fitSpot Guru

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How reframing the freeze request at allows studio owners to view it not as a cancellation, but as a retention opportunity [3:56]

• Why having a clearly defined policy is essential for consistency in managing freeze requests [4:47]

• The way to effectively communicate the expectations around freezes [9:42]

• How to keep the door open and effectively reach out to members [14:07]

• What you can to do utilize membership adjustment features [15:24]

• How adding automated tags or labels to track membership freezes, suggested at simplifies monitoring current freeze statuses [17:07]

• Why considering educational touch points is so beneficial [18:21]

Quotes:

"Communicate the expectation. Freezes should come with a confirmation that is going to outline the start date and end date, and what happens to their payment cycle." [Nick, 9:42]

"When someone emails in for a cancellation or a freeze, that is just a request and they should still have to follow through, even if it's as simple as confirming the email receipt, so you have that to fall back on, or if you're able to get them to sign something." [Nick, 12:29]

"You're a small business, and in order to stay in business, you need this expected recurring revenue, and if you kind of let people freeze willy-nilly, that is just going to put the business in uncertainty." [19:15]

LINKS:

Learn More About All of Our Partners (such as LenzVu & LoopSpark) & Get Exclusive Offers

Gym Lawyers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How to adapt your studio's schedule and offerings to meet the specific needs and routines of parents and teachers returning to their structured lives [5:08]

• Effective strategies to help clients build lasting habits throughout September, ensuring long-term retention [6:35]

• Ways to craft "welcome back" emails with special class challenges or limited-time offers to re-ignite client interest for the fall season [10:41]

• How to use back-to-school specials to offer targeted discounts or bonus class packs specifically for teachers, parents, and students [13:07]

• What an optimized afternoon class schedule will allow you to do with the Fall rush [14:19]

• Ideas for forging collaborations with local schools and PTAs that will help you reach parents and teachers directly [14:46]

• Compelling self-care social campaigns that will set you up for success this Fall [15:00]

• What to keep in mind with the benefits of offering youth sports preseason and school programs [15:57]

Quotes:

"Regardless of whether people are a parent, a teacher or just living their best solo life over the summer, summer throws us all off. We want to eat, we want to drink, we want to tan. We don't want to wake up for that 5 AM alarm clock to get to our sessions." [Nick, 7:34]

"If you develop consistency in these people's lives through the month of September it is going to carry them, because if they can do a whole 30 days of consistency, especially coming off of the slugs that we become by the end of summer, they are just going to feel so much better remember, and that is because of you." [Nick,11:50]

"It's almost like creating referrals. You don't create referrals because you want to create referrals, you create referrals because you create an amazing experience, and those people want to share with their friends that experience." [Nick, 20:49]

LINKS:

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• Why the much-anticipated FTC click-to-cancel rule was halted just days before launch, and how it impacts your fitness business [3:06]

• The need for continued vigilance, even after the rule was nullified [6:22]

• Essential federal rules for your business and what to do to get clarity on the ongoing federal requirements your studio must follow [6:59]

• State specific laws to be aware of if you are operating in California and NY [10:00]

• Expert tips on having clear sales scripts, ensuring waiver signatures, and following up with clients for strong, compliant membership onboarding [12:27]

• fitDEGREE's built-in compliance tools and how it will help you navigate these developments like a pro [18:45]

Quotes:

"The court ruled the FTC violated section 18 of the FTC act by skipping this analysis, which would have allowed for more robust public feedback. So for now, the rule is nullified, but don't count it out. The FTC could revise and reissue it or even appeal to the Supreme court. [Nick, 6:23]

"So don't make it difficult to cancel a membership. If you want to make it an email, make an email. Make sure you're staying on top of that email and also don't trick people into a three- month membership that also continues to roll on going forward." [Nick, 7:30] "It does give you a chance to be a more transparent business in the area. And I think there's just so many small things to follow on a state level and pay attention to. It's almost like you'd rather just get ahead of the curve and not have to keep up with these things or spend legal fees in trying to have someone else research this for you." [Nick, 12:04]

LINKS:

Learn More About All of Our Partners (such as LenzVu & LoopSpark) & Get Exclusive Offers

Gym Lawyers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How to separate your personal feelings from client feedback to maintain a clear perspective and prevent burnout [6:20]

• The reasons why you should take a moment to compose yourself before addressing a complaint, whether in person or via message [9:10]

• Tips for using a consistent framework to acknowledge, clarify, restate policies, and politely close interactions [10:25]

• Why it's important to understand that many complaints stem from external factors affecting the client, not necessarily your business [11:59]

• How to log and track complaints with by establishing a reliable system for ongoing use [12:48]

• The main things to consider in terms of auditing your systems after receiving big complaints [13:36]

• Key benefits you'll unlock when you empower your team to handle complaints [15:12]

Quotes:

"It is your job to pinpoint the actual issues, so you want to acknowledge the emotion and meet them where they are at. Be understanding, be sympathetic, be empathetic..and then you want to identify the actual issue." [5:43]

"You want to empower your team to escalate and redirect the problem without needing to run every issue by you. You want them to be able to handle these issues on their own." [15:42]

"Here is the truth. Client complaints are part of the game, but they don't have to wreck your mood, your day, or your leadership energy." [17:54]

LINKS:

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How you can use priority booking access to create exclusivity, without any extra effort on your part [4:51]

• What you can do on members' birthdays or anniversaries to make them feel seen, special, and appreciated [6:50]

• The way that offering members first dibs on events recognizes their loyalty and consistent support [7:59]

• Ideas for featuring a "member of the month" on your announcements or social media [9:22]

• How using client goal tracking recognition to acknowledge members who hit streaks or milestones, fosters motivation as well as a sense of accomplishment [10:20]

• Why product drops and exclusive member events are effective strategies to use in your studio [10:56]

• What you can do that will allow members to ask questions and engage directly with your team each month [14:45]

• More ideas on using "sneak peeks" and behind-the-scenes content as membership perks [15:57]

Quotes:

"A low-key strategy that you might want to do when you're doing these things is get members talking about [the perk]. If members are talking about it with each other, then they are doing free marketing for you." [Nick, 3:08]

"The class packs are nice, but at any point they can just walk away from their investment or not renew, and you would still have rent due the next month. Your recurring members are the lifeline of your business." [Nick, 9:07]

"No matter what modality you are in, you can give someone a starter pack. Whether it is a branded water bottle, a branded T-shirt, branded grip socks, you can give them a very small gesture. If they are paying you $179 a month for their membership you can spend 40 of that to give them a small collection of goodies that are going to make them feel real good." [13:11]

"Perks do not have to be costly to be valuable. The real magic comes from connection and consistency." [17:50]

LINKS:

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• The ways in which the new updates to our latest software platform release will make your intro offers more accessible to potential clients [2:36]

• How the new update allows for direct refunds to client account balances, streamlining the process and retaining funds for future purchases [5:33]

• What you can now do to directly edit recurring membership prices on individual client profiles, and the benefits you will see by doing this [8:49]

• The most effective processes for implementing price increases and the reasons that pairing price adjustments with signed documents or waivers protects your business [12:05]

Quotes:

"We're trying to not gatekeep your intro offer from people who have just gotten a taste of your business. It is really just gatekeeping it from people who have proven a regular occurrence." [Megan, 5:06]

"If someone is aware of your studio, we want you to confidently say 'download the app and the app is going to take care of the rest for you." [Nick, 8:08]

"Price increases are one of those things that if you handle it well, it's not a huge deal but if you don't handle it well, they can become a big burden, and maybe not even worth doing it all together." [12:08]

LINKS:

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How to apply the three core principles for a successful staff meeting [4:39]

• Why breaking down your meeting agenda effectively using a standing template leads to consistency [11:53]

• The way that rotating who leads the "wins and shout-outs" section will boost team engagement [14:45]

• Why using shared notes or Slack threads makes for seamless communication and easy recall of meeting outcomes [15:17]

• Tips for ensuring all discussion topics are clearly defined and communicated before the meeting starts [16:03]

• What to consider about using anonymous forms for hard feedback [17:02]

• How ending your meeting by asking staff for a quick score helps gauge effectiveness and gather immediate feedback [17:36]

Quotes:

"I think a really successful meeting is when everyone going into the meeting knows what is going to be talked about…the meeting is actually making sure we are all on the same page." [Nick, 5:11]

"It's not a monologue. You might introduce the topics, [but] think of yourself as more of the MC of the meeting and not necessarily the sole speaker during the meeting. This isn't just announcements, they can read announcements in an email." [Nick, 5:57]

"You definitely want to preset the agenda; this isn't something you just walk in and figure out. You want to have it set in advance, you want to inform anyone who will be speaking or needing to prepare things to be prepared, and then you can execute." [Megan, 7:30]

LINKS:

Bloom Growth

Slack

Episode 293: The Power of Feedback: Listening Without Losing Yourself

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• What "taking a break" means and does not mean and why this is important to understand as a studio owner [4:21]

• Proactive things you can do during a pause or break to keep the momentum going for your business [6:41]

• Steps to take in the studio to get your clients excited upon your return [8:08]

• How taking a break could result in being a big win for you [10:26]

• A few of the main drawbacks in taking a seasonal break to keep in mind [15:38]

Quotes:

"Having a short staff retreat, it could be somewhere local, it could be a day thing, it could be an overnight thing that is just a drive away, or you could take the time to do one-on-one check-ins. Just get aligned with your instructors and get their pulse on the studio." [Nick, 11:29]

"This time off is either a true rest because you are burnt out, or you are actually saying that you need to tackle a big item that you need all your focus on and you're not going to let yourself get distracted with small day-to-day things." [Nick, 18:16]

"Taking a seasonal break is not lazy, it is considered leadership. Done right, this pause can create space to repair, reflect and reignite your passion for the studio." [19:48]

LINKS:

Episode 293: The Power of Feedback: Listening Without Losing Yourself

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How to approach integrating feedback into your core process and why it's such a good idea to do this [5:53]

• Strategies for choosing the optimal feedback format [7:52]

• Why not all feedback is created equal and the importance of segmenting your audience to understand their unique perspectives [8:46]

• Ways you can leverage tools to streamline feedback collection [16:26]

• Why feedback needs a clear evaluation systems and strategies that will help you implement a structured approach to evaluation [17:48]

• Final thoughts on creating quarterly review sessions for your team to identify trends and next action steps [20:30]

Quotes:

"We want to do this with purpose and intentionality. We just don't want to have a suggestion box, get a bunch of feedback and then not review it. If you're going to ask it, you've got to listen for it." [Nick, 3:14]

"I'm not going to you this is going to happen today, tomorrow, next week, next month next year, but I have documented it and upon our next update we always circle back, review our feedback and then press forward." [Megan, 11:04]

"When people are not happen and you kind of just say we're not going to do that, they're going to start to get bitter and resentful. When people bring up a problem, they don't want to just be brushed off, they want some type of solution." [21:44]

LINKS:

LenzVU

LoopSpark

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree

What We Cover In This Episode:

• How to prepare your business for a virtual assistant before you post for help [4:23]

• Things to keep in mind when hiring the right VA for your fitness studio [7:51]

• Where and how to source a VA, including the top platforms available right now [10:06]

• Why it's important to create quick wins for a confidence and trust boost with your new team member [11:15]

• The essential tools for VA communication and task management [13:57]

• What the key metrics are for measuring virtual assistant success [15:03]

Quotes:

"There's nothing worse than when you try to delegate something and you get to the point where you go, 'I might as well just do this myself', because sometimes you're wrong, but sometimes you're right. If you're right it's back on your plate, but if you're wrong, you have to hope that the next hire works or it's your fault that it's not working out." [Nick, 15:24]

"The whole reason we're talking about hiring a VA or delegating work is that you are getting [to do] higher value work. So you're able to focus on growth, leadership, member experience, and focus on the things that improve the quality of the studio." [Nick, 16:25]

"A VA is for things that you wish software could do but AI isn't there yet. It's like you could explain exactly what to do and that person could do it." [Nick, 18:35]

LINKS:

Episode 291: Do, Delegate, Delete: The Studio Owner's Guide to Choosing VA, Team, or Tech

Notion

Slack

WhatsApp

Whale

ClickUp

Trello

Asana

Upwork

Fiverr

Loom

Calendly

Fitness Business Owners Network (on Facebook)

Learn More About All of Our Partners & Get Exclusive Offers

Visit the fitDEGREE Knowledge Base

Send Megan Your Playlist or Discuss the Podcast Here!

fitDEGREE's Business Portal

https://calendly.com/fitdegree-support

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/fitdegree/

​​https://www.instagram.com/fitspot_guru/

https://www.fitdegree.com/blog

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChJ5rK6zWPXjbxtUQx3ys9Q

https://www.tiktok.com/@megan_fitdegree