The Business of Boutique Fitness

Y'all know that for some of us in this business, selling feels ultra-uncomfortable. Maybe you're one of them.   But your studio's survival depends on sales. So discover how practice can build skills, boost confidence and quash the pushy persona. Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Josh Poole unpack the process in Episode 637, Unleash Your Inner Character: Mastering Role-Playing.     Lose the pressur...

So many of us dove into our studio ownership more fueled by abounding passion than business acumen.   Fervor is fabulous but doesn't automatically equate to profits. Even if you're not a numbers person, profitability is critical. Coach Elle Kealy walks you through her journey from naive to savvy studio owner over the last 20+ years in Episode 636, Balancing Passion With Profit.    Embrace a CEO mi...

Building something worthwhile is a marathon, not a sprint. It's putting one step in front of another, fueled by perseverance and the end goal in mind.     So continue on our journey of developing a framework for teacher training. Coach Cara Hazelton and Coach Caroline Plambeck share important building blocks in Episode 635, Instruct & Inspire: Teacher Training – What Type of Teacher Training Shoul...

Every studio owner is likely looking to boost revenue, differentiate their business and build a strong team. Might teacher training be an all-encompassing solution?     Yes, it's a huge undertaking. But done well, it checks all those boxes. What's not to love?    So catch Episode 634, Instruct & Inspire: Teacher Training – Should I Even Have a Teacher Training? with Coach Cara Hazelton and Coach C...

Amidst multitasking and managing the minutiae, it can be daunting to dare to dream about building your business. We've been there, and we can help.   Let's start with teacher training. While it might seem like a big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG), Coach Cara Hazelton and Coach Caroline Plambeck break it down, starting with Episode 633, Instruct & Inspire: Teacher Training Series Intro. Pique your i...

If your studio is just a space to exercise, you're in trouble. Consumers today expect memorable experiences and personal connections.    Fortunately, Studio Grow is in the experience business. Discover how to differentiate your studio with Coach Caroline Plambeck in Episode 632, Senses in Sync: Crafting a Multisensory Journey. Evoke emotions and encourage loyalty in immersive environments that tic...

I bet your studio ownership journey had some do-or-die moments where you worried if your business would make it.   Friend, you're in good company. Be encouraged as Coach Elle Kealy chats with Rachel and Taylor, co-owners of Evolve Studios in Louisiana, in Episode 631, The Art of the Turnaround. Hear how they went from "blind and naive" opening their first studio to two thriving locations – and ste...

Y'all, uncertainty is everywhere. Studio owners face unforeseen issues every week or every day (hopefully not every hour!).   We feel you. Join Coach Elle Kealy and Coach Catherine Hebb for an empathetic discussion and practical tips in Episode 630, Navigating Uncertainty with a Positive Mindset. Discover how to lighten your mental load and shift your perspective to best manage your business.    ...

Ever wonder if your Meta ads are worth it? Any idea which metrics to track and how they add up? Or are you breaking a sweat thinking about this?   Demystify how Meta ads work with Coaches Peter, Tara and Trish in Episode 629, What's My ROI on Meta Ads? Learn the basics to broaden your comfort zone and amp up your marketing savvy.    Some must-know info:   Build your foundation: layer your warm-up,...

628 - Selling Your Studio with Host Peter and Mitch McGinley

  Competitor opening nearby?    Cue spiking stress, nagging worries and the heavy weight of dread.     But, my friend, let's adopt a healthier approach. Competitors are a given, so get a go-to game plan to keep your studio – and your mindset –  thriving. Trust someone who's been there, as Coach Catherine shares top tips in Episode 627, How to Deal with Competitors Opening.    How to go on offense:...

Think about Nike, Skechers and OOFOS. What comes to mind for each? They're all shoes, but their brands are recognizably distinct.    That, y'all, is brand positioning. And you need it to differentiate your studio in a crowded market and in the minds of your clients and prospects. Coach Elle breaks the process down in Episode 626, The 3 Pillars of Brand Positioning.    Here's a sneak peek:   Dive d...

Juggling endless responsibilities, boutique fitness studio owners have taken multitasking to Herculean levels to maximize productivity. Sound familiar?    Want to automate more tasks to win back some time? Tune in to Episode 625, Boosting Studio Growth with Momence, to get the scoop from Coach Caroline and Vojta Dramota, the CEO of Momence, an all-in-one software platform that helps you stress les...

Your brand is your essence. Your differentiator. Your image.   More than your name, logo or colors, your brand defines your studio and compels an emotional connection.   So whether you're opening a studio or need a refresh, be intentional about crafting your brand.  Coach Elle (who also happens to be a designer!) guides you through the practical process in Episode 624, Building Your Brand on a Bud...

Ever wonder if core values are actually more than just ambitious words on paper? Does your studio really need them?    You're in luck, because in Episode 623, Cultivating Your Core Values as a Business, Coach Catherine and Coach Peter consider the role and worth of core values.   Some need-to-knows:    Rules to live by: core values set clear expectations for your team Brand identity: these princip...

Despite working longer and harder, do you feel like you're on a treadmill that keeps accelerating but doesn't let you get anywhere?    Oh, friend, I feel you. I was you. And I can help you!   Start with Episode 622: The Ins and Outs of Working with a Virtual Assistant. Coach Cara and Coach Lindsey get real on how hiring a VA can save your sanity and free you up to focus on the bigger picture.    C...

Ever feel like you're throwing spaghetti at the wall when it comes to marketing? And that your leads pile up in a tangled jumble across your CRM, Google spreadsheets and sticky notes?    Not exactly strategic. There is a better way.   Join Coach Peter and Coach Elle as they lay out key learnings about leads In Episode 621: Clueless About Leads? And go from guessing to grasping. Frustrated to focus...

Lots of us open studios because we're incredibly passionate about fitness and helping others. Where we may need some help ourselves, however, is managing finances for our business.    We got you! Y'all can learn what you don't know. A great way to start is with Episode 620, Building Financial Strength with Billy Hofacker. Coach Caroline walks through some basics with this expert fitness money coac...

Opening a boutique fitness studio is exciting. Expectant. And (honestly) exhausting.    Friend, we've been where you are – and learned so much along the way. So we're sharing our expertise in my latest podcast, Episode 619, How to Open a Studio Profitably. Coach Alina breaks it down into 10 practical steps that empower you to transform your vision into reality.    Here's just a few::   Crafting a...

Episode 618 - Lise Kuecker: State of the Studio Part 3

More industry intel and insights coming your way! We're back this week with my latest podcast, Episode 617, The State of the Studio, Part 2.    Get the skinny on kicking a 9% rolling 13-month retention rate to the curb, how to accommodate the Class Pass crowd and why you want people like my parents as your clients.    Plus, Episode 617 is loaded with key learnings like:    Why 6- or 12-month membe...

Y'all, opportunity is everywhere for boutique fitness studios. It's such an exciting time!   Let's peek at the bigger picture to recognize what's available, pursue areas of improvement and embrace what could be your best year yet.    In my latest podcast episode, The State of the Studio, Part 1, you'll discover:   Industry growth projections that will make you smile The impact of surging interest...

Boundaries are back! We addressed the topic of boundaries recently on the podcast. Here we're taking a deeper dive. Because boundaries are important, y'all.  Get into the weeds in my latest podcast episode,  A Balancing Act with Coach Cat and Peter.  In  Episode 615,  Coach Cat and Coach Peter consider acknowledging and articulating your boundaries and recognizing cues that they've been crossed. L...

Cancer affects everyone.  Although we may not have a diagnosis, we know people that do. As prevalent as cancer is, it still feels uncomfortable to discuss.  And yet, boutique fitness studios can play a significant role in coping with cancer.  So we're having that important conversation in my latest podcast episode,  Exercise and Cancer: Science and Guidance for Fitness Professionals.  Sit down wit...

What's critical to making, managing and multiplying money?  Not your financial savvy. Not your accountant. It all starts with your beliefs.   So take inventory of your thoughts in my latest podcast episode,  Mindset Matters: The Beliefs That Are Erasing Your Profits, One Thought at a Time.  In  Episode 613 , Coach Alina walks you through the importance of evaluating your beliefs about money and ad...