This is an opinion editorial by Hector Alvero, a Bitcoin educator who serves as co-host of the Broward County Bitcoiners meetup 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 about its benefits. However, time is limited, so we cannot tell everything. But what if you could multiply your efforts and help someone near you benefit from Bitcoin in the process? If you’re looking for an orange-pilling opportunity with the most asymmetric upside, consider talking about Bitcoin and the Lightning Network with your barber or stylist.
The Perfect World
The moment you sit in the chair and that cape wraps around your neck, you know you’re both going to get there. As a Bitcoiner, that can only mean one thing: You’ve been given the gift of time to talk about Bitcoin.
Few routine interactions last as long as a haircut or salon appointment. Less gives you the freedom to discuss any topic of your choice. In addition, the setting naturally limits distractions, such as phone use. That makes the time you spend in your barber’s or stylist’s chair the perfect environment to discuss Bitcoin.
A Trustworthy Relationship
How long have you been with your current barber or stylist? Relationships between clients and stylists often span years, if not decades. There is a bond between you rooted in trust, and this connection fosters a level of intimacy rarely seen outside of family settings. People often share secrets with their stylists and barbers that they would never share with others. Clairol’s iconic ad campaign captured this sentiment in the tagline, “Only her hairdresser knows for sure.”
A Force Multiplier
Your barber or stylist probably has the widest network of anyone you know. People from all walks of life, including business owners, accountants, teachers, firefighters and politicians, sat in their seats, sometimes for hours. Chances are no one else in your sphere of influence has the time and confidence to help others learn and understand Bitcoin. The same unique factors that create the ideal environment for you to talk to them about Bitcoin are the exact reasons why they have the potential to be the orange pill to others.
The Right Way
To discuss Bitcoin with your barber or stylist, think about their interests and what they will hear best. Are they concerned about rising costs? Do they have family members living in authoritarian countries? Choose your approach based on your understanding of their needs.
If you are unsure about your approach or have just started going to a new barber or stylist, don’t talk to them about Bitcoin. Talk to them about Lightning.
Lightning As A Cheat Code
As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Similarly, the way to a business owner’s heart is through their wallet. People naturally follow their incentives, and your barber or stylist will be interested when you discuss how Lightning payments can increase their income. Share some of the benefits of accepting Lightning payments, such as:
- Fast: Funds are available immediately
- Cheap: Significant savings compared to traditional credit card fees
- Lastly: No chargebacks
- Growth: Reaching a new client base and expanding their business
Once they’re interested, show them how easy it is to use Lightning by downloading them to your favorite Lightning wallet and sending them a few chats. Then, they return half of the sats. Show them the smallest bill and remind them that those funds are theirs (finally) once they receive them. The combination of hearing you describe the benefits, seeing how easy it is to use and making a transaction themselves is a powerful, persuasive mechanism to pique their interest and keep them from knowing the process.
Is your color still processing, or are you shaving? If you are there for a longer appointment, they may have time to express concern about bitcoin volatility. If they do, explain that, just as the price of Visa stock doesn’t affect the value of their credit card transactions, the price of bitcoin shouldn’t affect the value of their Lightning payments. You can also introduce them to services like Ibex or Strike that can protect them against price fluctuations.
If they are wondering how accepting Lightning can help them find new customers, show them how tools like BTC Map and Satmap offer free marketing for their store or salon, or how the tools like Oshi and Joltz Rewards make it easy for them to engage and retain their new Bitcoin clients.
Most importantly, remember that they don’t have to commit to the Bitcoin revolution overnight. Instead, get them interested and experience the benefits of Lightning first. They want to know more soon.
Finally, you don’t need to cover all of these elements in one visit. The conversion may take some time. Fortunately, you’ll be back in a few weeks for your next visit and you’ll be able to pick up where you left off.
The Final Touch
Introducing your barber or stylist to Lightning payments will 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, contact me Twitter or Nostr. Our family has over 40 years of experience in the beauty industry and can help you prepare.
This is a guest post by Hector Alvero. The opinions expressed are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
