Meeting Mr. Shaver

The shop was warm on a cold winter day. The conversation was warmer and had almost nothing to do with shaving. I’d slipped into Mr. Shaver in the Perth CBD to buy a shaving brush. Never been there before. Gianni and Marilyn who own it have been married over 50 years and have had a range of different businesses together in Australia and Italy over that time.

While we were all there to do business, I was struck with the warmth of welcome into their store and their interest in me as a person, not just a sale to be made. They brought warmth, energy and enthusiasm to the whole experience which ended up lasting longer than the relatively quick and small sale.

I often talk to leaders about the difference between ‘DO’ (The transactional elements of your work — KPI’s, targets, results) and ‘BE’ (How you show up while you are doing it). These two are a great example of holding the DOing lightly while being more focused on BEing. The immediate result (DO) is no different. I was there for a shaving brush. I left with a shaving brush. But I also left with an experience (BE) that lifted my already awesome day. That’s the stuff that builds connection, speeds results and has people talking about you and your work in positive ways.

I could source all the stuff in their shop cheaper and possibly easier online, but I’ll be back. The transaction was sufficient and the experience was memorable.

P.S. I have no affiliation or commercial interest in their store, but check it out if you happen to be in the area, and especially if you need some shaving gear for yourself or as a gift.