This time of year gyms are extra-packed with Resolutioners eager to lose weight and get fit. They have their goals in mind and are ready to commit to their health (at least until their motivation fades). Of course, this is one of the most important seasons for you as a club owner because it most likely means your sales and memberships will increase. But while your members work towards their resolutions, it’s also a great time for you to think about yours. No, not your fitness goals (although that may be part of it), but your business goals for the New Year. If you are struggling to put your finger on exactly what business resolutions you should focus on this year, here are a few for you to consider.
Realign long-term goals
As you enter the new year, it’s a good idea to take a step back and look at the big picture for your business. The day to day grind can cause us to lose focus and can even throw us off track, so taking the time to realign your goals can be extremely beneficial. Look at your long term goals and then put a road map together so you have direction in place to get there.
Be mindful
This may sound obvious, but it is easy to forget and is of upmost importance if you are going to keep a cool head this year. Being mindful means you are giving yourself an opportunity to take a breather and take things off your plate once in a while. As a gym owner or manager you certainly have hundreds of things on your plate every day. Giving yourself the opportunity to practice mindfulness prepares you for the most difficult days and when making important decisions. It may even open your eyes to insight on how you can lighten your daily workload.
Improve internal communication
The best managers are always working on improving internal communication. Oversight and miscommunications can make the work environment extremely difficult. Keep things smooth with ensuring your team members are a part of the conversation. When your employees feel heard, motivated, and properly trained, they are more likely to stick around. Employees that love where they work are loyal, which saves you time, money and resources.
Improve member communication
Just as your employees need to be heard, your members do, too. By being transparent, open, and flexible you create an environment where your members feel cared for and comfortable. Go out of your way to send customer service surveys and regularly ask members for their opinions. By doing so, you make them a part of the club, which means they will become more loyal and even encourage their friends to join.
Encourage sustainable growth
There are a lot of fad fitness trends so it’s important to be aware about what makes the most sense for long term growth. Keeping up with the trends – sustainable ones, can make your gym very popular because you will always have the hottest workouts. Yet knowing when to say no is important, too. So while some members may be upset that you won’t be offering hula hoop dance classes, adding HIIT with wearables might be a great way to increase your bottom line.
Build your personal brand
Building your personal brand can be extremely lucrative as it positions you as an expert in the industry. You may find yourself speaking at conferences, writing books, or more because people (beyond just your current members) want to hear from you. Adding a face to your club’s brand can generate returns for your business because it offers a human side that customers demand.
New Year’s Resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep. Luckily, you can implement these resolutions at any time of the year to help make a shift in your business. Whether you put them into place right away or wait, you’ll surely see a positive change in your club.