Amarillo, Texas is known for at least two things – Palo Duro Canyon and some of the finest people you’ll find anywhere.
It was recently my good fortune to be with some of those good people. I was that district’s keynoter for the annual safety awards banquet of Texas Department of Transportation.
Both before and during the meeting part of the banquet, I received some good natured ribbing about my Barber-osophy outfit. The red and white stripped vest and arm garters, along with the black bow tie, tend to stand out a bit. My shiny head also usually draws comments.
When it came time to speak, I felt compelled to respond in kind. First of all, I jokingly pointed out that if one of the Austin TxDot guests, who preceded me at the mic and who has a haircut like mine like mine, would stand beside me we’d look like two headlights. I then noted that the Barber-osophy outfit was my version of an old country and western song. One line says, “If you’re gonna make a livin’ to gotta put on a good show.” In other words, the outfit and lots of humorous stories were for purposes of entertainment and uniqueness. The uniqueness part, I believe, is needed in most businesses.
At J.B.’s Barber Shop our “show” (uniqueness) is our family atmosphere. It’s a place where customers are called by name and where friends meet. It’s where you’re a friend instead of just a customer. That’s our “show,” and it’s been going on for nearly 50 years.
At a certain airport car rental in Amarillo a young man named Kevin has another type of “show.” While several others franchises were just renting cars, he was selling a good attitude and a sense of humor.
After I made arrangements with Kevin for my rental, I asked, “Can you tell me how to get to the Ambassador Hotel?”
“Sure can,” he replied. “It’s not that hard at all, since it’s the tallest building in town. In fact Amarillo’s so flat you can stand outside and see just about everything there is to see.”
He then nailed down his “show” by saying, “In Amarillo if your dog runs away from home, two days later you can still see it leaving.”
BARBER-OSOPHY: If in your business you want to make a good living, and be favorably remembered, put on a good “show.”
Copyright 2005, Sumerlin Enterprises.
Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as a link to www.barber-osophy.com is included.
Terry L. Sumerlin, known as the Barber-osopher, is the author of "Barber-osophy," and is a columnist for the San Antonio Business Journal. He speaks nationally as a humorist/motivational speaker. Visit his website at www.Barber-osophy.com.