Many reading this blog may think I will say marketing, sales, retention or even people management?
But no.
I learned on the REX Roundtables excursion to Gettysburg, that self-reflection is critical to plotting a new path.
Taking the time to stop, think and reflect on decisions you’ve made, strategies you’re planning or even conversations you’ve had will make you a better leader.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise” – Victor Hugo
When our son was growing up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA, he would often pick yellow flowers from the yard, or rather the neighbor’s yard, for a Mother’s Day bouquet that would make me proud and his mom cry.
When my daughter and I would walk our dog, “Rookie” down the street in Gibsonia, PA, she would marvel at the beauty of dandelions. She especially enjoyed them when they became white “puffs” that would result after those pesky weeds, she called them “wishies”, arrived in the yard.
Me on the other hand, would go to war with Scott’s fertilizer to defeat them, cut them with a mower each week, only to see them return by the next weekend!
In retrospect, I too marveled at the flower that some call a weed.
Especially with challenging 2020-2021, everything for a time was weed like and pesky and a downright hassle.
I thought, as I have had more time in the yard myself than usual this year, I wondered, what If I had the staying power of a dandelion? What if I could stretch my roots so deep that a business challenge could not separate me from the source that feeds me for life, positivity? What if I could come back to face the world with a bright, sunny face after someone has run me over like a lawn mower?
I thought, if only I could spread such well wishes of encouragement as freely, exponentially, and fully as this flower spreads seeds of itself. Did you know that each flower holds up to 400 seeds, which can sail as far as 5 miles, usually producing 180?
If I blew all 180 seeds from one flower, and each of those makes a new flower that sends off 300 seeds, my daughter and I could have 54,000 wishes?
Imagine if you had such support that is freely and frequently reciprocated?
Well you do REX Roundtables, the original mastermind group in our industry since 1989.
In fact, many who are members and have been for decades, credit the face to face meetings, comradery, and business re-building strategies with surviving our weed infested industry of restrictions, revenue dips and retention issues.
The collegial nature, the compassion and friendships have kept our collective roots strong, weathering the storm, and getting primed for our collective comeback.
Over the past 3 years my highlights of our REX togetherness include:
My “wishie” is for our industry to stretch our roots deep enough that the strongest poison cannot reach our souls.
I hope that we can overcome the poisons of anger, fear, lost revenue, media criticism and consternation with positivity.
I hope that we can see flowers in a world that sees weeds.
What do you wish for?
In the wake of the war against Ukraine, many gym and studio owners across the fitness industry have come together to host charitable campaigns and events for their communities to participate in to collect donations and provide supplies for the organisations aiding Ukraine.
TeamUp, a fitness management software company, first noticed the rise in ”donation-based” and “pay what you want” fitness classes and events being created by their customers to show support for Ukraine in March. The incredible generosity of the members of these studios and gyms and demonstration of philanthropy has enabled these fitness businesses to raise over £10,000 for organisations and charities aiding the people of Ukraine.
Several of the gym and studio owners responsible for creating and hosting these events and campaigns are Northants Pilates owners Karen and Dan Grinter, One Element Franchise owner Richard Giles and trainer Ruby Padwick, Oti Mabuse and Marius Iepure owners of Oti and Marius Dance Studio, Sam Beagle owner of uFit, and Sarah Bargeron and the team at Body Control Pilates.
Here’s what they had to say about the motivation and ambition behind positively taking advantage of their businesses and communities to show even greater support to Ukraine’s citizens and refugees.
“After we listed our classes and started watching donations coming it was amazing to see. People are unbelievably generous and it’s their generosity that has made it. All we’ve done is what we do every day and that’s allowed us to provide a vehicle to do some fitness and send donations to these charities supporting Ukraine.” – Karen Grinter, Northants Pilates
“Early in the Ukrainian conflict, we were approached by one of our trainers, Ruby Padwick, who asked us if we could do something to raise money for aid to Ukraine. Within 5 days we had about 60 members on a live Sunday morning online session. We don’t normally run any sessions on a Sunday, so we decided this would be the best time to have this bonus online session which was open to all our members across our franchise parks. Ruby’s energetic session had about 60 members and raised £5,000 for the charity British-Ukrainian Aid from those who did and couldn’t attend. Thanks to all our members who took part and donated and Ruby for the suggestion!” – Richard Giles, One Element Tooting & Streatham
“The wife of one of our members is Ukrainian and she was the grand prize winner of a free month at ufFit. She always wanted to come to our gym, but more recently it’s been difficult, so it was fantastic that she won and everyone was so very happy for her. This is definitely something we will do again. It brings everyone together in the community. There’s a deeper purpose and meaning behind it when you’re working out and donating to an important cause that’s bigger than yourself.” – Sam Beagle, uFit
“We really felt like we needed to do something and we wanted to do something. We have a great community of teachers and 1500 members around the world. Whenever we have done anything with the teachers we’ve been so supported in it and they are such a generous lot. Anastasia is going to be teaching the class live from Lviv and she said she’s hoping that there aren’t going to be any air raid sirens or cutting the network during the class. It’s a very real-life situation that they are dealing with” – Sarah, Body Control Pilates
To learn more about the efforts put forth by these fitness businesses and learn how to host donation-based classes and events, check out the full article on TeamUp.
Article by Jessica Armstrong from TeamUp
Jessica is on the marketing team at TeamUp, a fitness management software for gym, studios, personal trainers, and their in-person, online and on-demand services.
As a free pre-event webinar, Markos Kern from Fun With Balls, will explain what he has learned from two decades in the creative field, using a holistic approach and deep expertise to realise extraordinary ideas and unique solutions.
This is what makes him one of the best experts for innovation and creativity, and these skills mixed with technology let him to start Fun With Balls, an adventure that is shaping the future of Sports and will contribute to provide a solution to the problems of our Society living the digital era, in particular for the younger generation.
Click here to watch the webinar replay
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
Thanks to Markos for being part of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …
Rachel Dao is works with 20+ fitness industry franchise brands and over 120 studios & gyms globally! And in this 90 minute workshop that will cover that digital is not just about ads, there more to your entire digital strategy! This session alone will be worth your registration.
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
In this chat, Rachel explains to Justin Tamsett the content of her workshop and why you should attend the event.
Thanks to Rachel for speaking at the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!None of this would be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and we thank The Wellness Program for being a partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
In this chat Owen Bowling, CEO for The Wellness Program, we discuss how AI can be your new staff member. Learn all about “Welly” who will encourage, inspire and simply remind your members to workout and lead a healthier lifestyle!
Thanks to The Wellness Program for being a Partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
None of this would be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and we thank Xplor Technoloogies for being a partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
In this chat Michelle Furnis, Chief Commercial Officer, Health and Fitness ANZ – Xplor Technologies, answers three simple questions:
1) What are the big changes at Clubware
2) How the new lead management component of the CRM makes life easier for you
3) How do you find the differentiation points in software?
Thanks to Xplor Technologies for being a Partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …
With an aim to inspire individuals, whether they be health professionals, parents individuals and organisations in how they can maximise their potential through understanding their unique biology, and the natural strengths that accompany them, we are so excited to welcome Dr Cam McDonald to the stage at the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
You will simply be astounded as he shares how the industry could substantially increase retention by helping members get results!
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
In this long chat Dr Cam, Chief Operating Officer of Shae, shares so much information on personalising workouts you will be gob smacked of how granular we can now get to help our members! This is just the tip of the iceberg on what Cam will cover in his presentation – this is worth the registration fee alone!
Thanks to ph360 for being a Partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …
As a free pre-event webinar, Annette Franz from CX Journey, will explain that the customer experience is the only true competitive advantage for businesses today. After all, it’s all about the customer! It’s the reason companies are in business.
Customer experience leaders – those brands that excel at both employee experience and customer experience – are growing five times faster than the competition, and customer are, increasingly, choosing to do business with companies that provide an easier, more convenient, and more seamless experience.
Many of the expectations that customers have about experiences today – regardless of industry – stem from their experiences with Amazon. The disruption that Amazon has created in the retail space has bled into other industries and has become the frame of reference for customers’ experiences across verticals. This has become known as the Amazon Effect.
Click here to watch the replay of this webinar
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!Thanks to Annette for being part of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …
You’re invited to Australia’s only Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit in Sydney on July 21st & 22nd! This is amazing summit will have:
PLUS a gala dinner with the first ever industry awards for technology AND another key note from the inspiring Amanda Stevens called High Tech – High Touch!
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!
None of this would be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and we thank Myzone for being a partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
In this chat Emmett Williams, President of Myzone, answers three simple questions:
1) Why does Myzone work better for gym members than say fit bit or Apple Watch?
2) How did Myzone innovate through out the 2020-21 Covid days?
3) Apple, Google and Amazon are now in fit tech, how does that make you feel?
Thanks to Myzone for being a Partner of the Fitness & Recreation Industry Technology Summit.
You can register now at FitnessIndustryTechSummit.com.au and use code ACTIVEMGMT to save $100!This is the only event this year that focuses on improving your business efficiencies, logistics, communication and community through technology. No matter the size or type of fitness business you will benefit, so see you on July 21st and 22nd …