How to Successfully Adapt Post Covid.

How to Successfully Adapt Post Covid
As quarantine is slowly lifting, many believe our world is finally returning to a much-awaited normalcy. And while we are certainly headed in that direction, change is still upon us. As we attempt to adapt post Covid, There’s no denying that our day-to-day life is not exactly back to business as usual.Â
As you’re welcoming students back into your gym, you’re also welcoming in a new normal! To help you navigate this unfamiliar territory, we have a few pointers on how you can successfully adapt post Covid-19. Read ahead!
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KEEP VIRTUAL TRAINING A PART OF YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGY
Virtual training and virtual learning have become a key aspect in the daily routine of many people, and your students are no exception! Covid-19 has undoubtedly changed the way we live, but it appears that some of the changes it has set in motion may become far more than temporary adjustments. Methods of virtual instruction and communication are adaptations that won’t be disappearing any time soon.
Needless to say, virtual training is a major aspect in the future of fitness. Think of it as an opportunity to serve a whole new array of people, whether it’s people who are nervous about starting martial arts right away or people with busy schedules who need to train on their own time. Virtual training will broaden your horizons and promote your content and services to a much wider audience.
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TRAIN YOUR STAFF FOR FLEXIBILITY
The outbreak of the Coronavirus has definitely stretched everyone in one way or another – forcing us to ask new questions, find different solutions, and plan for a future we are unable to predict. As we begin to reopen businesses and slowly but surely navigate adapt to the post Covid world, flexibility is a superpower. And all of your employees need to have it.
What do we mean by this?
Like we mentioned before, adaptability is a key theme in handling the effects of a pandemic. If your staff can take on new roles and adopt tasks they didn’t tackle before, your gym will work like a well-oiled machine.
For example, teach your front desk employees how to manage admin work, make sure all of your instructors are able to train both in person and virtually, and ensure that all of your staff members understand the proper cleaning procedures and know what to do if there are any incidents in regards to a sick student.
In a nutshell – ask your employees to understand that their job descriptions are changing and they need to be able to roll with it!
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MEASURE YOUR TOP 3 SOURCES OF REVENUE AND DOUBLE DOWN ON THOSE 3 SOURCES
With a situation as unexpected and unexplored as Covid, you need to find what you know best and commit to it.
Track your top three sources of revenue and put twice as much of your time and effort into those three sources. Find what your business is best at and what your students seem to utilize the most, then put all of your energy into furthering those areas of expertise.
This could be your classes, personal training sessions, summer camps, seminars, or merchandise you sell. Whatever those three things may be, increase your focus on them and worry less about your less significant sources of revenue.
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CHOOSE A SOFTWARE THAT HELPS AUTOMATE SOME OF YOUR MANUAL LABOR
Your time is more valuable than ever. But we didn’t need to tell you that – you already know!
As you find yourself juggling new to-do lists and managing requests you may have never had before, maximizing your time is a must. A software program can help you and your business automate some of your manual labor, whether that is follow-up communications, recurring billing, or tracking attendance. By selecting a software program that can do these things for you, you are reallocating your time and, as a result, reducing your costs and increasing the amount of effort you are able to spend on more important business tasks.
When you’re searching for your ideal software, we recommend choosing a program that allows you to automate your recurring billing/invoices and includes an attendance log. This way you don’t need to constantly have a staff member at the front desk!
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PUT YOUR CUSTOMERS FIRST
Last, but definitely not least, always have your customers’ best interest in mind.
Your business may be recovering from the impact of Covid, but don’t forget that your customers’ lives are as well! Now is a time to offer even more flexibility and encouragement. Being able to adapt to your customers’ wants and needs by giving them more options (such as offering both in person AND virtual classes) will build their trust in your gym and show them that you are committed to helping them no matter the circumstances.
While you’re at it – make an effort to simplify their life during such a stressful time.
There are many ways you can do this, such as utilizing a system of recurring billing or using a management system that includes a student portal where your customers can view their payment history, update their card on file, view attendances, and access virtual training resources.
Amid the confusion and uncertainty that surrounds small businesses during such unprecedented times comes some unexpected opportunities for growth and reflection. As you experience the repercussions of Covid-19 and begin to reopen your doors, we encourage you to view this as a time to continue to strengthen your ability to adapt and find new ways to help your members!
This article was inspired by: How to Successfully Adapt Post Covid by Kicksite.