Salon Plaza’s Member Of The Month For September:
Introducing Charles Maxwell…
Master Barber & Owner Of Max’s Cuts In Glen Burnie, MD
Just Call Me Max
Let me tell you, if you’re just starting out, spending time in a traditional barbershop has a lot to be said for it. You get to experience different customers, learn how to do different cuts, and hone your craft.
Working for someone else gives you the career experience you need. But…
Don’t Stop There!
If you really want to know what you’re made of, you can’t stop there. For me, I wanted to get out by myself.
I’ve been cutting hair since I was a teenager and got my barber’s license in 2005. Right after that, I became a Master Barber. I wanted to see if I was doing alright as a Master Barber. That’s why I branched out on my own.
More Than Content At Salon Plaza
It’s good to be my own independent boss. That’s what I like doing. I like the privacy, the peace, and quiet. I make my own hours.
Salon Plaza is in very nice area in Glen Burnie. Traffic is good. Other stylists are good. We get along well; it’s like teamwork. We join together to accomplish a mission. Everybody gets credit. You can learn a lot from our community of salon owners.
I plan to stay. This is my shop and I like it.
What Keeps My Customers Coming Back?
I have some very loyal customers. My first customer since I came out of barber school is still with me. They like my character and professionalism. I give personal advice and listen to them. Or just talk in general.
I’m very respectful all of the time.
I put a little more detail in all my cuts. That gets people to come back. I have many female and retired clientele who want to wear their hair short.
Nobody else cuts it the way I cut it.
A lot of customers come to me as referrals. Customers who give me a referral get a free cut. On top of that, I get some walk-ins and hand out my business cards around town.
My Word Is My Bond
Procrastinators talk more then they get done. If I say I’m going to do something, I go straight on get it done and get on to something else.
That means when you tell a client you’re going to be there, be there. If you say 10 minutes, be there in 10 minutes. If you can’t make it, let them know. You show a lack of respect for their time when you keep them waiting too long.
Thinking About Opening Your Own Barbershop?
If you’re thinking about going out on your own, make sure you have your stuff in order.
- Have enough clients
- Know what you are coming for. If you’re coming just to jive around, then don’t come.
- Have patience. Some days will be slow, but your patience pays off. You get more customers than you expected on some days, so the account balances.
- Put together a portfolio, take pictures of your clients and show the types of cuts you do.
- Come in and take a tour to make sure you like it here and decide what size studio you want.
What To Avoid:
- Don’t over charge customers. Give quality service and be reasonable with them.
- Don’t procrastinate. Do what you say you will do. It makes you stronger.
- Don’t always think about the money aspect. The money will come. Focus on the relationship with your customer. Show you are concerned and you care.
“I Got You”
A little compassion goes a long ways. If a customer has been with you for a long time, and he’s out of work, invite him to come in anyway. Get him ready for a job interview with the same service as if he could pay you.
When I’m not working as a master barber, I like to listen to music, play basketball, shoot pool, and relax. One of the good traits I do have is I like to cook. I’ve raised 4 kids, enjoy 5 delightful grandkids, and a lovely wife – married 8 years!
I’m a happy man.
About Being Positive
As a military vet, I know what it means to stay positive. I served my country for 13 years. Stationed in with the U.S. Army at Fort Benning and overseas in Germany, I saw plenty of action in Desert Storm.
You have to think positive about what you’re doing. Just know you’re doing your best out here. Nine times out of ten you can lose focus on your goal. When that happens, all you have to do is think positive, have patience, and take action.
Success Never Comes Without Struggle
You just can’t give up. There’s going to be some rough times and some good time but still, keep your focus on what you want.
Get clear on your goals and make them happen, one step at a time.
Should You Take The Risk?
Life is all about movement. If you’re not afraid of change and want to do something different, just step out there and come on in for the tour. We’re in 20 locations in Maryland and Virginia. If you come for a tour at Salon Plaza in Glen Burnie, look me up!
Everybody that knows me will tell you, Max is a good dude. I won’t steer you wrong.
Focus On Your Future – Take The Tour!
Are You A Barber or Master Barber?
Could Salon Plaza Be YOUR Space For Prosperity?
