Can you optimize my haircut for lead generation?
The barber drapes the smart cape around his shoulders, adjusting its temperature to be slightly cooler.
- What were you thinking of doing today?
- It’s conference season again. Can you optimise my haircut for lead generation?
- Would you consider a little trim?
He wipes away a drop of water running down his forehead.
- It depends on how much product I can use with less hair.
- I see. What are you lead-scenting?
- I’d like my auramatics to signal trust and authority, with a hint of warm rebellious charm that comes with expertise.
The barber swipes casually in mid-air, and simulated hairstyle options flicker into view on the mirror before them.
- Let’s see, round face, straight, thick and dense hair…
Three more gentle hand gestures narrow the options simulated in the mirror.
He flicks through simulations rapidly,
Each hairstyle shimmers briefly in the mirror when the barber expertly flicks through simulations, narrowing them down to a select few.
- I would recommend switching the side part to the quiff. It’s subtle, not drastic, and the extra volume means better scent distribution and more reflections when moving your head. Oh, and I will minimise the fades to give auramatics more hair to stick to.
- Sounds like a high-ROI haircut. How about a 10% cut on every new deal my new hair closes?
- Deal. Thank you. Soon, I’ll be making more on mixing hair products than cutting hair.
He gestures to pause the styling.
- Sorry, I need to take this one in person.
- No worries, I’ll whip your hair serum in the meantime.
He takes a deep breath, initiates the link, and softens his tone as the call connects.
- Hello, gorgeous. How’s your tour going?
- Fine. Thanks for not avataring me. Your latest stand-in is unbearable.
- How could I? How’s everything going?
- I’ll be back earlier. Two more shows were cancelled because of the weather.
- More thunderstorms?
- Don’t even get me started. What’s this buzzing noise in your background?
- Sorry, you caught me in the middle of getting my hair done.
- Can you skip these crazy-smelling products for once?
- No chance. I have a conference season, targets to deliver, and auramatics are my secret weapon. People underestimate how quickly scent builds trust and closes deals.
He hears her chuckle softly.
- But you don’t need to convert me anymore, you already have my contact details.
- I’ll rearrange our plans.
- Ok, I’ll call you later. See you.
- Bye.
He reaches from under a white cape to scratch his cheek.
- I’m sorry.
- No problem, let’s get back to the plan. Is she still a technical director?
- Yes, mainly on the biggest tours and shows. She envies that my haircuts get expensed while she has to cover her programmable smart nails for event automation herself.
- Is this a profession with a future? Do people still go to concerts? You might feel a little stimulation as the fibres calibrate scent distribution.
He smiles widely.
- Exactly for the stimulation. Even the best setup won’t give you the energy, connection and bond you get when stuck in a crowd of ten thousand excited people. What about your job?
- Does cutting hair have a future? Definitely. People won't trust putting their heads into machines with sharp blades anytime soon.
They share a laugh as the fibres finish calibrating. A subtle aroma fills the air, confident, trustworthy, and just a touch rebellious, exactly as he expected.
Hello Practical Futurists,
Welcome back from the future, where tailored auramatics help you make desired impressions.
Let's jump into our weekly practice, where we use futures thinking and product sci-fi to enhance your strategic imagination and prepare your leadership for the future.
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Start here to make the most of your time if this is your first
rodeoedition.
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Weekly Self-Reflection Prompts
Let's start by making products and services mentioned in the story a bit more relatable by grounding them in your personal life.
You can start with this quote for extra inspiration.
“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.”
Kahlil Gibran
Personal life reflection prompts
What 4 emotions or associations would you like to invoke in people you meet?
Are there tools or gadgets you use in both your personal and professional life? Why?
What two reasons could convince you to change something in your appearance?
Can you recall 3 of your memories based on pleasant scents or aromas?
What scent instantly puts you in a better mood?
Do virtual try-ons and simulators help you make a decision faster or make you consider more options?
Good job!
Let’s move on to the context of the industry, organisation, team, service, or product you are working with.
Professional life reflection prompts
Which 3 aromas or scents invoke trust and authority in your industry?
What would make a bigger short-term impact for your current customers, improving first impressions or consistency of performance?
If your simple hand gesture could trigger a work-related automation, what would it do?
Would improving simulations that help visualize and select services or products be more effective for attracting new customers or retaining the existing ones in your industry?
How would you convince a rebellious team member to dress up for a special company occasion?
What 3 things would change for your team if your organization discovered a way to double the number of leads?
How do you envision the future of your profession, and what steps can you take to stay ahead of industry changes?
Name two leaders whose personal energy experienced in person made a lasting impression on you.
You did great!
Feeling in the zone today?
Try the recommended follow-up for this story next:
This edition was written in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.
Next time you visit, get a trail passport and pick one of the amazing trails for an unforgettably inspiring coastal walk packed with spectacular views and hypnotizing scents of local flora.
Have a great week, and see you soon.
Pawel Halicki
Join strategic thinkers preparing to lead in the age of AI. Ten minutes a week is all it takes to start.
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