Let's start this week's Friday Four off with a blog I published on my own
site: - Gym Owner Musings - Installment #9 - This newest edition of random gym owner thoughts touches on employee on-boarding, creating athlete buy-in, and providing memorable
client experiences on the day of an initial consultation.
My Friday FOUR:
Four pieces of content I've consumed this past week that will influence my future blog material and challenge me to think differently about how I manage Cressey Sports Performance - as always, I'm looking to bring you some business-specific information from outside of the world of fitness. Enjoy: - How to Improve Engagement & Retention of Young Hourly Workers - I employ a number of "young hourly workers" here at CSP, and each of the lessons in this article
reflect tools we use to keep these coaches enthusiastic about their existing and future roles in our business. We place special emphasis on the recommendation that employers offer professional-development opportunities for employees functioning in this type of scenario, and it has been one of our keys to retention.
- Business Owners Seek Alternative Health Insurance Options as Premiums Soar - I can't decide if this piece on skyrocketing health insurance costs was informative, or just painfully depressing. Either way, this is an issue that small business owners
encounter every day. As a frame of reference, my per-person health insurance costs have moved from $147.50/mon to $350.00/mon since 2007.
- HR is Not Your Friend - I can't say that I am aware of a private sector fitness facility similar to my own that operates an HR department, but I am certain there is something of this nature at places like Equinox and Lifetime Athletics. This is an extremely important reminder for those of you who work in this setting. I distinctly remember a colleague in my old marketing job
taking grievances to the HR department only to encounter some of the issues outlined in this piece.
- The Minimum Critical Mass - Seth Godin's message in
this piece is imperative for those of you who are looking to start a gym with the mentality that "we'll attract everyone in town." Instead of targeting everyone, you should have a clear understanding of not just how many clients you need to break even, but also how many clients you'll need to pass the tipping point where your business will spread effectively through word of mouth. In our case, we broke through once we had attracted more than half of the athletes playing for the best varsity
baseball team in the state. Once word spread that we were one of their biggest competitive advantages, players from every team in their league began rolling through the doors.
Make sure to let me know if you come across any material that you think I'd enjoy. More importantly, have a great weekend!
- Pete
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