Thank you to the crack web team at Andis. Links in the blog are now live... But you knew that 'cuz they are blue now and clickable.
Thank you to the Andis web team.
Click happy!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wednesday Vocabulary - B
Wednesday is vocabulary day. I will feature a blog post every Wednesday that shares another important clipper vocabulary word. I will do one letter each day from A to Z and back to A again. I likely have few years’ worth of Wednesday words in my Clipper Talk book so I will not likely run out for some time. I am also open to and soliciting donations of words. If you have a word and its definition in the world of clipper cutting that I need to feature please offer it up. Send me an email.
B is for Backhand Cutting
A clipper cutting technique in which the clipper is help backwards in the hand and sections to be cut are held in the fingers. This technique is preferred as an interior layering technique on any length of hair.
The picture demonstrated the hand hold for this technique. It is easy to do, fun to use, and much safer than scissor point cutting. it is great for cutting kids so as to lessen the chance of cutting your fingers. It also allows the application of clipper texture and speed where many of us have not chosen a clipper.
Links I like:
Here is a dictionary and thesaurus for the stuff I do not know:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/
This is behindthechair.com. You should have an account here and subscribe to their daily web updates. Good stuff for our biz:
http://www.behindthechair.com/
This is a cool barber shop that I visited this week. You should go here. Look. learn, get a great cut (I did).
http://belmontbarbershop.com/
B is for Backhand Cutting
A clipper cutting technique in which the clipper is help backwards in the hand and sections to be cut are held in the fingers. This technique is preferred as an interior layering technique on any length of hair.
The picture demonstrated the hand hold for this technique. It is easy to do, fun to use, and much safer than scissor point cutting. it is great for cutting kids so as to lessen the chance of cutting your fingers. It also allows the application of clipper texture and speed where many of us have not chosen a clipper.
Links I like:
Here is a dictionary and thesaurus for the stuff I do not know:
http://www.merriam-webster.com/
This is behindthechair.com. You should have an account here and subscribe to their daily web updates. Good stuff for our biz:
http://www.behindthechair.com/
This is a cool barber shop that I visited this week. You should go here. Look. learn, get a great cut (I did).
http://belmontbarbershop.com/
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Clipper Tip # 4
Tuesday is Clipper Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper tip. This will be a Clipper Tip taken in numerical order straight from my clipper Tips book. Put these tips to work for you and accelerate your clipper cutting today. You can use them every day… not just Tuesdays! I have included related links as well. Surf on!
Clipper Tip #4
Boxing lesson
Keep the original box from your clipper. Store the clipper in the box when it will not be used for an extended period of time. Use the original box to protect the tool when shipping for service.
Pretty simple. Take good care of your tools and they will take good care of you for a long time.
Links:
Here is the list of Andis repair centers for servicing your andis tools:
http://www.andis.com/USA/service/authorizedServiceStations.asp
Here are some great tool cases... good esp for clipper cutters who travel to cut from shop to shop or to shut-ins, etc. An amazing case place:
http://www.everytoolcase.com/Super-Search-All-Tool-Cases-C112163.html?refid=G11379."tool+case"&gclid=CK_NuuywkJcCFSAUagodJ380ow
You have to ship a clipper home to us? Here is the USPS postal rate calculator. Great if you are an ebayer too.
http://postcalc.usps.gov/
Clipper Tip #4
Boxing lesson
Keep the original box from your clipper. Store the clipper in the box when it will not be used for an extended period of time. Use the original box to protect the tool when shipping for service.
Pretty simple. Take good care of your tools and they will take good care of you for a long time.
Links:
Here is the list of Andis repair centers for servicing your andis tools:
http://www.andis.com/USA/service/authorizedServiceStations.asp
Here are some great tool cases... good esp for clipper cutters who travel to cut from shop to shop or to shut-ins, etc. An amazing case place:
http://www.everytoolcase.com/Super-Search-All-Tool-Cases-C112163.html?refid=G11379."tool+case"&gclid=CK_NuuywkJcCFSAUagodJ380ow
You have to ship a clipper home to us? Here is the USPS postal rate calculator. Great if you are an ebayer too.
http://postcalc.usps.gov/
Monday, November 24, 2008
Back to the Westin
Back to the Westin
You remember the Westin.
It has been too long. I was back in the stairwell of the Westin North Shore last night. I had spent a lot of time there when I was in training for the world record attempt. Since the event I have gotten a bit fatter and lazier. It was high time to get back to the heights of the stairwell and shed the excess I have accumulated since reclaiming my world records. The hotel feels taller. The stairs feel steeper. Every year I manage to lose some weight and get into better shape in November and December. This is my time for less business travel. I can eat better and I have more time for exercise. My weight was up to 188 when I was in for a physical last week. Let’s see how I can finish out the year. See you in the stairwell.
Here is the Westin:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1724
Here is a web site for an assn. for the sport of stair climbing:
http://www.stairclimbingsport.com/
Here is a site for a body mass index chart. Here's to a healthy 2009 for you and me:
http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.htm
You remember the Westin.
It has been too long. I was back in the stairwell of the Westin North Shore last night. I had spent a lot of time there when I was in training for the world record attempt. Since the event I have gotten a bit fatter and lazier. It was high time to get back to the heights of the stairwell and shed the excess I have accumulated since reclaiming my world records. The hotel feels taller. The stairs feel steeper. Every year I manage to lose some weight and get into better shape in November and December. This is my time for less business travel. I can eat better and I have more time for exercise. My weight was up to 188 when I was in for a physical last week. Let’s see how I can finish out the year. See you in the stairwell.
Here is the Westin:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1724
Here is a web site for an assn. for the sport of stair climbing:
http://www.stairclimbingsport.com/
Here is a site for a body mass index chart. Here's to a healthy 2009 for you and me:
http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.htm
Friday, November 21, 2008
Business Tip - Week #1
Friday is Business Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper cutter business tip. This will be a business tip taken in order directly from my ClipperGuy Says… Get Busy book. Put these tips to work for you and you will see dramatic increases in your business and haircut traffic. By posting them on Friday you will have the weekend to think about the tip and how you will implement it into your business. By Monday morning… look out world. Here you come. I have included related links as well.
I missed week #1. I posted week #2 last week so we are backing up a week to post week #1 first... We will go to week 3 next week so we will be out of order for 1 more week after week 2 is week 1 and week 1 was week 2 but week 3 is to be week 3... got that? Did that make sense? Do you feel weak?
Week #1 - Greet Immediately
Clients should not get more than three feet into the door before they are greeted. If you have a small carper just inside the door call it the carpet rule. No one gets off the carpet without being acknowledged.Holler hello. Look in their direction. Nod your head. You do not need to engage them in a full conversation. Just let them know that you know that they are there and that you are happy about it. A bell on the door is a must in a barber shop. Look up and acknowledge every time it rings.
Here is a low cost magnetic door chime.
http://www.valudisplay.com//product/product_detail.asp?sku=0MTZ800000000∏%5Fname=Magnetic+Door+Chime+Alert+%2D+Security+Products
A site for entry mats and door carpets
www.abtec.com/matting.htm
These guys sell security mirrors for businesses... Want to see your front doorfrom anywhere in your shop?
http://www.securityproductsinc.com/products/prmirrordomes.htm?gclid=CL6es7-oh5cCFRPBDAodagdzYA
I missed week #1. I posted week #2 last week so we are backing up a week to post week #1 first... We will go to week 3 next week so we will be out of order for 1 more week after week 2 is week 1 and week 1 was week 2 but week 3 is to be week 3... got that? Did that make sense? Do you feel weak?
Week #1 - Greet Immediately
Clients should not get more than three feet into the door before they are greeted. If you have a small carper just inside the door call it the carpet rule. No one gets off the carpet without being acknowledged.Holler hello. Look in their direction. Nod your head. You do not need to engage them in a full conversation. Just let them know that you know that they are there and that you are happy about it. A bell on the door is a must in a barber shop. Look up and acknowledge every time it rings.
Here is a low cost magnetic door chime.
http://www.valudisplay.com//product/product_detail.asp?sku=0MTZ800000000∏%5Fname=Magnetic+Door+Chime+Alert+%2D+Security+Products
A site for entry mats and door carpets
www.abtec.com/matting.htm
These guys sell security mirrors for businesses... Want to see your front doorfrom anywhere in your shop?
http://www.securityproductsinc.com/products/prmirrordomes.htm?gclid=CL6es7-oh5cCFRPBDAodagdzYA
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Hair From Where?
Hair from Where?
I cut a lot of hair at Salon International. Hair from here, there and everywhere. Europe is small and close together and in one show I was interacting with people from many nations. Hungary, Poland, Ireland, Scotland, Israel, Lebanon, Luxenburg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Germany Just to name a few. Nearly all spoke English. All spoke enough “barber English” so as to be able to participate in one of my quickie on-stage consultations so as to get the haircut to their liking. Barbering has some universal language. Haircutting is very visual to begin with. They can all understand what they see me doing. Some just do not laugh at some of my jokes. Is that “American humor” or just language barriers.
Links I like:
Here is a map of Europe. Might help you find a few of these places. I sure needed it.:
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/europea.htm
Here is a link to Rosetta Stone. The ppl who make the language learning software. I have the Spanish one and I am trying to learn. This stuff works.
http://www.rosettastone.com/
Here is the Wiki page about American Humor. This is interesting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_humor
I cut a lot of hair at Salon International. Hair from here, there and everywhere. Europe is small and close together and in one show I was interacting with people from many nations. Hungary, Poland, Ireland, Scotland, Israel, Lebanon, Luxenburg, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Norway, Germany Just to name a few. Nearly all spoke English. All spoke enough “barber English” so as to be able to participate in one of my quickie on-stage consultations so as to get the haircut to their liking. Barbering has some universal language. Haircutting is very visual to begin with. They can all understand what they see me doing. Some just do not laugh at some of my jokes. Is that “American humor” or just language barriers.
Links I like:
Here is a map of Europe. Might help you find a few of these places. I sure needed it.:
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/europea.htm
Here is a link to Rosetta Stone. The ppl who make the language learning software. I have the Spanish one and I am trying to learn. This stuff works.
http://www.rosettastone.com/
Here is the Wiki page about American Humor. This is interesting.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_humor
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Heads needed - Photo shoot
I need help.
I need heads.
We have a photo shoot scheduled for Dec. 11 on the Milwaukee, WI area.
I need heads to cut and shoot.
I need the following:
Male, classic taper cut - Caucasian
Male classic buzz clipper cut - Caucasian
Male short clipper taper cut - Caucasian
Ladies mid length bob with layers - Caucasian
Male fade cut - African American
Male slightly longer Caesar, even all over, mid length - African American
Male classic short - African American
Heads used will be paid. Best haircut of your life plus some $ for a 1/2 day of "work". Heads not used will still get cut for FREE!
Get me via email
expert@andisco.com for more info.
TY
I need heads.
We have a photo shoot scheduled for Dec. 11 on the Milwaukee, WI area.
I need heads to cut and shoot.
I need the following:
Male, classic taper cut - Caucasian
Male classic buzz clipper cut - Caucasian
Male short clipper taper cut - Caucasian
Ladies mid length bob with layers - Caucasian
Male fade cut - African American
Male slightly longer Caesar, even all over, mid length - African American
Male classic short - African American
Heads used will be paid. Best haircut of your life plus some $ for a 1/2 day of "work". Heads not used will still get cut for FREE!
Get me via email
expert@andisco.com for more info.
TY
Wednesday is Vocabulary day
Wednesday is vocabulary day. I will feature a blog post every Wednesday that shares another important clipper vocabulary word. I will do one letter each day from A to Z and back to A again. I likely have few years’ worth of Wednesday words in my Clipper Talk book so I will not likely run out for some time. I am also open to and soliciting donations of words. If you have a word and its definition in the world of clipper cutting that I need to feature please offer it up. Send me an email.
A is for Adjustable Blade Clipper - This is a clipper featuring a blade with a lever allowing the user a choice among a limited range of cutting lengths. These clippers vary from general purpose tools to very specialized tapering equipment. The typical blade adjustment range is from 000 to #1.
The Andis Master is the most popular adjustable blade clipper on the planet. The Andis Beauty Master is a new and great tool in this category as well (pictured).
Here is my email to submit words for inclusion:
expert@andisco.com
Here is the Andis web site for more great tools:
http://www.andis.com/
Here is a site to buy everything Andis:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/StoreFront.bok
A is for Adjustable Blade Clipper - This is a clipper featuring a blade with a lever allowing the user a choice among a limited range of cutting lengths. These clippers vary from general purpose tools to very specialized tapering equipment. The typical blade adjustment range is from 000 to #1.
The Andis Master is the most popular adjustable blade clipper on the planet. The Andis Beauty Master is a new and great tool in this category as well (pictured).
Here is my email to submit words for inclusion:
expert@andisco.com
Here is the Andis web site for more great tools:
http://www.andis.com/
Here is a site to buy everything Andis:
http://stores.atlantabarber.com/StoreFront.bok
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Mohawk Madness
This guy has a new Guinness World record too. I figured I should promote his as I am all about promoting mine. Have a look at the link
http://news.aol.com/weird-news/article/mans-mohawk-may-be-worlds-tallest/249619
Awesome!
Here is also a YouTube vid of a guy giving himself a Mohawk using a system that I found to be very interesting... and very effective. How come I did not think of this? As a professional I need to make it too complicated. This is just plain simple.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq55wSA9_DQ
This is a page on haircut styles with info on Mohawks
http://www.latest-hairstyles.com/other/mohawk.html
And of course... The Wiki page on Mohawk Hairstyles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohawk_hairstyle
http://news.aol.com/weird-news/article/mans-mohawk-may-be-worlds-tallest/249619
Awesome!
Here is also a YouTube vid of a guy giving himself a Mohawk using a system that I found to be very interesting... and very effective. How come I did not think of this? As a professional I need to make it too complicated. This is just plain simple.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq55wSA9_DQ
This is a page on haircut styles with info on Mohawks
http://www.latest-hairstyles.com/other/mohawk.html
And of course... The Wiki page on Mohawk Hairstyles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohawk_hairstyle
Clipper Tip #3
Tuesday is Clipper Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper tip. This will be a Clipper Tip taken in numerical order straight from my clipper Tips book. Put these tips to work for you and accelerate your clipper cutting today. You can use them every day… not just Tuesdays! I have included related links as well. Surf on!
Clipper Tip #3 - Get Loopy
Loop up your cords when your clipper is not in use. Dangling cords are asking for trouble. Do not wind the cord around the body of the clipper. This can cause premature cord wear and cord failure.
Links I like:
Go here to buy my ClipperGuy Says... Get clippering clipper tips book if you can't wait for them. Have them all at once instead of 1 per week!
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/search?search=ivan+zoot
This is my ClipperGuy site for more great clipper info
www.clipperguy.com
This is a site for a cord detangler for clippers and trimmers
http://www.ivory-s.com/products/Cord_Detangler.htm
Clipper Tip #3 - Get Loopy
Loop up your cords when your clipper is not in use. Dangling cords are asking for trouble. Do not wind the cord around the body of the clipper. This can cause premature cord wear and cord failure.
Links I like:
Go here to buy my ClipperGuy Says... Get clippering clipper tips book if you can't wait for them. Have them all at once instead of 1 per week!
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/search?search=ivan+zoot
This is my ClipperGuy site for more great clipper info
www.clipperguy.com
This is a site for a cord detangler for clippers and trimmers
http://www.ivory-s.com/products/Cord_Detangler.htm
Monday, November 17, 2008
Guinness World records Day
Guinness World records Day
Thursday Nov. 13, 2008 was Guinness World records day. You didn’t call. You didn’t send a card. Do not feel bad. No one else did either. Except for my friend Scott. If he had not called me to wish me a happy Guinness World Records Day, as his favorite Guinness World record holder, I would not have known it was MY day. The day was celebrated throughout the world with stunts designed to break records and generate attention for the day. Below are links to Guinness related sites. Stay tuned for more info on my records as with recent confirmation of all 3 records visibility and promotion of the records is to ramp up in a big way in the coming weeks and months.
Links I like:
Here is Guinness' main site. Go break your own record
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/
Here is the Wiki page on Guinness, learn more...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_World_Records
Here is the link to Amazon to buy the current book
http://www.amazon.com/Guinness-World-Records-2008/dp/1904994199
Thursday Nov. 13, 2008 was Guinness World records day. You didn’t call. You didn’t send a card. Do not feel bad. No one else did either. Except for my friend Scott. If he had not called me to wish me a happy Guinness World Records Day, as his favorite Guinness World record holder, I would not have known it was MY day. The day was celebrated throughout the world with stunts designed to break records and generate attention for the day. Below are links to Guinness related sites. Stay tuned for more info on my records as with recent confirmation of all 3 records visibility and promotion of the records is to ramp up in a big way in the coming weeks and months.
Links I like:
Here is Guinness' main site. Go break your own record
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/
Here is the Wiki page on Guinness, learn more...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_World_Records
Here is the link to Amazon to buy the current book
http://www.amazon.com/Guinness-World-Records-2008/dp/1904994199
Friday, November 14, 2008
Business Tip - Week #2
Friday is Business Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper cutter business tip. This will be a business tip taken in order directly from my ClipperGuy Says… Get Busy book. Put these tips to work for you and you will see dramatic increases in your business and haircut traffic. By posting them on Friday you will have the weekend to think about the tip and how you will implement it into your business. By Monday morning… look out world. Here you come. I have included related links as well.
Week #2
Dress Better
You should be dressing just slightly better than the clients you hope to attract.Dress slacks or khakis as opposed to blue jeans. You do not have to go all the way to a shirt and a tie. Only wear a t shirt if it has your shop log on it. The look of a crisp, clean barber jacket can't be beat for projecting a professional image. You can charge a bit more if you dress better. I have seen barbers in chair rental shops charging four times more than their co-workers. The bigger ticket cutters always dress better.
Nuf' said.
Links I like:
Here is the site to buy the whole ClipperGuy Says... Get Busy business tips book
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/search?search=ivan+zoot
This is a site on dressing better
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/dressmen/dressmen.html
Here is a place to go to buy a barber jacket
http://www.bowmanbeauty.com/store/shop.mvc?page=BBS/PROD/1-15000/1350
Week #2
Dress Better
You should be dressing just slightly better than the clients you hope to attract.Dress slacks or khakis as opposed to blue jeans. You do not have to go all the way to a shirt and a tie. Only wear a t shirt if it has your shop log on it. The look of a crisp, clean barber jacket can't be beat for projecting a professional image. You can charge a bit more if you dress better. I have seen barbers in chair rental shops charging four times more than their co-workers. The bigger ticket cutters always dress better.
Nuf' said.
Links I like:
Here is the site to buy the whole ClipperGuy Says... Get Busy business tips book
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/search?search=ivan+zoot
This is a site on dressing better
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/dressmen/dressmen.html
Here is a place to go to buy a barber jacket
http://www.bowmanbeauty.com/store/shop.mvc?page=BBS/PROD/1-15000/1350
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Trend Watch 2009
Trend Watch 2009
Bows, Buckles, Belts
One of the most interesting parts of my trip to the U.K. each year for the salon International show is ClipperGuy Trend Watch. This is me looking around. This is me trying to spot what will be the big trends in hair fashion and style in the coming year back at home. If you and I are to believe that these trends start over there, move across the pond to our eastern and western shores, and them migrate to the heartland, going over there and looking around can be very insightful. It can be inspiring too. We are just sooooo American over here… but that is a rant for another blog. What did I see? The biggest trend to pop out at me first was bows, belts and buckles. Accessorized details added to boots and handbags. Last year the trend was to skinny jeans and boots. Those boots were narrow to the calf and sleek in design. This year all the boots have stuff hanging off of them. Specifically bows and buckles. Sometimes, both. Tall boots had sets of 3 bows or 3 buckles running up the back of the calf or along the outside. Even with flats I saw many women wearing knee socks with bow detailing at the hemline. Shiny chrome, brushed nickel, and antiqued brass were some of the hardware finishes I saw. I did not see bright tone brass fittings. Handbags had similar detailing as did jackets and blouses. Lots of hardware and lots of stuff hanging on and off of the silhouettes. Is this an extension of or an evolution of the trend to military inspired clothing for civilians? When looking as tome of this stuff dangling off of some people I was quick to think of images of soldiers with all sorts or gear clipped and strapped to backpacks and body armor.
Links I like:
THis is an amazing fashion trend site
http://www.fashion-era.com/trends_2009/2009-winter-looks-key-autumn-fashion-2008.htm
Here is an example
http://www.shoezoo.us/images/naturino/nf7_buckleboot.jpg
And another image
http://www.funkylegwear.co.uk/shop/images/IMG_1223.jpg
Bows, Buckles, Belts
One of the most interesting parts of my trip to the U.K. each year for the salon International show is ClipperGuy Trend Watch. This is me looking around. This is me trying to spot what will be the big trends in hair fashion and style in the coming year back at home. If you and I are to believe that these trends start over there, move across the pond to our eastern and western shores, and them migrate to the heartland, going over there and looking around can be very insightful. It can be inspiring too. We are just sooooo American over here… but that is a rant for another blog. What did I see? The biggest trend to pop out at me first was bows, belts and buckles. Accessorized details added to boots and handbags. Last year the trend was to skinny jeans and boots. Those boots were narrow to the calf and sleek in design. This year all the boots have stuff hanging off of them. Specifically bows and buckles. Sometimes, both. Tall boots had sets of 3 bows or 3 buckles running up the back of the calf or along the outside. Even with flats I saw many women wearing knee socks with bow detailing at the hemline. Shiny chrome, brushed nickel, and antiqued brass were some of the hardware finishes I saw. I did not see bright tone brass fittings. Handbags had similar detailing as did jackets and blouses. Lots of hardware and lots of stuff hanging on and off of the silhouettes. Is this an extension of or an evolution of the trend to military inspired clothing for civilians? When looking as tome of this stuff dangling off of some people I was quick to think of images of soldiers with all sorts or gear clipped and strapped to backpacks and body armor.
Links I like:
THis is an amazing fashion trend site
http://www.fashion-era.com/trends_2009/2009-winter-looks-key-autumn-fashion-2008.htm
Here is an example
http://www.shoezoo.us/images/naturino/nf7_buckleboot.jpg
And another image
http://www.funkylegwear.co.uk/shop/images/IMG_1223.jpg
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Salon International, Room to Move
Salon International, Room to Move
We the haircutters for the Salon International show in London, U.K. were treated to a lot more stage this year. It was really great. We had room to move. We had room to cut. We were not stepping on each other on a too small platform. It was really nice. The traffic on the floor was strong. In spite of the economic woes back home the crowd here was buying. The $ is a bit stronger than it was last year… not in their favor… but business was brisk. I cut more hair this year than I have in past visits. Likely there are 2 good reasons for this. Firstly, the crew from the distributor has taken well to our line. The booth staff knows the Andis product better and better each year. They have most of the answers to most of the questions so they are relying on me less and less. This is good. This is one of the big reasons why I am there each year in the first place. This way, if I am on the platform cutting a bit more there is more room in the booth for them as well. Everyone is happy. The second reason that I cut more hair this year is that after 3 trips over there I just might have figured out how to present to this crowd. I am not the fastest to pick up on this type of stuff. I will blog more on this point in an upcoming post, but, bottom line, I have figured out how to connect with them on a proper level and they, the crowd, have responded to these changes in my presentation. Stay tuned for this learning experience.
Links I like:
This is the web site for MK the Andis artist from U.K.
http://www.mkhsa.co.uk/
This is Denman our distributor in the U.K.
http://www.denmanbrush.com/
This is the site for habia an accredidation board in U.K. for technical education
http://www.habia.org/
We the haircutters for the Salon International show in London, U.K. were treated to a lot more stage this year. It was really great. We had room to move. We had room to cut. We were not stepping on each other on a too small platform. It was really nice. The traffic on the floor was strong. In spite of the economic woes back home the crowd here was buying. The $ is a bit stronger than it was last year… not in their favor… but business was brisk. I cut more hair this year than I have in past visits. Likely there are 2 good reasons for this. Firstly, the crew from the distributor has taken well to our line. The booth staff knows the Andis product better and better each year. They have most of the answers to most of the questions so they are relying on me less and less. This is good. This is one of the big reasons why I am there each year in the first place. This way, if I am on the platform cutting a bit more there is more room in the booth for them as well. Everyone is happy. The second reason that I cut more hair this year is that after 3 trips over there I just might have figured out how to present to this crowd. I am not the fastest to pick up on this type of stuff. I will blog more on this point in an upcoming post, but, bottom line, I have figured out how to connect with them on a proper level and they, the crowd, have responded to these changes in my presentation. Stay tuned for this learning experience.
Links I like:
This is the web site for MK the Andis artist from U.K.
http://www.mkhsa.co.uk/
This is Denman our distributor in the U.K.
http://www.denmanbrush.com/
This is the site for habia an accredidation board in U.K. for technical education
http://www.habia.org/
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
ClipperTip #2
Tuesday is Clipper Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper tip. This will be a Clipper Tip taken in numerical order straight from my clipper Tips book. Put these tips to work for you and accelerate your clipper cutting today. You can use them every day… not just Tuesdays! I have included related links as well. Surf on!
Clipper Tip #2
Drop Your Drawers
Place clippers in drawers as opposed to resting them on counters. Corded tools love to get pulled down onto the floor by broom weilding co-workers.
Styling stations with radiused edges are particularily unfriendly to clippers and other corded tools. Draping cords around corners can be a help too.
Links I like:
These are the guys who made the fixtures for my shop.
http://www.belvedere.com/
While ou are at it... buy a good broom
http://www.officialseenontv.com/onesweep.html
Go to my site for more clipper tips
http://www.clipperguy.com
Clipper Tip #2
Drop Your Drawers
Place clippers in drawers as opposed to resting them on counters. Corded tools love to get pulled down onto the floor by broom weilding co-workers.
Styling stations with radiused edges are particularily unfriendly to clippers and other corded tools. Draping cords around corners can be a help too.
Links I like:
These are the guys who made the fixtures for my shop.
http://www.belvedere.com/
While ou are at it... buy a good broom
http://www.officialseenontv.com/onesweep.html
Go to my site for more clipper tips
http://www.clipperguy.com
Monday, November 10, 2008
The ExCel tree clipper cut
The Excel Tree Clipper Cut
Off to U.K. for salon International 2008 This is my 3rd year in a row at this event. The area around the ExCel center is building up with restaurants, condos and the like. More are sure to come as we near the 2012 Olympics which will be held in London. ExCel will be one of the event sites and surely a hopping place then. It was sure hopping this weekend. The first thing I noticed as we walked up to the front steps of the convention center was the reverse flat top trees. They just spoke “clipper cutting” to me. I took a picture on the last morning. Have a look at my Myspace page to see the picture as I cannot post pics here in the blog postings. Can you see the clipper cutting in these?
Go to http://www.myspace.com/clipperguy look at the pictures there. The ExCel flat top tree pic is labeled as such.
Links I like
This is the ExCel center in London
http://www.excel-london.co.uk/
This is the Wiki page on topiary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topiary
This is a site to buy hedge trimmers and chain saws. A new aspect of yur career?
http://mystihldealer.com/default.aspx?cmp=1182&gclid=CL7JjefX65YCFQhJagodQxuBrw
Off to U.K. for salon International 2008 This is my 3rd year in a row at this event. The area around the ExCel center is building up with restaurants, condos and the like. More are sure to come as we near the 2012 Olympics which will be held in London. ExCel will be one of the event sites and surely a hopping place then. It was sure hopping this weekend. The first thing I noticed as we walked up to the front steps of the convention center was the reverse flat top trees. They just spoke “clipper cutting” to me. I took a picture on the last morning. Have a look at my Myspace page to see the picture as I cannot post pics here in the blog postings. Can you see the clipper cutting in these?
Go to http://www.myspace.com/clipperguy look at the pictures there. The ExCel flat top tree pic is labeled as such.
Links I like
This is the ExCel center in London
http://www.excel-london.co.uk/
This is the Wiki page on topiary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topiary
This is a site to buy hedge trimmers and chain saws. A new aspect of yur career?
http://mystihldealer.com/default.aspx?cmp=1182&gclid=CL7JjefX65YCFQhJagodQxuBrw
Friday, November 7, 2008
President Elect Obama's Clipper Cut
President Elect Obama’s Clipper Cut
Will President Obama be a fashion trend setter? There is much media coverage of his barber shop on the south side of Chicago. He maintains a simple, crisp and professional look for textured, graying hair. The look is referred to as “even all over”. It is easy to cut and easy to maintain. Best part for us, clipper cutters, is that it must be well maintained, frequently. In this way our president reminds me of my dad. My dad got his hair cut every 2 weeks on Tues. at 4:30 p.m.. Without fail. My dad never looked like he needed a haircut. He never looked like he had a haircut. For nearly 40 years he looked exactly the same. That includes when I got out of hair school and took over the task. President Obama’s look must be cut nearly every week. It will look long fast. The crispness of the front edge will go fuzzy quickly too. In many cases a cut like this is done once each week and the line-up is even freshened in between. This could make for 2 visits to the shop each week. That is high maintenance. It is still a lot less pricy than a John Edwards $400 haircut. Be on the lookout for a YouTube videro coming soon from Andis and me on how to cut the President Obama look.
Links I like
Here is a shot of Obama;'s cut looking like it is ready to hit the shop. Edge is fuzzy. Looks like he might have colored his hair in this image too.
http://current.com/items/89080486_democrats_to_open_obama_nomination_speech_to_public
This is an entire web site on hairstyles for African Americans
http://www.blackhairmedia.com/hairstyles/
This is a web article about the Andis Phat Master... Cliper of choice for the Obama look.
http://www.modernsalon.com/NewsLandingPage/tabid/67/Default.aspx?tid=2&cid=13533
Will President Obama be a fashion trend setter? There is much media coverage of his barber shop on the south side of Chicago. He maintains a simple, crisp and professional look for textured, graying hair. The look is referred to as “even all over”. It is easy to cut and easy to maintain. Best part for us, clipper cutters, is that it must be well maintained, frequently. In this way our president reminds me of my dad. My dad got his hair cut every 2 weeks on Tues. at 4:30 p.m.. Without fail. My dad never looked like he needed a haircut. He never looked like he had a haircut. For nearly 40 years he looked exactly the same. That includes when I got out of hair school and took over the task. President Obama’s look must be cut nearly every week. It will look long fast. The crispness of the front edge will go fuzzy quickly too. In many cases a cut like this is done once each week and the line-up is even freshened in between. This could make for 2 visits to the shop each week. That is high maintenance. It is still a lot less pricy than a John Edwards $400 haircut. Be on the lookout for a YouTube videro coming soon from Andis and me on how to cut the President Obama look.
Links I like
Here is a shot of Obama;'s cut looking like it is ready to hit the shop. Edge is fuzzy. Looks like he might have colored his hair in this image too.
http://current.com/items/89080486_democrats_to_open_obama_nomination_speech_to_public
This is an entire web site on hairstyles for African Americans
http://www.blackhairmedia.com/hairstyles/
This is a web article about the Andis Phat Master... Cliper of choice for the Obama look.
http://www.modernsalon.com/NewsLandingPage/tabid/67/Default.aspx?tid=2&cid=13533
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Jim and Nick's Southern Kitchen
½Jim and Nick’s Southern Kitchen
We went to dinner one night while at the show in Birmingham. We went to Jim and Nick’s Southern Kitchen. We had gone there last year. Amazing BBQ. Last time I had a rib combo. One half slab of baby backs and ½ slab of spare ribs. This was BBQ heaven. I was primed to do it all over again. But then… On the way back to our table I spied it. I was not sure if I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. I scanned the menu. There it was. They call it “Pig in the Potato Patch”. It was a huge baked potato with butter, sour cream, bacon and chives. Then dropped right down in the middle of it all was about ½ pound of smoked BBQ beef brisket slathered in sauce. This is heaven on a plate. It was so big I could not finish it. It was the single best meal I have had in a long, long time. WoW!. Go there. Eat this. Come hungry. Leave happy.
Links I like
This is the BBQ smoker I have
http://bbq.about.com/od/smokerreviews/gr/aapr072405a.htm
This is a great BBQ place in Chicago that I like
http://www.smoquebbq.com/
More BBQ info than you likely need
http://www.amazingribs.com/
We went to dinner one night while at the show in Birmingham. We went to Jim and Nick’s Southern Kitchen. We had gone there last year. Amazing BBQ. Last time I had a rib combo. One half slab of baby backs and ½ slab of spare ribs. This was BBQ heaven. I was primed to do it all over again. But then… On the way back to our table I spied it. I was not sure if I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. I scanned the menu. There it was. They call it “Pig in the Potato Patch”. It was a huge baked potato with butter, sour cream, bacon and chives. Then dropped right down in the middle of it all was about ½ pound of smoked BBQ beef brisket slathered in sauce. This is heaven on a plate. It was so big I could not finish it. It was the single best meal I have had in a long, long time. WoW!. Go there. Eat this. Come hungry. Leave happy.
Links I like
This is the BBQ smoker I have
http://bbq.about.com/od/smokerreviews/gr/aapr072405a.htm
This is a great BBQ place in Chicago that I like
http://www.smoquebbq.com/
More BBQ info than you likely need
http://www.amazingribs.com/
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Amazing Contrast
Amazing contrast
If you were on the floor at the end of Monday at the Birmingham show you would have seen something amazing. I did a great layered bob cut on a fine textured, mid length blonde girl. Shear style cutting, T-24 texture blade work and backhand layering… all the classic longer length techniques. Then, the next model was the total polar opposite. I carved/shaped an afro on an African American female model. It was pure OA F/D on a BGRc clipper. Carving, smoothing and shaping it all up with a pick in one hand and my clipper in the other. Cool stuff. This was, within about 15 minuets the ultimate world of clipper cutting. We went from one extreme of length, color and texture to the other, all with the same clipper and a selection of BG blades. It felt good to know that I could handle it all. You need to be sure your skills will let you handle anything and everything that any client walking in the door can throw at you.
If you were on the floor at the end of Monday at the Birmingham show you would have seen something amazing. I did a great layered bob cut on a fine textured, mid length blonde girl. Shear style cutting, T-24 texture blade work and backhand layering… all the classic longer length techniques. Then, the next model was the total polar opposite. I carved/shaped an afro on an African American female model. It was pure OA F/D on a BGRc clipper. Carving, smoothing and shaping it all up with a pick in one hand and my clipper in the other. Cool stuff. This was, within about 15 minuets the ultimate world of clipper cutting. We went from one extreme of length, color and texture to the other, all with the same clipper and a selection of BG blades. It felt good to know that I could handle it all. You need to be sure your skills will let you handle anything and everything that any client walking in the door can throw at you.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Clipper Tip #1
Tuesday is Clipper Tip day. Now that I am posting blog entries 5 days each week I am devoting one day each week to a clipper tip. This will be a Clipper Tip taken in numerical order straight from my clipper Tips book. Put these tips to work for you and accelerate your clipper cutting today. You can use them every day… not just Tuesdays! I have included related links as well. Surf on!
Clipper Tip #1
Hang Around - hang your clippers by the bail loops to avoid drops and damage.
This is a link to a patent for a clipper rack/holder. The inventor is a friend of mine.
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5924579.html
Here is a link for floor mats... Go ahead. Drop the clipper.
http://www.bowmanbeauty.com/page/BBS/CTGY/1-14000
Need a hook? Here are a few...
http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/28-447-cup-hooks.aspx
Clipper Tip #1
Hang Around - hang your clippers by the bail loops to avoid drops and damage.
This is a link to a patent for a clipper rack/holder. The inventor is a friend of mine.
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5924579.html
Here is a link for floor mats... Go ahead. Drop the clipper.
http://www.bowmanbeauty.com/page/BBS/CTGY/1-14000
Need a hook? Here are a few...
http://hardware.hardwarestore.com/28-447-cup-hooks.aspx
Monday, November 3, 2008
Premiere Birmingham
Premiere, Birmingham
Birmingham, AL was the center of the American Cosmetology universe for two short days. The show was well attended and we sold very well in the booth. The highlight was the Andis floor theater. I have mentioned the new “bucket theater” before. We have a set of 16 bucket stools and set up a small floor platform. We worked right on the floor as opposed to in a classroom. This kept me in the booth area all day. Close to the product and at floor level close to our customers. Feedback was strong and the models were great too. I end up cutting more hair this way and fewer mannequins. This can be a toss up for me. I like to demo mannequins for the consistency and my ability to follow formatted shtick. I like the reality of live models as well. Bottom line… Did we share good info? Did we sell great tools? Yes to both. See you in Birmingham (on the floor) next year.
Birmingham, AL was the center of the American Cosmetology universe for two short days. The show was well attended and we sold very well in the booth. The highlight was the Andis floor theater. I have mentioned the new “bucket theater” before. We have a set of 16 bucket stools and set up a small floor platform. We worked right on the floor as opposed to in a classroom. This kept me in the booth area all day. Close to the product and at floor level close to our customers. Feedback was strong and the models were great too. I end up cutting more hair this way and fewer mannequins. This can be a toss up for me. I like to demo mannequins for the consistency and my ability to follow formatted shtick. I like the reality of live models as well. Bottom line… Did we share good info? Did we sell great tools? Yes to both. See you in Birmingham (on the floor) next year.
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