This is an op-ed by Hector Alvero, a Bitcoin guru who serves as co-host of Meet the Broward County Bitcoiners and whose family has worked in the beauty industry for decades.
We are all looking for ways to educate others about Bitcoin and raise awareness of its benefits. However, time is scarce, so we can’t talk to everyone. But what if you could double your efforts and help someone close to you profit from Bitcoin in the process? If you’re looking for an orange tin with an asymmetrical upside, consider talking about Bitcoin and the Lightning Network with your barber or stylist.
The perfect environment
Once you’re in the chair and that cape is wrapped around your neck, you know you two will be there for a while. As a Bitcoiner, this can only mean one thing: you have been given the gift of time to talk about Bitcoin.
Few routine interactions last as long as a haircut or salon appointment. Fewer than that gives you the freedom to discuss any topic of your choice. Plus, the setup naturally limits distractions, like phone use. This makes time spent in the barber’s or stylist’s chair an ideal environment to talk about bitcoin.
reliable relationship
How long have you been with your current barber or barber? Relationships between clients and designers often span years, if not decades. There is a bond rooted in trust between the two of you, and this bond fosters a level of intimacy rarely found outside of family settings. People often share secrets with their stylists and stylist that they wouldn’t reveal to anyone else. Clairol’s iconic ad campaign captured that sentiment with the tagline, “Only her hairstylist knows for sure.”
force multiplier
Your barber or stylist probably has the widest network of anyone you know. People from every walk of life, including business owners, accountants, teachers, firefighters, and politicians, sit in their chairs, sometimes for hours. It is likely that no one else in your sphere of influence has the amount of time and confidence to help others learn about and understand Bitcoin. The same unique factors that create the perfect environment for you to talk to about Bitcoin are the exact reasons they can be able to orange pills for others.
The right approach
To discuss Bitcoin with your barber or hairdresser, consider their interests and what might resonate best. Are they worried about rising costs? Do they have family members who live in authoritarian countries? Choose your approach based on your understanding of their needs.
If you are not sure about your style or have recently started going to a new barber or hairdresser, do not talk to them about bitcoin. Talk to them about lightning instead.
Lightning as a symbol of cheating
As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Likewise, the way to a business owner’s heart is through his wallet. People naturally follow their incentives, and your barber or barber would be intrigued if you discussed how lightning payments can increase their profits. Share some of the benefits of accepting Lightning payments, like:
- Fast: Funds are available instantly
- cheap: Big savings Compared to typical credit card fees
- Final: No chargebacks
- Growth: Reaching a new customer base and expanding their business
Once they’re curious, show off your Lightning ease of use by getting them to download your favorite Lightning wallet and send them some headphones. Then ask them to send you half of the seats. Show them the minimum fee and remind them that this money is their (final) money the moment they receive it. The combination of hearing you describe the benefits, seeing how easy it is to use and doing the transaction themselves is a powerful and compelling mechanism to pique their interest and demystify the process.
Is your color still in the process, or are you going to get a shave? If you’re there for a longer date, they may have time to express their concern about bitcoin’s volatility. If they do, explain that, just as Visa’s stock price should not affect the value of their credit card transactions, the price of Bitcoin should not affect the value of Lightning payments. You can also introduce them to services like Ibex or He hits Which can protect them from price fluctuations.
If they’re wondering how accepting Lightning can help them find new customers, show them how you like the tools BTC map And satmap Offer free marketing for their shop or salon, or how tools like Osh And Goltz Rewards It makes it easier for them to engage with and retain new Bitcoin customers.
Most importantly, remember that they do not need to stick to the bitcoin revolution on day one. Instead, get them interested and experience the benefits of lightning first. They’ll want to know more soon enough.
Finally, you don’t have to cover all of these items in one visit. The conversion can take some time. Fortunately, you’ll be back in a few weeks for your next visit and can pick up where you left off.
The last touch
Introducing your barber or stylist to Lightning payments can boost their business and help you promote Bitcoin to a wider audience by building on the unique relationship you share with them. If you need help strategizing your conversation, reach out to me Twitter or our. Our family has over 40 years of experience in the beauty industry and can help you get ready.
This is a guest post by Hector Alvero. The opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.