Let me begin by telling you, I hate getting my hair done or any other pampering service. I know many women love to go and get your hair cut, colored, nails done. You consider it a day of pampering, I consider it a complete day of bodily torture with scissors, tin foil and sharp instruments that have funny names and even odder applications.

Some kind of nightmare with the promise of “beauty” set in a salon setting complete with toxic smells and chemicals which make yours eyes water. O joy. Where’s the fun in that?

Maybe it’s because of all the torture I endured in the 80’s when my mom would attempt to give me a home permanent. Curlers flying, glass breaking, and a head full of curls representing more of the 1970’s afro than the 1980’s body curls!

But whatever it is about a day of torture, I just don’t care for it – in truth, I love watching those “reality” make over shows because the end result for the participants is that they always look great, yet I am always left with the worrisome thought that there is a definite price for beauty!

The only thing that calms my mind about going through a day of torture is the possibility of talking to the ladies about our product line or discussing network marketing and the benefits of making a side income.

So every few months when I drag myself in for torture, I have something to look forward to out of the whole ordeal. Unfortunately, my last visit did not go so well, not well at all . . .

My hairstylist, a great gal from Ohio is a fit, trim, attractive senior citizen and is a whiz with the hair color after 45 years of torturing others. She has three grown kids which she adores and she loves to talk. Great. I think a talker! Talkers are wonderful promoters in the network marketing industry and everyone needs a good promoter or two to do business with.

Besides, she’s close to retirement age and has mentioned before that she’d like to supplement her income.

Okay. So, I was ready to talk shop. But today WAS NOT the day for her. When I arrived she was clearly upset which as all “MLM Gangsters [a.k.a. network marketers]” know, an upset disgruntled torturer is not the kind of torturer you want!

Down . . . . I sit in her swivel chair – how convenient I think to have a chair which turns round and round - I’m sure only to disorient a victim. The little white paper goes around my neck followed by the Velcro black cape although a little too tight today as I gag and choke.

“O’ I’m so sorry” she says as she loosens up the Velcro allowing the oxygen to flow back to my already limited brain.

“I’m having a bad day” she continues.

No Really? I didn’t notice I think to myself wishing my cell phone would ring so I could escape my capture.

But, no such luck! They (other network marketing gangsters) always seem know when a family gangster member is about to be put through the ringer and disappear.

The torture session begins:

“Same as last time?” she asks.

“Yes that would be great.” I reply.

“So how have you been?” She asks with a glazed look which I can tell she has way too much on her mind to really hear the answer.

“Fine” I say, “but how are you doing? What’s bothering you?”

This of course opens up the flood gates.

She proceeds to tell me her recent family trouble which includes her kids and the ex-husband of 20 years. The story continues on and by now we are to the combing-out-of-my-hair process after the color job and yes I am still sitting in the infamous chair of torture.

Pull, comb, pull, eyes watering, she’s talking

Pull, comb, pull

My head is throbbing from the pain

I once heard from an ex hairstylist to the stars that famous women would pay him over $1,000 to comb out their hair! One Thousand Dollars! Please, just shave me bald I am thinking!

“The whole situation just made me SOO MAD” she states as she is pulling out the tangle.

My head can tell I am thinking.

She continues with her story and it’s not that I’m so terribly polite that I don’t want to stop her - it’s because she’s talking so much I can’t slow her down!

Finally we’re through the comb out and on to the cut. Sharp scissors in hand, close to the jugular!

“I am not forgiving him this time!”

Great I am thinking. Get me out of here.

Finally, the hair cut is done! Whew!

“Would you like me to blow it dry and style it for you today?” she says with the dazed look in her eyes.

“No, no thanks.” I say, “Not today. I have to get going but thanks for the color and cut.”

Needless to say there were no conversations on the subject of business, making money or on possible products to buy.

That day I was there with my hairstylist was just NOT the day for her and there are many times in our network marketing travels where we are just taken back to the realization that making a sale or talking about our opportunity is not about us – it’s always about the other person and when it’s right for them or even if it is for them!

Yet, looking back over the years, the fact that never ceases to amaze me is that for all the “not right” times and all the “not for me” answers, the business model still works and for every person who is not ready to talk or to register, there are several who are so we all have to keep on going!

That day, I was just glad I survived the whole torture session and filled my mind with hopeful thoughts of returning in a couple of months to try the conversation again when just maybe the timing was better for her.