Episode 286: From Slower Traffic to Summer Surges: How to Stay Ahead in the Heat
Release Date: 04/24/2025
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...
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Episode 297: Membership Perks That Don’t Cost a Dime (But Feel Like a Fortune)
fitSpot Guru
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...
info_outlineWhat We Cover In This Episode:
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Effective strategies for creating recurring revenue with summer-only Memberships [3:20]
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The benefits of summer outdoor fitness classes and how you can leverage the outdoors in your business [4:50]
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Some ways you can use seasonal promotions and loyalty rewards to maintain summer engagement [9:13]
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The importance of freeze options over cancellations for summer absences [10:46]
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Why you should be considering upgrading classes, adding classes and/or instructors during this time [14:45]
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How to implement referral programs for family and friends who are also on vacation to maintain traffic in your studio, along with other summer-specific programs and events you can tap into [16:09]
Quotes:
“Incentivizing people to be there when it's easier to not be there is always going to be a good idea, and it's going to be even more true during the summer when it's warm weather, longer sunsets, things like that.” [Nick, 10:33]
“When it comes to decreased traffic, it is just about getting crafty with it. You have to get creative, people are leaving for the summer so say ‘hey, instead of cancelling your membership why don't you freeze it.’” [Megan, 11:39]
“I think that the biggest thing is that you still want them to maintain this lifestyle to some degree, so that when things slow down with them they are ready and they are eager to get back in the studio and really bring that lifestyle back to the forefront.” [Nick, 12:13]
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