Strategy

Welcome to ProfitablePilates.com, your hub for everything but the exercises. These blog posts are dedicated to the more strategic side of your Pilates business, whether that is leading a team or your own personal mindset, these posts are for both Studio Owners and Pilates Teachers.

How to Fire a Client

Posted on by Lesley Logan

There is a lot of talk (including on here) about how to get a new client. But, there is not much chatter about how to fire a client. And, it’s not because no client ever needs to be fired. In fact, I think plenty of clients out there probably do. But, if you’re struggling to grow your business or you don’t have solidly policies in place or worse, you have policies in place but you don’t uphold them firing a client is harder than finding a new one. However, I firmly believe that while you are in the “service” industry (meaning you provide a service) you are not “of service” to others. And, you should be treated with the same amount of respect as you show your clients. So, how do you fire a client?

Lets talk about why you would fire a client:

  1. They do not follow policies even after repeated discussions about following policies.
  2. They are verbally or physically abusive to you or other clients.
  3. They do not pay on time or pay for their late cancels (see #1).
  4. They want times you cannot/do not offer (firing may seem like a strong word for this instance).
  5. They’re expectations, pressure on you or Pilates is unrealistic.

If you have multiple clients who are breaking your policies or treating you badly it’s important that you reflect on how you may have created this opportunity.

Do you have policies in place?

Were they given verbally and in written form?

Did the client sign and agree to them?

When they broke them the first time did you address it?

No one deserves to be treated badly and if you don’t have strong policies or an agreement people should still be awesome humans and treat you with decency. But, truth is we train people how to treat us. So, before you fire your entire line up of clients put together a list of rules and procedures. Put it in writing, have your clients agree to these and then when they break them address how they broke them. Uphold the policy.

If the client values you they will likely apologize and continue you on understanding the repercussions. If they don’t and they moan, whine, complain, or worse then you know there is no changing them.

Firing a client no matter how much they deserve it is not easy though. You are in fact confronting someone and also saying no to money. Something most people do not find easy. But, if you want to have a thriving career (part-time or full time) you want to make sure that the priority of you staying protected, valued and inspired is there.

Most clients when you uphold your policies who do not want to follow your rules will fire themselves. Keep this in mind. If you are holding firm on your boundaries, cancellation policies, rate increases and more then they’ll likely make up and excuse and simply stop.

But, there is the rare occasion of the completely oblivious, non-observant, blissfully unaware person who not only treats you badly or doesn’t follow rules that will need to have an actual firing.

I have had to do this one time for myself and a few times for teachers who worked for me in the past for various reasons. Some client rule-breaking is so off-putting there is no need for a warning conversation. Abuse is one of those things and you’ll have to decide for yourself what level of abuse you will have a warning conversation about and which ones you will fire immediately. But, do make sure you have a client agreement of what types of behavior will and won’t be tolerated.

When I fired a client who could be slightly verbally abusive the teacher felt like the client didn’t know they were being that way. So, I had a conversation with the client telling examples of things said that would no longer be tolerated. They apologized and then two sessions later repeated the transgression. The teacher on the spot addressed it. (Which was very brave and can be hard to do). The client didn’t agree they had broken this rule. I had to thank the client for coming but helped refer her to another studio where a teacher might be more to their liking. Her sessions were refunded.

The client I had to fire was someone who was mostly nice. But, every other session she would try to move her time around the same day. And, that was annoying, not a reason to fire but took extra time out of my days.

Then this same client would text me at random hours of the day and night asking non-Pilates questions. When I addressed her not texting me outside of rescheduling her session before 24 hours prior to her session and not for any other reason she said: “she never bothered me.”

She would early cancel every 3rd session by minutes. And then when I told her I could no longer uphold her standing appointment because she had missed it for 2 months. She said that it was because I missed.

It was clear that no matter what evidence I showed her and no matter how much I upheld my policies she was never going to. So, I refunded her what was left of her package and gave her the referral info of teachers who might be better suited for her.

It wasn’t easy. She was combative in email. She lied. She did everything she could to stay on as a client. And, firing her was one of the best things I did. It wasn’t just the two-three sessions a week of time I got back. It was the time around the sessions too.

And, I was able to make room in my schedule for two other clients who are doubly better as humans to be around. Inspiring to teach. Who never ask me to discount them or break a rule.

I know it’s hard to get rid of a client. Saying “no” to money is really hard. Especially if you don’t have a client to replace them with right away. But, once you do you’ll have created space that the universe will fill with an even better client.

So, go ahead and fire them! But first, make sure you’ve done your due diligence to make it easy for them to fire themselves. AKA you must create and uphold policies in your business and train your clients on how to treat you. Sound ok? And if they don’t remember what Ice Cube said, “Bye Felecia.” #blockthemandblessthem

xx~LL

Ps if you need help creating rules around your rates, cancellations, studio use etc. Contact me here. Your business’s strength is only as strong as the foundation it is built on.

 

Tips for Using Social Media to Market Your Business

Posted on by Lesley Logan

Social Media has made it clear it’s here to stay! It’s also done a very good job keeping our potential and existing client’s attention. And, its omnipresence in our lives can make you feel like you need to have thousands of followers (to get the swipe up feature) or the blue checkmark. Or, if you just find the perfect caption or hashtag then your classes will be full! Maybe you’ve considered boosting a post because it could reach 31,000 people and that would be epic…it’s only $12.00….stop! If you’re a small studio, home studio or solo instructor you likely will never need or benefit from a boosted post. And, for all Pilates teachers, social media can be super helpful. But, is it the means to the vision you desire? Probably not. So, here are some tips for using social media for your business without wasting your time.

  1. You need to have a place to send people back to. aka a website. If you don’t have this yet then all the followers and likes in the world will not be able to actually give you money, know how to work with you. And, if the platform you’re using goes down one day you SLO.
  2. Social media is about being social. Posting and ghosting is sooo 2015. But, scrolling, “like pods” and 30 hashtags a post does not give you the ego boost…I mean..post algorithm boost you’re looking for anymore. Engagement is what matters. So, when you post create content that people want to engage with. Then go be engaging in other’s posts. Read- People who you want to see why you rock. Which is hard if you don’t know who your future client is on IG or FB then finding them and commenting on their posts can be tricky. But, that would be the more strategic way to get people to find you and see why you rock.
  3. Search engines don’t read your posts so be sure to put all your expertise on your website (which the search engines do read) and then share that awesomeness on your social where people might click through from your website.
  4. Go find your peeps and engage with them. Yep, I said that in #2. It’s that important.
  5. FB ads are super great if you can afford to “pay to play.” But, since most of us really only need 20 good consistent clients and studios about 100 give or take. The amount of money you’ll spend A/B testing which ads of awareness work and then getting those to come in to actually use your space it’s likely at best a wash if not a loss leader. I’m not saying it doesn’t work for some. But, if you don’t have pixels to do retargeting campaigns (which you can’t do for boosted posts) then that money is mostly going down the drain.
  6. Think about how you use social media as a human. What do you click on? How often do you need to see an ad of something before you click? Do you buy workouts through ads? If so what did the ad say, promise? Look like? What posts get you to like, comment or even follow?
  7. Are you hanging out where your client is? Many of you are all over IG but your client might be loving living in FB and in its groups. You don’t need to use social media for your business but if you’re gonna you want to use it where your people are.
  8. What do you help people with? Yep, people don’t care what time your class is as much as they care how you help them. It sounds rude but it’s true.
  9. Set a time limit on yourself. Social media posts creations, scrolling aka consumption is a total time suck. And, the ROI is not as good as referrals from the clients you have, organic searches online (must have good SEO which means you must have a website) and in-person interaction. Yes, you can get a client to meet you while you’re walking down the street.
  10. Know your goal! I have tons of clients I coach who do not use social media at all for their business or even their life. I have other friends who dominate their goals because of it. If you’re unsure if you should be using social media share your goals below or contact me here and let’s talk about it.

I’m a fan of social media! Yep, I so am. But, I rarely post on my personal FB profile. I mostly use it for connecting with you, and other Pilates lovers and teachers around the world. I have met some of the best friends in my life because of it. And, yes, workshop and online clients too! But, Social Media can also cause insecurities, loss of time towards doing what you love for the clients you love. And, I also think makes people think they need to have all these followers that truly don’t mean anything for most of us.

When you post on social if you’re lucky 1% of your followers see your posts. And, if those random less than 1% comment enough soon enough then the algorithms deem it “viral” and then they send it to about 6%. Yep, that’s right. So, think about it. How many people is that? I bet you could email, call, text, personally dm or go meet outside as many people in less than a day and actually get responses back from those in your community who could actually take a class or session from you.

My ask of you is to focus first on your website. How does it tell those you are trying to serve that you’re the best for them. And then, how can you use social media to drive traffic to your site and ideal into your schedule?

xx~LL

PS: I go over social media tips and the newest things you need to know daily in my online coaching group AGENCY as well as in coaching calls. If you want more support in this area then check out the only community that supports teachers on their business from apprenticeship to 30+years of teaching.

Are You Doing This to Fill Your Classes?

Posted on by Lesley Logan

Offering classes allows you to have an offering that more people can afford, to help more people at one time, create community and increase your hourly rate. But, filling those classes can feel like you’re throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping it sticks. And, worse, when a class isn’t full it can not only hit your wallet but can feel deflating, personal and exhausting. So, how do you fill your classes? Especially today when it seems like everyone is giving classes away for free!

  1. Know who you want to come to class. Ok, so you might not know their real name but you need to have an idea of who they are. What they do and what they are searching for. Then you need to reach out to the them where they are already hanging out.
  2. Know the communities your future attendee is hanging out. Yep, where do they work, grab coffee, shop, workout? Who is their best friend? How can you collaborate, partner up or get their bestie to invite them to your class?
  3. Get creative! You do not need to post about your class times on your social as much as you think. Instead, post about what people are saying, what they are experiencing, and what they will get by coming to your class. Let them look up what your schedule is. You’ve got .5 seconds to get them to stop scrolling IF they are even already following you. So, use that real estate to show off why you rock and who are for.
  4. Go where they are.  This doesn’t have to be in person although that is faster. You can use the beauty of social media geotagging, forums, and groups to find your people and then get to know them. Yep, notice how I didn’t say invite them to your class just yet. Instead, introduce yourself, ask them about themselves. What do they like to do? Think of it like dating!
  5. Be consistent! You’re gonna want to give up the first few times your classes are lackluster in attendance. But, it now takes 7-17 touchpoints for people to make that decision. Yep, FB says average is 12 ads of the same offering before people click. And the other research out there is 7-17…that means you can talk about it once and then be disappointed that people didn’t flock in droves. Get in front of your ideal client as much as you can and be consistent in sharing why you rock and what they get by taking your classes.

For more strategy on getting the word out there let’s do a coaching call. Depending on if you’re a studio owner trying to fill everyone’s classes or an instructor trying to fill your own there are some tactical strategies that will be unique to your goals.

Until then, know who you are talking to, get in front of them often, and then remind them a few more times.

And, do yourself a favor and don’t race to the bottom on the discounts to get people into class. People are not googling “cheapest Pilates class near me.” Own your worth and people will value your classes even more!

Contact me here to strategize filling your classes.

Xx~LL

What Changes Can You Make to Up-level Your Business

Posted on by group218

Your business changes all the time. Even if you don’t like change, the people who engage with your business and the businesses you use change. It’s important that you’re in charge of your business and how your clients, or for studio owners, employees/renters engage with it. If you find yourself complaining about something more than once it’s a sign that you need to make some changes in your business.

I love facing complaints head-on. I wrote about some of my favorite complaints in a recent blog post and I think it’s key for your business to grow to listen to your complaints, the clients and others to see where you can make changes. 

Side note: Just because clients or others in your business complain doesn’t mean you need to make changes. You can’t please everyone. But, sometimes a tweak here and there can make your inbox lighter!

Looking at your schedule what do you find yourself complaining about? Is there a time slot you dread teaching? A client that drains your energy?

Write down all the things that you wish were different in your business.

How long have you been compiling about these things?

What if you did change them? What could happen?

Take one complaint this week and try to make adjustments in your business to get to the other side of it.

If you’re struggling with how to ditch these complaints know you are not alone. It’s really hard to figure out what to do when you’re in it. Which is why I offer coaching calls and my online coaching group AGENCY. After you have written your list if you want a second set of eyes and some ideas on what to do next then let’s chat. Comment below with what changes you wish you could make or contact me here.

xx~LL

How to Prepare for a New Client

Posted on by group218

First impressions are important. And, when it comes to a new client engaging with you or your studio it’s even more integral. When someone comes in for their first class or session 60% of the decision to start a new fitness regimen is made. All you have to do is help them decide that it is you. Here are my tips for scheduling and teaching a new client.

  1. Make it easy for them: Is it clear on your site what to do next? How to schedule? What you offer?
  2. Tell them what to do: Don’t offer them all the times in the world you have or ask them when they want to get started. Train them from the beginning to schedule their life around Pilates with you.
  3. Have a “what to expect” email: Whether they sign up over the phone, email or via text be sure to send them an email that tells them your policies, what to expect, wear, park etc..
  4. Know their why.
  5. Forget about selling Pilates. They just need to trust that you’re the person who can help them.
  6. Follow up even if they said they don’t want to do Pilates. Send them a thank you note.
  7. Remember that their first package is still the courting process. Hold them accountable to their sessions, consistency and goals.
  8. Train them how to treat you and the studio. If your policies are broken you have to uphold them. It’s not a fun convo but it’s most important in the beginning.
  9. Don’t take things personally. Whether a client loves Pilates, doesn’t, late cancels or quits it’s not personal. Read the 4 agreements. You’re not for everyone and that is ok.
  10. Know when you want to teach, where and whom. It’s your business and you’ll get more clients that inspire you when you’re clear on these things. Not everyone is for you and that’s ok.

It’s easy to get caught up on selling Pilates or the training  to the new client. But, the truth is you are the guide. Your studio is the community. If you are clear on who you are for, what you offer it makes it easier for your future clients to decide on you too. And, then help them out by making sure your site, how you schedule them and prep them makes it easy for them to know you are the expert at what you do.

For more tips on first time clients check out this blog and this course. For coaching on converting first time clients for you or your studio contact me here.

xx~LL

How to create more time, Make more money, and Have a Life

Posted on by Lesley Logan

If you find yourself saying that you’re “too busy,” “don’t have enough time,” or, “don’t have enough money.” This blog is for you! I get asked often how do I “do it all?” And, “do you work all the time?” And, the answers are I do not do it all. And, I don’t work all the time. But, I do get a lot done strategically and you can too! Here are 3 tips to creating more time, which will make more money and give you a life.

  1. Time Block: I’ve talked about this before but it’s important to repeat again. I use a timer for projects. I stop working when the timer goes off. I make sure that I do a little bit on each project each week so that the needle is moving forward. When you wait to do something that has nothing to do with another thing you end up postponing that something until it’s too late. When you put deadlines on your tasks you realize how little time some things take. But, when you give them more time they take more time. I also make sure that before I scroll on IG or any other socials before I “consume” I create. So, I do the things that propel my business forward first. Grab your to-do’s and give time limits on projects. And, use a timer like this one to hold you accountable.
  2. Delegate: I know you think you can’t afford a VA, assistant, someone to do your grocery shopping or clean your house or studio but I promise you that hiring people to do the things that don’t bring you joy or don’t bring you money is essential to have more time and in your business time is money! I create all my content, write all my words on blogs, social media, YouTube, newsletters and more. But, I don’t edit my videos, schedule my newsletters or clean my house. The 3 hours my housekeeper spends each week between my house and studio costs me a session and a bit. It’s sooo worth giving her that money so that I can free up 1.75 hours where I can be doing work that brings in money. What tasks could you outsource?
  3. Recognize your complaints, frustrations, and fears. Call them out! What would happen if you got rid of your complaints? What could you get done if you didn’t spend time repeating your frustrations? What could happen if you weren’t in fear of ___? The time we waste on repeated complaints, talking in circles about frustrations or not doing the thing because we are afraid of what could happen is time that could be marketing your business, enjoying your life or doing something that you love. Take stock this week of the time you waste overthinking, talking yourself out of doing something, complaining or blaming. Make a note when you get in your own way and acknowledge when you are procrastinating by scrolling on social or sitting in imposter syndrome and thinking everyone else is doing it better than you. Then, take the next first step and see what happens. Take messy action!

Tip #4 will be released in my newsletter this week. Are you on the list? 

I want you to have the business and life you want. Because you can have it. In fact, when you go through the obstacles in your business (not around) you get to help more people! Isn’t that why you started teaching in the first place? Which of these tips will you try this week? Post in the comments below. And, tag me with your wins!

xx~LL

PS If these tips resonate with you and you’re tired of not moving the needle forward in your business then check out my online coaching group AGENCY. It’s the most supportive community of teachers from around the world who are taking action and creating incredible lives for themselves.

Our Best Pilates Business Blogs

Posted on by Lesley Logan

Whether you’re looking into how to set up a social media plan for your Pilates business, get new clients, raise your rates or find the right Pilates school for yourself here is a round-up of our most-read Pilates business blogs. We’ve got over 300 blogs to read now but here are the best of the best voted on by our readers.

 

#1 How to Keep Clients Coming Back: Great read for client retention. And you want to know about this before you lose a client because it’s easier to keep them then to get a new one.

#2 My Top 3 Mistakes and What They Taught Me: Learn from the mistakes that taught me the most and why I never make them again.

#3 Top 10 Steps for Owning a Studio: Even if you are just getting started having this information in your mind is helpful.

#4 How to Become an Instructor: Send this one to a friend if you already are one!

#5 Should You Own or Rent: a question you should ask yourself if you’re really busy or if you live in a state that is changing their laws you may wonder should I own or be employed?

#6 How Often Do You Think About the Pebbles in Your Business?: Read this if you need more time or have goals you want to hit. It’s all about time management.

#7 Do You Need Social Media?: Some tips for those of you using social media.

Do you enjoy these round ups? If so, comment below with topics you wished all the blogs were “rounded up” for.

xx~LL

PS what’s blog above did you click on first?

How to Hire a Team

Posted on by Lesley Logan

Nowadays it’s easier than ever to get help on the tasks in your business that you don’t like doing, don’t know how to do or don’t have the time to do. Studio owners you not only have to hire teachers but you also have to hire other team members to help you keep your studio clean and running smoothly. All of us, instructors and owners alike, should be considering what we truly need to be spending our time on and what we should be delegating out. So, hiring sooner than you think is key for the growth and health of your business. But, how do you hire a team?

Well, I wish I could give you a  step by step formula that you can copy, rinse and repeat. But, like Pilates, there is the ideal and then there is your clients ideal right? So, here are my tips for hiring. Try any or all of these! If you want more of a deep dive check out my course here or contact me for a coaching call.

  1. Hire fast and fire faster. Yep, I used to say hire slow and fire fast. And, there is an art to hiring slow to make sure you’re not making an emotional hiring decision. But, if you’re clear on the jobs expectations, your needs and have a good filter in your interviewing system you will weed out a lot of people and be less likely to hire the wrong person.l But, let’s say you do. Fire them. I know you want give people the benefit of the doubt but spending more time trying to fix a bad hire will not only cost you money for paying them but your time for retraining etc.
  2. Be very clear what the job is, what your needs are and go over that in an interview. Have questions that there is no bad answer but that if they answer one way it reveals that they are not the right hire for you. For example, I’m a massive ideas person. When looking for my executive assistant I didn’t need another person with forward-thinking ideas. I needed an implementer. So, I asked her if she wants to be in on the brainstorming side of things or organizations and implementation. If she had chosen the first it doesn’t mean she’s a bad person. Just not the assistant I need.
  3. Hire sooner than you think. I find a lot of teachers building their own websites, doing their own bookkeeping, etc. You guys, unless these were jobs you had prior to becoming a teacher I promise you that you can hire someone to do these things for way less per hour than you make teaching! So, instead of “saving money” and doing it yourself hire people to do it. It’s their area of expertise and they will do it better and faster than you! Plus, the mistakes you make or the extra time it takes you will cost you money in the long run.
  4. Hiring someone to do things that do not bring you money or joy and cost you less than your hourly wage are key for creating more time in your day and growing your business.
  5. Know your strengths and hire your weaknesses! Together you will make a great team.

Behind the scenes, at my business, there are currently four other people! Four! Five if you include the bookkeepers and six if you include my CPA. Are many of them doing things I could do? Yep! But, the amount of time it takes them to do their jobs costs me way less than what I make teaching and coaching. And, they love what they are doing! Yep, I hired people who get to use their strengths to do the tasks. Without them, I couldn’t do what we do. They feel inspired at the end of their workday and I feel super good because I’m not constantly doing things that either I don’t like or that take me away from propelling my business forward.

What areas of your business are you going to finally hire out today?

Feeling like you’ve hired the wrong person? Wanting help on doing team reviews and developing your hiring or leadership goals then join me for a coaching call or bounce ideas of other studio owners and teachers in my online coaching group m

xx~LL

My Top 3 Mistakes and What They Taught Me

Posted on by Lesley Logan

When I first started out as a Pilates teacher I made lots of mistakes. And, if you’re new, you will and should too! You will learn more from your mistakes then you will from the things that go the way you wanted. Especially in the beginning. Most mistakes you make in your business are great signs of things you need to work on. And rarely will derail your business. And, most mistakes are not as big a deal when you look back. However, I know that when you’re “int it” mistakes can feel like they are the worst thing that could ever happen. But, below are my top 3 mistakes that I made that I see a lot of Pilates teacher and studio owners make.

  1. Saying Yes to Every Client: When I first started out as a Pilates teacher I was also managing a high-end jewelry store in LA. I would teach Pilates 6 am, 7 am and 8 am and then race across town to open my store and work until 6:30 or 7:30 pm. And on many days I would go back across town to the studio to teach evening clients! I loved teaching and I was so excited that every new client I taught wanted at least two sessions a week that I kept saying yes. I didn’t even know I could say no! I was afraid also if I did that I would lose the client. But, in a short period of time, I found myself teaching 6 days a week and running my store 5 days a week. Which meant I didn’t have a single day off! You guys, this is not good! I know you may be reading this and be thinking “you need the money.” But, if you don’t own your schedule, get firm on your teaching times and protect your self-care time no one will! You’ll burn out faster than you think. And that would be sad because then the world would lose a great teacher.
  2. Not raising my rates sooner: I made up every excuse in the book to not raise my rates come year one. Then year two came around and my rent at both the studio and my house went up. The cost of gas was higher and I was at a point that I needed more continuing education. It was costing me money to do the exact same job. When I finally raised my rates sure a few people griped but they all stayed. If I had done it a year earlier that would have been more money in my pocket soon! I know you’re worried about this but I promise if you get on a schedule for raising your rates you will be grateful and your clients will expect it. You can learn more about how to do this on my course here.
  3. Teaching hours and clients that were not ideal for me: I know you think Pilates is for everyone so you can teach everyone. And, I am sure you can. But, the truth is we don’t all gel will everyone. There are clients out there who are best served by someone else. Not just personality-wise but time of day they prefer and personal goals or body needs. By saying “no” to clients that want times that you don’t thrive in you open up the opportunity to teach a client at a time you do! And, instead of being exhausted at the end of the day you will feel inspired, whelmed, content.

Honestly, I could go on and on about other mistakes I made. But these three at the beginning of my business all came back to bite me and caused me to have to make drastic changes in my business and life to allow me to not burn out!

You are the only person who can teach the way you teach.. You are the only person who can help the people that you help. So, get super clear on when you want to teach, who you want to teach and how often you will raise your rates and you’ll have a great foundation to grow your business on. Will you make mistakes? Yep, and me too! Sometimes I think the universe sends me clients that test my boundaries and makes sure I’m still putting my goals first.

Feeling like you’re stuck in one of these mistakes and don’t know how to get out? Check out my online group coaching called AGENCY. Members get to ask me and the other members for support and accountability so they can finally put their goals first.

xx~LL

How to Find Subs for Your Clients

Posted on by Lesley Logan

One thing harder than finding clients to teach is finding subs to teach your clients when you travel! Whether you are an independent contractor or studio owner keeping your clients consistent when you leave town is key for client retention. And, for studio owners, having clients comfortable working with a sub is a great way to retain a client even if you lose a teacher. So, its a win-win for the client, teacher, and owner for clients sessions to run as usual each week. And, you will feel great going on vacation knowing that your clients are not just waiting around for you to get back. But, where do you find these subs? And, how can you set it up so you and your client can trust them?

  1. Are you an Independent Contractor or Employee? If you are not the studio owner then you want to know the answer to this question. If you are an employee check with your studio owners policies for subbing out your clients. If you are an independent contractor or a studio with independent contractors it’s important you check with the laws where you live. For me to sub my clients out when I travel I cannot pay the teacher out of the client’s package. The client and the teacher agree on the time and the client pays them directly.
  2. If you are at a studio try to partner up with other teachers in the studio. Your clients are used to seeing them in the studio and will feel comfortable with them. People don’t like change so having a teacher they can say they’ve at least said “hi” too then you’ll more likely to convince them to take a sub and not miss their sessions.
  3. Find subs who can keep the client at the same place and time. Again, people don’t like change so if the client has to go to another studio or come at a different time or day they are less likely to say yes to a sub. When clients miss their sessions they get out of the habit and then it’s easy for them to think Pilates doesn’t work for them.
  4. Go and take Pilates from other teachers! If you don’t have teachers in the space that you teach that you can turn to then go out and get in the Pilates community in your area. Take classes from other people and the ones you like ask them out for coffee. Or set up a time to talk and inquire if they are ok with subbing clients from time to time.
  5. Have client cards you can easily share with subs. Clients are more likely to take a sub if they know the teacher has their workout plans.
  6. Make sure the subs know your policies and procedures and adopt these rules. You don’t want a sub that isn’t going to charge a late cancel that you would charge. Create a expectations sheet for subs to review and even sign (contact me if you want help on this) and you may even want a contract between you and the sub as to how much they will get paid from each client and who their role is.
  7. Have the sub come and observe you teach. This way they feel comfortable taking on your clients while you travel.
  8. Don’t give up! It took me many years to get my clients to take a sub. Then, when my traveling picked up they finally gave in. Now they each have a sub they love more than another. It takes several times of suggesting a “guest teacher” to your clients to get them to say yes. But, don’t let that stop you.

If you have taken all the classes you can in your area and still haven’t found a sub you love then it’s time to get creative. How can you create a workout for your clients to do at home on your own while you or even they are away?

Which of these tips are you going to try before the next time you go away?

xx~LL

How to Make Your Goals a Reality

Posted on by Lesley Logan

Goal setting for your Pilates or Fitness business is key. I know a lot of people think sometimes setting goals can be on the “woo” side or put unnecessary pressure on your business. But, if you don’t have an idea of where you want to grow it’s easy for other peoples goals to become your goals. These can be your client’s goals, another teacher, studios and more. Goal setting doesn’t mean you can’t change your mind. But, taking the time to set some and start working on them will help you refine and develop your vision.

When I first set goals for my business I thought I was thinking big! I thought it would take me 10 years to do what I wanted to do. But, as I started to do the things I will share with you below it became clear that my vision was going to happen sooner. And, it revealed opportunities that I didn’t even know were possible. Some of the goals on my sheet I ended up crossing off without achieving. That’s ok too! Sometimes goals sneak on our plate that sound good just not for us today or ever.

If you already have your goals handy you can skip the first part. But, you may want to do it anyways.

  • Take some time to go for a walk and clear your head or get away from any distractions. If you bring your phone with you put it on airplane mode.
  • Pick a date in the future and picture where you are. I often like to pick my birthday but you can pick any day. Where are you? Who are you with? What are you doing? If you are celebrating you what are people saying about you?
  • What does a week in the life of you look like?
  • write it all out! Seriously, brain dump away. Don’t let any thoughts stop you. You have endless amounts of time and money in this exercise.

Then, once you can see how you spend your time in the future and what people are celebrating you for write out all those things as a goal. For example, if in three years I am living in an airstream six months of the year traveling the states and teaching classes then I would have the deadline three years from now a) live in an airstream b) teach pop up classes. Which means that 30 months from now I probably should have purchased the air stream already. Two years from now I should have a good list of people around the country to visit and help me create pop up classes. A year from now I should be offering up opportunities that add value to people around the states. Six months from now I should try bopping around and doing road trips and making sure I like driving around and being somewhat nomadic. Next week I am planning a road trip somewhere to teach a class and try this goal on for size.

See how I did that?

Now it’s your turn! Feel free to share your goals and reverse engineered plan below. If you’re struggling to see the roadmap. Don’t worry. This is something I work on with almost every member in my online coaching group AGENCY. I’m happy to help you see if the group or a one-one-one call is what you need to take the first next step towards your personal goals!

Tips For Going Live on Social

Posted on by Lesley Logan

Connecting to your audience is key in marketing online these days. And, with millions more people following Instagram stories, and Facebook stories depending on your audience and goals it could be necessary for you. Going Live on Facebook, Instagram and other platforms is not new. But, lately, I have been receiving lots of questions about this topic. So, below find my go-to tips that will not only help you go Live but feel comfortable doing it.

Choose the Platform: There are many platforms you can use for going Live. It’s important that you pick the one (or ones) that your ideal client or audience is on. Use your analytics to show you who your followers are, ie. gender, age, location etc. The one that has more of your ideal client on it is the one I would do these lives on. If you love Tik Tok but your clients are above the age of 50 going you’d be shouting from the rooftops in a deserted city.

Announce it: I don’t often have time to pre-announce my lives but when I do I always have more viewers. So, even if you do it an hour or so before on your socials it would help you feel like you are actually talking to people.

Have a Topic in Mind: What do you want to go Live about? What do you want those watching to do after they go live? Nothing feels more awkward than going live, having just a couple live viewers and not feeling ready. Even if you just want to answer peoples questions have some questions in your mind you can answer so that you’re not just hanging out there.

Ask people to comment: Tell people what to do so that they stay engaged.
Giveaway the good stuff at the beginning: Like a blog, people want to know if it’s in it for them. So, tell them the “answer” at the beginning and then go into the what and how after.

Collaborate: Go live with another teacher or client! On many platforms, you can go live with other people from different locations. I love to call into people’s IG’s and answer questions from their audience.
Look at the dot: Yeah, the dot on your phone is the eyes of your viewer.

Smile more than you think!

Capture it correctly: If going Live on IG it’s a vertical video. If you go live on FB you can do both horizontal or vertical. But, if you plan on posting your live on Youtube you’ll want to film it horizontally.
Have fun! The first time you do it will be weird. Delete it if you don’t love it. And, then try again the next day. The more you do it the easier it gets. Think about teaching for the first time.

Do you need to go live? Nope, not at all. Again, it depends on your goals for your business and your audience. But, it is a fun way to engage with your audience and hopefully, your audience is a lot of people in your community.

Where do you like to go live? I’d love to hear your favorite platforms and what you like to talk about below.

If you want more support on choosing the right platform and what to talk about then contact me here. Let’s set up a game plan for you!

xx~LL