Flip the Script: 5 Simple Steps for Making Any Big Change at Your Gym
During your time as a gym owner, you’ll inevitably discover ride-or-die tools or products that you’d never be willing to change. On the other hand, you’ll also identify areas for improvement. And when you’re preparing for a major change, like switching your management software or gym programming, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it.
Even though careful planning and communication are crucial, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. And the benefits it will likely bring about will outweigh the temporary disruption in your day-to-day task list.
Here are the most important steps to take - before and during the switch - to ensure a smooth transition, and continued satisfaction from your gym community.
Five Steps to Simplify a Big Switch at Your Gym.
1. Assess and Define Your Goals for Making the Switch.
As a gym owner, you don’t have time to make changes for the sake of making changes. Every business move you make should be intentional. Whether for better operations, improved member experience or increased revenue, the first step is to clarify your reason for the change.
This will allow you to set clear goals and define what success looks like. For example, maybe you’ve started to notice signs it’s time to change your gym programming. You’ve clarified your reason for wanting to switch, and now you can outline your vision for success after switching to a better programming company.
Remember to set measurable goals, so that you can actually track your progress toward them. There’s a difference between “better programming” and “improving member retention numbers through programming by at least 20 percent.”
2. Do Your Research and Involve Trusted Contacts.
Chances are, there are quite a few options on the market for any tool or product you’re looking to replace. Start by doing your research to narrow it down to a few of your favorite options. Consider creating a simple comparison chart that highlights key features, costs and benefits.
Next, find out about the opportunity to “try it before you buy it.” Most reputable companies offer free demos or trial periods. For example, Beyond Strength & Endurance offers a free 14-day trial of affiliate programming so you can make sure you love it before officially making the switch.
Finally, think about the “stakeholders” in your gym for a big decision like this. These would be coaches, GMs or long-standing members that might be able to provide you with valuable insight and support. Lay out your options for them to try or analyze, then take their feedback into consideration as you make the final decision.
3. Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan.
Once you’ve decided on your new solution, it’s time to create an implementation plan. First, determine the timeline for your rollout. For instance, if you’re switching gym programming, it’s generally best to launch at the beginning of a training cycle.
Second, consider any changes to your budget or teams’ responsibilities that will come along with the switch. It might be helpful to designate a certain team member to be the point person for a software switch, or make sure your head coach is fully involved in a a programming change.
Finally, it might be helpful to create a calendar for reference. Note anything relevant leading up to the rollout, any potential downtime and when you plan to announce the upcoming change.
4. Communicate Transparently with Your Gym Community.
In order to achieve buy-in from your members, this might be the most important step in the process of making a big change.
Be sure to make the announcement early enough to give members ample notice. The last thing you want to do is make them feel like everything has been happening behind the scenes and that you forgot to keep them in the loop.
The best way to get member approval is to outline the reasoning behind the change, and all the ways it will benefit them. For example, if you’re switching gym programming, be sure to talk about improved results, a better overall member experience and how it will create a culture of success in your gym.
Also, since members don’t all use the same platforms, share the timeline and goals of the change through various avenues. Send an email, post updates in the gym and use social media to ensure that everyone is informed. Note that people might have questions, especially if it’s a significant change. So be ready to address any worries or concerns as they come along.
5. Evaluate and Adapt After Making the Switch.
Once everything is rolling after making the switch, think about a simple checklist that will help you evaluate, compare and make adjustments as needed.
The primary thing to focus on is whether or not the change has helped you achieve the goals you set for your gym in the first place. If the answer isn’t fully “yes” yet, you should at least be making progress toward those goals. Hopefully the goals you’ve set are measurable, so that data can play a role in helping you determine the success of the switch.
Even though asking for member feedback can be a slippery slope, asking the right questions to the right people can actually be beneficial. Talk with trusted members or coaches to identify any lingering issues or even confirmation that it was the right choice.
And finally, don’t forget to celebrate the wins! Acknowledge that making a big change of any kind in your gym is not easy. Hopefully the switch went smoothly and yielded the results you set out for. If so, recognize that achievement and show appreciation for any coaches or members that helped along the way.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to make a switch to your gym programming, we’re here to make the process simple and rewarding for you! Contact us today to get started.