"Fitness isn't just changing; it's evolving."
That's the mantra of Debra Strougo, the powerhouse behind Row House.
This week we’re rewinding back to Episode 546.
Where we dove into the future of fitness with Debra.
And trust me, it was an eye-opener.
Her journey from marketing whiz to fitness icon? Absolutely inspiring.
Quick Highlights:
Debra’s Odyssey: From marketing to fitness empire – what a ride!
Clients Come First: It's all about understanding what they need.
Row House Origins: How a simple idea became a fitness sensation.
Branding Genius: Debra’s top tips for a brand that resonates deep.
Franchising? Yes, Please: Why this is her go-to strategy.
This episode is a goldmine for anyone wanting to thrive in boutique fitness.
And it's just as relevant today as it was then.
And hey, don’t miss out!
Join us at Dare To Thrive, Feb 28th & March 1st in LA.
It’s your ticket to an incredible 2024 for your studio. Grab your spot here.
With Grit and Gratitude,
Lise
PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe and join the party!
LINKS:
Y’all,
In the latest episode of the Business of Boutique Fitness, host Heather explores
the importance of understanding your competition in the fitness industry.
Competition brings more awareness to fitness and wellness, benefiting everyone.
Heather emphasizes the need to identify your unique offerings to stand out.
Thoroughly researching your competitors and conducting a SWOT analysis will
help you understand how you differ and inform your marketing decisions.
When interacting with prospective clients, use your knowledge to provide tailored
information and find the right fit, even if it means recommending a competitor.
Take the high road when discussing competition, showcasing your strengths and
unique value. By leveraging your strengths and standing out, you'll attract the
right clients and thrive in the competitive fitness industry. Visit the Studio Grow
website for the full episode and more resources. Subscribe, leave a review, and
share with colleagues to make a positive impact in the world of boutique fitness.
On the edge of your seat?
Great, let’s do it. Catch ya in EPISODE 586 and let’s make your studio the
hottest ticket in town!
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
https://studiogrow.co/
https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just feels right?
That's no accident.
It's the magic of a business built with heart and soul.
And that's exactly what we're chatting about in EPISODE 585.
Nicole's been where many of us are – at that crossroads where you choose safe over soulful.
But she chose differently.
Here's a taste of our heart-to-heart:
Pop in your earbuds and hit play on EPISODE 585, and let’s get into the feels of running a business that’s truly yours.
Catch ya there!
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/wonderyoga/
When a new member walks into your studio…
You're not just showing them where the locker rooms are or what the WiFi password is.
You're laying down the red carpet to a long-term relationship.
That might just turn them into…your next raving fan.
In EPISODE 584, I sat down with Lindsey & Katie, the gurus of the “New Member Journey”, who have turned this process into an art form.
Here's Your Quick Look:
So grab your headphones and tune into EPISODE 584 and we’ll dive into this New Member Journey together.
Catch ya there!
With Grit and Gratitude,
Lise
PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
Is your studio's love life a series of bad dates?
You know the drill.
Clients come in, the sparks fly, but just when you think it's love at first sight—poof—they ghost you.
If you're tired of the “It's not you, it's me” chats…grab your headphones.
In EPISODE 583, I sat down with my rockstar Studio Grow coaches, Katie and Lindsey, to discuss the nitty-gritty of client retention.
Trust me, it's like couples therapy for your fitness studio.
Here's the Tea:
So, if your studio is stuck in a cycle of fitness flings…
EPISODE 583 is your go-to guide for turning those short-term trysts into happily-ever-afters.
Catch ya there!
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
Is your fitness studio on the brink of something huge?
The road from startup to empire is bumpy, but…
This dream isn't as far-fetched as you might think.
In EPISODE 582 I had the pleasure of chatting with Felicia Alexander.
She's the powerhouse behind Box Union and the strategic brain that took Title Boxing Club to new heights.
Seriously, she's the Yoda of fitness franchising.
Here’s the lineup:
So, hit play on EPISODE 582, and let us give you the playbook to scale your studio into something epic.
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco
Is your studio a high-stakes drama?
Is it a stage where every session is a show, each trainer is a star, and you?
You’re the brilliant director behind it all.
If it’s not…
In EPISODE 581, we’re peeling back the curtain to reveal the nitty-gritty of running a studio that's not just a gym…but a hot-ticket theater.
Here’s the lineup:
On the edge of your seat?
Great, let’s do it.Catch ya in EPISODE 581 and let’s make your studio the hottest ticket in town!
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Introduction to the Front Desk Team and Their Impact on Brand Perception: This section discusses the importance of the front desk team in shaping the studio's brand image and creating a positive experience for clients.
Overcoming Objections and Maximizing the Front Desk Role: This section addresses common objections to having a dedicated front desk team and highlights the potential value they can bring to the studio.
Defining the Front Desk Team as Brand Ambassadors: This section emphasizes the role of the front desk team as brand ambassadors who understand clients' needs, make recommendations, and create personalized experiences.
Leveraging the Front Desk Team for Revenue Generation: This section explores how the front desk team can contribute to revenue generation through upselling, cross-selling, and building strong relationships with clients.
Hiring the Right Front Desk Team Members and Setting Them Up for Success: This section provides guidance on finding the right candidates for the front desk role and implementing effective onboarding and training programs.
The Front Desk as a Powerful Tool for Client Impressions and Retention: This section highlights the front desk team's role in creating a welcoming atmosphere, fostering client relationships, and contributing to client satisfaction and retention.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco
Y’all,
Is your sales team not quite in sync?
Like you've got the instruments, but the music just isn't flowing?
That's what Episode 579 is all about—making sure your sales team is more than just a group of people reading from different song sheets.
Here's the breakdown:
Finding the right mix of discipline and flair is like arranging a song.
You need the structure, but you also need those surprising notes that make it uniquely yours.
If this sounds like the tune-up your sales team needs, don't miss Episode 579.
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco
578: 180 Degrees of Boutique HR - The New Org Chart
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
The importance of building a successful team: Lise discusses the importance of having a long-term, productive, and satisfied team and the challenges of achieving this in the current industry.
Typical employees in boutique fitness: Lise breaks down the typical employees in boutique fitness, including front desk workers, practitioners, and managers, and discusses the challenges associated with retaining them.
Different stages of studio development: Lise outlines three stages of studio development, from Studio 1.0 with an owner-operator to Studio 3.0 with multiple locations and an owner-investor, and the roles needed at each stage.
The importance of a marketing director: Lise emphasizes the critical role of a marketing director in sustaining steady growth of leads.
The role of a regional director: Lise explains the importance of a regional director in ensuring that sales managers in individual studios perform well.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco
577: Studio Surge - Unveiling Growth Strategies and Transformative Insights around a Multi-Studio Expansion
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Beth Potter introduces the upcoming series on boutique HR and shares a personal story about her husband's growth in the industry.
Brent shares his experience of growing from 5 to 13 studios and the challenges involved with integrating new teams and processes.
Brent explains the leadership strategies he implemented, such as accountability ladders and lead trainers, to develop his team.
Brent emphasizes the importance of replicating processes and the member journey to maintain consistency across all locations.
Brent discusses how his team overcame the influx of membership cancellations during the pandemic by focusing on building relationships and culture.
Beth asks Brent how he manages his dedication to his team and provides advice on communication protocols and work-life balance.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-potter-5a990461/
https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-potter-6a6b98193/
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Kim explains how her training in classical ballet informs her approach to classical Pilates and why she prefers this method.
Kim discusses her desire to become a business owner, her lack of prior business experience, and the challenges she faced in opening and growing her Pilates studio.
Kim emphasizes the importance of staying true to the tradition of classical Pilates and passing on an authentic product to clients and future generations.
Links:
https://au.linkedin.com/in/kim-paxton-95592a17
Ever had one of those days where juggling even a handful of fitness classes feels like a whirlwind?
Oh, trust me, I've been there, and I've got the coffee stains on my shirt to prove it!
But imagine, just for a second, being the driving force behind 340 fitness studios. (Mind-blowing, right?)
In EPISODE 575, we’re entering the world of Andrea Bell, the wonder woman who brought Anytime Fitness to Asia.
And no, that's not a typo - we're talking about 340 locations!
Here’s what we’re chatting about:
Anytime Fitness Takes on Asia: Andrea's journey of turning a dream into 340 bustling Anytime Fitness clubs. It's a story you won't want to miss.
The Real Deal on Team Building: The highs, lows, and absolute "did that just happen?" moments.
Boutique Fitness Vibes: Discover the unique rhythm of fitness in Asia. (It's not what you'd expect.)
The Ownership Tango: Owning 30% of those fitness hubs? Yep, it’s a tale with twists.
US vs. Asia - Fitness Showdown: Different continents, contrasting cultures.
Intrigued? I thought you might be.
Dive deep with me into EPISODE 575 and let's uncover these stories together with a dash of excitement and a sprinkle of curiosity.
With Grit and Gratitude,
Lise
PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!
Links:
https://sg.linkedin.com/in/andrea-bell-97275bb4
https://www.inspirebrandsasia.com/about-us/
https://studiogrow.co/
574: From Investor to Acquisition: Meet Desiree Guillard-Young and Walk Alongside Her Path to a 3 Studio Acquisition and New Role As Director of People for FitLab
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Lisa Kueckerintroduces her guest, Desiree Gulliard-Young, as a powerhouse and a leader in the fitness industry.
Desiree discusses her athletic background and how it prepared her for her professional career, as well as her experience in corporate America, specifically in talent acquisition and leadership development.
Lisa and Desiree discuss how Desiree became an investor in Sanctuary Fitness and how her background in talent acquisition and leadership development prepared her for her role as Director of People Operations.
Desiree discusses some of the lessons she's learned in leadership, including the importance of meeting employees where they are and adjusting leadership strategies accordingly.
Desiree discusses the challenges and opportunities she faced when transitioning from corporate America to a startup environment, including the importance of assessing current state and learning the business before making any major changes.
Links:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/desireeguilliardyoung
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Early mention of Black Friday: Lise discusses the importance of planning for Black Friday in the third quarter, and shares statistics about the shopping holiday.
The importance of messaging: Lise emphasizes the importance of crafting the right message for Black Friday, and shares insights from marketer Donald Miller on how to tell a brand's story.
Profit maximization: Lise discusses the importance of focusing on the most profitable products and services in a Black Friday strategy to maximize revenue.
Product stacking: Lise recommends using a "stacking sale" approach to Black Friday, with four different offers over multiple days to target different buyer types.
Black Friday success stories: Lise shares success stories from previous Black Fridays, including large sales and increased average client monthly value.
Call to action: Lise encourages listeners to download the studio's Black Friday Ultimate Guide and take action to create an exceptional Black Friday strategy.
Links:
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Overview of Amanda Freeman's fitness brand, SLT - Amanda Freeman, founder of boutique fitness brand SLT, discusses the high-intensity Pilates workout that has swept New York City and New England.
Growth trajectory and acquisition strategy of SLT - Freeman talks about the early days of SLT as a passion project, its growth trajectory, and the decision to partner with private equity to fund expansion and acquisitions.
Challenges of acquisitions in the fitness industry - Freeman explains the difficulties of acquiring other fitness studios and the need to carefully consider factors such as employee contracts and landlord negotiations.
Franchising versus corporate ownership in the fitness industry - Freeman discusses her initial hesitancy towards franchising and the challenges of balancing corporate overhead with the need for expansion.
Impact of COVID-19 on the fitness industry - Freeman touches on the challenges faced by the fitness industry during the pandemic and how it affected SLT's growth.
Compensation and performance in the fitness industry - Freeman discusses the issue of compensating employees based on performance and the challenges faced with managing remote locations.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-freeman-95b61614/
571: Part 2 - Promotion Stacking with Coaches Emily and Allison
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Coach Emily and Coach Allison welcome you to the second part of a marketing series and discusses effective promotion stacking strategies.
The discussion highlights the importance of understanding your audience and appealing to different types of buyers with different promotions.
Strategizing promotion stacking: The transcript offers advice on how to strategically plan and implement promotion stacking, including considering the calendar, the length of promotions, and the client journey.
Avoiding overuse of promotions: The discussion warns against overusing promotions and discusses how to avoid making clients feel like everything is always on sale.
Length of memberships: Allison and Emily suggest considering the length of memberships or contracts when planning promotions, and how this can impact client retention.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Coach Emily and Coach Allison discuss the importance of planning your marketing calendar and warm up your audience with promotions, packages, and different marketing channels.
The Importance of Understanding User Feedback: The user research call discusses various user research topics and methods, and how to evaluate user feedback effectively.
This document describes the role of a research scientist, including their responsibilities and the qualifications necessary for the position.
A brief overview of ancient Greek civilization, including their emergence as a distinct civilization, the development of city-states, and the Golden Age of Greece.
A project plan for launching a new board game, including determining the target audience, designing and testing the game, branding and packaging, and developing marketing and distribution strategies.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Discussion on the importance of having the right staff in place and Catherine's process for finding reliable employees.
Tips for streamlining systems and processes for multiple locations, including creating standard operating procedures.
Importance of setting boundaries and creating work-life balance as a studio owner, including tips for managing staff and taking time off.
Personal growth and detachment from the business as a key to success, including the benefits of not being emotionally attached to the business and making better decisions.
Links:
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherine-hebb-19737a10
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Understanding the need for software and automations in a business, particularly for lead management and communication with clients.
The different types of software necessary for a brand new business, including CRM, email, and texting capabilities.
The importance of utilizing automations to nurture and communicate with leads, prospects, and clients, without sacrificing authenticity.
The benefits of automations for personal trainers and studios, particularly in terms of time management and efficiency.
The top three essential things to automate for a business, including lead nurturing, purchase follow-ups, and appointment reminders.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
567: The Future of Teacher Training - Meet Nora Reynolds, Co-Founder of Arrichion and Learn How Higher Education Is Transforming Teacher Trainings
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Discussion on the importance of deliberate practice in online learning and the mistakes made in online learning.
The deliberate structure and success of Auron's online teacher training program.
Problems with too much content in online programs and the necessity of building connections between modules.
The importance of developing quality teacher training programs and the current state of the industry.
The role of live instruction and feedback in Auron's teacher training programs.
Links:
Are your team members evolving?
It's one thing to assemble a group of talented individuals, but it's another to create an environment that encourages growth, creativity, and a genuine love for what we do.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, you're in for a treat!
Recently, we caught up with Coach Amanda. She's not just a whizz at fitness coaching; she's also a seasoned studio owner with a treasure chest of insights on team development.
In EPISODE 566, Amanda opened up about her tried-and-true methods for effective feedback, goal setting, and empowering her team.
Here's a sneak peek at what she shared:
Remember, a well-oiled team is the heart and soul of a booming boutique fitness studio.
Let’s listen and learn, together.
So grab your notepad and tune into EPISODE 566.
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
Yall, what does it take to become a household name in the fitness industry?
We asked the President of Basecamp Fitness just that.
I recently had an amazing heart-to-heart with Ben Camper, the innovative President of Base Camp Fitness.
Spoiler alert: Their journey is awe-inspiring.
Base Camp has made a name for itself in the boutique fitness world with its unique 35-minute high-intensity interval training workout. Not only has this unique approach set them apart, but it's also driven some incredible growth.
In EPISODE 565, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of their brand transformation.
Here's a sneak peek of what we discuss:
Remember, the key to success is not just dreaming big, but executing big.
Let’s listen and learn, together.
Keep pushing boundaries and chasing those dreams!
With grit and gratitude,
Lisé
LINKS:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:
Allison recounts her experiences in establishing a small franchise of Pilates studios and the challenges she faced due to a lack of available teachers, suggesting that training dedicated teachers within your studio can provide a solid solution.
Different types of teacher training programs, from foundation courses to comprehensive training programs, suggesting the need for clarity on what each studio plans to offer, and how licensing or hosting programs from another school or company could be viable options.
The logistics of implementing a teacher training program, including factors like potential class cancellations, marketing budget, supplies, and ensuring profitability, suggesting that studios should aim for about 30% profitability or more in their programs.
Allison explains how to price teacher training programs based on cost, capacity, and potential profitability, recommending that studios consider payment plans, cancellation policies, early bird pricing, and potential upsells to increase profitability and enhance the experience for future teachers.
Links:
https://studiogrow.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/
When Aymeric and Gianni decided to create a one-of-a-kind boutique studio experience in Hong Kong, they chose to model their brand around the concept of ikigai – the Japanese secret to a meaningful life.
Today, Ikigai Wellness is more than just your run-of-the-mill chain of yoga and meditation studios. From day one, Aymeric and Gianni have worked to create and deliver a holistic experience to help clients discover their reason for being and define their own path to happiness and success.
And their world-class yoga and meditation offerings are just the starting point of all they’ve set out to achieve.
Join Lise in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness as she speaks to Aymeric Vollant and Gianni Melwani about the vision and mission behind Ikigai Wellness. Aymeric and Gianni discuss how they positioned their lifestyle brand around wellness, the various types of holistic experiences they offer and why quality care and hospitality have always been their top priority.
Here’s what we’ll cover in Episode 563:
The fascinating personal journeys of Aymeric and Gianni that led to the creation of Ikigai
An in-depth exploration of the meaning and inspiration behind the name and concept of ikigai
The importance of customer care and hospitality in creating a unique and exceptional client journey
The unique experience that Ikigai Wellness offers in terms of class size, variety of offerings, personalized customer service, and attention to detail in the studio design
The integration of music into the Ikigai experience and how it creates unique and transformative sessions.
Tune in now to start listening!
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/