Monday, January 30, 2012

February: Turn the winter "Blah's" into the winter "Ah's"

Clean, Sharp, and Handsome

...for men only

February 2012

Get a haircut, will ya!
Call my cell for an appt: 267-261-3240
Don't worry guys; Winter is going to end soon. This just is the time of year that the cold weather gets really old and it's a waiting game.


The perfect time for a relaxing hot towel-hot lather shave, custom scissor cut, facial, and shoulders-up massage. Those of you who have had it know exactly what I am talking about. I actually have guys fall asleep in the chair it is so relaxing.
George Bruno, M.S.
Men's Grooming Expert

Who cuts your hair?
What does he look like? Is he clean cut and well-groomed himself? Does he show interest in your image, your skin and scalp, how you present yourself? If not, then you need someone who does that. Get in here just once ...and I guarantee you'll see the difference.

How do I know?
I get wives, girlfriends, and moms giving me a high-five and calling me saying "that is the best haircut he ever got" and " I'm not allowing him to go anywhere else from now on", and the latest comment "he looks like a new man because of you"
Coming to me is about so much more than the haircut.

The "Don't you know your barber is the most networked guy in the world" department
I cut everybody's hair. Who do you need to meet? I have connections. Just talk to me brother. Drop off the resume, biz cards, whatever.

Who comes to me?
Company presidents, Big Pharma and Biotech dudes, Unemployed guys (free haircuts till you get a job and especially the day before your interview), Judges, Actors, Models, The Guy Next door that works at Wawa, Guys just released from prison that need a new start and fresh look.
I don't care ... Everybody is a somebody in my chair.


Your Hair
Last month I talked about a new style for a new year. I can blend away your grey if you'd like or recommend products to enhance the grey hair.
I have seen more dry brittle hair in the past month, which is typical for December through March. The skin and scalp are a little drier than usual. One of the reasons is that we dont hydrate enough during the colder months. Right? You probably don't drink as much water now as you do in the warmer months. There is no down side to hydrating. Just have your water bottle with you all the time and sip throughout your day or make it a point to take a sip at the water fountain everytime you pass it.
New product alert
Use a little Morroccan Oil on your scalp/hair daily to keep it looking healthy and strong. It's an "ultra-emolient' which means it absorbs quickly. It is not greasy or shiny like other oils. Use the highest quality Pure Morrocan oil (which is from the Argan Tree). It is fairly expensive and can cost $20 for a tiny one ounce bottle, BUT you use only a couple drops in your hands. Rub your hands together and make sure it gets inbetween your fingers too, then comb it with your fingers through your wet hair, then groom or use your fave product. You'll see a difference on the very day you use it. If it slicks your hair too much or looks too shiny or you're leaving finger prints on your smartphone or iPad, then you are using too much. Just back off a little a drop at a time. It's great for color enhanced hair or even silver hair. Make sure you get PURE Argan Oil. If it has other oils in it, it can have a yellowing/brassy look over time.
One of the handsome son-of-a-guns I serve. A "Rockabilly" cut

Have pity on a brother
If you can wash your hair BEFORE you come in, you'll get a better cut because your hair and scalp will be clean and the hair will lay more naturally. I get guys coming in with "bed-head" flat spots and then want me to perform a miracle. I'm good, but not that good. You would need Moses to part that hair. Wash and condition it or I can do it for a little extra.
Is this is your old barbershop? Come see me please


Whats new with me?
I just finished a course on tips for dealing with thinnning hair, and a course on coloring men's hair to look natural. I cut a guys hair in Manhattan last week and would like to maybe go to NYC once a week (Mondays) as a "Visiting Celebrity Barber/Stylist" where I do one-hour full blown appointments of the what I call the RMT (Royal Masculine Treatment). If you know of a high end salon in Manhattan that would like that, let me know. (They are typically closed on Mondays and it would be a money-maker for them too) I will work with eight clients that day.


By now you also know I am a commercial actor, spokesperson, pitchman, and media trainer (I help people look and sound good on camera, behind the microphone, and in face-to-face speaking presentations)
I'm going to be in two short films in February, one commercial, and several newspaper and online ads in the Philly area. I am always looking for more opportunities in film, media, and speaking/training gigs.

INVITE ME TO SPEAK TO YOUR GROUP, COMPANY, ASSOCIATION, TRADE SHOW, CONFERENCE. I can keynote, host, emcee, or do break-away groups.

How do I do it all? I'm single, I prioritize well ...and have the best bunch of cheerleaders in the world ...my friends

I WRITE IT, YOU READ IT. The something-for-everybody department

Need to speak better? Buy my e-book on Amazon. It's less than a subway hoagie.
http://www.amazon.com/Speak-Well-Earn-More-ebook/dp/B005FG1KRQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327932175&sr=1-2


Do you like Cigars, Pipes,Barbershops, Dads, Grandfathers, and Old School Manly Stuff? You'll love this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Smelled-Like-Six-OClock-ebook/dp/B005FG2LZ6/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327932301&sr=1-4


Know an artist that wants to take their art from hobby to possibly making a living?
http://www.amazon.com/sell-your-artwork-craft-ebook/dp/B005FG1LGQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327932364&sr=1-5


Want some tips on how to deal with divorce? It cost less than than a gallon of gas but will get you further.
http://www.amazon.com/Helpful-Rules-After-Divorce-ebook/dp/B005FG1LX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327932461&sr=1-1


This'll scare the shadoobie out of ya
http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Lights-Perkasie-Chapter-ebook/dp/B005FG2KFM/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1327932674&sr=1-3


I love to write and do it well. As you know, I have a readable conversational style that people enjoy. IF YOU NEED ME TO GHOSTWRITE YOUR BLOG or ARTICLES for you, just call me. I'm not free, BUT It'll cost you to NOT hire me for your regular blogging or copywriting.

The Wife/Girlfriend Department
You are now used to my infinite wisdom on women....NOT!
I just have a few ideas that may be good for you. Sometimes seeing life through another set of eyes is a good thing.
Chivalry & Romance for a new generation of men?
Chivalry is defined as the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, dexterity in arms, and a readiness to help the weak. All of those things seem to be things of the past according to many. The qualities of a knight included the code of chivalry. Is it no wonder that many women have used the phrase “Knight in Shining Armor” when describing their man or a man they desire. Knowing the qualities of a knight might not be a bad thing for a man to know.
Old fashioned courtesy has gone out of style. A man can practice courtesy with his woman from the minute he wakes up whether he is dating or married. I would define that as just deferring to the other. It could be as simple as bringing her coffee in the morning and putting it on her nightstand. It may manifest itself in things like holding the woman’s chair while she sits in a public place, or letting her order first or actually ordering for her at a restaurant (of course after consulting with her). Opening and holding a door for her, and other women. She will notice when you treat other women, especially older women with respect. A knight will put out his hand while a woman is taking a step off a curb or off a platform at the train station. When a man just makes little things like this a practice in everyday life without expecting anything in return, he becomes an all-around better person. Valor is a mindset that enables a man to encounter danger with firmness. Now in our culture, we don’t encounter danger much, but here is how to practice valor. When walking on a sidewalk in the city, the man should walk closest to the road. This is a protective measure, not only from traffic, but also from splashes of water or slush in the winter. The knight would rather put himself in “peril” or get soiled. The knight will always put himself between any danger or threat. Protecting her is a priority. The knight will sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door in the bedroom as to offer protection in case of an intruder. The knight is always ready to honor, defend, and protect. Men do you see your self as a romantic? As a knight? Most likely no. What I propose is that you see yourself as that knight. The knight has no ego and the only battle he wins is the one when his woman’s safety, security, comfort, and honor is being threatened or compromised. Never win an argument with her. If you“win”, you actually lose.

The knight uses manners in public and in the home. He says “No, thank you”, not just “No”. He says “Yes, please”, not just “Yeah”. He models this for his young daughter and son. His daughter will know what to expect from a boy when she starts socializing. He models chivalry and respect for his son when he starts being interacting with girls. Believe me, nothing makes a man more proud than to see his own kids practice respect and receive respect from others. A young man shows up to take my daughter to her first dance, he had a suit on, gave her flowers, told her she looked beautiful, and held the door for her. When she texted me a picture of them during the dance and told me how good things were going, I was a proud Dad, and one that was proud of how that boys parents raised him. A knight in the making I thought.

Can an old dog learn new tricks? Can a grown man become a knight, practice chivalry and become a romantic? The answer is a resounding “yes!”
Cheers brothers! ...now get a haircut will ya!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Year, New Look?

Clean, Sharp, and Handsome
 ...for men only
January 2012
Get a haircut, will ya!
Call my cell for an appt: 267-261-3240
George Bruno
Men's Grooming Expert
Man to Man
A new year means new beginnings for you. New goals, new dreams, new relationships, new attitudes. Can there be a new look in the new year for you? You know people judge you immediately upon seeing you. It takes about 3 seconds for someone to "size you up". Unfortunately they are doing it only based upon what they see. What are they seeing? Are they seeing a hair style that is 5 years behind? Is it a comb-over? Is it a hair color that is too dark or not natural looking? This is the year that your style can change. Being an image professional, I know the importance of looking good at work, in the marketplace, in sales meetings, in public situations. I'm not talking about the type of appearance that is fake and pretentious. I'm talking about looking good ...naturally. A nice custom haircut, not a generic one-size-fits-all cut. One that is for your head, face, and enhances your look. Is this the year that you start or stop coloring your hair? I'm the guy to consult with on issues like that. I can show you all your options, including going all-natural gray or salt-n-pepper if you have some silver hiding in there. Just talk to me. You'll be glad you did.
Media-Training
Media-training is for anyone who has to be behind a microphone or in front of a camera. I can show you how to look, what colors to wear, how to speak, how to respond to the press, what to do with your hands, and how to properly use pauses and silence as oposed to nervous "ums" and "uhs". As an experienced commercial actor and spokesperson, I can help you look and sound your public best.
Your Hair
I said it last month in my newsletter and probably will mention it for the next few months. You need to condition your hair and scalp. I'm the guy who sees head after head that needs "intervention". A good conditioner in the shower is good along with a leave-in conditioner/groomer. It'll soften your hair, make it less static, and control the coarser, greyer hair on your head. I use Lucky Tiger hair tonic on alot of men followed by a hot steamy towel. That moisturizes, repairs, and prevent dryness during the cold winter months. Jojoba oil is great for the scalp as is Tea Tree Oil. Apply to scalp and roots and not to hair. Sleep with it on. Put a towel on your pillow to prevent oil stains on your pillow cases. Shampoo and condition in the morning with the higher end shampoo and conditioner. Do ME a favor and don't use soap on your hair. It causes a filmy build-up and dries the scalp and hair.
Your Face
Ever get a traditional straight razor shave with hot lather and hot steamy towels? You must treat yourself. It is an experience that you can never do yourself. It removes the beard stubble below the skin because it is stretched before the blade passes over it. Many men get it done once a week. I take my time, you get a facial scrub, the shave, moisturizer, and a facial massage. Add it to a haircut for the ultimate royal masculine treatment. You won't be disappointed.
Kids
We welcome fathers and sons coming together for a true bonding experience.
The Girlfriend/Wife Department
This is a good time to start taking walks together. It'll get you both into better shape, may start a "talking time" that you don't currently have, and will "magically" draw you closer.

Have a day with no texting or emails and write a letter instead. Do that once a week. A letter written on paper with a pen creates something that can last a lifetime. It slows down your thinking, you communicate more deliberately, and she will love it. Don't worry about being eloquent or fancy. Just be you. Write like you speak. You'll get immediate positive feedback.


Speak Well, Earn More, Part 2
Good speakers are made, not born. Good speakers become great speakers with the proper training. Investing in professional speaker training can greatly improve your bottom line.
 






There is no downside to improving your speaking skills. The National Speakers Association is just the place to hone your stagecraft. A good place to start may even be your local Toastmasters chapter.
The key to effective speaking boils down to one thing: The ability to be able to tell a compelling story. I was taught years ago that effective advertising was reduced down to the acronym A-I-D-A, which stands for 1.) Attract their ATTENTION. 2.) Stimulate their INTEREST 3.) Create DESIRE and 4.) Move them to ACTION. Creating an effective speaking presentation is not much different than those guidelines. When we speak, we are actually selling. We are trying to communicate or get someone to adopt truths, facts, inspire action, etc. How many times has someone in your life said to you, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”? Most of us have heard that. We have all worked with very accomplished, well-educated people who are absolutely brilliant in their field, but when they spoke, they almost put us to sleep. How many of us have listened to an individual who was charismatic, compelling, and attractive and then when it was all done, you ask yourself, “What did they just say?” or you don’t remember a thing they said. It was all show with no substance. To get on the road to more effective speaking, you must master what you say AND how you say it. The best way is in a story-type format. In my sales training over twenty years ago I was taught that “facts tell, stories sell”. Stories or story-type speaking bring a message to the heart and mind of the audience. One such method is what I call the PSOx3 speaking template. It is a no-brainer method for creating compelling speeches. This stands for presenting a Problem, Solution, and Outcome and doing it three times during the presentation. This humanizes the presentation and it allows the listener to relate to the issue presented. It creates a mental picture which makes the topic more memorable. Here’s an example. Let’s use a motivational topic that goes like this; “John Smith had only twenty dollars in his pocket. He was laid off with no possibility of being rehired. His position was outsourced overseas. He had two kids in private school and a baby at home. His wife worked part-time three days a week. They could not make it on her income alone. They only had enough financial cushion to pay their bills for about three months. He knew he had to make something happen, and do it quickly. One day after paying his bills he actually had to make a decision whether to fill up his gas tank or buy groceries. This was the turning point in his life. It was either cave in to the desperation and depression or rise to the occasion and go into business for himself. He felt no one was going to hire an over-40 professional like him at the salary he had been accustomed to. One day while reading newspaper, he read a story about how a large percentage of attorneys were not getting the clientele they desired. He spotted a need. Problem leads to profit.  He was skilled in writing marketing materials for a large company for the past twenty years. Why couldn’t he do it for another industry?, he asked himself.
This lead him to make his first phone call to a local attorney who confessed that his business was slow and he was at odds in how to get more clientele and increasing his referrals. John made an appointment with that attorney. He became John’s first client. That was 250 clients and three years ago. John’s now has three employees that all work as independent contractors from their homes. He also works out of his home. He and his staff meet in person once a week for brainstorming sessions to give the virtual company a more human feel.”
Now when you read the story of John, in a very short period of time, you are pulled in to his plight, feel his despair, and experience the hope he has with the advent of his new business. When this story is told, as opposed to just telling facts, you feel for John. When it is presented with pauses, increases and decreases in speech volume, and the appropriate body gestures, you are well on your way to creating a memorable speech. As in a good TV screenplay, you can clearly identify the problem, solution, and the outcome.  The story of John is one you remember and isn’t that the reason why we do presentations at our work, places of worship, and service organizations?

Cheers Brothers!
All services include a style and scalp consult, a quick follicle- stimulating scalp massage, detailing of eyebrow, nose & ear hair trim, and a nice light astringent aftershave