Welcome to GROWvember at PushPress! This month, we’re sharing all kinds of resources, tools, PushStart webinars and ideas that are designed to help your gym be successful. Why GROWvember? Because PushPress Grow is a game-changer for your gym. It's one of the most powerful tools available for everything from lead generation to creating the ultimate member experience. If you're not using Grow yet, we hope GROWvember will show you how it can help you level up and... GROW!
The fitness industry is often an anomaly when it comes to gym ownership. Most gym owners have a fitness background, rather than a business one. So when it comes to direction and strategy, successful gym owners are constantly seeking to learn.
That’s exactly why we created PushStart by PushPress, a collection of resources and education for every stage of running a successful gym. Put simply, PushStart helps you take your small business to the next level.
The free resource library includes more than 20 video courses and resources. It’s categorized using the AMPED acronym: Attract, Monetize, Plug-in, Expand and Delight. Each category is broken down into short sections. This allows you to choose the content that best helps you, and consume it in time frames that work with your busy schedule.
Throughout this month, we’ll be focusing on each of the five categories. In case you missed the first two blogs, check out Attract and Monetize now!
Two PushStart by PushPress PLUG-IN Courses.
Today’s focus - PLUG-IN - is all about examining the various processes and systems you can use to make your business more efficient. In other words, you’ll learn how to turn your ideas and concepts into consistent, scalable systems. And these systems will help your clients, coaches and your business.
Here are two examples of Plug-In courses:
1. How to Handle Cancelations and Still Earn Referrals From Them.
As a gym owner, it can be discouraging when a client cancels their membership. As gym owners, we often take it personally, so there’s temptation to be angry or bitter. But burning bridges doesn’t help anyone.
In this PushStart by PushPress course about how to handle cancelations, WTF Gym Talk owner and business mentor Stu Brauer discusses how to do it right. Brauer talks about handling cancelations with maturity to leave the door open for the clients to return. Plus, he even shares tips to earn referrals after members have left the gym.
Brauer suggests replacing emotion with rational thinking. As he explained, “People quitting is an inevitable part of being a gym owner. It’s natural. As peoples’ life cycles evolve, so do their fitness interests.”
So instead of being emotional about losing a member, pivot your thinking. Focus on creating systems to keep in touch with former members, and asking them for referrals.
Step 1: Create Workflows for Canceled Clients.
By using a gym CRM like PushPress Grow, you can create workflows for former members. Use the power of automation to reach out to them two or three times per year, reminding them that they’re missed in your gym.
The idea here isn’t to pressure them to come back. Instead, you’re continuing to provide valuable information that educates, informs and even entertains. By reminding them that you’re still there, they know that the door is open whenever they’re ready to come back.
Step 2: Make Them Want to Refer Others.
Brauer offered four ideas for creating a referral program from your former clients:
First, provide a relocation concierge. If a member cancels because they’re relocating to a new city, help them find a new fitness home there.
Second, put together a photo collage and write a goodbye letter. Gather any media you have of the member and send it with a handwritten note from you and your coaches.
Third, design an at-home workout plan. For members that quit because they say they don’t have time to make it to the gym, help them out. Provide some at-home workout options to keep them committed to their fitness until the gym is an option again.
Pro Tip: Use PushPress Grow to automate your communication and save time! Book a demo with our team today to find out more!
And finally, give them a list of recommendations. If a member cancels because their interests have changed, help them find new options. For example, send them info about a local Jiu Jitsu facility or triathlon club. This will go a long way in helping them feel less awkward about returning to your gym after they’ve tried other things.
For more details on cancellation best practices and policies, check out the full PushStart course here!
2. Creating an Annual Plan.
This PushStart course is all about teaching you how to be proactive - versus reactive - when planning your upcoming year of business operations.
Brauer recommends coming up with macro goals in four categories. They include business (KPIs and revenue), Human Resources (developing your team), client experience and personal.
Once you have this list, you’ll break these goals down into micro goals. In other words, what needs to happen each day, week, month and quarter to reach your macro goals?
As Brauer puts it, “Macro sets the tone, micro sets the tactics.”
Putting it Into Practice.
The idea here is to create a practical roadmap with actionable items in order for you to achieve your goals.
For example, if your goal is to hire a full-time General Manager by the end of the year, your actionable items might include:
- Creating the role and job description, compensation plan, etc.
- Consulting with your CPA about associated tax costs
- Calculating revenue needs to be able to afford this role
- Figuring out how many new members it will take to reach this revenue
“It’s a rabbit hole that goes deeper and deeper and deeper, and that’s good,” said Brauer. “You need to uncover all the checkmarks and checkpoints along the way that you need to hit in order to be successful with this macro goal.”
For more details on creating an annual plan, check out the full PushStart course here!
In Summary: Get Plugged In with PushStart by PushPress
Creating systems is easier than you think. In fact, there’s even a course in PushStart by PushPress called Creating Systems is Easier than You Think!
Taking the time to analyze and create the proper systems will go a long way in helping your business run efficiently. And more importantly, in helping you provide value to your clients. Without systems, your business can easily spiral into disorganized chaos. And the larger you grow, the harder it will become to manage the chaos.
Get ahead of the game today by diving into the Plug-In courses in PushStart by PushPress.
