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To be or not to be, myself.

by Carolynn
23 replies
Hi everyone just a little backdrop,
Currently I do hair from a studio I have here at home that brings in the money to at least pay the bills. I came on here trying to make more money, so that I could expand my business and take it online.

I have now started to ghostwrite as a side job until I can get my little online community together. The problem is I have a huge competitor whom you all are friends with and, I just can't be as honest as i want when asking you all for help because I don't know how online competition is, outside of proper etiquette and ethics.

I want to ask you guys some serious questions my hand is on that big red button, but I'm to afraid that my ideas to build an online community for brick and mortor business like mine, will be stolen and my attempts will be undermined.

I have seen you guys mention this guys name before atleast twice on the warrior forum and I don't want to stick out right now because these people are millionaires. When I first learned of them I was actually a fan and I was totally inspired. But when I received the product I was highly disappointed there was a serious lack of fulfillment from when i ordered the product to when i received it. Anyway I still remain inspired by the woman, but I'm afraid her husbands internet savvy and experience will crush my little dreams.

I see so much missing from my industry it sickens me that most who've made it to the top, only stop at hair styling tutorial dvds, much of which is available online for absolutely free. So you can just imagine, the idea they sell is one of start your own business in this hair industry and then they send you a dvd of style tutorials with no reference or help as to business side, much less marketing online.

Now you may be asking what exacltly it is I want to do? I want to build a support forum for women, who are in the same profession as me. What's the difference between me and my #1 competitor? I want to build a support forum, with tools of the trade , support for people making the transition to online and lead sharing .
I also want to make it so that the users interact with each other, if they want, but there will be a system in place to facilitate the sharing of possible clients. And what do my competitors do? they sell dvds on the basics of hair styling, what they are doing is the typical, sell, affiliate and email marketing, along with some very basic>>>>basic boring product that's only good for neophytes in this profession. But, what good is telling you all of this if I can't even tell you want industry I'm in?:confused:


Which brings me back around to my problem, I can't be myself with you guys, so I can't get what I can get out of the forum, because this issue is no where to be found on here...what should I do?

Should I just come out blurt out my ideas, my plans and the steps I'm taking? I'm too afraid, like Ive stated before this industry only has about 2to3 heavy hitters, but there is room for many many more, if they are willing to grind it out which I am. please help.

Carolyn
  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    You have to make the decision when it comes to how much of your detailed business plan to reveal on a public forum. If you don't trust people here - don't give detailed plans here.

    You've mentioned "the competition" before but you seem overly concerned about that. In almost all niches there's room for more than one or two players in the field.

    I have seen you guys mention this guys name before atleast twice on the warrior forum and I don't want to stick out right now because these people are millionaires.
    That doesn't make sense to me. So someone in your field is mentioned on this forum - and they do well in the niche - how does that limit you? Don't be overly concerned with the competition - instead focus on growing your own business.

    If you can't be yourself - who can you be?

    kay
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      I only mentioned it because they were basically fawning over him.

      I can completely see what your saying. My main issue is it's stifling to me. But I going to make a move here soon, I'll keep you posted, thanks for responding. I let the competition freeze me up, no more.

      Wall of text and I knew I wouldn't get much of a response, but I knew if someone took the time to read it the advice would be valuable. Thank you


      Carolyn
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Bard
    The best way to deal with competition is to develop your USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

    Anyone that can find a unique way to present an offer to a market, limits the competition to just those businesses that have a USP close to yours.

    It doesn't matter how big or seemingly powerful another business in your market appears because your target will be a niche based on your USP.

    Most businesses that "compete" are really not competing if they know how to target correctly and then match your offer to that target.

    Don't spend too much of your time and energy worrying about what someone else is doing. Spend that time on what makes you different like price, service, quality of product, method of delivery...your USP.

    Then look to see what other businesses have a USP close to yours and that is your competition.
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      Originally Posted by Matt Maiden View Post

      The best way to deal with competition is to develop your USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

      Anyone that can find a unique way to present an offer to a market, limits the competition to just those businesses that have a USP close to yours.

      It doesn't matter how big or seemingly powerful another business in your market appears because your target will be a niche based on your USP.

      Most businesses that "compete" are really not competing if they know how to target correctly and then match your offer to that target.

      Don't spend too much of your time and energy worrying about what someone else is doing. Spend that time on what makes you different like price, service, quality of product, method of delivery...your USP.

      Then look to see what other businesses have a USP close to yours and that is your competition.
      Right! Unique Selling Position, I do believe, this something, Ive been figuring, but I didn't know its called a USP.

      I guess my unique selling position would be, my approach, the level of transparency I'm prepared to share, and the facts that I generally want to see them succeed. I can act as the person who put together a community, that help each other get more clients and make more.
      Is this what you mean by unique selling point?

      Oh my I just thought about it I'm probably going to need a team, when this is all done. I'm rambling.

      Just read it again WOW your words are so empowering.
      Thank you , this is something I haven't heard of. Very very interesting, this seems so important as quality content, people really should make more of fuss about USP.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        Give your mind a positive spin:

        I only mentioned it because they were basically fawning over him.
        That usually happens here when marketers have an impression of "very successful - loads of money being earned" of another marketer. Marketers who don't do terribly well themselves tend to be impressed with someone else's (perceived) success.

        What that tells you is....

        it's a good niche...there's a lot of potential business there....you need to move forward and grab your share of it.

        Let the competition be a motivating factor but build your business on your own in your own way. Don't copy them or follow them or try to be them - just be you.
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        • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
          [quoteWhat that tells you is....

          it's a good niche...there's a lot of potential business there....you need to move forward and grab your share of it.
          [/quote]


          WOAH! You know what Kay? your right! This is ridiculous Why am I beating myself.
          Perception is everything..well most of the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author jpsween88
    Dude, you can find TONS of leads for doing hair in your local area. I worked last year with my gf's mom who does nails and within a month she had doubled her client base. If you are passionate about hair maybe you should stick with that business model and simply try to gain more clients rather than starting a new journey.
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      Originally Posted by jpsween88 View Post

      Dude, you can find TONS of leads for doing hair in your local area. I worked last year with my gf's mom who does nails and within a month she had doubled her client base. If you are passionate about hair maybe you should stick with that business model and simply try to gain more clients rather than starting a new journey.
      I have enough clients, It's time for me to pass them down to a network. Everyone is doing that already gaining clients but who is referring clients I'm very passionate about what I do, but I've come to the realization that I'm more fascinated with process rather than the work. It's like I'm more fascinated with the hair than the styling. The things I have learned and research and practiced have taken my relationship with the clients to a new place and I want to share this with people in my work area.

      I been doing this for 20 years since I was 10. But, the industry I'm works like this; when we do a clients hair they don't have to come back for another 2 or 3 months. Each style is between 80 and 250 dollars.

      I took my business online, after I increased my prices and to take it mobile. When I did this I got stretched too far and I noticed a need for networking in the industry, people call me to get their hair done all the way across state lines because they can't find anyone in their area, when In all actuality, there is at least 20 to 30 of us unlicensed in any "city".

      There my friend is where my huge potential for profit is.

      Here is an example a lady called me from tampa fl for a 100 dollar hair do I charge a 20 fee out of town and 10 dollars for every city in between. So, this would have cost her at least 200 dollars. I would be better If I had a girl already over there who I could call or contact, to shoot over there make that money and pay me a percentage.

      Long story short, the lady is disabled and there is a shop who does what I do not even 5 miles up the road, not to mention the girl whom she complained about that lives right next door. The girl promised her she would do her hair for "free" since last year >>eye roll.

      Now, if I'd had my community in place terms of service, contracts, commissions and privacy policies, the woman hair would have been done.

      so, I am to the point where I can expand to other ventures and still continue to do hair too.

      I hope you get to read this and give me a response I really want to hear what you have to say. OH! I just realized what Matt was saying I guess my unique selling point would be to do for others, what you have suggested I do, I have done it for myself now I want to do it for others, but through an online medium, like fiverr where they could share info and appointments for potential clients and I could somehow get a fee for providing the platform.

      Thank you
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    • Profile picture of the author azsno
      Originally Posted by jpsween88 View Post

      Dude, you can find TONS of leads for doing hair in your local area. I worked last year with my gf's mom who does nails and within a month she had doubled her client base. If you are passionate about hair maybe you should stick with that business model and simply try to gain more clients rather than starting a new journey.

      I believe that's Dudette! Hey, I'm just sayin'

      ~AzSno...
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  • Profile picture of the author GailTrahd
    Kay always has great advice! . . . oh drat! I'm fawning [tongue in cheek!]

    But seriously, I find myself in the same position sometimes - and I have to remember that the knowledge and expertise I hold is either different or better than what others hold - depending upon what I'm doing.

    That doesn't mean they have value and I don't or I have value and they don't - Just means the value is DIFFERENT and that's a good thing.

    Don't let others make you fearful of stepping out - even if you fall down, you don't fail until you fail to get up again. And boy do I have experience with that one!
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      Originally Posted by GailTrahd View Post

      even if you fall down, you don't fail until you fail to get up again. And boy do I have experience with that one!
      My knees hurt

      Thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Be yourself.

    No one can do that better than you.
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  • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
    Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

    Hi everyone just a little backdrop,
    Currently I do hair from a studio I have here at home that brings in the money to at least pay the bills. I came on here trying to make more money, so that I could expand my business and take it online.

    I have now started to ghostwrite as a side job until I can get my little online community together. The problem is I have a huge competitor whom you all are friends with and, I just can't be as honest as i want when asking you all for help because I don't know how online competition is, outside of proper etiquette and ethics.
    Huh? Who is this person we are all friends with that we have no clue who he or she is?

    Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

    I want to ask you guys some serious questions my hand is on that big red button, but I'm to afraid that my ideas to build an online community for brick and mortor business like mine, will be stolen and my attempts will be undermined.
    Trust your guts and do not spill your plans on a public forum.

    Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

    I have seen you guys mention this guys name before atleast twice on the warrior forum and I don't want to stick out right now because these people are millionaires. When I first learned of them I was actually a fan and I was totally inspired. But when I received the product I was highly disappointed there was a serious lack of fulfillment from when i ordered the product to when i received it. Anyway I still remain inspired by the woman, but I'm afraid her husbands internet savvy and experience will crush my little dreams.
    There is competition all around ...do it better than them.

    Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

    I see so much missing from my industry it sickens me that most who've made it to the top, only stop at hair styling tutorial dvds, much of which is available online for absolutely free. So you can just imagine, the idea they sell is one of start your own business in this hair industry and then they send you a dvd of style tutorials with no reference or help as to business side, much less marketing online..
    It is amazing how the cream will rise to the top and if you offer genuine value and help you can do well also. Are you letting this person psych you out?

    Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

    Now you may be asking what exacltly it is I want to do? I want to build a support forum for women, who are in the same profession as me. What's the difference between me and my #1 competitor? I want to build a support forum, with tools of the trade , support for people making the transition to online and lead sharing .
    I also want to make it so that the users interact with each other, if they want, but there will be a system in place to facilitate the sharing of possible clients. And what do my competitors do? they sell dvds on the basics of hair styling, what they are doing is the typical, sell, affiliate and email marketing, along with some very basic>>>>basic boring product that's only good for neophytes in this profession. But, what good is telling you all of this if I can't even tell you want industry I'm in?:confused:

    Which brings me back around to my problem, I can't be myself with you guys, so I can't get what I can get out of the forum, because this issue is no where to be found on here...what should I do?
    Find a mentor, get consulting etc go where you can get help and feel comfortable.

    Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

    Should I just come out blurt out my ideas, my plans and the steps I'm taking? I'm too afraid, like Ive stated before this industry only has about 2to3 heavy hitters, but there is room for many many more, if they are willing to grind it out which I am. please help.

    Carolyn
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    Pen Name + 8 eBooks + social media sites 4 SALE - PM me (evergreen beauty niche)

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  • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
    Originally Posted by LilBlackDress View Post

    Huh? Who is this person we are all friends with that we have no clue who he or she is?
    LOL.... I spoke in general terms.


    Originally Posted by LilBlackDress View Post

    There is competition all around ...do it better than them.
    Funny you should say that because my motto is: Anything They Can Do, You Can Do Better

    It's weird because I do think I got psyched out, after years of going back and forth to their website, the only thing that changed is the cover of their products, the product placement of the page and different content delivery forms in terms of how they market themselves. So, I told myself "Well, If they aren't doing it then it probably won't work is useless or already been tested and failed. That was my notion as to why they are successful and haven't stepped up to keep up with the evolution of the stylists from when they purchase the cds on up to growth.

    After reading your response, I totally realized they haven't changed because............I'm too worried about what someone else is doing and my perception was screwed, the first time I started to doubt myself. They haven't changed because I noticed. If I wasn't paying so much attention to their business model, I wouldn't even have noticed...talk about perception.

    It's not even the same business model as mine. Not even the same angle. The only thing me and them have in common are the stylist and even they are nonrecurring over there.

    Thank you for being honest

    Carolyn
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  • Profile picture of the author PolicyMaker
    You are lacking Confidence...Plus Afraid someone else will start using your IDEA...
    Remember, there are millions of businesses and every business has dozens of competitors around...

    Ever seen two stores in front of each other selling same things?

    So Answer is GO for your IDEA with full Force and Do it better than your competitor as you already aware of their weaknesses (BORING DVDs) why not do it better than them while implemeting your community idea? So, Go for IT without any FEAR...

    Wish you Luck...
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      Originally Posted by PolicyMaker View Post

      You are lacking Confidence...Plus Afraid someone else will start using your IDEA...
      Remember, there are millions of businesses and every business has dozens of competitors around...

      Ever seen two stores in front of each other selling same things?

      So Answer is GO for your IDEA with full Force and Do it better than your competitor as you already aware of their weaknesses (BORING DVDs) why not do it better than them while implemeting your community idea? So, Go for IT without any FEAR...

      Wish you Luck...
      Your right! NO FEAR!! I'm in.

      You guys are awesome is an understatement.
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  • Profile picture of the author anton343
    If I am reading into your post right maybe you could set something up similar to Find trusted local builders, plumbers, plasterers, tilers, carpet fitters and much more which we have in the UK. But center it around your hairdressing niche and then provide a support forum for your advertisers to share your experience.

    Charge your advertisers a small monthly fee for using your site and build your residual income.

    You could then maybe extend the site for different niche beauty products, nail extensions etc.

    Anton
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      Originally Posted by anton343 View Post

      If I am reading into your post right maybe you could set something up similar to Find trusted local builders, plumbers, plasterers, tilers, carpet fitters and much more which we have in the UK. But center it around your hairdressing niche and then provide a support forum for your advertisers to share your experience.

      Charge your advertisers a small monthly fee for using your site and build your residual income.

      You could then maybe extend the site for different niche beauty products, nail extensions etc.

      Anton
      Oh My word, Anton YES!!

      This model looks more put together than what's in my head. What is this model called? Can I use WordPress, do you know what theme/template and type of platform they are using?
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      • Profile picture of the author anton343
        Originally Posted by Carolynn View Post

        Oh My word, Anton YES!!

        This model looks more put together than what's in my head. What is this model called? Can I use WordPress, do you know what theme/template and type of platform they are using?
        Sorry Carolynn

        I am not sure what script the site is built on. May I suggest freelancer or some other outsourcing site to see if you can get something built that works the same.

        If you want to use wordpress You may be able to adapt one of the themes at sitemile.com. Walleto looks good as you can give each user their own shop or maybe TaskerDev.

        It would be simple then to add a forum to wordpress.

        Wish you loads of luck with it.

        Anton
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        • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
          The problem is I have a huge competitor whom you all are friends with and, I just can't be as honest as i want when asking you all for help because I don't know how online competition is, outside of proper etiquette and ethics.
          LOL, I have a friend?
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  • Profile picture of the author yakim1
    My wife and I used to own a beauty salon, tanning salon, mini spa and coffee shop. My wife and I are both licensed but we closed all these businesses after I had a heart attack in 2002.

    In 1996 I dabled a little online with my business putting a brochure of all our services and prices online. We also had our own product line. So I also listed a discription along with an image of the products online.

    Because we had our own product line we were able to undersell all the name brands like Paul Mitchel, Matrix, Redkin and others. I did not have a very good way to collect money online but I did work out a plan. We did not make these products but they were private label products, We found that most of them worked better that the name brands.

    This is an idea you could use. I'm busy working on a high ticket product launch and my wife has shown interest in creating her own blog. Another idea I had was to create a 'SOS Hair' site where she could give advice on what to do when someone does something bad to there hair or is experiencing something bad going on with their hair.

    I have not had the time to figure out the best way to monitize this site.
    I hope I have been able to give you some ideas.

    Best regards,
    Steve Yakim
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    • Profile picture of the author Carolynn
      Originally Posted by yakim1 View Post

      We did not make these products but they were private label products, We found that most of them worked better that the name brands.
      Yes you have given some good "think out of the box" ideas. Some of the issues with this community is particularly, how can I develop my own products, but I can do PLR products *branded me until I can create my dream product.

      Thank you great ideas.

      Carolyn
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