Heather Blenkinship’s Post

Great work from Sanjeev Batra

I don’t post on LinkedIn nearly as often as I should—about once every five countries or so! That said, as we prepare for Optishake’s launch in the UK, there are a few things we could use some help with: • Best practices for operating in post-Brexit UK (importing, regulations, etc.) • Powder (proteins, sports drinks) supplier contacts in the UK (we have a few discussions ongoing, but nothing solid yet) • Potential partners in the fitness/gym industry • Investors for our ongoing seed round (tickets starting from €20k). We’re growing fast and already profitable, but growth tends to eat cash for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Ever wondered what the impact of a properly implemented system is? 🏋️♂️I’ve been a member of two gyms in the past year: David Lloyd in Northwood and my local gym at the end of my road. 👟My training partner has been a member of the Grove (luxury spa and golf hotel) and the local gym too. ✔️When comparing the three, we agreed the equipment is better at our local gym (the product). ☹️However: there are repetitive issues with our local gym (the service). For example: music not on, air con not fixed, no toilet roll in the ladies, out of order equipment for weeks on end etc. In contrast as soon as anything goes wrong at the other gyms the system kicks in. 👍Things get fixed immediately. The problem doesn’t recur. This enables them to charge a whole heap more and have their customers happily pay it. That’s the power of effective systems. ❓Do you systemise aspects of your business, and if so, what? #systemsthinking #businessgrowth #brandmarketing #thesmartconnector

It’s easy to find yourself focusing too heavily on ‘attracting new members’ but if you fail to retain members YOU NEVER GROW! The ‘most successful’ gyms achieve a perfect balance between member acquisition and member retention. To help you achieve this, I'm excited to share my 1 page ‘Client Retention Call Script’ This resource is specifically designed to... ☑️create value ☑️build lasting relationships ☑️and encourage ongoing commitment from your members. Click the link below to get your copy of our Client Retention Call Script and start keeping your gym members longer! https://lnkd.in/gqugq7pm

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing trends in the fitness industry, with operators of all types hopping on board — from multipurpose clubs and community rec centers to pickleball-only facilities. I recently spoke with two pioneers in the space who have been successfully running pickleball centers for over three years. Here are their top tips for success: 1. Community Comes First Werner Zehnder of Pickleball Zone Bend stressed the importance of building a community before opening an indoor facility. His advice: “If you build a facility and THEN try to build a community, you’re going to struggle.” Werner rallied an outdoor club of 350 members before opening his indoor space, making the transition smoother and more successful. 2. Prioritize Experience Over Revenue Michael Grewe of Missouri Pickleball Club has taken a bold approach by limiting alcohol sales, avoiding food service, and rejecting tiered memberships. Instead, he focuses on creating an unmatched player experience, proving that you don’t have to chase every revenue stream to succeed. 3. Don’t Skimp on Quality Both operators emphasized that in a booming market, high-quality facilities are non-negotiable. Lighting, courts and equipment can make or break your club’s reputation. If you cut corners, a competitor offering a premium experience could outpace you. What do you think of this advice? What more do you want to know about this budding and explosive industry that I can explore in future stories? #pickleball #fitnessbusiness #fitnesstrends

Do you want to take charge of your physical self while pursuing great things in your career? Don’t sacrifice your health for wealth… you can have it all! It’s all about planning and priorities! Follow, like, share and join my team view my page “Karin_TheBodyCoach” and let’s meet offline!

Interest in dedicated indoor pickleball facilities is growing almost as fast as the sport itself. But turning that dream into a thriving business? That’s a different game. From nailing the community aspect to designing a profitable revenue model, here’s what it takes to open and sustain an indoor pickleball facility.

According to great new and insightful data from Running USA, the number of running events shrunk year-over-year in March, while overall running participation continued to grow. While many believe that these growing participation numbers result from some sort of continued COVID rebound, there is more to it than that. We are hearing and reading that many of the best and oldest running events in North America are experiencing their LARGEST REGISTRATION NUMBERS EVER in 2024. We know this from stories provided by Running USA and from the great running event registration providers, who continue to share data and highlights from the events they support. More people are running. More people are looking for great running events. The most well established and time-tested events will continue to grow. However, on a more challenging note, here at the RaceReach HQ in Raleigh, NC, it is becoming clear that obtaining city and county permits and approvals for NEW running events has become increasingly difficult (due to requested road closures, police costs, city council priorities, etc). We believe this to be a national trend based on what we hear from the industry. Expect more discussions about this challenge in coming months.

🎾 Elevating Safety in Pickleball: The Essential Guide to Eye Guards 🛡️ As pickleball continues to captivate and grow, embracing safety measures becomes paramount for players at all levels. Our comprehensive guide on the importance of eye guards delves into the necessity of protecting one of our most valuable assets - our vision. From understanding the potential risks on the court to debunking common myths about eye protection, we explore the critical role that eye guards play in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved in the sport. Discover the latest advancements in protective eyewear technology, and learn how to choose the right eye guards that blend seamlessly with competitive play and everyday practice. This article isn't just a call to action for players—it's a roadmap for coaches, clubs, and organizations to lead by example in prioritizing eye safety. By fostering a culture of protection, we can ensure that pickleball remains accessible and enjoyable, safeguarding the well-being of our community for generations to come. Read the full guide and join us in championing a safer approach to the sport we love. Together, we can make a significant impact. https://lnkd.in/g_Ps_tcs