Hank Ebeling is the founder and owner of H4 Training. He is passionate about helping small businesses transform their customer service and elevate their customers' experience. Hank is the author of the book "Crushing the Competition with Service" and has created an online course called "Superhero Service Super Profits" to help businesses deliver outstanding service consistently.

He joins us to discuss his four-step process for handling customer complaints. The process includes acknowledging the complaint, apologizing, making it right, and thanking the customer. Hank emphasizes the importance of listening to the customer, avoiding defensiveness, and finding a solution that meets the customer's needs. He also highlights the value of thanking customers for bringing issues to your attention and using their feedback to improve your business.

Show notes and more resources: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/520

Discover the secrets to mastering the Instagram algorithm and boosting your business! Tune in to the latest episode of the Fitness Business podcast to learn from social media maven Joanne Hernan.

Joanne Hernan has over 17 years of experience working with Instagram and other social media platforms. She is known for her expertise in mastering the Instagram algorithm and creating authentic and engaging content.

Summary:

Joanne Hernan joins the Fitness Business podcast to discuss how to master the Instagram algorithm and use social media to grow your business. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and creating great content. Joanne explains that the Instagram algorithm looks at various data points, such as user behavior, content engagement, and hashtags, to determine what content to prioritize in users' feeds. She also shares tips for leveraging Instagram stories and reels to increase visibility and engagement. Joanne encourages listeners to conduct an audit of their Instagram accounts to identify areas for improvement, and offers a free audit tool to help with this process.

Get show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/519

Jason Stolwell leads a roundtable discussion with three expert guests on the prospects of artificial intelligence (AI), artificial reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in the fitness industry. The guests discuss the potential impact of these technologies and where fitness businesses should make strategic capital investments in the next three to five years. They also explore the integration of cryptocurrencies into the fitness industry and the role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in navigating these technological advancements.  Learn how to leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to boost productivity and achieve health, wealth, and freedom in this special "Thinking Ahead" edition. 

The Panel

Jake Posner: Engineering & Product Leader at Meta in Reality Labs, specializing in user-facing experiences for the Quest line of devices.

Michael Benso: Co-Founder of Buzops, a fitness business owner and developer in the Web 3 space, with a focus on NFT projects and decentralized finance.

Michael Gaio: Founder and CEO of Mythic Systems, an entrepreneur, educator, and innovator focused on leveraging AI and emerging technologies to boost productivity and achieve health, wealth, and freedom.

Visit our show notes page for links, resources, and more! 

Are you struggling to find highly engaged employees for your fitness business? Discover the key to building a high-performance team in your fitness business. Learn how to identify and attract the right candidates from workplace culture expert Chad Bryant. 

Chad Bryant, owner of CWB Workplace Culture Consulting Company and Fitness Director at Raintree Athletic Club, joins Dori to discuss the importance of the first 30 days in cultivating an authentic relationship with new hires. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the health and culture of the company over smart policies and systems. By defining the company's belief system, screening and hiring candidates who align with those beliefs, businesses can build a high-performing team. Chad also highlights the importance of measuring the success of on-boarding through turnover rates, member retention, and online reviews.

Read full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/517

Hospitality isn't just for restaurants. Learn how to create unforgettable experiences for your customers and build loyalty in your fitness business.  Will Guidara, author of "Unreasonable Hospitality" and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, shares his insights on hospitality and how it can be applied to the fitness industry. He emphasizes the importance of giving people more than they expect and creating memorable experiences. Being present and listening to customers is key, as well as personalizing gestures to make individuals feel seen and valued. 

Read full show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/516

Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Sal Pellegrino & Chris Torggler on the history of the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association, how they connect great products with great people, upcoming events, and their visions for a successful 2024 & beyond!

Join Sal Pellegrino and Chris Torggler on The Value Proposition for the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association to hear about the history of FISA, how FISA lives out their mission to connect great products with even better people, and how the team is gearing up for their 51^st event in Florida, October 30^th – November 1^st! With the first class locations and intimate one-on-one meetings, it’s no surprise that 80% of the suppliers who participate in FISA return for future events year after year. 

Don’t miss this episode if you: 

• Haven’t heard of FISA yet and want to know more
• Have an interest in attending as a supplier
• Are a fitness professional on the West Coast
• Are a fitness professional on the East Coast
• Are a fitness professional in the non-profit sector
• Could use important data, like the data in the Commercial Market Trend Report in your fitness business

View the full show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/515

Learn more about FISA Events:  https://www.fisaevents.org/

Landon Burningham, a multi-fitness club owner, joins the Fitness Business Podcast to discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals of business. Landon's fitness business success has come from mastering the fundamentals with constancy, and using these fundamentals to build a deep rooted foundation that can weather the ebbs and flows of business. In this episode, Landon reviews the steps taken to lay each brick of success in your fitness business.

Check out the show notes page: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/514

Looking for a great way to pick up some surplus income plus improve retention while picking up some new members? Take a listen to how Sydnie and Zack Whitmer have successfully perfected fee-based theme classes and off-site classes. The numbers don't lie, and they have been crushing it out of the park. Wait until you hear about their journey, and more importantly their ideas on how your club can be as successful! 

Don't Miss Our Show Notes!  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/513

Elevate your fitness business with industry guru Justin Tamsett! Get ready for explosive insights, trends, and strategies to dominate the game. 

In this show, you'll hear about:

• Getting the right people by being an employer of choice
• Power of social media, not sales media
• We are still a sales business, but we can be better
• Sharpen the soft skills of communication
  Knowing the data and the actions that impact that data
• No more using the pandemic as an excuse

Read full show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/512

Build your credibility and authority in your fitness niche with podcasting. Kelly Smith, the host of the "Mindful in Minutes" podcast, shares her insights on how podcasting can help build credibility and authority in your fitness business. Learn how to create a deeper connection, through podcasting, that will directly have a positive effect on your business.

Kelly Smith is the host of the chart-topping podcast "Mindful in Minutes." She started the podcast over five years ago to connect with her yoga students after moving to a different part of the US. Kelly is an industry expert in yoga and meditation, and has built a strong community through her podcast.

For full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/511

Are you ready to make more money? By listening to today's podcast, you will learn what to say and how to say it to up level your influence and income. The small tips in this episode are guaranteed to change your sales approach. 

Get contact information and more show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/510

Nikki Rausch is the CEO of Sales Maven and a sales expert who helps entrepreneurs and business owners transform their sales process. She is known for her unique approach to selling, that combines selling skills with kindness and authenticity.

Summary:
Nikki Rausch believes successful sales is about building relationships and having real conversations with potential clients. She teaches a five-step sales process called the Selling Staircase, which includes introduction, creating curiosity, discovery, proposal, and close. She emphasizes the importance of creating curiosity to pique people's interest and asking smart questions to understand their needs. Nikki also recommends having a high-end offering to create an anchor for other offers, and using top-down selling to present options to clients. She encourages salespeople to ask for the sale and issue invitations to work together. Finally, she advises following up with clients and staying in touch to maintain the relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• Practice creating curiosity to pique people's interest and have more business conversations.
• Be clear and stand in your place of credibility and authority when recommending your solution.
• Use top-down selling to present options to clients, starting with the most expensive offer.
• Ask for the sale and issue invitations to work together.
• Follow up with clients and stay in touch to maintain the relationship.

Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Mel Tempest, 20+ year fitness business operator and organizer of the Ignite Fitness Business Event taking place September 14, 2023! Hear what’s unique about this Australian event and why YOU need to attend!

 Show Summary:

Calling all Melbourne fitness business professionals – are you ready for the Ignite Fitness Business Event taking place on Thursday, September 14, 2023? Think speed dating meets fitness industry roundtable, networking event. This personalized, one-day event will be capped at around 70 people, providing you with an intimate setting to get your fitness business questions answered right on the spot!

There will be different roundtables with hosts that specialize on certain topics. Each table will foster different discussions and you’ll leave with a whole new network of professionals you can lean on!

Show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/509

Ignite Fitness Business Event: https://ignitefitnessbusiness.com.au

Steph Tuss, CEO of Life Is Now, joins the Fitness Business Podcast to discuss the importance of accountability in teams. She emphasizes the need for a clear vision communicated to the team, as well as agreed-upon measures of success. Tuss believes accountability should be a collaborative process, with leaders supporting their team members in achieving their goals. She also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and engaging in healthy debate. Tuss provides practical strategies for holding teams accountable and creating a productive and innovative environment.

Key Takeaways:

• A clear vision communicated to the team is essential for fostering accountability.
• Agreed-upon measures of success help team members understand their responsibilities and hold themselves accountable.
• Leaders should approach accountability conversations to support and empower team members, rather than to reprimand or criticize.
• Building psychological safety within the organization encourages healthy debate and innovation.
• Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities and leaders should model vulnerability by admitting their own mistakes.

How have you prepared your facility's design to meet changing user expectations? According to today's guest, more dedicated space for recovery, member entrance and lobby areas are just a few of the top trends in club renovations. This episode is like a free design consultation from Rudiy Fabiano one of the top club designers in the industry. Listen carefully for some DIY projects that you can start tomorrow!

Full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/507

Attention gym owners! Are you truly aware of women's distinct desires and preferences regarding fitness and wellness? Extensive research indicates their needs often differ from men in the same age group. As a gym owner, unlocking the obstacles that prevent women from joining your establishment will open up a vast untapped market. Discover invaluable insights on women's health and fitness requirements from Murphy Research, based on reliable data.

SHOW NOTES:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/506

Natalie Carey is a fitness expert who believes that exercise modification and inclusivity for all bodies is the key to financial success in the fitness industry. In this episode of the Fitness Business podcast, Natalie shares her insights on how to incorporate exercise modification into your business model.

Natalie discusses the importance of exercise modification for inclusiveness and how it can benefit personal trainers and big box clubs. She provides tips on how to incorporate exercise modification into your business model, and shares her thoughts on the future of fitness.

Fitness modification certainly is a trend in the industry worth talking about. This forward thinking approach helps personal trainers and fitness clubs bring in additional cash flow, as well as loyal new members. Everyone wants to feel included, and if you offer this programming, your community culture will hit an all time high. Listen along, as Natalie Carey will help you see the financial benefit in the future of fitness modification.

Today, you'll feel refreshed as you learn how to prevent workplace burnout by creating a healthy environment, not only for your employees, but also for yourself. Listen along as our industry expert, John Briggs, author and founder of InciteTax gives advice on how to get energized while increasing productivity. 

Show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/504

In this interview, Chris Craytor discusses the Phit Act, which allows individuals to use their health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts for fitness-related expenses. He explains the importance of the Phit Act for promoting physical activity, and the challenges in getting it passed in Congress. Chris also shares his insights on the fitness industry and the evolving role of technology in engaging members. Additionally, he discusses the topic of integrating the fitness industry with the medical wellness industry and the challenges that come with it.

Chris Craytor is the CEO of ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers, CEO for Welld Health, and currently the Chair of the IHRSA Board of Directors. He has been in the fitness industry since 2004 and has extensive experience in navigating the competitive landscape of the industry.

Full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/503

Dr. Sarah Marion is a fitness industry expert with a new study titled "Gender in the Gym." In this two-part series, she discusses the research findings for men and women. In this episode, she delivers the research findings for men, which include the fitness barriers for men, the fitness habits of men, and what men are looking for in a fitness facility.

Overview

Dr. Sarah Marion's research findings for men are based on data pulled from Murphy research. The research uncovered the fitness barriers for men, the fitness habits of men, and what men are looking for when it comes to a fitness facility. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Marion shares her top three tips to get men into the gym. She discusses the importance of retaining members as they move into middle age, working with tech, and finding ways to strengthen social bonds at the gym. Dr. Sarah Marion also provides insights into the clear differences in how men and women approach health, and the consistency of those differences.

See all show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/502

Looking for a way to improve your revenue? Offering a signature wellness program may be the perfect addition to your list of services. Lindsay Vastola delivers an episode filled with amazing advice on how your signature wellness program will result in revenue, retention and most importantly success!

Lindsay Vastola is the founder of MOMENTUM 365, a lifestyle coaching program for women. She serves the fitness industry through her Fitness Leadership Academy, providing professional development education and training for fitness professionals. She is a former gym owner, previous editor of Personal Fitness Professional (PFP) magazine, advisory board member, and experienced speaker and coach across industries specializing in creating signature programs, communication, Emotional Intelligence, and personal leadership

Jarron Aizen is the founder and CEO of Hapana, a studio and club management software company that helps automate operations, increase revenue, and nurture client relations. Recently, Hapana underwent a re-branding process, transforming the company from One Fit Stop to Hapana. Jarron recounts the journey of this transformation, noting that it wasn't supposed to be a complete re-branding at first, but simply a refresh of the One Fit Stop brand. Hapana originally began their journey working with personal trainers, and has since expanded to helping gyms and studios.

They enlisted a brand strategy agency, interviewed their current customers, partners, industry leaders, and internal staff to get a feel for how they were seen in the market, and what their competitive edge would be. The program was to sharpen and elevate the company’s brand. Through this journey, One Fit Stop was able to strengthen its purpose and brand, without changing the name of the company.

Visit our show notes page:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/500

Learn more about Hapana: https://hapana.com

Ever think about organizing a fitness retreat?  Lauren George provides the key components needed to organize, host and successfully market an amazing fitness adventure with your friends, members or clients. Fitness retreats are a perfect way to help your participants re-establish their healthy habits, love for fitness, and most importantly, return feeling refreshed.  Lauren George has over 15 years experience in the fitness industry. She has created multiple fitness formats and educational workshops, run group fitness programs at large health clubs and university campus recreation centers, and trained thousands of new instructors. 

Body language is the nonverbal signals used to communicate.  In a professional setting like an interview, the way you carry yourself tells the interviewer a lot about your personality. Sharlene Lynch is a Body Language expert with over 30 years experience in coaching and psychology. Sharlene is a regular on the speaking circuit and is obsessed with finding and bringing out the best in people, so they find their confidence and certainty. 

Show Notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/498

Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, is passionate about harnessing the power of community for fitness. In this interview, JT talks with Don about the hugely popular CrossFit Games, which are so beloved among fans, and what he plans to bring to the table as CrossFit's newest leader.  CrossFit delivers a top-tier fitness experience for all loyal devotees. It's rooted in building meaningful connections and celebrating solidarity during intense physical challenges. 

Since we launched The Fitness Business Podcast, I have personally stalked the CrossFit CEOs and head office to get someone on the show.  And while my background is a big box club owner, there is so much I love about CrossFit as a brand and exercise modality.

Don Faul, an exemplary leader with a distinguished U.S Marine Corps background and extensive CrossFit experience, was named the CEO of CrossFit in August 2022. He's certainly no stranger to success - he'd been at countless technology companies like Pinterest and Google in high-level roles before joining us. His impressive résumé included being Facebook's VP of Global Online Operations, as well as Manager for Sales & Operations at Google. 

Get the shownotes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/497

Music licensing has been a barrier that many fitness professionals have had to navigate. But with all the music laws, it’s hard to ensure you are following the rules, so you don’t not end up in music infringement jail. We sought out the best in the industry to update you on the guidelines, so you can continue to inspire your classes through musical connection.  

To help you navigate these muddy waters, we brought on industry expert Denise Imbesi to explain the current rules around music licensing. As the founder of Muscle Mix Music, the long time fitness music supplier, we couldn't think of a better industry expert to speak on this topic. Denise understands the frustrations and struggles that pros like yourself face.

Show Notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/496