Information Horizon

 In my quest for continuing education, I was assigned to map out a source of "information horizon," which entails a series of sources that I would use as a reference for a desired topic. I then referred back to my time in the world of personal image consulting, otherwise known as barbering. 

When you are tasked with a challenging request for a desired grooming look, it is my job to make a quick decision. Do I lie, and say I know exactly what you are looking for? Or do I pull out my trusty sidekick (google photos) and search for a similar look online to compare desired results with the client? Typically, my experience behind the chair gives me the hunch to just go for it. But to be safe, I try to pull up a picture of a similar style or design to ensure that the client's expectations are exceeded. Once we are on the same page, I clean my tools in front of them and begin to prepare their hair for maximum transformation. 

After my work is complete and I hand them the mirror, the look on their face says it all. Most are shocked that I was able to copy and paste the design they picked out. But there are a few that have been low energy in their reaction (I think they were impossible to surprise).

If I didn't have the internet access that today's technology allows, then I would most likely pull out a hair design magazine that most barbershops have on standby for inspiration. Another source that has been credible for years now is Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. They each hold a plethora of ideas and concepts that provide a fresh and creative approach. Most of the work shown on these platforms show the artist who created the finished product. This allows you to preview more of their portfolio of work as well.

This topic is vital to the human experience as we live in a world where people are getting bad service from all angles. As a customer finding a new person to trust with your image is a nerve wrecking experience and I don't recommend switching around too often. Once you find someone that is consistent, be consistent with them and build that relationship with them. You never know what big event or special occasion you may need them to pull out all of the bells and whistles for. And be sure to tip them over the asking price every time. You just never know what they might be going through in life and that extra 5 or 10 dollars might help them feed their family or maybe even help them upgrade their equipment to be a better service to you. 

Now it is your turn to share, what was your experience like trying out a new image consultant for the first time? How did you find them? And how did you verify that they knew what they were doing? What source of "information horizon" did you use?