This is an opinion piece by Hector Alvero, a bitcoin educator who is a co-host of the Broward County Bitcoiners Meetup and whose family has been in the beauty industry for decades.
We are all looking for ways to educate others about bitcoin and raise awareness of its benefits. However, time is scarce, so we cannot talk to everyone. But what if you could multiply your efforts and help a loved one benefit from Bitcoin in the process? If you’re looking for an orange-pilling opportunity with the most skewed edge, consider talking about Bitcoin and the Lightning Network with your hairdresser or stylist.
The perfect environment
Once you sit down in the chair and that cape goes around your neck, you know you’re both going to be there for a while. As a Bitcoiner, this can only mean one thing: you have been given time to talk about Bitcoin.
Few routine interactions last as long as a haircut or a hairdresser appointment. Even fewer grant you the freedom to discuss any topic you choose. Plus, the setting naturally limits distractions, such as using the phone. It makes time spent in your hairdresser’s or stylist’s chair the perfect environment to talk about Bitcoin.
A relationship of trust
How long have you been with your current hairdresser or stylist? Relationships between clients and stylists often last for years, even decades. There is a bond between you that is rooted in trust, and this connection fosters a level of intimacy rarely found outside of family settings. People often share secrets with their stylists and barbers that they wouldn’t tell anyone else. Clairol’s signature ad campaign captured that sentiment with the tagline “Only her hairstylist 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, sit in their chairs, sometimes for hours. Chances are, no one else in your sphere of influence has the time and confidence to help others discover and understand Bitcoin. The same unique factors that create the perfect environment for you to tell them about Bitcoin are the exact reasons they have the potential to orange others.
The right approach
When discussing Bitcoin with your hairdresser or stylist, consider their interests and what might resonate best with them. 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’re unsure of your approach or have just started consulting a new hairdresser or stylist, don’t talk to them about Bitcoin. Tell them about Lightning instead.
Lightning as a cheat code
As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Likewise, the way to a business owner’s heart is through their wallet. People naturally follow their incentives, and your hairdresser or stylist will be intrigued if you discuss how Lightning Payments can boost their profits. Share some of the benefits of accepting Lightning payments, such as:
- Fast: funds are available immediately
- Cheap: Significant savings compared to typical credit card fees
- Final: no chargeback
- Growth: Reach new customers and grow your business
Once they’re curious, demonstrate how easy Lightning is to use by asking them to download your favorite Lightning wallet and sending them sats. Then ask them to return half of the sats to you. Show them the minimum fees and remind them that these funds are theirs (final) when they receive them. The combination of hearing you describe the benefits, seeing how easy it is to use, and doing a transaction themselves is a powerful and persuasive mechanism to pique their interest and demystify the process.
Is your color still being processed or are you shaving? If you’re there for a longer date, they might have time to worry about bitcoin volatility. If they do, explain that just as Visa’s stock price doesn’t affect the value of their credit card transactions, the price of bitcoin doesn’t have to affect the value of their Lightning payments. You can also introduce them to services such as Ibex Or To hit which can protect them against price fluctuations.
If they’re wondering how accepting Lightning can help them find new customers, show them how tools like BTC card And satellite map offer free marketing for their shop or salon, or how tools like Oshi And Joltz Rewards make it easier for them to engage and retain their new Bitcoin customers.
Most importantly, remember that they don’t need to engage in the Bitcoin revolution from day one. Instead, engage them and learn about the benefits of Lightning first. They will want to know more soon enough.
Finally, you don’t have to cover all of these in one visit. The conversion may take time. Fortunately, you’ll be back in a few weeks for your next visit and can pick up where you left off.
The final touch
Introducing your barber or stylist to Lightning Payments can improve their business and help you promote Bitcoin to a wider audience by leveraging the unique relationship you share with them. If you need help developing a conversation strategy, contact me at 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 entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
