The Business of Boutique Fitness

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://studiogrow.co/ https://stretchdspace.com/ 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://studiogrow.co/ 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://studiogrow.co/ 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://runwaypilates.com/ https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherine-hebb-19737a10 https://studiogrow.co/ 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://studiogrow.co/ 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: https://arrichion.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/norareynolds https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

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: Feedback Loop: The art of giving feedback and goal setting that actually leads to change (Yes, it's possible). 6-Step Process: Amanda's personal approach to development conversations that work. It's a six-step process that's all about breaking the ice, getting employee feedback first, giving feedback, and more. Communication: The magic of open-ended questions and how they can help your employees open up and share. Employee Empowerment: Empower your team to take ownership of their roles and processes for better performance. 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: 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-Esteem Brands in Base Camp's success journey. Real Estate Choices: We talk about the crucial role of smart location selection and market demand in their growth strategy. Franchisee Success: We delve into Base Camp's belief that their franchisees' success is the key to their own growth. 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://studiogrow.co/ 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.ikigai.hk/   https://studiogrow.co/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/