manta.com)! Hes gotten honorable mention from a number of area media outlets, and his shop walls are covered with the pics of his celebrity clients. All this grew from one small shop! The only thing greater than this mans business sense is his humility! If you are ever in the area, stop in for a shape-up!

Lesson: Great enterprises dont grow without constant care, attention, and PERSISTENCE. When I met Ron, he was in the process of reopening one of his previously unsuccessful locations. Had he just given up on it, he wouldnt be grossing a Milli today!

Sipp the Surgeon

If ever there was an entrepreneur to learn from, its Sipp the Surgeon.  Sipp’s Myspace page speaks to his ambitions as a Millionaire barber, and Against the Grain covered him in their Summer 2009 edition. “When asked about his celebrity barber aspirations, he states ‘Celebrity clients are the people that come and see you every week. Some people talk about how they want to be a celebrity barber, but they have to treat people they cut every day like celebrities’”  Sipp is the originator of The Art of Hair War barber event, and is a pioneer of the custom barber chair industry

Lesson: Diversify! Create new industries and new ways to make money from the industry that youre in. This man went from giving $10 haircuts to selling $10,000 barber chairs and hosting events that net him thousands more than that! No matter what industry you are in, you can create a brand new niche (a restaurant server could set up a website and become the local expert on dining out, or become a “dining consultant”. A sales representative in a retail store could sell his/her services as a personal stylist on the side (assuming he or she even has style, LMAO!)

Lessons and legends are all around you, if you just look for them. Network, and surround yourself with others that embody the millionaire mindset, and you too can realize the same results! Whether you are serving others, or being serviced, keep an eye out. You could be in the presence of greatness!

Hustle hard! 

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