Short all over, square in the back.
After the usual greetings, that’s how conversations between Al DeCubellis and me begin. Then, it’s quickly on to the events of the day, politics and our families.
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Al has been cutting hair for 42 years. For the past three decades he has been in the Elmhurst neighborhood in Providence, across the street from LaSalle Academy.
Al enjoys a loyal following. A friend of mine grew up going to Al. He moved to Pawtucket after he got married, and then to Warwick several years ago. He still goes to Al. When my father-in-law moved from Providence to Narragansett, he didn’t change barbers. My brother-in-law also lives in Narragansett — and gets his hair cut at Al’s.
I, personally, have never before made a long-term commitment to a barber. There was Dick the Barber in my East Providence neighborhood when I was a kid. Then there was Gino’s, also in East Providence. And then there was Joe in Providence, who was followed by a flirtation with Super Cuts.
Now, Al appears to be the one. My son, Jimmy, is hooked. We try to time it so we go together. Makes for a nice father/son thing.
I got to thinking about Al because of a press release that came across my desk. It was from the Providence office of Lee Hecht Harrison, an international career services company. The headline reads; “Doctors, clergy, haircutters, personal trainers best underutilized networking sources.”
According to Lee Hecht Harrison, folks like Al are “among the best, but unappreciated networking sources for job seekers.”
“What these diverse professionals have in common is that they’re engaged with many people on a regular basis and typically talk with them about their lives,” said Gil Swick, Jr., vice president of Lee Hecht Harrison’s Providence office.
Swick says that these networking sources are often overlooked, simply because it doesn’t occur to jobseekers to ask for their help.
“Everyone today knows the importance of networking, but individuals may have too narrow a view of who might be able to help,” said Swick. “There’s a common assumption that the only people worth reaching out to are business colleagues or hiring managers in one’s own profession. Those contacts are certainly ideal, but the person who cuts your hair or cleans your teeth may be able to help open one of those doors.”
Swick also points out that most people do not know how to broach the subject of a career move with their doctor, barber, personal trainer or priest. It doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable, he said.
“If you’re reaching out to someone like your doctor or priest whom you may not see often but with whom you have a long-term relationship, you may want to give him or her a call,” said Swick. “In most cases you can bring up your career transition during a regular appointment, just as you might a new job or milestone. It may be as simple as sharing that you are a victim of the struggling economy and discussing what you’re hoping to do next. But it’s important to be specific about the types of jobs you’re targeting, rather than simply saying ‘do you know anyone for me?’”
It is important, said Swick, to explain your expertise and the kinds of companies that you’d like entrée to and the kinds of people you think may be able to help you.
“The person you speak with may recommend you to another client or patient who is in the business you are interested in. Certainly, you’ll come to mind if someone else mentions that he or she is looking for help.”
I ran this all by Al. Sure enough, he does occasionally take on the role of career counselor, even real estate adviser.
“People are always asking if I know someone here or there,” he said. “Even apartments and houses. They’re always asking about that.”
To Al, it’s a neat part of the job. It keeps things interesting. And it’s always nice to help someone out, if possible.
It makes sense. Think about it. Who has access to a more diverse group of people than your doctor, your barber or your priest?
So if you are among the 5.2 percent of Rhode Islanders currently unemployed or you are toying with the idea of a career change, you might give all of this some thought. Consider talking to your doctor or barber.
And don’t be late for your next appointment. You always want to leave a good impression.
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