word. with Gordon Miller

Social Media is getting increasingly 'wonky' as well as overhyped and misunderstood (yes, I of all people said that!); while the AI conversation is quickly evolving as the currently limited tools do the same. Marketing guru Seth Godin says that "AI is dramatically underhyped and misunderstood. It's always going to be with us. The same as we went from using our phones from 4 minutes a day to 4 hours a day, it's going to change everything." Today I share an update on what thought leaders are projecting could rock our world -in good ways-, including my take on each segment of the larger pro salon industry. For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com to sign up for my free weekly e-newsletter.

The founder of the popular Successful Stylist Academy(and podcast), Ambrosia Carey is also the passionate owner of a successful 7-figure salon, an empowering business coach, well-known educator, brand ambassador, & stylist. Ambrosia and Gordon talk about her philosophy around choosing your clients well – and the power of retail to help lock in client relationships. Another short form yet deep conversation! For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com and sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter.

This is an update following up on 5 past episodes, offering some added commentary and additional context on several of our many "hot topics" presented to date. Perhaps a series of mini-rants, the impetus for the episode is a combination of listener comments and recent experiences across several industry categories.

For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com and sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter. Follow Gordon on Instagram: @gordnm

Antony and I have a faced-paced talk on money, business interruption vs the newer idea of disruption, and a reality check on financial expectations. Antony also shares his advice on how to best navigate what it takes to have a solid financial foundation from which to grow your business and/or career in a post-pandemic world. As always, this was a great conversation with @growmysalonbusiness - one of the industry’s leading thought leaders in business. 

For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com and sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter.

Few topics 'trigger' the collective industry more than public conversations (i.e. posts) about the government's suggestion that the mean annual income of hairdressers in the USA is $28,000+. We've been having versions of this conversation for at least 30 years - and yet have done little real work to set the record straight (and that's our 'bad'!). Perhaps the biggest challenge: new professionals have little in terms of actual data (and related practices) to serve as guideposts to grow (and plan) their careers and lives (putting too many at risk). Warning: triggers ahead!

For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com and sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter.

John Mosley is an iconic barber, educator/artist, Paul Mitchell Artistic Director, SalonCentric #ItTakesaPro team member, Andis Global Educator, CEO of the Popular Nobody brand, & NAHA's 2022 Educator of the Year. An entrepreneur at his core, John shares insights into the importance (and power) of a mindset focused on the business of doing hair (skin or nails). As John says in this episode "We are more than what our licenses are!"

For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com and sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter.

Welcome to part 4/5 of a 5-part series on the ongoing evolution of specific segments of the pro salon industry. This week, I share observations on both the history (the abridged version for some context) and current state of both segments; and ask what I hope are thought-provoking questions related to the future of each. 

Past episodes in the series (#'s 6, 8 & 10) offer my take on the state of the media, events & online learning categories- and where each might be headed in the future. For early access to future episodes, please visit www.socialbeautymakers.com and sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter.

Jack Howard and Gordon share their perspectives on being outwardly gay men in the professional beauty industry - in the past, the present, and their hopes for the future.  A renowned colorist, educator, @LorealPro brand ambassador, and out and proud gay man, Jack shares his unique take on the topic as well as an update as to his big year ahead.

Adding iconic global business coach Antony Whitaker, (@growmysalonbusiness) to my typically solo midweek episode - to catch up on the quickly evolving global conversation about the pros, cons, and realities of artificial intelligence -and what it may (or may not) mean for the professional salon industry. 

As the controversy settles down around this not-so-new larger form of tech, it’s time (and ‘fun’) to further imagine its possible impact on salons, pros, and our clients. 

Twenty fast-paced minutes with fellow podcasters Corey Gray and Tony Stuart on what it takes to succeed - as hairdressers, salon owners, or podcasters. The "Your Day Off Podcast" hosts share the story behind their successful podcast plus key lessons learned during their 30-year careers behind the chair -including the need to "stick with it" and have perseverance to the importance of showing up and finding support and mentorship. Listen to the end to get details about their 3rd annual Presley Poe and Friends event featuring some of the biggest names in beauty!