fitSpot Guru

What We Cover In This Episode:

• Why quality over quantity matters when it comes to social media followers [7:29]

• The dangers of adding more options you to your studio, both for your business and your clients [12:17]

• The key reasons that a multi-modality studio should have a multi room studio [16:15]

• How setting boundaries and creating systems, rather than being available 24/7, leads to better business management and prevents burnout [21:26]

• How keeping your clients happy before you worry about getting more of them will pay dividends [26:05]

Quotes:

"Perfectionism is the cancer for business owners. Done is better than perfect should be the tattoo everyone gets when they become a business owner." [3:41]

"Think about that emotional burden that you're putting on yourself when you are piling up to-do lists. What is actually worth your time and what is not?" [6:30]

"Over accessibility its going to lead to burn out and clients are always going to expect more and more and more. You are going to realize that you are not charging enough for how much you are trying to offer right now." [22:24]

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:

• What you can do to maximize profit through regular, not once-a-year, audits of your numbers [3:33]

• How to stop membership leaks and strategies for handling expired cards and follow-ups [4:49]

• Ways to reduce overall studio expenses by focusing on your software and payment fees [11:20]

• Why your pricing matters and what you can do to avoid undervaluing memberships [13:28]

• How to free up your time using delegation and simple loyalty programs [23:31]

Quotes:

"If you're doing big audits or a big analysis once a year, sometimes it's already too late. So, really focus on monthly and quarterly improvements and audits and don't just focus on once a year, because who knows if you'll be around by that time next year." [Nick, 3:31]

"At some point, you have to build a process and trust them to be capable people. If they are not capable people maybe either you have to spend more time on development and training, or maybe they're just not the right fit." [16:57]

"I think there is such an obsession with new leads, but how many people are coming through the door that you are not converting and are people cancelling their memberships after 6 months, 12 months, things like that." [19:00]

LINKS:

Episode 229: Unlocking Studio Financial Prosperity: Terri Fry on Perkville, Profit, and Paying It Forward

The Value of Keeping the Right Customers (Harvard Business Review)

The State of Health Club Industry Retention Strategies (IHRSA)

Customer Retention and Business Profitability (Bain & Company)

PayWorks & Payably

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 true cost of a bad hire and why hiring the wrong person is even worse than being short-staffed [2:18]

• How delegating tasks can free you to work on your business, not just in it [3:52]

• Which key roles are essential for your studio's success and how to structure your staffing for maximum impact [6:41]

• What the real secret is to having happy and loyal employees [8:43]

• Who you need to hire and how to avoid nightmare hires [15:03]

• The number one interview question that's going to tell if your potential new hire is a good fit [18:51]

• A look at the pay structures that will motivate your team to buy into your studio's vision and help you scale in the process [20:03]

• How to shift your mindset from micromanaging to leading, setting clear expectations, and fostering a thriving team environment [23:22]

Quotes:

"Burnout isn't a badge of honor. When you are trying to do everything, eventually you are going to start sucking at some of the things that you are doing and you realize you're just holding your business back, instead of letting go and empowering people and letting them do the things that you used to do so that you can do things that you're never getting to." [Nick, 6:05]

"The worst thing that you can do is hire in desperation. You don't want to settle for 'good enough'. Your staff should align with the studios cultures and values. They should be proud to work at the studio. [Nick, 17:39]

"The key to growth is hiring smart and training well and leading with confidence. When you build a team that aligns with your vision you create a studio that thrives without you doing everything, and let me tell you, it just feels amazing." [Nick, 25:44]

LINKS:

Episode 246: Onboarding and Maintaining a Proper Team with Katie Santos of Fitness HR

The Sales Arms

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 a strategic approach, not just "vibes," is essential for client experience and retention [0:27]

• What recent data is showing about customer retention and the importance of first impressions [2:50]

• The reasons that the first five seconds a client interacts with your studio is so critical, and what can do to ensure it's a positive experience [8:16]

• The "30-Second Hook Formula" you can use to guide them through the space, engage in conversation, and invite them to the next step [15:08]

• Tactics for enhancement, including why strategically placed mirrors will help boost confidence and familiarity for your new members [18:19]

• How to address any awkwardness clients may feel and create a welcoming environment for everyone [23:43]

Quotes:

"You should be following a formula on how to make people feel comfortable, but when you are a new customer in a business, it is all vibes. You know you get that ick feeling, and once you get that ick feeling, it is really hard to shake it." [Nick, 1:20]

"I cannot stress that enough, [that] you are a VIP expense, a VIP investment to these people, so you have to create a VIP experience. This is not group classes at the YMCA, this is not Group classes at LA Fitness. You are trying to prove that you are worth that top dollar, so you need to create that VIP experience." [Nick, 6:45]

"First impressions are not just important, they are everything….your studio should feel like home within the first 30 seconds of someone walking in the door, [and] I'd argue even less." [Nick, 25:19]

LINKS:

Customer Experience is Everything (PwC report)

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 Spring is the perfect time to review and refresh your business operations [0:23]

• How updating your contracts and waivers will ensure you're legally protected and aligned with industry best practices [8:39]

• The way that clear policies on late cancellations, no-shows, and general studio etiquette will create a smoother, more professional experience for everyone [11:25]

• Actionable strategies for streamlining studio operations for peak efficiency [12:48]

• The importance of simplifying onboarding and member communication and the benefits you'll see as a result of doing this [14:30]

• A reminder to use this time to check your studio supplies, inventory, and equipment to ensure everything is in top shape [16:08]

• Tips for assessing your studio software to ensure it is properly supporting your business growth and efficiency [21:14]

Quotes:

"Liability waivers and membership contracts are not supposed to be fun, short, easy reads. You know, the more you can pull out the legalese and the more you can humanize the waiver so people can actually read it is wonderful, but it shouldn't be so short and sweet to the point that you're making yourself vulnerable." [Nick, 5:59]

"Simplify onboarding and member communication. So, are new clients getting all the information they need up front and creating an automated welcome email sequence? I think this is, you know, that drip campaign we talked about earlier, separating out of those, what's an email, what's a text, what's fluff and what's important." [Nick, 14:33]

"Spring is a perfect time to do a deep clean, not just for your physical space but for your business operations too. Updating contracts and waivers keeps you protected, and streamlining operations boosts efficiency and leveraging tech makes you work smarter and not harder." [Nick, 23:38]

LINKS:

Lisa Fraley

Matthew Becker (Gym Lawyers)

Learn More About All of Our Partners Mentioned in this Episode

Episode 143: Industry Tea with Connie Holen

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 importance of establishing systems, setting boundaries, and building support structures to prevent burnout, both personally and professionally [0:54]

• How to recognize the early warning signs of burnout and what you can do to address them before they escalate [4:26]

• The critical role of rest and recovery in preventing burnout and how to schedule non-negotiable downtime into your schedule [10:18]

• The way you can use specific work lists to minimize the micromanaging that so often leads to burnout [12:38]

• Practical tips for setting work-life boundaries, including managing client communication and creating an emergency plan for your studio [18:47]

• How leveraging community support and connecting with other studio owners to share solutions is key in breaking free from this dangerous cycle [20:03]

• A reminder that burnout sneaks up, and how self-awareness can combat it [20:43]

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:

• Proactive strategies like waivers and automated reminders to set expectations and prevent misunderstandings [3:27]

• How to master the art of de-escalation by using neutral language and effective communication techniques during tense client interactions [8:12]

• How offering solutions and demonstrating goodwill can lead to positive outcomes even in challenging conversations [11:44]

• What you can do to establish and maintain healthy boundaries with clients in your studio [14:17]

• Why protecting your mental health is crucial when navigating difficult client situations, and how to do it effectively [15:55]

• Tips for managing refund requests and membership cancellations smoothly to minimize potential issues and maintain client relationships[16:40]

• Useful strategies like staff role-playing with staff, using templates, leveraging automation and more to improve client communication and conflict resolution [21:18]

Quotes:

"Essentially the more well outlined your business is in terms of your policies, your waivers, your standard business operating practices, the fewer conflicts you are going to encounter or the more easily you can navigate those conflicts because you have something in place to guide you through them." [Megan, 3:36]

"If you have a conversation with one of your clients on your policies and it is starting to turn into a tougher conversation, remember that we are all humans, nobody is perfect. We've got a lot on our plate and you've got a lot on your plate." [8:35]

"A great way to prepare for navigating difficult client conversations when it comes to enforcing your policies or your boundaries or anything like that is role-playing. You should have regular staff meetings where maybe you implement role-playing scenarios." [21:40]

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:

• What to understand about payment processing and the key differences between ACH and credit card transactions [4:58]

• How you can use proactive communication to avoid payment disputes that may arise with members [9:26]

• Options you have within your studio to avoid overwhelming clients and to simplify membership management [10:39]

• Ways to use fitDEGREE's automated features to handle failed payments, notify clients and to establish clear messaging and policies to address disputes quickly [12:38]

• Why it's important to be auditing current membership options to align with your client behavior [24:50]

• What happens when you clearly communicate the benefits of each membership tier during the signup process with the new member [25:59]

LINKS:

LoopSpark

LenzVu

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 a thorough analysis of your existing income streams is the foundational step towards maximizing your studio's profitability [4:21]

• How surveying your clients to understand their needs and preferences can reveal untapped opportunities for new services and offerings [5:23]

• Effective strategies to leverage your current revenue streams to achieve significant growth within your fitness studio [6:50]

• The importance of recognizing when a particular revenue stream idea is no longer viable and requires redirection of your efforts [7:52]

• Innovative ideas to increase your studio's profitability through the sale of high-margin retail products [9:54]

• The potential that exists for hosting engaging workshops and special events to attract new clients and generate additional income streams [12:46]

• How to successfully introduce one-on-one training and small group classes as valuable and profitable offerings for your clients [13:45]

• What you can do to leverage the popularity of your signature class by developing and licensing a program with it [16:24]

• A range of dynamic strategies you can implement within your studio to enhance client experience, increase engagement, and ultimately drive revenue growth [18:12]

• How leveraging technology, including fitDEGREE's payment and scheduling features to streamline processes, can bring more cash into your business [19:33]

Quotes:

"When you launch a new revenue stream, it's the same thing as a new employee coming in. Have a 90-day review of it. Are things going up, are things going down, is it your fault, is it the market's fault? Is it something you should kibosh before you get too deep in [it]." [Nick, 2:48]

"The idea of licensing a program or your model is pretty interesting. These are how franchises get started. If you're more of a community-based studio, then maybe just skip ahead." [Nick, 16:31]

"It always goes back to the pricing idea of really optimizing your class revenue stream. Are you offering different levels and different budgets of commitment?" [18:13]

LINKS:

Learn More About 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 key benefits of keeping your referral marketing simple and easy to understand [3:31]

• Options you have as incentives to offer those who are bringing you business through referrals [5:07]

• How you can leveraging the community around you to generate more referrals [8:02]

• What to consider when designing and promoting a clear referral program [12:05]

• Tips for implementing referral tracking software and the ways that fitDEGREE can help you manage referral rewards easily [14:10]

• How showcasing success stories can lead to even more referrals for your studio and what you can do to incentivize social sharing by others [15:14]

• Strategies you can use to recognize and celebrate those who are referring new members [16:38]

Quotes:

"Remember that if your customers are not talking about your business to their friends, then your brand isn't that strong." [Nick, 1:41]

"Make your referral program easy to understand and participate in. You don't want your people thinking about what the referral program is and not getting it right away, and then also trying to explain it to a friend and them not getting it right away." [Nick, 3:53]

"Remember, the studio is always going to be better for everybody if they are bringing in like-minded individuals." [Nick, 8:14]

"Even if [a referral payment] does cost you a few bucks, this is your effort to grow, as you're rewarding the people that are bringing you new business." [Nick 20:34]

LINKS:

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