The BACON Method: Lessons from a Salon for Every Business
- Marty Jalove Master Happiness
- Oct 23
- 5 min read
What can a 47-year-old hair salon teach you about running your business? As it turns out, everything. On a recent episode of "Bacon Bits with Master Happiness," I sat down with my good friend Bruce Whitmire, president of the legendary International Hair Designs in Lake Zurich, Illinois. The conversation was electric, full of laughs, and packed with powerful business insights that apply whether you sell software, serve sandwiches, or style hair.
with special Guest:
Follow us at: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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We wrapped our discussion around the BACON framework, proving that just like the real thing, these principles make everything better. The episode was a masterclass in customer experience, client retention, and building a brand that lasts for generations. Ready to learn the secrets from a business that’s been thriving for nearly half a century? Let's dig in.
B is for Building Relationships
Bruce shared that International Hair Designs isn't just a salon; it's "the place where everybody knows your name," a real-life Cheers in Lake Zurich. They’re serving third and fourth-generation clients! How does a business achieve that kind of loyalty? It all starts with building genuine relationships.
For a stylist, this means remembering a client's stories, their family, and their preferences. It’s about creating a safe space where clients feel heard and valued. As Bruce noted, hairstylists often hear things people don't tell anyone else. That level of trust isn't accidental; it’s earned. This principle is universal. Do you remember the details about your clients? Do they see you as a partner or just a transaction?
Action Tip for Your Business: Start a simple CRM or even a spreadsheet to note personal details about your repeat customers. Remembering their kid’s name or asking about their recent vacation transforms a sale into a connection.
A is for Active Listening
How often do we listen just to respond? In a salon, a stylist who doesn't actively listen could create a disaster, like my unforgettable "Rick James" perm experience! Bruce emphasized that active listening is a non-negotiable skill for his team. It’s about asking clarifying questions and paraphrasing to ensure you truly understand what the client wants.
This is critical during a consultation for a complex color service like a balayage or a major color correction. The stylist must listen to the client's desire, assess the hair's health, and set realistic expectations. They aren't just hearing "I want to be blonde"; they are listening for the underlying hopes and concerns. Every business owner needs to master this. Stop waiting for your turn to talk and start listening to understand.
Action Tip for Your Business: The next time a customer has a request, paraphrase it back to them: "So, what I'm hearing is you need..." This simple step confirms understanding and shows you care about getting it right.
C is for Customization
One size never fits all. International Hair Designs customizes the experience from the moment a client walks in. They offer different levels of stylists based on experience, ensuring clients can choose a service that fits their budget and needs. They also carry a wide range of world-class product lines, including Keune from the Netherlands, Moroccanoil, and Redken, to personalize every treatment.
But customization goes beyond the service itself. One of their most powerful and enduring practices is the personal phone call the day before an appointment. In an age of automated texts, a real human voice is a profound touchpoint. It shows they care, strengthens the relationship, and reduces no-shows. How can you customize your customer's journey in a way that makes them feel uniquely valued?
Action Tip for Your Business: Identify one automated process in your business (like an order confirmation) and find a way to add a personal, human touch, even if it's just for your top 10% of clients.
O is for Outstanding Experience (Over-Delivering)
Anyone can meet expectations. Lasting success comes from exceeding them. I always say you have to over-deliver, and Bruce’s salon lives this philosophy. Achieving and maintaining a 5.0-star Google review status is no small feat. It requires an unwavering commitment to service excellence from every team member.
An outstanding experience is built on the details. It's the offer of a classic barber shave, a service that feels like a mini-vacation. It's the confidence to tell a client, "No, that's not healthy for your hair," because their long-term trust is more valuable than a short-term sale. Every time a customer leaves your business, they take a memory with them. It’s your job to make sure it’s a great one.
Action Tip for Your Business: Brainstorm one small, unexpected "wow" you can add to your service. It could be a handwritten thank-you note, a free sample, or a follow-up call to ensure they're happy.
N is for Nurturing Reputation
A great reputation isn't built overnight, but it can be lost in an instant. You have to nurture it constantly. For International Hair Designs, this goes beyond the salon chair and deep into the community. As a family business, they understand their success is tied to the well-being of their hometown.
They actively give back, raising over $10,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation to fight childhood cancer, running their "Fill the Van for St. Angela" toy drive, and participating in events like Feed My Starving Children. This isn't a marketing stunt; it's part of their DNA. When you show your community that you care, your community shows up for you. Your reputation is the sum of your actions, big and small.
Action Tip for Your Business: Find a local cause that resonates with you and your team. Sponsoring a youth sports team, volunteering, or hosting a small fundraiser builds goodwill and strengthens your brand’s character.
Ready for More?
This recap only scratches the surface of the wisdom Bruce shared. We also had some fun imagining the salon’s signature cocktail and which celebrity Bruce would love to style (hint: "Turn Back Time").
To hear the full conversation and get inspired, tune in to the "Bacon Bits with Master Happiness" podcast, available wherever you listen.
And if you're in the Chicagoland area and ready for an outstanding experience, visit Bruce and his incredible team. Find them at 860 West Illinois Route 22 in the Northlake Commons shopping mall in Lake Zurich, IL, or online at int-hair.com
Now, go make your business a little bit better today. What was your biggest takeaway? Share this post and let me know.
The BACON Method: Lessons from a Salon for Every Business
To learn more about The BACON Method: Lessons from a Salon for Every Business go to: www.MasterHappiness.com/live or “Bacon Bits with Master Happiness” on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeart Radio or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
See it on YouTube
Or catch us LIVE on "BACON BITS with Master Happiness" on 983thelife.com, Monday Night at 7:00 PM and start making your life SIZZLE!
Marty Jalove of Master Happiness is a Company Coach, Business Consultant, and Marketing Strategist that helps small businesses, teams, and individuals find focus, feel fulfilled, and have fun. He helps businesses struggling with communication issues between co-owners, staff, and customers grow a happier and healthier business.
Master Happiness stresses the importance of realistic goal setting, empowerment, and accountability in order to encourage employee engagement and retention. The winning concentration is simple: Happy Employees attract Happy Customers and Happy Customers come back with Friends.
Want to learn more about bringing more happiness into your workplace and life? Contact Master Happiness at www.MasterHappiness.com or www.WhatsYourBacon.com
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