August 07, 2012
Inspiring Businesses II: Freemans Sporting Club and Barber
All of us, absolutely all of us, when we get together with our friends, fantasize about conquering the world by doing what we love. During the height of the gathering, we encourage our friends to set up that Argentine empanada stand to delight all the office workers in the area, we applaud the couple who are experts in vintage furniture to showcase their good taste, and we support our better half to unleash their creative streak by designing tableware. However, even though at that moment we believe everything is possible, the next morning, the numbers of reality dispel the illusions.
Perhaps it's because whenever we come up with these ideas, we think about carrying them out alone, but what if we teamed up? It's true that it's usually not a good idea to start businesses with your friends, but what if you started them together but separately? What if you simply shared the expenses but scrupulously kept the businesses separate? What if several of you rented that wonderful but too large space and set up your respective businesses inside?
For example, F.S.C Barber and Freemans Sporting Club, a barbershop and a men's clothing store in the same premises.
The famous synergies that marketing taught us about. With a similar aesthetic, targeting a similar audience, and with an innovative idea, this well-located establishment on one of San Francisco's trendiest streets presents itself as an attractive option to be imitated by anyone who has a couple of good friends to get down to business with.
The most interesting thing in this case is that both businesses have sought a similar "look & feel," so when you enter, you don't find very differentiated corners or a jumble of brands each doing their own thing. No, everything has a common thread, and it's appreciated.
So, in these difficult times, sharing is living. And if you think that joining your business with your friend's doesn't make sense, perhaps you haven't considered giving them both the same patina.
Another day we'll talk about the rise of barbershops, mustaches, and male grooming in general.
Previous inspiring businesses: here