According to the January-March issue of Modern Barber, 43% of the industry are now freelance, with an additional 22% working as both freelance and employed. With over half of the industry therefore falling into the category of freelance barbers, ensuring that they are supported is vital for the continued growth of the sector.
Working freelance requires a significant amount of commitment and organisation, from bookings to buying wholesale, alongside actually doing hair. As a result, some priorities may slip down the list – including networking. Interacting with other members of the industry can help develop ideas and strengthen professional relationships, which can reflect well on your business. However, finding the time and opportunities to do so can be challenging, especially without the feeling of connection that employed barbers have. To help make things a little easier, Modern Barber has got 7 tips to help freelancers stay connected with peers.
1. Stay Up to Date
Subscribing to trade magazines, routinely checking out relevant websites and spending time on social media are the easiest ways to stay abreast of new trends, tools and technology in the barbering industry – whereas being employed, the networking information is naturally cascaded down to you.
2. Use Your Time Well
Lauren Smith, a freelance hair professional, tells us: “I don’t think it’s harder to network as a freelancer as everyone is on social media nowadays, but I do think you have to put in the extra time for it. Being freelance you can pick and choose exactly what you want to learn about or what types of industry specialists you most want to connect with.”
3. Stay Busy
Sid Da Barber, a freelance barber, shares: "Go to as many events as possible – not just barbering events, but fashion and lifestyle events, too." This will help widen your circle of connections, and may lead to you hearing about opportunities you otherwise wouldn't have known about.
4. Embrace Your Independence
Meanwhile Jayde Collins, who also works as a freelance hair professional, shares: “As a freelancer you get to develop networking relationships that are much more personal to you as an independent, which is one of my favourite parts of freelancing currently.”
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Yourself Known
Try creating content that reflects the type of work you would like to do more of – and if there’s a brand you love, use their products or tools and tag them in the video. Is there a session barber you’d like to assist? Message them on Instagram and ask if they have any opportunities!
6. Be Vocal
Liam Hudson, a freelance hair stylist, says: "Constantly comment, share and chat to others – both online and offline."
7. Be Selective
Jayde advises: “I would avoid taking jobs for money or exposure if they are not true to you. I feel being authentic in our industry speaks volumes; you might work with less brands or photographers, but the ones you do work with will result in much better work and longer-lasting relationships. High quality brands look for people that fit their ethos, so taking a deal with a brand outside of that may result in you never getting a deal with the brand you really love and want to be a part of.”
Now you've got networking covered, why not check out how to get press coverage as a freelance barber?
