Episode 252: Scaling Your Success: The Latest Strategies for Studio Owners Who Want to GROW
Release Date: 07/04/2024
Episode 307: Why We Removed Chat (and What It Means for Your Studio)
fitSpot Guru
What We Cover In This Episode: Why the chat feature was removed from the FitDegree app, and how it strayed from the original goal we had for it [3:12] The timeline and impact of the chat feature's removal, including details on what will and won't be affected by the change [11:26] How studios can find alternatives for client communication now that the in-app chat is being removed [13:20] The best platforms for internal communication, and why they are better than in-app chat for staff [14:41] How to communicate this change to your members to keep the transition professional and...
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Episode 306: Hiring & Training Seasonal Staff
fitSpot Guru
What We Cover In This Episode: How to decide between seasonal hires or a skeleton schedule during busy periods [3:44] What to consider when building a streamline training plan for your team [9:27] Why you should use reporting tools to check last year's attendance data for better planning [11:56] The way to utilize onboarding cheat sheets to get new staff up to speed quickly [12:43] Why considering “shadow shifts” is an effective strategy when onboarding seasonal staff [13:09] The benefits of offering staff incentives for less desirable shifts [13:26] How announcing...
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Episode 305: Surviving Instructor Time-Off Season
fitSpot Guru
What We Cover In This Episode: Why standardizing the way instructors request time off is a key strategy for a smooth season [4:08] The reasons that building a reliable sub pool in advance of the season is an effective strategy to focus on [5:28] Why it's essential to over-communicate schedule changes [9:14] How to streamline communication and substitutions utilizing specific software [9:44] The benefits you’ll see by proactively managing time off and requiring instructors to submit requests well in advance [12:13] What you can do to incentivize last-minute coverage [17:47] Why...
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Episode 304: No-Show & Late Cancel Policies That Actually Work
fitSpot Guru
What We Cover In This Episode: Why your studio's demand should dictate your no-show and late-cancel policies [4:35] Tips on how to select a penalty that deters repeat offenders without alienating your best members [6:36] The key ways in which waivers can be a powerful tool for formalizing your policies [9:01] How to use automated notifications and your client communication channels to ensure members are always aware of your policies [15:30] Why it's crucial for your entire team to understand and enforce your policies in the exact same way [15:49] The reasons that making your...
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Episode 303: Bartering in Fitness: Legal Do’s, Don’ts, and Danger Zones
fitSpot Guru
What We Cover In This Episode: The key difference between an independent contractor and an employee to be aware of as a studio owner [6:36] Why having contractors in your studio might not be in your best interest and the hidden "pain points" that could arise [8:29] How to choose the best practices for classifying staff as either 1099 independent contractors or employees, depending on your state's laws [10:54] Where bartering really fits in for a boutique fitness business [15:28] Best practice for bartering with a contractor in a legal way [21:34] How to pay someone...
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Episode 302: Should You Start Fresh or Buy Existing? A Studio Owner’s First Big Decision
fitSpot Guru
What We Cover In This Episode: Why your business model should match your personal strengths and tolerance for uncertainty [1:27] The “Vision Test” and why a profitable studio might not be the right choice for you [2:18] How to approach building hype for your new studio before the doors even open [7:55] The specific risks involved when you inherit a studio’s client base [8:49] What to be aware of in terms of the hidden costs involved when purchasing a studio [11:27] Why expanding nearby to a second locations requires an certain evolution of your business [27:19] ...
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Episode 301: The Power of Pause: Managing Freeze Requests Strategically
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...
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Episode 300: Back to Routine, Back to Revenue: How to Capitalize on the Fall Rush
fitSpot Guru
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] ...
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Episode 299: Click-to-Cancel is Canceled? What Studio Owners Still Need to Know
fitSpot Guru
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...
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Episode 298: Handling Client Complaints Without Losing Your Mind
fitSpot Guru
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...
info_outlineWhat We Cover In This Episode:
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What to consider if you’re thinking of expanding beyond your current physical space [7:25]
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A look at integrating retail products, and whether it is a smart move for you and your boutique fitness studio [12:20]
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How you can use tech-driven service expansion to facilitate new services for your customers [17:29]
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Some ways to use cross-promotions and partnerships in order to scale [22:32]
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What a feasibility analysis is and why we recommend you do one as a studio owner wanting to scale [27:00]
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Things to consider when making pricing adjustments in your studio [28:06]
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Our brand new segment “Fit Favorites” and a cool new product for you to check out [29:32]
Quotes:
“If you were going to sell a product, your positioning, what you put next to each other and how it's presented is very important for your sales. There's a lot of psychology that goes into how you merchandise your space and lay it out.” [Megan, 15:01]
“There’s a lot of impact to be had with partnering with other local businesses or even online influencers to expand your reach in general, or maybe even the ability to cross-promote services or even create a new service together.” [Megan, 22:20]
“Just really decide what’s going to be in-house, and if it’s not going to be in-house, what is that partnership that you can really be valuable for? Maybe it’s just a discount, maybe it’s a combination of rewards, or maybe it’s also a spot where you can host community events to drive leads to your facility.” [Nick, 23:20]
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