fitSpot Guru
fitSpot Guru is your weekly guide to mastering fitDEGREE! Each week our team will take on topics related to our software provided by our clients or our internal team. The goal is to leave the episode with a greater understanding of fitDEGREE and how it can be used to optimize your business! Got a question or a suggestion? Email us at [email protected]!
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Episode 264: Automating Your Way to More Customers with Justin Silverman of Merchynt
11/21/2024
Episode 264: Automating Your Way to More Customers with Justin Silverman of Merchynt
What We Cover In This Episode: A look at how Merchynt automated Google My Business [2:28] Some of the most effective marketing tools that are available to you right now [4:25] What to be aware of with sponsored Google listings [8:05] The specific components that make up a Google Business Profile [8:45] What “automating your Google Business Profile” means [12:40] Meet Paige and learn how this powerful tool can combine automation platforms capabilities [17:12] Best practices for local business website SEO [22:14] Quotes: “Website SEO is pretty irrelevant now for a local business, so that leaves the Google Business Profile, which is where 85 percent of people are going to click on that local search.” [Justin, 6:01] “There is no better way to get a highly motivated buyer in your door than showing up on the top three of Google maps.” [6:33] “Being Google-friendly is the most important [thing for SEO]. Landing pages are just as good as a 12-page website, and we have seen profiles rank on Google maps that don't even have a website. [25:50] LINKS: Merchynt’s , & ! fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 263: Creating an Impactful Studio Challenge: Boosting Engagement and Revenue
11/14/2024
Episode 263: Creating an Impactful Studio Challenge: Boosting Engagement and Revenue
What We Cover In This Episode: How to choose a challenge theme that aligns with your members' goals and sparks interest [2:53] The power of fostering community and accountability to motivate participants and increase success rates [3:56] Some of the ways in which offering meaningful rewards can boost engagement and amplify the impact of your challenges [5:00] How to build anticipation and excitement for your next challenge through strategic promotion [8:10] Tips for creating a simple yet effective tracking system to help participants stay on track [9:11] The importance of recognizing and celebrating both small wins and significant achievements [10:09] Quotes: “It is easy to get excited for the challenge to get started. It is easy for the challenge to be exciting for a week or two, but if you make it a month, you better make sure you're pounding through the finish line so it’s not to be forgotten or like it's an obligation towards the end.” [Nick, 4:46] “First of all, it’s [about the] promotion, because you want to get people excited for it. You want to get people excited to join it, excited to be a part of it and excited to win the prize. Promote your challenge early and often using social media, newsletters, fitDEGREE announcements and never discount in studio signage.” [Nick, 8:11] “Competition is a good thing. You know, it is one of those words where it can get to be a nasty thing but if you have the right culture and you have the right community it just keeps people accountable.” [Nick, 9:46] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 262: 5 Lease Traps Gym Owners Can’t Afford to Ignore with Matt Becker of Gym Lawyers PLLC
11/07/2024
Episode 262: 5 Lease Traps Gym Owners Can’t Afford to Ignore with Matt Becker of Gym Lawyers PLLC
What We Cover In This Episode: Common hurdles faced by gym owners when first examining a lease agreement [2:51] A breakdown of the most crucial sections within a lease contract[6:06] Understanding ADA compliance and its specific implications for boutique fitness businesses [9:50] The potential financial consequences of not involving legal professionals from the outset of the lease process [13:27] Strategies for mitigating noise issues and safeguarding your business when signing a lease [16:56] Key factors to consider when assessing parking needs for your gym [22:36] Identifying and addressing potential permit or code violations outlined in a lease agreement [25:07] Tips for navigating early lease termination if necessary [28:27] Understanding personal guarantees and their implications for business owners [31:33] How the FTC's new rule will affect gym owners and their membership agreements [34:08] Quotes: “Almost everybody who calls now and says they have a problem with their lease, it is evident they didn't have anybody helping them.” [Matt, 5:42] “It’s too late once there is a problem. We have to try to prevent problems from ever popping up and prepare ourselves so that we have a fighting chance if there is a problem.” [Matt, 16:21] “You are a unique snowflake in the sense of being a gym owner because it is different requirements than any other common business that is going to go in this space.” [19:29] LINKS: Matt’s & Contact by Phone: 1-412-443-1396 fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 261: Competing with Larger Brands: Strategies for Boutique Studios
10/31/2024
Episode 261: Competing with Larger Brands: Strategies for Boutique Studios
What We Cover In This Episode: What to understand about the “Winning Zone” and focusing on where you are better than your larger competitors [3:02] How you can leverage your unique value proposition to compete with larger brands [4:09] A reminder how your community is your superpower [6:14] Tips for using technology for convenience - and to your advantage [8:47] The ways in which collaborating locally with similar businesses can help you succeed BIG [11:26] What happens when you put an emphasis on each client interaction you have within your business [12:14] How caring about your clients’ goals will allow you to retain members and enhance the overall experience for everyone [12:36] How to approach creating “chaos” with guerilla marketing in order to drive publicity for your business [13:26] Quotes: “What are your winning zones? Stick to those winning zones. For fitDEGREE, we’re a small business that helps small businesses. If you don’t want to work with a small business, we’re probably not a good fit for you. You’re just acting like a consultant [who shows] this is why they would like around here.” [Nick, 3:49] “Basically think about where your clients are going to be in other spots, and maybe when you’re a member there you’ll get 10 percent off or maybe you’ll be able to put up some QR codes in those businesses so you get some free marketing out of them, and just figure out how to help each other.” [Nick, 11:41] “This is the sweat equity where you don't have the marketing budget to constantly be hitting their faces. You don't have the brand recognition of the national enterprise, so you are going to have to put in the sweat equity to get to know each and every one of your members.” [13:01] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 260: Boosting Your Studio’s SEO: A Beginner’s Guide
10/24/2024
Episode 260: Boosting Your Studio’s SEO: A Beginner’s Guide
What We Cover In This Episode: Effective keyword strategies for identifying what potential clients are searching for in their first fitness class[2:01] How SEO’s “sweat equity” can help you drive traffic without paying for costly leads [4:15] The best free resources for tracking trending search terms and optimizing your content [7:01] The first steps to take for improving your website's on-site SEO [9:39] Best practices for strengthening your local SEO and ensuring your studio is easily found in local searches [14:07] How to leverage Chat GPT to boost your studio’s SEO [16:28] Tips for optimizing your studio’s website for mobile users to improve rankings and user experience [16:46] What to be aware of with internal links and how they can enhance your on-site SEO [17:30] Why producing consistent, fresh content is crucial for staying in Google’s good graces [18:21] How to leverage customer reviews you’ve received to improve your SEO right now [20:21] LINKS: Episodes , , & with Connie of Pixality Design fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 259: Mastering Employee Management for Boutique Studios
10/17/2024
Episode 259: Mastering Employee Management for Boutique Studios
What We Cover In This Episode: How clearly defining roles and responsibilities for every position is crucial for a studio’s success [7:50] Why hiring for a cultural fit is key [9:29] Consistent, transparent communication will set you on the path to mastering employee management every time [11:04] The damaging impact that micromanagement has on your employees and culture in the studio [16:54] The magic that happens when you invest in the development of your people, regardless of their position [18:34] Final thoughts on recognizing and rewarding the efforts of your team [19:24] Quotes: “Hiring just isn't about skills, it is about bringing people in who align with your studio’s values. Focus on finding candidates that contribute to your community and culture.” [9:32] “Micromanagement is the worst. Nobody ever said, ‘I really enjoy my manager micromanaging me, it makes me feel like I am on top of my game’. So, you do not want to be breathing down their throat, and this all comes down to that first 60 to 90 day onboarding.” [16:55] “If you have a studio manager, invest in them actually managing their people. If you have your instructors, help them out with new certifications coming up. Supporting their professional growth is going to keep employees motivated and prepared to contribute more. It feels like you care about them.” [Nick, 18:57] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 258: Using Exceptional Service to Elevate Your Studio’s Client Experience
10/10/2024
Episode 258: Using Exceptional Service to Elevate Your Studio’s Client Experience
What We Cover In This Episode: How exceptional services involves creating a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through your doors [1:30] The critical role that consistency plays in having a positive experience [2:20] What active listening will allow you to give your members [3:10] Some of the ways in which delivering an exceptional experience will help the studio convert and retain members [7:01] A reminder that first impressions really do matter [8:15] A look at personalization and the process of discovering your client’s goal [9:55] How to be proactive and anticipating your clients’ needs before they even ask [14:07] Utilizing ChatGPT in the process of improving the service you deliver [15:58] Tips for creating opportunities for members to make connections outside of the classroom [17:27] Thoughts on soliciting feedback and adding value in this process [32:02] Quotes: “We’re not saying these things are easy, but it’s pretty simple. Someone comes through the door, you have the same process every single time, and you’re tweaking that process to make it better and better.” [Nick, 2:46] “If it didn’t correlate to added revenue to the studio, I would say move onto something more important, but delivering an exceptional experience is going to lead to more conversions off of your intro offers and retain those members long-term.” [Nick, 7:19] “This idea that the instructor gets to do what they feel like? No, they’re representing your brand and there should be a consistent process every time.” [Nick, “Your instructor should be delivering a very similar experience before and after class and making sure that the things that happen in class are on Brand whether they have their nuances or tweaks that people love about them, that is great, there are a few key moments in the class to be really their authentic selves.” [13:01] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 257: The Power of Taking Breaks: How Taking Strategic Breaks Can Benefit Studio Owners
10/03/2024
Episode 257: The Power of Taking Breaks: How Taking Strategic Breaks Can Benefit Studio Owners
What We Cover In This Episode: “Nick’s Nuggets” and the big reasons why it’s so important to be taking breaks [0:59] Actionable tactics you can use to ensure taking your next break is a smooth operation for your clients as well as for you [6:57] The benefits of taking a “one step backwards, two step forwards” type of approach with taking breaks [9:59] A sneak peek at next week’s topic and how you can get more insights from us [12:31] Quotes: “If you take breaks, you’re preventing that quitting and you’re avoiding that burnout on yourself, because the goal is to be in some kind of flow state where you feel optimized, you feel creative and you feel energized.” [Nick, 1:21] “Try to get a calendar out there. Something we did for fitDEGREE, because we decided to take off federal holidays this year, is that in the beginning of the year we announced we’re taking off federal holidays.” [Nick, 7:28] “There are plenty of reasons to take breaks from the studio business of classes, just to make sure you’re taking some kind of one step backwards, two steps forward approach.” [Nick, 9:59] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 256: See You Later!
08/01/2024
Episode 256: See You Later!
What We Cover In This Episode: How we’re feeling right now and why it’s been a bit of a “love/hate relationship” with the podcast [0:56] The ways in which fitSpot Guru is going to get a little TLC while we go on a bit of a hiatus [1:38] The potential for a second podcast, what you can expect and how it’ll be different [2:39] What won’t be changing with what we do [5:38] How you can stay up to date with all of our plans and provide your feedback in this process [6:33] Quotes: “At least the podcast aspect of our weekly load shouldn’t feel like work. It should be fun, the energy should come through, and it’s just been feeling like a slug lately.” [Nick, 1:09] “We’re looking to not only give you education, facts, work and tasks to do, but then also break it up with a little bit of fun.” [Megan, 4:21] “We’re just trying to keep it light and keep podcasting fun, because [when you’re] having conversations every week and if they’re not engaging, you don’t hang out with someone anymore if it’s not fun.” [Nick, 5:24] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 255: Essential Crisis Management Strategies for Boutique Fitness Studios
07/25/2024
Episode 255: Essential Crisis Management Strategies for Boutique Fitness Studios
What We Cover In This Episode: An update on the total value of the wellness market right now and the shift that’s happening towards holistic health [1:02] The importance of having a crisis plan in place and the types of the scenarios you should be prepared for [4:08] How to properly prepare for a crisis, based on the “scale of fires” [10:30] A few key considerations when building plans for the financial type of a crisis [18:02] What to be aware of when recovering from a crisis and the way in which proper documentation of incidents will aid in this process [23:19] Quotes: “What happens if someone gets a cut? What happens if you need to call the police, or the fire [department]? What are your protocols? I think it’s important because in crazy scenarios, people panic unless they have a plan.” [Megan, 5:35] “Insurance is something you should be doing in general, but it’s the things that are out of your control that you want to move into your control as much as possible.” [Megan, 7:27] “All of these things, you want to make sure you’re doing to the letter. You have to react perfectly, because you have a lot of liability in this type of business and you need to be very safe.” [Megan, 21:32] LINKS: , , Do! App ( & ) Don’t Break the Chain App ( & ) fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 254: Developing Financial Fitness: Building Budgets, Making Projections, and Understanding ROI for Boutique Fitness Studios
07/18/2024
Episode 254: Developing Financial Fitness: Building Budgets, Making Projections, and Understanding ROI for Boutique Fitness Studios
What We Cover In This Episode: The ways that people are searching for a financial wellness on an individual level [0:51] What to consider about cash flow management and it’s role in a business’s success [3:57] Where to start with budgeting operational costs and streamlining your financial model [8:18] How to approach funding an expansion [14:57] Our advice for steering clear of making emotional decisions [18:53] Some ways people can optimize cost, without compromising quality [21:02] A look at Nick’s journey to becoming a business owner [29:08] Our weekly “Fit Favorites” and what is in YOUR gym bag? [32:41] Quotes: “The only way the business goes out of business is if you run out of money, so be obsessed with your cash flow management. Whether you are good at it or not, whether you like it or not, it’s the most critical thing to your business.” [Nick, 5:16] “Whether you’re just learning, getting started, starting to track a model or forming a budget, you always need to keep profitability in mind because at the end of the day, it's a business and you’re trying to make money.” [Megan, 21:05] “Do not let additional revenue from one service or product fund a different product or service without the controlled research and development phase.” [Nick, 23:43] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 253: It’s More Than Just Fitness: How to Create an Experience That Resonates!
07/11/2024
Episode 253: It’s More Than Just Fitness: How to Create an Experience That Resonates!
What We Cover In This Episode: How to approach defining your unique selling proposition [4:46] What to understand about connecting with your target audience [9:00] Steps to take to build a strong visual and verbal brand identity [13:09] How to leverage social media and digital marketing to its full potential [18:47] What you can do to start creating memorable member experiences [24:51] What the process of measuring and adjusting looks like when building your brand [29:02] Our “Fit Favorites” and an innovative way to make sure you’re drinking enough [30:58] Quotes: “Stick out in a way, and remember that it’s all just fitness to them, So, what’s different past that layer of fitness?” [Nick, 7:36] “When it comes to social media, I think a really important point was building your community, but also engaging with your members. I think if you’re going to have social media, you need to be active on social media, especially in the realm of fitness.” [Megan, 19:50] “There are a lot of creative ways to engage your community. Make it really feel like the second or third home that people say you should make it.” [Nick, 28:45] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 252: Scaling Your Success: The Latest Strategies for Studio Owners Who Want to GROW
07/04/2024
Episode 252: Scaling Your Success: The Latest Strategies for Studio Owners Who Want to GROW
What We Cover In This Episode: What to consider if you’re thinking of expanding beyond your current physical space [7:25] A look at integrating retail products, and whether it is a smart move for you and your boutique fitness studio [12:20] How you can use tech-driven service expansion to facilitate new services for your customers [17:29] Some ways to use cross-promotions and partnerships in order to scale [22:32] What a feasibility analysis is and why we recommend you do one as a studio owner wanting to scale [27:00] Things to consider when making pricing adjustments in your studio [28:06] 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] LINKS: & fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 251: Optimizing First Visits: Best Practices to Maximize New Client Retention with Seran Glanfield of Spring Three
06/27/2024
Episode 251: Optimizing First Visits: Best Practices to Maximize New Client Retention with Seran Glanfield of Spring Three
What We Cover In This Episode: Examples of ways you can optimize the very first visit by your clients [1:08] What Seran says is the “low-hanging fruit” of building relationships [9:03] Why is the first visit so crucial for retention [12:38] Some of the things that can be done to make the first visit so memorable for the client [17:21] How you can set the stage for optimizing retention by pairing a new client with a seasoned client [21:36] Final tips and effective follow-up techniques to increase the retention rate at your studio [23:38] Quotes: “If you really want to have a solid business, you also have to have an experience that is designed for attention. If you give anyone any excuse to not come back, they are going to take it.” [Seran, 16:58] “When they walk in the studio, they are looking for ‘is this person or is this place going to be the place that I keep coming back to?’” [21:13] “You want to make sure that your pricing aligns with your customer journey, so whatever package you are selling folks on their first visit is already in alignment with a long-term commitment.” [24:50] LINKS: Get Seran’s Free Resource, Her & fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 250: Mastering the Customer Experience: Effective Onboarding, Communication, and Feedback Strategies for Boutique Fitness Studios
06/20/2024
Episode 250: Mastering the Customer Experience: Effective Onboarding, Communication, and Feedback Strategies for Boutique Fitness Studios
What We Cover In This Episode: News with Nick and the latest of group fitness builds and mental, emotional and physical well-being [0:36] The importance that having an effective onboarding process will have on your customer’s experience [5:04] Integration partners that can help you communicate with your clients - click their links below to learn more! [10:03] Why you can’t afford to ghost your clients that are responding to your text marketing [12:15] Impactful ways to encourage your membership renewals or purchases [15:27] What to focus on if you are not making conversions [17:07] How to start leverage the social features inside of fitDEGREE if you haven’t already been doing so [19:17] An update on tag-based announcements [22:13] Our final thoughts on gathering feedback [22:59] Quotes: “They can like your class, they can like your studio, they can like the vibe, but if they don't meet a friend, they are just a ticking time bomb until they walk away.” [Nick, 1:31] “So it has to make sense cost-wise. As much as I said it’s about community, they did come to you for a physical reason. The community is kind of like a surprise.” [Nick, 16:03] “There might be some evolutions of the feed coming in the very near future, so the more we train them and get them used to the feed, seeing the feed, interacting with the feed, the feed might start working in your favor the more you start training them, preparing them and getting those interactions boosted in the here and now.” [Megan, 21:13] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 249: Master Your Marketing Messaging with Seran Glanfield of Spring Three
06/13/2024
Episode 249: Master Your Marketing Messaging with Seran Glanfield of Spring Three
What We Cover In This Episode: Seran’s journey from Wall Street to the Pilates studio - and beyond [1:15] How she curated her approach to coaching fitness studios [7:01] Why Seran believes so strongly that success does not have to equal stress [8:36] Some of the main reasons that effective marketing messaging crucial for fitness studios to master [13:50] What the key elements are of strong marketing [16:01] Seran’s advice for how to start differentiating yourself from others in your market [19:14] A final reminder to use marketing strategies that resonate with your audience for best results [28:44] Quotes: “Having an effective marketing message helps you to really connect with your target audience but also to deeply connect and build relationships with your existing and current clients.” [Seran, 15:01] “You want to make sure that you're not looking around you when you’re trying to craft your marketing message too much, and that is another mistake that I see people making, is that they’re pulling from other people.” [Seran, 20:41] “What I want for you as a studio owner is I want your studio to stand out, which means I don't want you to look like everyone else in town. I want you to represent what it is that you do and what you uniquely do, and the way that you uniquely do it.” [Seran, 21:02] LINKS: Get Seran’s Free Resource, Her & Seran's Podcast episodes that are relevant to today’s topic: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 248: What to Know About Summer Survival: Mastering Seasonal Drops and Boosting Studio Engagement
06/06/2024
Episode 248: What to Know About Summer Survival: Mastering Seasonal Drops and Boosting Studio Engagement
What We Cover In This Episode: Why you’ll want to understand, analyze and anticipate the summer drops that occur in our industry [5:28] The need to ensure great communication with everyone about your summer schedules [7:12] How you can use this time to explore flexible membership options [8:51] Ideas for unique summer programs or challenges [11:27] Thoughts on leveraging technology during this slower time [15:25] Ways to engage the community and keep the momentum going in your studio [17:14] The benefits you’ll see from spending less money and reviewing your expenses [19:06] Megan’s recommendation around a solid summer system for vacations [19:57] Quotes: “I also find that summer is a really great time to do low cost, low effort, community building activities.” [Megan, 13:13] “You can think of the summer as one big marketing campaign. You want people to be thinking about you when September comes around, or when the holidays pass.” [14:41] “This is a great time of year to reward and treat your staff. Especially while it is slow, you have so much time to build up those relationships and really empower your staff.” [Megan, 18:51] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 247: Cancellation Policy Q&A
05/30/2024
Episode 247: Cancellation Policy Q&A
What We Cover In This Episode: A look at the current activity in gyms now versus the pre-pandemic levels [0:52] What the primary goal of having a cancellation policies in your studio should be [4:39] The key components you should be considering when creating and implementing your cancellation policies [5:12] How to approach balancing flexibility with clients with the needs of the business [7:35] Some examples of factors that may influence the timeline for early versus late cancellations [9:00] How policies can differ from limited to unlimited item holders and how this will impact client behavior [12:26] Tips for introducing and enforcing the policies in your studio [17:23] The options within fitDEGREE that can help you manage your cancellation policy [19:48] Quotes: “Someone might not make it, they might be in traffic and all of that kind of stuff, but you’re trying to reduce the default behavior of people flaking [out]. It’s going to be emergencies and those are going to happen less often.” [6:46] “If you make the fee so minimal, you're going to make a little bit of money off of it, but in the end you might lose a member who just continuously cancels and doesn’t think twice and then eventually cancels their membership.” [16:20] “Cancellation policies, in my opinion, are not ‘set it and forget it’ kinds of things. They are something that you should be continuously reviewing, resetting and adjusting in order to ensure that your business is running smoothly. So you should be monitoring your cancellation policy and its impact.” [23:36] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 246: Onboarding and Maintaining a Proper Team with Katie Santos of Fitness HR
05/23/2024
Episode 246: Onboarding and Maintaining a Proper Team with Katie Santos of Fitness HR
What We Cover In This Episode: What leadership quality Katie says is the single most crucial one for running a fitness studio [4:08] One of the biggest HR pitfalls that she has seen running a fitness studio with a W2 workforce [5:36] A trend that is brewing in the fitness industry to be aware of as a studio owner [9:09] Katie’s insights for beginning the hiring process with a curated email campaign [12:32] Why role clarity is absolutely crucial for all positions in the studio, those currently filled and unfilled [16:38] Effective techniques for maintaining engagement with your team [20:27] How to tell if new hires are integrating smoothly into the fitness studio culture you have created [23:30] Some frequent mistakes that studio owners are making during the onboarding process [26:44] A reminder that your staff should be treated as a revenue-generating person in your business [29:57] Quotes: “We don’t think of our staff as revenue-generating resources, and most of them are. Even your front desk [staff], they are making calls and booking in, so they are generating revenue for you. They deserve to be managed and cared for like they are revenue-generating just like our clients are.” [Katie, 4:18] “When you start to see a staff member going left when you want them to go right, it’s time to be inquisitive about it.” [Kate, 6:23] “Culture is there, whether you purposely developed or articulated it or not, and it can change over time.” [Katie, 24:21] LINKS: Katie’s & fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 245: 10 Key Facts of Digital Marketing
05/16/2024
Episode 245: 10 Key Facts of Digital Marketing
What We Cover In This Episode: News with Nick and a look at how Capitol Hill is “getting fit” [0:54] Why you need to find and lean into your ideal clients in order to have a successful business and a strong community [5:36] The reasons that SEO is crucial for attracting organic traffic [7:12] What happens when you build a content strategy that offers value [8:27] How to approach leveraging the power of social media to create a dynamic presence [9:51] What the ultimate goal of email marketing should be [11:28] Tips for incorporating video tutorials into your digital marketing strategy [12:25] A look at online reviews and the power they hold [13:13] What to consider with mobile optimization [14:28] Some of the ways to utilize the data analytics tools that are available [15:45] Why you need to have everything dailed in before even starting to do paid advertising [15:51] Quotes: “It was completely different 5 [or] 10 years ago, but now it’s once you know your niche audience, you just follow the trends and you just put your niche on each trend.” [Megan, 9:13] “Personally I think, vlogging, short posts, long form posts and all the video content you can do is great. People love videos.” [Megan, 12:43] “You can't improve what you don't track, and it doesn't really matter how you feel. It just depends what the numbers say, they’re the things that move [the needle].” [Nick, 16:00] “You have to earn the right to do paid advertising, in my opinion. Everything needs to be dialed in.” [16:45] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 244: The Downsides of Not Having Employees with Katie Santos of Fitness HR
05/09/2024
Episode 244: The Downsides of Not Having Employees with Katie Santos of Fitness HR
What We Cover In This Episode: What the transition from studio owner to HR looked like for Katie [6:25] How to convey, from a marketing perspective, the move from1099 independent contractor to W-2 employee [7:42] The top common misconceptions of HR in the fitness industry [11:22] What the statistics say for studios that do not have a W-2 structure in place [14:34] The fundamental differences between an employee and contractor to be aware of [16:33] Some common legal pitfalls that studios may face during this process [19:26] How hiring contractors versus employees affects the culture of your studio [22:34] The benefits and/or drawbacks of hiring contractors versus employees [26:15] Quotes: “What’s your culture saying? How do we define it? What does your pricing look like? Is it supportive of being able to bring employees? If not, let’s work with that first.” [Katie, 9:23] “I think workers are getting smarter [about] what their rights are. The younger they get, they know exactly what’s due to them and what their rights are, and good for them.” [Katie, 14:01] “I think if you really put the work in ahead of time and hire fast and fire slow… I am not saying it the other way around. I am not messing up. Hire quickly because you know exactly who you need to have.” [Katie, 20:50] LINKS: Katie’s & Episodes , , & with Michael Jay & Mitch McGinley fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 243: Maximize Studio Membership Value with fitDEGREE's Early Access Tags
05/02/2024
Episode 243: Maximize Studio Membership Value with fitDEGREE's Early Access Tags
What We Cover In This Episode: What early access tags are and the ways you can now start implementing them [7:44] How this feature was designed to make memberships more valuable in your studio [8:40] Common use cases for these access tags in fitDEGREE [11:20] How to locate and create early access tags in your admin [13:42] Why the early access tag feature was really built for studios with waitlists [16:01] What you can do to leverage early access tags as fun perks on intro offers [16:24] Quotes: “We were worried it might have gotten a little bit swept under the rug because spot booking was our big fancy flashy guy, but early access tags are really impactful for you and your business.” [Megan, 7:25] “The reason the future really stuck out to me was we were also hearing over the months that we need to make memberships more valuable on the platform. What’s the point of a client being on an autopay membership other than price?” [Nick, 9:05] “This feature was built for studios that have classes with waitlists in mind, so if you do not have a registration window on your classes and you just leave it as always open, tighten it up and put this perk on your membership.” [Nick, 16:01] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 242: Protecting Your Website – The Three Must-Have Documents featuring Lisa Fraley
04/25/2024
Episode 242: Protecting Your Website – The Three Must-Have Documents featuring Lisa Fraley
What We Cover In This Episode: What to realize about breaking through the “wall of trust” with clients [6:06] A rundown of the three most important documents to include in your website [11:04] How a website disclaimer specifically protects fitness studio owners [11:59] One of the first things that you should do when opening a fitness studio [14:42] Ways to approach your terms and conditions for visitor use of your website [18:28] What makes a privacy policy so crucial when building trust with clients [23:51] The next step to take to access over 50 DIY templates from Lisa [26:04] Quotes: “I realize people want to make their clients feel comfortable and you do need to protect yourself and have clear boundaries and clear legal policies, but you don't have to make them harsh or cold, negative or uncomfortable, because it’s already uncomfortable enough as it is.” [Lisa, 8:06] “The idea is you want to get clear about creating your boundaries and clear about who you are and what you do and what you don't do, so that people can't come back and take the information on your website and come after you.” [13:00] “When you put all the time and money into opening a studio, you want to do everything you possibly can to make it safe and protected so that no one can come and take it away from you or sue you.” [Lisa, 17:45] LINKS: Lisa’s & Connect with Lisa on & fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 241: Using Spot Booking to Enhance the Client Experience, Social Connections (and More)
04/18/2024
Episode 241: Using Spot Booking to Enhance the Client Experience, Social Connections (and More)
What We Cover In This Episode: A look at a supportive, adaptable and appealing new yoga mat [0:56] How clients can use the spot booking feature to select the equipment they want to use, where they want to sit, and more [4:28] Some the ways it allows you to get detailed on how to visually represent the room to your booking clients [5:18] More on the social aspect of spot booking [6:06] What we’re doing with the ongoing development on the spot booking feature in fitDEGREE [7:20] How fitDEGREE sets itself apart from other softwares that are offering spot booking [9:34] Best practices for implementing spot booking in the smoothest way possible for everyone involved [11:34] Tips for increasing retention and engagement using spot booking [15:50] Actionable steps that you can take today to maximize the spot booking feature [16:52] What to know about our new early access feature [19:58] The importance of the key item’s icons [23:00] Quotes: “Clients have preferences on the piece of equipment that they use and where that equipment is located. Sometimes they follow a specific bike around the studio or a specific Pilates reformer around the studio, or sometimes they just like to be in the front row ori in the back row.” [Nick, 4:54] “We already had this feature where clients could see what classes their friends are signed up for, but now they can actually see where their friends are sitting. So if they were to look at a map, they’ll see the instructor’s face where they’ll be, they’ll see spots that are taken by people that are not their friends, and they’ll see spots that are taken by their friends ” [Nick, 6:12] “From the community aspect, it really amplifies the friends feature that we have and gives the friend connections more ammunition than it had before.” [Nick, 16:39] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 240: Disclaimers and Waivers – Focusing on Brick and Mortar Businesses with a Nod to the Virtual World featuring Lisa Fraley
04/11/2024
Episode 240: Disclaimers and Waivers – Focusing on Brick and Mortar Businesses with a Nod to the Virtual World featuring Lisa Fraley
What We Cover In This Episode: Lisa’s journey to become a lawyer and also a fitness instruction, plus the way she combines these two passions [1:34] What the role of certifications will be in terms of legal protection for the studio [8:42] The important aspects of disclaimers and waivers that you need to be aware of [10:14] Some of the reasons why insurance is so important and how it compliments the waivers that are being used [16:24] How being the right business entity will help protect you from potential liability [20:53] Lisa’s final thoughts on disclaimers, waivers and protecting you and your business [27:27] Quotes: “Sometimes it depends on the type of fitness instruction that you’re doing, but you want to make sure that your event waiver or your liability waiver is covering multiple approaches.” [Lisa, 10:22] “Legal documents are not meant to be short and sweet, because first of all, they could be lacking key points, and second of all, anything that you saw in law has to be spelled out.” [Lisa, 16:23] “Something could still go wrong. If something goes wrong, then you want to have insurance on the back end, just like you do for your house, your car, your health and other things in your life.” [Lisa, 19:23] LINKS: Lisa’s , & fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 239: Catch the Eye, Win the Heart: How Fitness Studios Can Master the Marketing and Sales Duo
04/04/2024
Episode 239: Catch the Eye, Win the Heart: How Fitness Studios Can Master the Marketing and Sales Duo
What We Cover In This Episode: News with Nick and some somber news about current happiness levels in the United States [0:40] The main purpose of sales compared to that of marketing [6:35] Specific questions you need to be asking yourself as you consider the different roles of your sales and marketing departments and personnel [7:49] Which types of activities sales focuses on versus marketing [12:13] What can happen when a good salesperson can feels more like an “accountability buddy” for your clients [18:14] Quick wins for the link using share links and early access tags [20:51] Our weekly challenge and four actions you can take with your sales and marketing [22:23] Quotes: “Are you getting more followers? Are you getting more engagement? Are you getting more visits to your website? Are you getting new clientele in the door? Sales can be held very accountable to, based on the people that came in the door, what happened?” [Nick, 7:49] “[For] everyone that buys an intro offer at your studio, when they come in and you start understanding their needs, [ask] if this is someone your studio was meant to serve. If so, you better get them to convert.” [Nick, 10:51] “In my mind as someone who’s been a consumer of boutique fitness for a long time, a good salesperson feels like an accountability buddy. They’re not calling you and instantly trying to make the sale or convert you.” [Megan, 18:14] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 238: Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and First Purchase
03/28/2024
Episode 238: Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and First Purchase
What We Cover In This Episode: The number one benefit from a marketing perspective that a studio will gain when signing up with LenzVU [1:16] How you can enable your automation from Day One with LenzVU [2:48] What Afi says is the biggest standout feature for the platform [7:38] The ways in which LenzVU’s AI-driven marketing tools cater to the specific needs of studio owners [11:44] A closer look at how LenzVU works in tandem with fitDEGREE [14:28] The important role that personalized communication plays in moving clients from awareness to purchase [16:32] How to use the platform to increase conversions through tools that identify all engagement interactions [19:44] Some of the common challenges that fitness studios are facing in converting their leads to customers [22:14] A final note on personalizing your AI-automated interactions using LenzVU [24:53] Quotes: “The benefit of having LenzVu integrated into a great platform like fitDEGREE allows for the studios to have a complete end-to-end understanding of the clients.” [Afi, 15:05] “Having an understanding of what brought them into the studio in the first place and continuing to actually ensure that they are still meeting those objectives is crucial.” [23:30] “There is a lot of capability and flexibility that we provide within our platform to allow for the studios to thrive.” [29:09] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 237: A Deep Dive into the fitDEGREE Summit
03/21/2024
Episode 237: A Deep Dive into the fitDEGREE Summit
What We Cover In This Episode: More expansion news in the industry related to chains delving into the food and beverage game [1:18] Who our upcoming in-person summit is targeted to and how it will help them [4:48] The themes that we chose to deep dive into while there and what you can expect at the 3-day summit [8:11] The way in which it will be more of a cohort and less of a conference [11:30] Some of the key topics you’ll be hearing about and receiving actionable strategies on [13:56] The opportunities you will have to level up your business with your summit non-negotiables [18:06] Atlanta, Georgia - here we come! [21:03] Quotes: “You can come with a list of questions, because my dream is for you to be able to come prepared, do the homework there, and go home feeling like you are set for success.” [Megan, 11:14] “One thing about it being small, is that it has the opportunity to be interactive. It’s not going to be a one-way lecture where I don’t care who is in the audience, I prepared something and that is what we are talking about. It has the opportunity to be interactive where we can hear where you’re at and solve those problems.” [Nick, 18:57] “One of my big goals is to make sure that we are not like other summits and conferences, when you're walking in and have no idea what you’re about to encounter. You should be able to walk in with a list of questions, per presenter, that you’re able to get actionable answers to.” [Megan, 20:19] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 236: How to deal with noncommittal clients with Afi of LenzVU
03/14/2024
Episode 236: How to deal with noncommittal clients with Afi of LenzVU
What We Cover In This Episode: What inspired Afi to into this space building the LenzVU platform [1:18] Some of the game changing features it has to boost your sales and retain clients [3:12] How LenzVu helps studios with noncommittal clients by gathering information to build very targeted funnels [5:09] The most surprising feedback so far that LenzVu has gotten from its clients [7:09] A few of the ways that targeted marketing specifically addresses the challenge of converting noncommittal clients [9:16] A look at how LenzVu facilitates their marketing engines [15:05] What to understand about data and success rates [22:04] Quotes: “LenzVU helps the studios understand what brought them to the studio and also engages them through targeted marketing, which would be more appealing than just [saying], ‘Here are 5 ways to take classes at the studio.” [Afi, 4:05] “It's crucial for a studio to grasp specific needs and the decision-making factors of their clients.” [Afi, 10:15] “That’s what target marketing is about, engaging clients with information that is aligned with their needs, rather than sending all the information and expecting them to be enticed by a piece of information that satisfies their needs.” [Afi, 12:31] “The power that LenzVu brings to the table is that it natively allows for the studios to engage the clients to find out their needs or interests.” [15:15] LINKS: Afi’s Blog Post, fitDEGREE’s
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Episode 235: fitDEGREE Summit 2024: A First Glimpse (and Your Invitation)!
03/07/2024
Episode 235: fitDEGREE Summit 2024: A First Glimpse (and Your Invitation)!
What We Cover In This Episode: A first glance at the FitDEGREE Summit 2024 and what you can expect by attending [3:38] What the inspiration was to create this event coming in October 2024 [4:40] How this event will be an immersive experience for all who attend [7:49] Why we’re so excited about the retreat-vibe location where it’s happening at [9:00] Steps you can take in preparing to make the most of this experience [11:08] Some of the long-term benefits studio owners attending will realize [14:08] Deadlines, prices and details to be aware of [16:41] The way that getting to know our presenters will help you get the most out of your experience [21:36] Quotes: “They just have so much all around. There’s the lake, there’s things to do all across the resort itself, there’s things all around the resort, [such as] walking paths. You’re going to have ample opportunity to learn and implement things with fitDEGREE and our partners, but also to just go off and have that time to yourself to reflect.” [10:27] “You are going to have an offsite retreat with like-minded individuals that are professionals in your industry, that either you have met or haven't met yet, and create that tight, close-knit group of thirty people.” [13:44] “One thing that I have noticed working in this industry for the past five or six years now is that the modalities, the offerings, and the delivery of fitness and wellness is the unique part, but outside of that it is a very standard business model that should be followed.” [14:20] “You should always be working in a way to develop the best business practices and create that playbook of, if I were to sell it or if I were to go away for a month, I can give someone the playbook and they can run my business.” [15:17] LINKS: fitDEGREE’s
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