WTF Gym Talk

One of my favorite interactions with microgym owners is having them on-site at Urban MVMNT. I get a chance to share what we've created here and then I get to learn about where that gym came from, where it is now and where it wants to go. Recently, Sean Eaton, owner of Crossfit Core Fitness, came through and we got to jam on the entire spectrum of scaling a gym, implementing PT First, continuing ed...

During my time at the 2nd annual Iron+Mortar Summit, I had the pleasure to speak alongside James Fitzgerald + Jim Crowell with OPEX. In our small group intensives with the participants, I was asked my thoughts on the OPEX model and the delivery vehicle of fitness that is Individual Design. I have gone through the CCP courses, I've had Jim + James on my podcast and I've had the immense pleasure of...

And I think one of the biggest internal Mark Kane plays we will see you in 2019 our gym is creating internal podcasts for their current membership. In this episode, I layout my thoughts and strategies as how to best execute this.

This is an old one, but I found it in the archives and I don't think it ever got published. So here ya go. How to sell "experienced" CrossFitters on the PT First model via a "test out"

Are feather flags effective outdoor marketing? What are the downsides to only paying employees hourly? Do I have any thoughts on the MadLab Group's performance based compensation belief? ...watch the video. it's all in there.

The amazing crew over at Sweatnet Charlotte + I have been working on bringing together studio and gym owners in our city. Creating a venue where we can all collab, commiserate, share best practices and work together to build better businesses. This is a lengthy one, but I gurantee it's worth the watch. It's also uploaded on the podcast as well if you don't have 40 minutes stare at a screen. Here's...

Rachele is a badass. Lawyer. Entreprenuer. Cancer Survivor. Team USA Aquathlon. Triathlete. Mother of 5. The list goes on. But what I'm mostly interested in with Rachele is her knowledge in helping gym owners understand the type of IP (trademarks vs. copyright vs. patent), understanding non-competes and creating membership agreements that won't leave you holding the bag. You'll enjoy this one.

My dude Mike Archangel from Archangel CrossFit in AZ came through with a question regarding head coaches - What are the duties/responsibilities of a head coach? How many hours should your leadership team players be working/week? Sure, Mike. I'll give it a go.

Don't build the gym or studio YOU would love. Go beyond that. Building something that initially and prominently serves you first is going to prove to be a very expensive & unsuccessful endeavor.

the video of this on my Facebook biz page is def. better...but you'll get the idea.

CrossFit Awaken was nice enough to shoot me over a video on how he's used his 30 Day Goal Board to generate new revenue. So I figured I'd chime in and help enhance that strategy.

I'm all for stealing. All for it. What I think is fucking lazy is plagiarizing word for word or play by play something. I don't even care that you took something from someone else. That's not what bothers me. What bothers me is this is a huge tell that you are going to get crushed in this game if you can't spark your own design + creative part of the brain. Steal to spark inspiration, but then mak...

Sit down in a quiet place where you can think uninterrupted. Write down all the things in your business you wish you would have done differently. Circle all the items that are still possible to change. Get off your ass and change them.

Patience is a layup piece of generic business advice that can be given to almost all dilemas you face as an owner. But let's break it down to specifics in the microgym industry.

Craig is my kinda guy. Loud. Honest. And actually knows his shit when it comes to the fitness industry. As someone who started exploring the business model of CrossFit back in 2005, it's really awesome to talk shop with a guy I looked up to since his infamous CrossFit Journal video dropped back in the day where he started explaining the business side of this microgym explosion. So sit your ass dow...

Are you coach/instructor at someone's gym and you're looking to jump ship and start your own gym? I've got you covered.

A question I get too often...unfortunately... "How do I handle those clients that are just a pain-in-the-ass?"

How many gym/studio owners feel like they should be getting more referrals? Most. Probably you included. Here's the crux of the issue that I think you're overlooking.

Detour Athletics and Frazier Fitness LLC dropped a few questions, so I figured I'd make time during lunch to answer them. "Do you outsource your marketing for Urban MVMNT?" "Should I puruse a garage gym or go straight for brick + mortar?" Thanks for the questions fellas.

Had a few gym owners send in some questions that I address here. Thank you guys for the questions regarding professionalizing staff and creating full time positions for staff.

I used to think that vacations were for 9-5ers and people who hated their work. I used to think that taking a vacation was a sign of weakness as a business owner. But that perspective has changed. And my hope for you is that you get your business to a place where vacations become testaments to the awesome job you've done building an actual business.

Mike is the author of some of my favorite biz books: Profit First Pumpkin Plan Surge The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur His newest book, Clockwork, dropped on Aug 21st and he was gracious enough to come on the podcast and discuss how to remove yourself from the DOING of the business and get into the mode of DESIGNING.

I believe in a few core tenants when it comes to handling cancellations, the policies surrounding them and what to do with that incoming data. Enjoy.

My guess? You may not. It may actually own you.

Take a moment to thank anyone who has ever given you an inch during your journey as a business owner. Regardless if that's financially, emotionally or mentally...anyone who has given you that extra little something that allowed you to turn an inch into a mile. Tell them you love them. Tell them you appreciate them. Tell them you hope to return the favor to someone else who needs an inch. Do it now...