The $5 Haircut

I have short hair, which means I get my hair cut about once a month. Today I brought a picture of a different style and I shared it with my Stylist. We talked about it and she told me my hair needed to grow out a little before we could make any big changes. She trimmed a couple places and cut in a few more layers, then she was done. She told me how to style it differently, recommended a couple product options, then we were done. I handed her the regular fee, and she said, “Oh, I can’t take all that…” She took $5 and called it even. I made my next appointment, then we caught up on personal stuff.

I left more loyal than ever. She exceeded my expectations even though she didn’t really cut much of my hair. She walked me through the change and explained what the change I wanted meant, then did what she could and called it done. She wasn’t there to just make money, she was there to provide her tremendous services and meet my needs. She didn’t pretend to work, or over explain, she didn’t just charge me because I was her 1:00 appointment. She only took what she thought her actions deserved, which shouted from the rooftops that she is a woman of character. She is excellent at what she does, and is in it to serve people not just cut hair.

I have gone to her for years, and will go to her for many more. I would recommend her to anyone, and will refer business her way as long as I can speak. Her attitude and mindset towards being an outstanding service provider is what makes her different than other Stylists. She was more concerned about me getting what I wanted, even if that meant not doing much cutting of hair today. I would have thought nothing about paying the regular price, but the fact that she would not take the money spoke volumes.

In a service based role, too many people forget that sometimes not taking money for your services means you will get MORE money in the long run. Being fair, being honest, being committed to providing excellence means more than the bottom of the receipt. Service means planting seeds and being there when the need arises, no matter how big the need. And superior service means planting seeds and knowing that the faithful farmer will reap a great harvest when the crop is ready.

When might you be able to provide a $5 haircut for your next customer? When do you need to plant seeds instead of charging full price? When do you have an opportunity to show your character instead of focusing on the money? From my perspective that is the best five dollars I have spent in years…and I will go back and spend again month after month for years to come. Thank you for reminding me that business is not all about the money, it is about relationship and character.