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This is for you if you're looking to get into the locksmithing business. We've talked a bit about how there is no straight path in this industry. And the way that we're going to succeed is to learn and grow together. And so recently, I asked the Lock Boss community, 'What would it take for you to mentor someone to become a locksmith?' And what I found is four common themes that I want to share with you.
The best part about the entire conversation was that the overwhelming majority wanted to share their knowledge, which I think is terrific. Now, of course, they want to do it under the right circumstances, which we're going to start talking about.
TIP 1 – BE HUMBLE
A good rule in life is to be humble. But I think the point that so many commenters were talking about is being ready to listen and follow instructions. As most of you know, I grew up in a household where my dad was a locksmith - still is today. And I got to see many people come and go over the years. I've seen a lot of people. And some people who didn't know anything about locksmithing had such egos that are gotten their way, and it ended up not working. One example of that is a guy who was asked to work on a Ford, and he replied that he's a Chevy guy and doesn't work on Ford's. If you want to learn a new trade and turn it into a career, telling the person that you don't want to work on Ford's because you're a Chevy guy is not a way to handle the situation. You have to be willing to listen and follow instructions.
TIP 2 – GIVE THE UPSIDE OF YOUR TIME
It means that when you approach someone who is an existing locksmith with all the skills and knowledge that they've worked many years to get, ask them to give it to you. You'll have to be willing not to take as much hourly wage as you'd like to some degree or another. Maybe they want to set it up to be commissioned-based according to the work you perform or are comfortable with having you shadow them for a little bit to see if it's even a good fit. Now, of course, I'm not telling you to be taken advantage of, but I'm just saying that if you're the person who wants to learn, and you found someone who has the knowledge that you want to learn, you have to be willing to look at it from their perspective. And if you can do that, you can set yourself up for success.
TIP 3 – FIND THE RIGHT SITUATION
If you can find someone looking to retire, or even better yet, if you find someone who is busy and needs help, if you can help take the load off of what they have going on, that can be a significant win-win situation. You go and introduce yourself; talk about what you're looking for. Pay attention 'How can I be helpful to them?' 'Does it work?' And my favorite point when it comes to finding the right situation is to have the opportunity to give the locksmith training you a little bit of time off.
TIP 4 – OFFER THE SKILLS THAT YOU HAVE TO THEM
We all have unique things to offer. We all have life lessons, life experiences, skills, and knowledge that we can share, which provides value to ourselves. So, just because you don't know anything about locksmithing, but you want to learn and might be intimidated, you also want to think about what skills you have that you offer to them or use to assist them in what they're doing.
There you have it; I hope you found this information helpful. I would love to know your thoughts or if there's anything that you would like to add. As you engage in our YouTube video, make sure that you include the #LockBoss to automatically get entered in to win one of five free prizes we give away each week on YouTube. Thank you, and we'll see you next time.
