We’ve all dreamt of starting our own business at one point.

Whether it was passion for fashion designing or believing you could open a Michelin star-worthy restaurant, we’ve all tangoed with the notion of owning our own business.

Every minute, someone starts a business, research shows.

It’s no surprise that owning a small business—or a large one—takes patience, immense effort, and time.

You have to mold it into the vision you have and cultivate it using the seeds of determination. But unfortunately, not every business can survive.

So, if you’re operating a fitness center, you’ve probably wondered what more you can do to attract and retain clients. You have the means, the budget, and the talent to operate a business.

So what can be done? Here are a few things to take into consideration:

ê Customer Care Strategies

It’s a no brainer that your customers are some of your greatest assets. Without them, there would be no business. So you have to make sure you’re on top of the game when it comes to customer care.

Here are a few things you can do:

ü A Pro-Active Receptionist

Have you ever been to a hotel or salon where the receptionist was busy fiddling with their phone? They had no interest in catering to you. In fact, they were barely paying attention.

That probably left a bitter taste and negative impression on you. You most likely never went back.

Think about how your clients will feel if they get the same treatment at your gym. Train your receptionist to acknowledge clients, even if they are busy. If they are talking to another client when someone walks in, they should greet them and offer them a drink while they wait.

What this will do is make your clients feel valued. They will feel appreciated. Even if you can’t cater to them immediately, at least it will show that every client is appreciated.

ü Effective Communication

Your clients don’t expect your staff to know everything but they do expect them to connect them to someone who does!

Your employees should be polite but they should be able to handle every type of customer complaint/query.

For example: if a client asks about the latest discounts and you have an employee that’s fairly new, train them to answer with confidence.

Something like, “HI XYZ. I don’t have the information regarding the latest discounts. But I will connect you with someone who does.”

Then follow up with their promise. This save the client’s time and it won’t leave a bad impression on your business.

Use your client’s name and let them know that you will be connecting them with someone who can handle their queries.

ü Positive Body Language

Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk as well! Your body language is just as important as the words you speak.

So if your actions don’t match your words, your client will notice immediately!

Train your employees not to slouch; you are operating a fitness center, after all. They should always smile, stand straight and look at the client when talking.

Avoiding eye contact, slouching and frowning will leave your clients thinking your employees aren’t interested. Always make sure to ask the client how you can help and if they need anything else.

ü Interactive Staff

Don’t bombard clients with services you’re selling. Instead, engage them. Train your employees to interact with clients, not irk them with products.

If a client is having trouble with something, suggest that you have a product that’s the perfect solution. Don’t tell them to buy it, tell them to try it.

You want to make sure that your clients are comfortable and not made to feel uneasy.

Make sure the exchanges between you and your clients are positive.

If there’s a product that they want and you won’t have it available until next month, don’t say, “Sorry but we can’t get that product for you until next month.”

Instead, apologize and say, “We’ll have it available next month. We’ll call you as soon as we have it available. Thank you for your patience”

ê Offer Fitness Devices

If you want to boost your fitness center’s income, one of the things you can do is offer fitness devices.

Clients who are interested in working out at home as well will benefit from this. Not everyone can use the gym regularly. So offering them your services at home will help them keep track of their fitness routine, and keep up with the rest of the members.

You can also offer them personal trainers if they wish to work with someone one-on-one, instead of going to the gym on a regular basis.

ê Be Creative with Activities

One of the main reasons why some clients stop going to the gym is because they get into a monotonous routine. Routine ruins motivation.

Get creative with the activities your gym offers and engage your clients! Here are a few ideas to take into consideration:

ü Zumba Classes!

Why only promote cardio and weightlifting? Zumba classes are a fun and engaging way to help your clients get fit and healthy!

It’s mixing dance with fitness. What could be more fun? Your clients will find creative ways to stay fit and healthy, without having to follow a routine.

Furthermore, Zumba is easy so they can create their own moves at home.

ü Hold Competitions

One way to motivate clients and retain them is to hold monthly competitions. You can challenge them to anything. It can be a 30-day fitness challenge, or something similar.

When clients have something to look forward to, they’ll automatically work towards their goals.

ê Keep Track of Everything

Make sure to keep track of everything. From the number of clients that have joined your gym to how many have left, keeping track will help set goals accordingly.

You’ll be able to identify areas that need improvement and what you can do to boost revenue.

These are just a few things to keep in mind to maintain your fitness center.

For more information on setting up a gym, expanding your streams of revenue and building and maintaining a solid clientele, visit Fitness Pro Income Booster—your ultimate source of forging a successful career in the fitness industry.