Ready. Aim. Empire.

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:   Amanda discusses Team Development and the importance of building a team environment that embraces feedback and encourages growth mindset for success. She lists 8 impactful points that she uses in her own studio every day. Amanda shares her personal approach for holding development conversations by breaking the ice, getting employee feedback first, performing an expectation check, giving feedback, creating a plan, and following up. Amanda emphasizes the importance of using open-ended questions to encourage employees to open up and share their struggles or areas of improvement. Amanda discusses the importance of empowering employees to assess their own processes and take ownership of their role for improved performance. Links: https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

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: Base Camp’s Growth Strategy: Base Camp's approach to balancing single and multi-unit operators with their goal of hitting 200 units by 2026. Base Camp’s Business Model: We discuss how they've created an efficient workout experience that extends to their marketing, studio design, and vendor management. The Role of Self-Esteem in Brands: The role of resources and expertise from Self-Est

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 pr

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 E

562: The 7 Figure Teacher Training Framework    Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: Developing a seven and eight figure teacher training program as a separate business entity with its own IP and brand Core and foundational training for the masses and technical aspects of building a training with milestones and CEUs Business model for teacher training programs with annual fees, CEUs, and a product stack for recurring revenue Next level of training with a focus on more advanced movements and specializations that reflect the brand Level three training as a professional training with a niche focus and potential for skipping over based on personal goals Links: https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:   Lise explains the importance of an onboarding journey for both clients and team members and discusses the key elements of a successful onboarding process. Lise introduces the concept of a bridge training program to quickly onboard experienced fitness instructors into a studio's methodology. Lise also discusses the importance of a comprehensive teacher training program and shares best practices for developing such a program. Lise introduces the concept of advanced teacher training and explains its importance in developing highly skilled and committed teachers. Links: https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Y’all, a teacher training program can be a game-changer for your studio. It can increase your cash flow, enhance your reputation, and you a wonderful group of trained instructors who can join your studio family. But let’s be real – running a teacher training program is hard work. It means extra hours, long weekends and a significant investment in energy and resources. So if you put in all that extra effort and offer a teacher training program this year, you have to make sure it’s a doggone sell-out.  And that’s exactly what Studio Coach Allison Zang will help you do in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness. With 15 years of experience running a successful Pilates studio in Central Pennsylvania, Allison knows just what it takes to make a teacher training program a success. And this week, she will share her time-tested strategies for building a teacher training waitlist that’ll help your program sell like hotcakes!  Here’s what we’ll talk about in Episode 560: Why you should collect leads fo

Here’s the thing – commitment isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal.  To you, commitment might mean working 12-hour days and overseeing every micro aspect of your business yourself. To someone else, it might mean building and training a team that runs the day-to-day so they can focus on the bigger picture – like sales, strategy and expansion.  Whatever it is, the bottom line is simple: staying committed to a business for years isn’t easy. It takes a lot of effort and dedication to keep the passion and enthusiasm alive, especially after the initial excitement has passed.  And that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness! Join Studio Grow Coach Amanda Blair as she sits down with client Brady Johnson to discuss how Brady has managed to remain healthily invested in her studio for over 9 years. Learn Brady's secrets to building systems that allow her to free up her precious time and energy – all while still staying 100% committed to her vision and mission.  Here’s wha

Most studio owners have a complicated relationship with sales.  Some people are intimidated by it, others think it’s just plain tacky to focus on making more money in a business that’s supposed to be all about passion and service. But let’s be real – if you don’t make enough money to keep the lights on in your studio, you’re not gonna be able to pay your bills, share your passion or serve your community.  That’s why it’s so important for us to change our mindset around selling and understand that you don’t have to sound like a slimy car salesman to close a sale.  Sometimes, a sale is just an honest-to-god conversation with a prospective member.  And that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness. Join Studio Grow coach Amanda Blair as she flips the script on the dirty ‘S’ word and brings you a fresh new perspective that could totally change how you approach sales and selling in your business.  Here’s what we’ll talk about in Episode 558: Why we should view

Believe it or not, there are leaders, politicians and policymakers out there who still think of fitness as recreation.  And worse, they tax it the same way too.  In reality, gyms and fitness studios play a critical role in empowering people to maintain their basic health, prevent chronic and acute illness and live happy, fulfilled lives.  That’s why we need people like Brett Ewer to advocate for our industry and convince legislators and policymakers that what we do matters. In the face of ever-changing legislation and regulations, people like Brett are working to make a case for our industry and demonstrate how we critically impact society at the local, state and federal levels.  Join me in Episode 557 of The Business of Boutique Fitness as I chat with Brett Ewer, Head of Government Relations at CrossFit, about the importance of shaping policies that protect the fitness industry and ensure that boutique fitness not only survives, but continues to thrive.  Here’s what we talk about in Episode 557: Why the fi

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: Lise chats with Rob Beale about the Third Space fitness concept, which aims to be the "third space" for its members and inspire them to be their personal best. Third Space's unique set of amenities and its focus on experience: Rob Beale explains how Third Space is more than just a typical health club, with a focus on building beautiful facilities, personalized service, and expertise to deliver the best experience for members. The challenge of ensuring quality experience across multiple modalities: Rob Beale discusses the challenge of upholding Third Space's philosophy and ensuring quality experience across various modalities, and how recruiting passionate and talented people is key to achieving this. Third Space's selection process for trainers and instructors: Rob Beale shares Third Space's selection process for personal trainers and group exercise instructors, which involves a multi-stage audition and training program to ensure that instructors are ex

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: - The guest, Brian O'Rourke, is the CEO of Vedere Ventures, president of the Fitness Industry Technology Council, and co-founder of Moon Mission Media. - Brian discusses how growing up in a military family taught him perseverance and adaptability and how hospitality has influenced his experience-driven fitness businesses. - The importance of understanding which numbers matter when it comes to running a business is emphasized, including operating margin, lifetime value of customers, and acquisition costs. - The challenges of reducing cost per acquisition in digital marketing are discussed, with Brian noting that not all attribution models from Meta or Google are reliable. - The fitness industry has been built on venture capital models, but the importance of building sustainable, profitable businesses is emphasized. - Knowing how to see is a guiding principle for Brian's investments, and he emphasizes the importance of understanding what numbers really matter whe

554: How to make your team an asset, not a burden - Coaches Peter and HP Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: HP shares her extensive experience in people development and how it relates to effectively managing teams. Peter and HP talk more on the importance of assessing candidates' human skills and values during the interview process. We also discuss the importance of transparently discussing career aspirations with employees and being upfront about the possibility of them leaving. HP and Peter emphasize the significance of hiring individuals whose values align with the business and taking an interest in their long-term career goals. Links: https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Y’all, studio owners are often super reluctant to embrace new technology.  I get it – the idea of adding another tool to your already overflowing plate can seem like a lot. Not to mention the fear that technology and automation will diminish the human element in your business.  But I wanna let you in on a little secret today.  The truth is, if you use it right, automation platforms can actually help you strengthen your relationship with your clients.  These platforms can automate repetitive tasks, streamline studio operations and organize data efficiently, so you can free up your time to focus on what matters most – connecting with your clients and building your community. And that’s exactly what we’re discussing in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness! Join Studio Grow Coach Peter as he chats with Nathan from LoyalSnap, an automation platform designed to help boutique fitness studios build stronger relationships with their clients. Learn all about the role of automation in boutique fitness

Boutique Fitness 552: Surviving Strong: The building of my brand with Susan Holden   There’s more to living than not dying.  That’s what Susan Holden told herself after being diagnosed with invasive cancer in 2004.  The cancer had spread, the prognosis wasn’t good, and overnight, Susan's life became an endless series of doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy and hospital visits, with just one key goal – to keep Susan from dying.  Susan’s battle with cancer made her realize there had to be more to life than just avoiding death. She built Surviving Strong as a safe space for anyone who’s struggling –  to help them live life to the fullest and give them a community that will be there for them no matter what.  Tune in to this week’s episode to learn about Susan’s mission, understand Surviving Strong’s unique philosophy and get a glimpse into what marketing looks like for mission-driven businesses like Susan’s.  Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: Susan’s background, her experience with cancer, and how she fou

551: Your CEO Day Makeover with Michelle and Beth Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: Introduction to the CEO day concept and the importance of having a CEO mindset. Discussion about the CEO mindset and how to adopt it. The importance of self-care and protecting your time and energy. Implementation of the CEO day and how to make the most of it. Discussion about the importance of having a structured format, setting boundaries, and making it a non-negotiable in the calendar. Preparing for CEO days. Michelle and Beth recommend creating structure in your week, delegating tasks, using technology to automate tasks, analyzing your time usage, and doing self-care activities to get into the right mindset. They also discuss the importance of reviewing your finances, KPIs, and big picture projects during CEO days.  They also offer tips on overcoming obstacles to having CEO days and announce their upcoming virtual CEO day event. Links: https://studiogrow.co/ceoday https://www.linkedin.com/company

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: Overview of KPIs that are important indicators of the studio's financial performance. Overview of KPIs that indicate the quality of the customer experience in a fitness studio. Explanation of four KPIs to evaluate the quality of the customer experience:  Conversion Rate Attrition Rate Net Member Change Average Membership Link. Emphasis on the importance of tracking KPIs to understand and target the needs of customers and achieve business growth. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ https://studiogrow.co/  

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode: Introduction to KPIs: KPIs (key performance indicators) are quantifiable measures used to evaluate the performance and success of a business. Importance of tracking KPIs: Without tracking KPIs, businesses operate blindly and make decisions based on feelings or hunches instead of actual data. Vanity KPIs: Not all data is valuable and some KPIs, like followers on Instagram, may not translate to increased revenue. Focus on KPIs that drive growth. Starting with financial performance KPIs: Michelle recommends starting with a few important financial performance KPIs, such as monthly revenue and revenue per member, to get a baseline understanding of the business. Revenue per member: This KPI measures the average amount of money generated by a member each month and can help improve revenue by upselling or adding new services. Revenue per square foot: This KPI measures the revenue generated per square foot of physical space and can help optimize utilization

Here’s what we cover in Episode 548: The future of capital investment in the fitness industry  A deep dive into which KPIs are most important from an investment standpoint  Pete’s insights on leasing out space, bringing in other partners and focusing on optimizing your studio space  What you need to do as a studio to attract investors – and seal the deal with them! If you’re planning to take some big swings in 2023, don’t miss this episode, y’all! LINKS: https://www.integritysq.com/ https://www.thehaloacademy.com/ https://thecamptc.com/ https://www.orangetheory.com/ https://www.soul-cycle.com/  

Here’s what we’re talking about in Episode 547: How Anne Marie started her career in the fitness industry with programming Her suggestions for building programs that ensure cohesive client experience How Anne-Marie approached the project of building a boutique fitness concept in a 22,000 square feet space How Anne Marie and her team rolled out their idea of “boutique meets big box” in their marketing and messaging  How to build a wellness center model with physical therapists, drip labs and recovery centers by partnering with local, well-known businesses Anne-Marie’s tips on structuring management and sales teams  Y’all don’t wanna miss this one. Tune in now to start listening! LINKS:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariebarbour/ https://themine.fit/ https://www.instagram.com/themine.fit/ https://www.soulbody.fitness/ https://www.technogym.com/ Balance Is Bullshit: A Realistic Approach to Integrating Healthier Habits into Your Life by Alicia McKenzie https://www.wimhofmethod.com/ https://hapana.com/