The story that follows is a situation all gym owners hate, but most of them have faced it at least once. 

One of the Iron Circle members, enjoying a rare break from his daily responsibilities at the gym, was visiting his daughter who was studying in another state. However, he got an unexpected email: one of his main coaches had decided to resign. 

With no backup plan in place, the gym owner had to cut his vacation short and rush back. Upon his return, he found himself back in the trenches, covering for the absent coach. For the next few weeks, he was swamped with 40 to 50 hours of training sessions. 

Sounds familiar? 

Well, this wasn't just a vacation interrupted; it was a clear sign of a deeper issue and one of the biggest mistakes gym owners make: the lack of a second-in-command.

But having just one director or coach isn't enough; there should be at least two or three to provide enough layers of insulation between gym owners and the direct delivery of services.

Gym owners need to transition from the mindset of a personal trainer to that of a business owner, focusing on strategic planning and delegation rather than being bogged down by daily tasks.

There is nothing wrong with stepping back into training if you want to - but the point is not to get back to the gym floor because you have to. That's the kind of freedom and choice gym owners get with having backup plans and multiple layers of management.

If you want to find out more about how to ensure the gym's smooth operation, even when key staff are absent, tune in for this week’s episode.

Tim and Randy are talking about building a team where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and distributed so that a gym owner can focus on strategic growth and enjoy personal time without the constant worry of operational disruptions.

Join them now!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• The role of a second-in-command (01:04)
• Transition from trainer to business owner (04:51)
• Financial transparency and trust (10:24)
• Importance of redundancy in roles (13:01)
• Empowering staff through systemization (17:49)
• The mindset shift for scaling (20:07)
• Future focus and growth (22:28)

Additional Resources:

- Zach’s book: Directing Fitness: Redefining the Fitness Director Role for the Training Studio

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

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If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

You wouldn't attempt to repair a car while driving it, right?

Similarly, when it comes to a gym business, you need to set aside intentional time to work on business growth. Because planning and strategizing (like developing growth strategies, marketing plans, and retention tactics) cannot be done amidst day-to-day operations.

The rule is simple – business is all about intentionality. If you want your business to grow, you need to spend time actively working on it. 

Yet, many gym owners, even experienced ones, get swept up in day-to-day tasks, neglecting to plan for the future of their business. 

If you leave important tasks for only leftover time, then the question is Are you truly in control? Probably not, because in that case, others are dictating your schedule, and your business is not being prioritized as it should be.

A practical solution is to implement a structured calendar for your day. Be specific about how you spend your time and clearly identify each task you should finish. 

Some might think this approach is stressful, but structure actually creates freedom, enabling gym owners to concentrate on high-impact activities rather than constantly putting out everyday fires. 

So, if you are overwhelmed by your daily activities and can’t find enough time to grow your business, maybe it’s time for the Automate, Delegate, Eliminate strategy – automating routine tasks, delegating responsibilities, and eliminating unnecessary activities to focus on business growth.

This is exactly where Tim and Randy can help you. In this episode, they'll discuss time blocking, automating routine tasks, and shifting from a reactive to a proactive mindset for business growth.

Are you ready to regain control of your time and focus on what truly matters for your business growth?

Then don’t miss this episode – tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Importance of time blocking (01:15)
• Automate, Delegate, Eliminate strategy (03:14)
• The need for intentional, strategic planning (05:20)
• Task prioritization (10:15)
• Vision and direction in business decision-making (12:27)
• Automate and delegate tasks to focus on key business activities (15:36)

Additional Resources:

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

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If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Gym owners face numerous challenges, but there's one mistake too many of them are making: how they pay their trainers. 

The common payment model for gym trainers is letting trainers keep most or all of the earnings from their sessions (like a 70:30 split favoring the coach). 

This may sound harsh, but it is all wrong!

Yes, it seems kind, keeping in mind the hard work trainers put in. But is it really the best for the business? When you own a gym, it’s important to think about more than just trainer satisfaction. There's rent, marketing costs, and the effort to get clients through the door. 

So, if you’re letting trainers take a huge slice of the revenue, your gym will barely make ends meet because split payments often do more harm than good to a gym's financial health. 

As a gym owner who bears the brunt of the risk, you should structure your business to ensure you are adequately compensated. 

If this common mistake is eating into your gym profits, this episode is a must-listen. 

Tune in as Tim and Randy explain how a simple switch to a systematized approach to gym operations, including structured schedules and fixed salaries for trainers, could make all the difference.

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00) 
• Lack of business skills among gym owners (02:07) 
• The risks gym owners face (03:46) 
• Trainer payment models (05:17) 
• Gym owner responsibility (07:30) 
• Systematized operations (11:29)
• Trainer vs. owner perspective (14:57) 
• The issues with split payment models (17:18)
• Recap (23:28)

Additional Resources:

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

When was the last time you actually paused and looked back at your own progress? Let me guess - not recently. It's easy to overlook our own achievements in the chase for the next big thing, as most of us do.

So this time, you can make a small change that can have a huge impact on your gym business.

Use the end of the year, when most of us recap 2023, as an opportunity. It's the perfect time to think about balancing recapping with planning for the future. 

Take a moment to reflect on where your gym was last year. Consider what milestones your gym has reached in the meantime. No matter how small they are, they are your victories.

Celebrating them isn't just about feeling good; it's about recognizing your growth and feeling grateful for it. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you haven't achieved to the progress you've made. 

This mindset fosters positivity and motivation, keeping you grounded and focused. It’s a practical way to maintain a healthy, forward-looking mindset while staying connected to your past achievements. 

So, if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the constant chase for the next goal, this episode will help you recalibrate your approach to goals and success.

Exploring the concept of "the gap and the gain" by Dan Sullivan, Tim and Randy are also talking about:

- the role of gratitude in maintaining a positive business mindset

- the influence of the environment on entrepreneurial success and stress 

- the need for a balanced approach to goal-setting

- the importance of continuous business optimization and resilience against challenges

- real-life business growth stories

Tune in, and let them help you make the end of this year far better than you expected.

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• "The gap and the gain" concept (02:16)
• Gratitude as a business strategy (04:51)
• Importance of environmental influence on business (07:51)
• Client retention vs. acquisition focus (10:32)
• Resilience in entrepreneurship (11:58)

Additional Resources:

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Ever thought sending too many emails or texts to clients was a big no-no in marketing your gym? Well, you’re not alone. It’s a common fear among gym owners that they would bother clients with too much communication and make them opt out. 

But the real business of gym marketing isn't about preventing opt-outs - it's about driving sales. 

Your revenue actually directly relates to the number of offers you make. If clients don't know what you're selling, they can't buy. And you definitely can’t wait for them to come asking - that just doesn't happen. 

You need to be proactive, even aggressive, in your marketing. Yes, this might lead to some unsubscribes, but the people who really value what you offer will stick around.

Think about how e-commerce works. 

Ever left something in your online cart and then got an email or text nudging you to complete the purchase? Or when you buy something on Black Friday sales - you often keep being bombarded with texts and emails even after buying something. 

That's the same strategy gym owners can apply. Those emails and texts after you show initial interest are crucial in converting interest into sales.

So, if you're holding back on sending that extra email or text, think again. It could be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. 

Tune in to this episode and discover how to boost your gym's sales with smart, assertive communication strategies. It's not about annoying people; it's about offering value and staying top of mind. 

Let's dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Importance of frequent communication (00:43)
• Handling email opt-outs (04:37)
• Learning from e-commerce strategies (06:20)
• Value in existing customer base (09:24)
• Direct correlation of offers to revenue (10:57)

Additional Resources:

- Check out a game-changer in gym automation: winninggym.com/workshops 

- Business Accelerator Program: winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

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If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Ever heard the saying, "If you're the smartest in the room, you're in the wrong room"? 

Well, that's exactly why the Iron Circle was created. It's a place for gym owners who've grown beyond their current circles. This mastermind group is for the best in the gym industry.

So, if you can call yourself a top dog among gym owners, then this episode is right for you. 

This time, Tim and Randy dive into how the Iron Circle helps with business and personal growth. They discuss everything from leadership and money management to real estate and personal freedom.

They talk about all the things Iron Circle members learn, even secrets someone might think should stay hidden. Unlike other groups, this mastermind encourages members to share knowledge and collaborate, even with competitors. 

So, if you feel stagnant in your current group or mastermind, this episode could open new doors.

Tim and Randy will show you how Iron Circle members have boosted their profits, diversified their businesses, enjoyed personal freedom, and managed to take worry-free vacations.

Ready to level up? Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Who fits the Iron Circle style (01:01)
• Why the Iron Circle is created (03:15)
• The benefits Iron Circle members get to reach the next level (06:57)
• Joining a mastermind is easier than starting one from scratch (15:59)
• How to join the Iron Circle (19:55)
• Success stories (22:16)

Additional Resources:

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Ever wondered what sets apart a good athlete from a great one? Sure, training hard matters, but there's another big piece of the puzzle – how well you fuel your body.

That is exactly the topic of this week’s episode, in which Randy sits down with Justin Kegley, a sports performance coach and author of the book 'High-Performance Nutrition for High School Athletes.' Justin is also an Iron Circle member and owner of the Movement Fitness facility in Rockford, Illinois. 

His journey in the fitness industry, particularly in training athletes, is driven by his own experiences as a college football player and his desire to help the next generation reach their potential. He’s on a mission to instill habits that promote long-term health and well-being.

In this interview, Justin shares insights from his book, focusing on educating both parents and athletes about proper nutrition, hydration, and a protein-centric diet. 

In addition to physical training and nutrition, he also emphasizes mental resilience as one of the factors helping athletes to exceed the standard norms of today's society.

This convo is a must-listen for anyone in the fitness industry, especially those working with young athletes or looking to elevate their performance and understand the role of nutrition.

Tune in to learn more about smart nutrition strategies for young athletes.

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Justin Kegley - a sports performance coach (01:03) 
• The importance of nutrition for young athletes (05:25)
• Hydration - a key component of performance (11:22)
• A protein-centric approach to athlete nutrition (14:06)
• Athletes’ responsibility for their nutrition choices (18:38)
• Where to find Justin's book (19:49)

Additional Resources:

- Grab Justin’s book on Amazon 

- - - 

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

In the world of fitness, staying ahead means more than just keeping up with the latest exercise trends. It's about understanding the business side of things and being able to foresee future challenges and opportunities in order to better adapt to our fast-changing world.

Back at the beginning of the fitness industry, having modern equipment in your gym was probably enough to be way ahead of your competition. However, today, it's much more about delivering quality and personalized experiences to an increasingly educated client base. 

Coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, these shifts have caused a new trend - the rise of semi-private gyms, offering more personalized training experiences. 

They also underscored a crucial point - success in the fitness world today isn't just about knowing your squats and lunges; it's about business savvy, adaptability, and understanding the evolving needs of clients. 

This is also the topic of this week’s episode featuring Chris Poirier from Perform Better, an agency offering the highest quality in products, education, and studio solutions for functional training.

So, if you are looking to start or grow your fitness business, this episode is for you. Join Chris, Tim, and Randy as they discuss:

- understanding the financial and operational aspects of running a gym 

- the trends in gym equipment and how the right choices can make a difference 

- the crucial role of mentorship for new gym owners

- the importance of hands-on training in fitness seminars

- the future of semi-private gyms 

- the challenges faced by the fitness industry during the pandemic 

- the importance of balancing fitness knowledge with business skills 

… 

And a lot more.

You definitely don’t want to miss this one!

Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• The origin story of Perform Better (01:24)
• Perform Better's summit events (05:59)
• Hands-on approach (07:40)
• The business aspect of Perform Better's events (10:21)
• Impact of COVID-19 (15:49) 
• Advice for new gym owners (20:59)
• Shift to semi-private training (28:06)
• Insights into future trends in fitness equipment (32:40)
• 3-day functional training summits (34:59)

Additional Resources:

- Get tickets to 3-day functional training summits  

- - -

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

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If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Thinking of hiring a new coach for your gym but worried about the cost? You're not alone. Many gym owners hesitate to hire because they're scared it'll cost too much, especially if they're not making enough money yet. 

But here's the thing – hiring someone is actually about making more money. When you bring on new staff, you're basically expanding your capacity to serve more clients, boost sales, and grow your business.

However, you don't just bring someone on board and hope for the best. It involves a well-thought-out strategy, beginning with a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved.

That's where Tim and Randy come in. This week, they'll be sharing their proven approach to hiring for driving sustainable growth in your business.

Join them for this episode as they break down the common challenges faced by gym owners when bringing on new team members, such as budget constraints and the stress of financial commitments. 

They’ll also provide a strategic analysis of your gym's finances and offer a detailed, step-by-step guide to adding new staff.

Tune in to uncover the maths behind smart hiring and boosting your gym’s growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Join our 500th episode celebration (00:52)
• The fear of hiring new staff (01:40)
• Calculating the cost of a new hire (03:09)
• Strategic planning removes fear (08:52)
• The importance of logical decision-making in business growth (09:31)
• Recap - steps to hiring a new coach (10:17)

Additional Resources:

- Join our 500th episode celebration! Ask a question via voicemail, and you might hear it answered live! Click here.

- Business Accelerator Program winninggym.com/call

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Ever felt like you're stuck on the gym floor, training clients day in and day out, unable to focus on growing your business? Imagine having more time to strategize, grow your business, and still maintain the quality of your gym.

Sounds like a perfect scenario? Then this episode will be perfect for you!

This week, Tim and Randy discuss this critical shift from a hands-on gym owner to a strategic business leader.

Gym owners, much like other entrepreneurs, often find it hard to step away from the gym floor and trust others with client training. Often, they feel like they have to micromanage everything, thinking no one else can match their level of personal investment in their own business.

But they need to make that mental shift to focus on growing their business instead of being bogged down in day-to-day operations. 

To help gym owners in the journey of overcoming the fear of letting go, Tim and Randy share exact steps for handing off responsibilities.

They offer a simple guide on how to hire and train new coaches and how to hand over training responsibilities, emphasizing the need for good communication and trust in this process. They also discuss common mistakes during the transition and how to avoid them.

So, if you’d like to stop being a slave to your business, tune in, and let’s see if it’s really possible to pass the torch without losing the quality of your gym's services.

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Transitioning from coach to business owner (02:13) 
• The importance of properly introducing new coaches to clients (04:40)
• Handing off responsibilities (07:43)
• Common mistakes to avoid (09:50) 
• Building systems and staff structures (12:55)
• Achieving business freedom (15:37)

Additional Resources:

- Join our 500th episode celebration! Ask a question via voicemail, and you might hear it answered live! Click here.

- Business Accelerator Program 

- Learn more about The Iron Circle 

- Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group 

- Jump on a call with Randy

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If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!