If you are wondering how some small businesses are still in business – and thriving – for decades, let’s hear what Joe Festa has got to share.
Joe Festa IS small business; he is the Owner of State Barber Shop, located in Trenton, New Jersey, USA. For over 50 years, he – with the help of Bruce Marchesi (Barber/Stylist) – has cut the hair of both ordinary, working people and famous figures, such as a Governor, Congress member, and famous athlete.
Here are some lessons learned from Mr. Festa:
1. Have strong passion for your small business
Mr. Festa has owned the shop for 35 years. He was an employee for 15 years and due to his hard work, he was finally able to buy the business. His recipe for success? You need to be passionate about what you are doing and give 100 percent in doing your job.
The same recipe also shared by Mr. Marchesi. He has been a barber for 24 years. Indeed, being a barber is a one-way path he took; he never looks back. He is passionate about what he is doing and working as a barber for an iconic, thriving small business in Trenton has earned him a decent living.
2. Be positive
And if you are wondering whether in 50 years Mr. Festa has seen the ups and downs, the answer is no: For 50 years, he has never had any bad days, physically and financially.
Mindset is a detrimental factor in your small business’ success AND failure. When you have the right attitude about your business – and your life in general, chances are, you are never far from success.
3. Be credible
Mr. Festa shares an interesting story of how a governor, visited State Barber Shop to have a haircut, was told to queue – no special treatment – first come, first serve.
If you want returning customers, treat them well and in good faith; be credible. When you gain trust from your customers, you will gain more business.
4. Promote your local community
When his customers visit his shop for a haircut, Mr. Festa talks a lot about the local businesses and community. When a new shop set up in the neighborhood, he talks about it – and eventually helping drive foot traffic to that new shop.
Mr. Festa believes that when small business owners cross-promote with other owners, as well as promoting the local neighborhood, you are actually promoting your own business. It’s win-win proposition.
5. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson
Mr. Festa’s life is driven by the quote of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play major league baseball.
While working, he has helped people to have their chin up and go for their goal, such as motivating someone to continue seeking his dream job.
If you want your small business to be significant, you should give back and help changing people’s life.
Are you ready to see things change for the better for your business? Practice what Mr. Festa has shared and taught in the video.
