Episode #510: Unlocking Engagement-Lauren Foundos Discusses Engagement and Retention Strategies

We're excited to bring back Lauren Foundos, founder of FORTE. Join her in a deep dive into the dynamic world of virtual fitness and digital engagement. Lauren transitioned her company through the intense periods of the pandemic by focusing on survival and being nimble. As the world shifted towards hybrid work post-pandemic (particularly with many NYC companies settling on a sort of 3 days in office, 2 days out), she noticed the parallels between this new work dynamic and the ever-evolving fitness landscape. 

Lauren and host Pete Moore discuss the crucial role of relationships and engagement in the middle market, the benchmarks for success in virtual class participation, and the long-term value of community building. She provides insights on leveraging live-streamed classes and data to boost member retention and overall experience.

We'll also hear about the challenges of maintaining client attention, and the evolving landscape of video and streaming technology in the HALO space. We'll wrap up with a closer look at leveraging competition and technology to drive engagement and success.

On the evolution of the fitness space Foundos states, "I'm hoping to see everyone playing together because on some days you want to bike at home. Some days you want to go to the gym and some days you want to run outside. I hope that this industry is going to start realizing it's important to meet the customer's behavior where they are, as opposed to wanting them to operate in a different way."

Key themes discussed

• Variety of tactics for engaging gym members.
• Some clubs (wrongly!) want to hide data from trainers.
• Volunteer discusses quantifying and tracking engagement.
• CRMs help track engagement and retention data.
• Owner needs to believe in the business decision to bring in FORTE. 

A few key takeaways: 

1. Lauren and Pete emphasize that in the middle market, building strong engagement and relationships is crucial. Whether it's through online or in-person classes, the ability to connect meaningfully with clients significantly impacts retention and community involvement.

2. This episode shed light on the ROI for virtual fitness classes by highlighting the importance of long-term engagement and community-building, rather than just the immediate financial returns. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure sustained participation and loyalty.

3. Lauren shared insights on how FORTE has evolved during and after the pandemic. The shift to a hybrid work-from-home and gym environment necessitated innovation and adaptability, particularly in video and streaming technology, to meet the changing needs of clients.

4. Successful engagement and retention strategies include offering live-streamed classes, enhancing the user experience, and leveraging relationships with instructors. This personalized approach helps foster a sense of community and maintain client loyalty.

5. Foundous also discussed the potential of using technology, like MyZone, to foster competition and engagement among gym members across different locations. This can enhance the interactive experience and motivate clients through challenges, making workouts more engaging and fun.

If you missed Lauren's first appearance on HALO Talks, check it out here. 

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Lauren Foundos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfoundos 
• FORTE: https://www.forte.fit 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ 
Website: https://www.halotalks.com 

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