15 million, 540.8 million and 6.8 BILLION – those are the amount of glasses given away by, the annual revenue from and valuation of Warby Parker a purpose-driven, revenue-generating glasses retailer. Their "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" program isn't just clever marketing—it's a masterclass in business impact and income...

...see it for yourself.

• Brand Differentiation: In a crowded eyewear market, this program helped Warby Parker stand out.
• Customer Acquisition: The social mission attracted socially conscious consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z.
• Customer Loyalty: Customers feel good about their purchase, encouraging repeat business.
• Employee Engagement: The program boosted employee morale and attracted talent who wanted to work for a purpose-driven company.
• Media Attention: The initiative garnered significant positive press, providing free marketing.
• Business Growth: Warby Parker's valuation reached $6 billion, mainly attributed to their strong brand identity.

What's the lesson? Understanding and addressing community needs sets you apart from barbers who are solely focused on service delivery – it provides a competitive advantage.

"That's great for Warby Parker, but I'm not running a big company." ...think again. Whether you're a student just starting out, a seasoned professional, an educator shaping the next generation, or an influencer with a platform, you have the power to create ripples of positive change. Your barbershop has more potential for impact than you realize.

The Psychology Behind the Impact

According to a study by Cone Communications, 87% of consumers will purchase a product or spend with a service provider because they advocated for an issue they cared about. In other words, your impact strategy isn't just good for the community—it's good for business.

This directly aligns with the "warm glow" effect. Coined by economist James Andreoni in 1990.

His revelation gave language to the below consumer behaviors

• Emotional Reward
• Self-Interest in Altruism
• Intrinsic Motivation

The above behaviors that consumers felt resulted in:

• Dopamine Release
• Self-Image Enhancement
• Stress Reduction

So, how do you implement this in your barber business?

• Think Inside the Box: Begin with one community initiative based on your known/current knowledge.
• Integrate Data Collection: Implement systems to gather and analyze customer data ethically - use tools like short surveys, conversation notes, or digital check-in systems.
• Eat From the Feeding Hands: Listen for community needs during client interactions - Involve them in brainstorming and implementing community initiatives.
• Communicate Your Impact: You’re not bragging, you’re inspiring others to make a change.
• Partner Strategically: Collaborate with local organizations to amplify your impact.
• Measure & Adjust: Set clear, measurable goals for your initiatives - Regularly review the data and adjust your approach as needed.

It's time to think beyond the fade and consider how your skills can contribute to a greater good. Ready to make an impact and dive deeper into business impact strategies tailored for your industry? Text "strategy" to 888.572.2017.

Let your impact be the driving force of your income. Your move, boss.