Ready. Aim. Empire.

Turning your vision into a reality can be intimidating without some know-how about the process. After securing funding, learn how to hire and work with a contractor in part 2 of this series.   In Episode 653: From Planning to Build-out: Financing Your Studio the Right Way, join Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Alex Lavelle for smart suggestions on this next step.   Tap your resources: seek referrals or visit Home Depot or Lowes to find contractors Vet thoughtfully: check out scope of work, confirm license, request wholesale pricing Persevere: keep interviewing contractors to find the best fit; don’t settle Shop around: get several quotes and ask preferred contractor to match lowest cost Set expectations: arrange meetings, timelines and payment schedules with contractor    You can save thousands of dollars (and headaches!) by choosing the right contractor. Create a systemized approach based on in-the-trenches advice in Episode 653.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve d

I get it – funding and financing can be daunting when starting or expanding your studio. In this 3-part podcast series, we’ll uncover some of the mystery to boost your comfort level.     Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Alex Lavelle start with the foundation in Episode 652: The Mindset of Financing: How to Fund Your Studio's Growth.    Check your wallet: your personal finances impact your ability to get funding Do your homework: lenders require a business plan and pro forma  Speed date (sort of!): expect to interview several lenders to find the right one Embrace options: think SBA, conventional, non-conventional, credit stacking  Strap in: financing is a process and can take longer than you think     Funding doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems. Armed with knowledge and good coaching, you may be surprised by what’s possible. Begin with Episode 652.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom em

A smarter approach than avoiding conversations that feel uncomfortable is confronting them thoughtfully. So stop dodging and start diving in.      But first, have a process in place. Coach Matt Hanton and Coach Rachel Prairie offer tested recos in Episode 651: Difficult Dialogues in Boutique Fitness, Part 2.    Anchor your angle: base discussions on your policies, mission, vision and values Seek solutions: focus on information-finding and collaboration to fix problems Document discussions: keep a written record and ensure understanding Stay timely: don’t delay or turn a blind eye, which implies validation  Commit to consistency: treat everyone the same in addressing issues     Ultimately, strive for productive conversations that strengthen your team and your business. Reframe your thinking and establish a procedure with Episode 651.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and jo

Y’all, I know that scaling your business seems kinda like a pipedream when you’re eyeballs-deep in teaching classes, whipping up marketing, running payroll and washing towels.    But pause for just a moment to learn how to lay the groundwork with Coach Caroline Plambeck and guest Vince Gabriele, a gym owner, author and business coach, in Episode 650: Building a Strong Foundation: Key Strategies for Studio Success.    Know your goals: determine how you want your business to fit into your life Master marketing: be laser-focused on what your avatar cares about Delegate discriminately: don’t dump on your team if they don’t have capacity  Launch thoughtfully: onboard clients intentionally with a high-touch process Prioritize profitability: pay yourself, minimize attrition and maintain cash on hand   Episode 650 is loaded with practical suggestions and personal anecdotes from the trenches. For more from Vince Gabriele, check out www.vincegabriele.com.     Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio

Even past the January New Year’s resolutions crush, you’ve still got an opportunity to capture people who dropped off after an intro package or those who haven’t yet jumped on their goals.    To capitalize on these ripe leads, refine your sales strategy with Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Matt Hanton in Episode 649: Refreshing Your Sales Strategy in a New Year.    Assess your avatar: tailor your approach to the psychology of each individual buyer Give to receive: leverage reciprocity, such as a free class, to encourage sales Showcase success: highlight testimonials and community to maximize social proof Foster FOMO: emphasize scarcity and urgency to compel immediate action Relate & recommend: empathize with objections and suggest realistic solutions   Knowledge is power in the sales process. Benefit from this timely reminder to reassess your goals, opportunities and audience in Episode 649.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their st

For many of us in the studio industry, sales feels cringy. Pushy, in-your-face and relentless. Yet survival in this business requires ongoing sales.    Shift your perspective and pick up practical ways to approach the process with Coach Caroline Plambeck in Episode 648: Connect First, Sell Second: How to Transform Your Sales Mindset.   Create a connection: ask questions, focus on client and actively listen Invest in relationships: value each client personally beyond a transaction Immerse in community: foster a sense of belonging and engagement Share solutions: address clients’ needs and solve issues with your services Re-envision rejection: see a “no” as an opportunity to gather more info and learn   Y’all, think of it as serving instead of selling. We specialize in enhancing lives and making a difference daily. Learn more about how to embrace the experience in Episode 648.     Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build

Let’s face it, your studio is a direct reflection of you. A thriving business typically means you’re leading well, but a struggling studio may be a warning sign of a need for self-assessment.    Based on years of experience working with studio owners, Coach Catherine Hebb tells it like it is in Episode 647: Mirror of Success: 3 Personal Traits that Can Sabotage Your Business.   Get organized: stop spinning your wheels; start proactively blocking your time Aim for a target: set goals to avoid simply coasting and hoping without direction Identify your KPIs: monitor revenue, expenses, attrition, leads and conversion rates Set the tone: communicate your values, expectations, boundaries and SOPs Confront conflict: confidently and calmly address issues as they arise   We all can improve as leaders. Don’t squelch your success simply because you’re unwilling to look in the mirror. Episode 647 invites you to take a quick peek.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to tak

As studio owners, we may think hiring more staff will automatically lighten our load and get everything running like clockwork. Many of us have discovered it’s not quite that simple.   Hiring great team members is just the start. You also need a thorough onboarding process to help each employee thrive. Consider the essential components with Coach Elle Kealy in Episode 646: How to Build a Successful Team, Part 3: Setting Your Team Up for Success.    Share the blueprint: emphasize your mission, vision, values and culture  Lay the foundation: thoroughly train the basics of the job and your tech tools Provide the building blocks: explain both the how and why of your processes Add the accents: share clear expectations, set goals, answer questions Polish and perfect: assess your leadership style and adjust if necessary   For more on nurturing an employee even before they’ve started at your studio, read Never Lose an Employee Again by Joey Coleman. And implement the practical insights in Episode 646.   C

Think about it – meetings typically invoke thoughts of boredom, wasted time and even dread. But they’re critical for communication, information-sharing, collaboration and team-building.    Against these odds, how do you make your meetings productive, valuable, and…dare I say, fun? Coach Caroline Plambeck lays out your critical success factors in Episode 645: The Team Meeting Blueprint.   Give a heads-up: have a regular schedule or provide sufficient notice Craft a plan: distribute an agenda to stay on track and engage your team Address intangibles: discuss core values, culture and improvement opportunities Foster discussion: invite feedback and include everyone so no one dominates Delegate and follow-up: assign responsibilities and deadlines for accountability   Also, be sure to celebrate successes and incorporate shoutouts to show appreciation and boost motivation. Learn how to make the most of your meetings with Episode 645.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decid

Let’s face it, y’all, the real complexity of our businesses is our people. Simplification starts with smart management to empower them to thrive and, in turn, fuel your studio’s success.    Learn more in Episode 644: A People-First Approach to Business – Part 2, as Coach Cara Hazelton continues her discussion with Amy Lefko, the author of People First. (If you missed Part 1, tune into Episode 639.)    Embrace your role: think, talk and act like a leader to set a solid foundation Do what you love: delegate your least-liked tasks to stave off potential dread Learn your lessons: acknowledge mistakes, identify takeaways and move on Escape wind tunnels: be willing to let go of processes that no longer work Navigate flood zones: assess internal options before automatically hiring new staff   Plus, continually reinforce your value proposition, expectations and culture so your team is aligned. Access the how-to overview in Episode 644.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve deci

Even if Pilates isn’t your jam, its skyrocketing popularity should grab your attention. The global Pilates industry was $178 billion in 2024. By 2031, it’s projected to reach $392 billion.     Get an overview of the opportunities and issues in this thriving sector with Coach Catherine Hebb and Coach Cara Hazelton in Episode 643: The State of the Pilates Industry.   Know the OG: learn how Joseph Pilates conceived this unique movement method Respect the nuances: recognize classical or contemporary training approaches Acknowledge the risks: realize potential concerns in this unregulated industry  Stay in your lane: stick to your scope of practice and refer as necessary  Invest in education: continue your training to expand your expertise   Y’all, with comprehensive education and unwavering integrity, our industry can help Pilates eventually be seen as an allied health profession. Your first step begins with Episode 643.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take

Your team is ultimately what differentiates your studio and keeps members coming back. But y’all, every owner understands that managing people means confronting issues.     So tap some proven advice on common points of friction from Coach Elle Kealy and Coach Catherine Hebb in Episode 642: How to Build a Successful Team, Part 2: Q&A Issues with Your Team.   Maximize meeting attendance: provide advance notice, pay your team, ensure value Share news of instructor firings: be positive, shut down gossip, focus on what’s next  Sell sales to all staff: create clear job descriptions, set expectations, give commissions Manage selfie videos: have a policy on filming in studio and posting to social media  Optimize communications: use a tool like Slack and create separate channels for staff   You can head off many issues by continually communicating policies and responsibilities, managing SOPs and keeping your team in the know. Get empathy and answers in Episode 642.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join

No one likes difficult conversations. Ever. But to be a successful boutique fitness studio owner, you’ve gotta ditch the discomfort and address these inevitable interactions.     Begin with practical tips from industry veterans Coach Cara Hazelton and Coach Matt Hanton. Tune into Episode 641: Difficult Dialogues in Boutique Fitness to tackle these head-on.   Establish expectations: have clear policies, rules, SOPs and member guidelines Set the stage: confront issues immediately and offer ongoing feedback  Prepare yourself: exhibit empathy, patience, listening and emotional regulation Skip sugar-coating: show kindness and professionalism, but be clear and firm Take a stand: commit to zero tolerance for abuse, cursing, yelling or manipulation   Remember, “difficult” conversations don't automatically mean “bad.” They often can be constructive and achieve an intended result. Embrace these encounters in Episode 641.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take contr

After an estimated 1.3 million people left the boutique fitness studio workforce during the pandemic, owners are trying to conquer the ongoing challenges of finding good team members.   So grab some invaluable insights on attracting staff from Coach Catherine Hebb and professional recruitment expert Nina Sarge in Episode 640: How to Build a Successful Team, Part 1: Recruitment.   Role call: keep the job description punchy and brief, and showcase benefits   Review your reviews: aim for positive input on Glassdoor, Trustpilot and social media Greet and meet: screen first with a phone interview, then meet in person Sell yourself: highlight your studio’s culture, perks, benefits and opportunities  Get a second opinion: always contact professional and personal references   Amidst a stubbornly tight employee market, job-seekers can afford to be much choosier. Episode 640 helps you tweak your recruitment process to draw the best-fitting staff members.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio ow

Ever tempted to ditch the “customer is always right” philosophy? What if you shifted your focus to your team instead? Is that a recipe for disaster? Or success?   Scratch the surface of a proven method to grow your people and your business In Episode 639: A People-First Approach to Business with Coach Cara Hazelton and Amy Lafko, an organizational design expert, keynote speaker and the author of People First.     Pick the winning recipe: adopt intentionality in organizational design and leadership Build a thoughtful foundation: establish your studio’s purpose, mindset and intentions  Practice piloting: expect crosswinds and detours, then recalibrate and course-correct  Stay on the sidelines: coach, advise, direct and recommend to equip your team Change the narrative: swap “hire” for “select,” “onboard” for “inspire” and “retain” for “engage”   When you invest in your people first, they’re more dedicated to delivering exceptional client service, which drives your studio’s growth. Pique your interes

Y’all, people typically buy based on emotion over logic. I know I have! By understanding and tapping into how your prospects feel, you’ll ultimately win more sales.   In Episode 638, The Psychology of Sales, Coach Caroline Plambeck outlines the need-to-knows and practical applications to refine your sales process. You’ll dig into the consumer’s mind and motivation to uncover what really drives purchases.     Be aware of biases: address confirmation bias, anchoring, reciprocity and scarcity Connect to core drivers: ask, listen and then speak to intrinsic or extrinsic motivation Push some buttons: leverage emotional triggers like FOMO, excitement and trust  Practice the Golden Rule: be transparent and empathetic to build rapport and trust Make it manageable: encourage a small or short-term commitment as a first step   Plus, tackle objections, share social proof and craft a compelling call to action to maximize conversion. Tune into Episode 638 to master the mind.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join

So many of us dove into our studio ownership more fueled by abounding passion than business acumen.   Fervor is fabulous but doesn’t automatically equate to profits. Even if you’re not a numbers person, profitability is critical. Coach Elle Kealy walks you through her journey from naive to savvy studio owner over the last 20+ years in Episode 636, Balancing Passion With Profit.    Embrace a CEO mindset: commit to understanding and practicing business skills Get out of your own way: quit doing absolutely everything and delegate instead Invest in education: learn about finances, marketing, operations and risk management Cozy up with the numbers: make a budget, set financial goals, track performance Reap rewards: benefit from less stress, more opportunities and a regular paycheck!   Passion is the heart of your business; profit is the lifeblood. Discover how they can work hand-in-hand so your business thrives in Episode 636.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to

Y’all know that for some of us in this business, selling feels ultra-uncomfortable. Maybe you’re one of them.   But your studio’s survival depends on sales. So discover how practice can build skills, boost confidence and quash the pushy persona. Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Josh Poole unpack the process in Episode 637, Unleash Your Inner Character: Mastering Role-Playing.     Lose the pressure: role-play to increase comfort levels without expecting perfection Dig into discovery: ask prospects about goals and clearly identify their why Suggest solutions: frame your offering as their critical success factor Overcome objections: articulate answers that address time and money excuses Serve compliment sandwiches: offer encouragement and constructive feedback    Role-playing is like exercising – it makes you stronger. The more you do it, the better you get. Lean in and learn in Episode 637.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio busi

Building something worthwhile is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s putting one step in front of another, fueled by perseverance and the end goal in mind.     So continue on our journey of developing a framework for teacher training. Coach Cara Hazelton and Coach Caroline Plambeck share important building blocks in Episode 635, Instruct & Inspire: Teacher Training – What Type of Teacher Training Should I Have?    Assess the approach: select your format: comprehensive or modular  Determine your delivery: opt for online, in-studio or a combination  Pick your platform: research tools like Kajabi and CRM capabilities for online offerings Specify SOPs: establish audit options, CECs, rubrics and timeframes for completion Pinpoint prerequisites: specify participant experience, class requirements and references    Creating a teacher training program is a step-by-step process that leads you to a rewarding finish line. Keep exploring the roadmap in Episode 635.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ st

Every studio owner is likely looking to boost revenue, differentiate their business and build a strong team. Might teacher training be an all-encompassing solution?     Yes, it’s a huge undertaking. But done well, it checks all those boxes. What’s not to love?    So catch Episode 634, Instruct & Inspire: Teacher Training – Should I Even Have a Teacher Training? with Coach Cara Hazelton and Coach Caroline Plambeck to see if it’s your next best step.   Know your why: identify your goals – income, staff, branding, personal development Explore the territory: research the ins and outs of other local teacher trainings  Count the cost: commit to teacher training as an all-consuming project   Consider the possibilities: mull over modalities, in-person/hybrid, modules and more Expand your audience: invite massage therapists, chiropractors and PTs    You should invest 9-18 months to develop your teacher training. We’ll take you through the process in this series. Dip your toe into the water in Episode 6