If someone had told me what it would really take succeed as a studio owner, I would have run away faster than an Olympic track star (or at least I would have tried!). I know this may sound shallow, but I thought having a fitness studio would be easier!
Island Time Fitness celebrated six years of business this past weekend. Making it this far calls for something beyond celebration…
Reflection.
As the momentous six-year occasion ended and day turned to night, I had to reflect. What have I learned these past six years? Here are six lessons I have learned that changed my life. Not only as a business owner, but also as a person.
Lesson #1: Growth and Teamwork Are Connected.
Island Time Fitness is not a one-woman show. I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying “when you want something done, do it yourself,” but this statement does not ring true on every occasion. Sometimes we need to do a task on our own, like making a phone call to a corporation about out company…
But a business owner should not see themselves cleaning, marketing, working all shifts, accounting, and event-planning—at least not in the long run.
I tried this approach, and trust me: it does not work. You may think you are better off alone because you save money, but you actually lose money because everything takes longer. Healthy growth comes with a dream team that understands the mission and shares the vision. You must form a great team and trust them.
Lesson #2: Consistency Counts, Big-Time.
I believe that fitness is a business that can be tough because working out is not a necessity to survive. Unlike food, which people know they need, I often remind people that exercise is essential to maintain a quality life. Exercise can reverse aging, keep the heart healthy, strengthen muscles, promote healthy weight, and so much more.
So I preach consistency to my students because I know that, over time, getting and staying fit promotes longevity. I also stay consistent with my classes as well. I’ll never forget the words from one of our Zumba Gold ladies, Lori, when our studio story was covered on FOX News: “She shows up with a smile every day. And then she shows up and does the same thing the next day.”
It's not always easy to show up. Sometimes I’m at the studio working until 8 or 9 p.m. the night before and must be ready the next morning. Yet I know consistency pays off in the long run. That’s a life lesson I learned early in life and has helped me come this far.
Lesson #3: Not Everyone Will Like You.
This is perhaps the toughest business owner lesson I’ve had to swallow. I’ve had lot of friends my entire life and was the kid who would sit with the “popular kids” and the less popular ones. I didn’t realize it then, but I later realized that my gift in communication and writing allows me to connect easily with others…
Then I started a studio and discovered the pain of rejection.
Watching people ignore my messages consistently, refuse to take a flyer when I invite them to class, or unsubscribe from my email list has taught me that not everyone will like you or care about you (or what you have to offer).
That’s okay. While the above actions used to bring tears at night, I am stronger now. I simply shrug, remember how others have treated me with kindness, and move forward. Not everyone will like me, but God loves me—and that’s what matters most.
Lesson #4: Allow The Business to Pay For Itself (As Much As Possible)
This was a hard lesson learned. When I first opened the original Island Time, the space required a lot of work. Window art, paint, recarpeting, etc. Then I had a card processing system I didn’t need (but a company representative talked me into buying it). Long story short, I ended up buying much more than I needed to start—and more than I could afford. The situation messed up my credit, and I am still recovering from those decisions I made as a new business owner.
With limited resources, a better strategy would focus more on filling classes. New business owners should allow the business to pay for itself, and upgrade décor and other features as business allows.
I understand this concept a lot better now, and it has helped me greatly to operate on a cash basis—and cash is king, as they say!
Lesson #5: Quality Matters More Than Quantity
I truly feel that I have the most loyal fitness family in the world. I have clients who show up to classes consistently, week after week. This means a lot to me on a personal level because my greatest reward is seeing the smiles on their faces after taking my class. On a business level, this means I have a foundation that won’t fall and leave me broken. I wish I had bigger classes, yes, but I understand that it’s a process and that I teach a lot of different formats. Growing each audience takes time (more than I bargained for, but that’s where my consistency lesson comes in, right?).
Since I have also seen people quit coming occasionally (usually due to busyness of life), my eyes are constantly open and ready to spot a “perfect fit” for the family. I can’t change life circumstances, but I believe that if you serve a high-quality product, people will come back for more at some point or another. Island Time Zumba, or Zumbini, or Christian Hip-Hop—whatever the class, quality work attracts quality clients. And based on experience, many people will choose to stay because of quality.
Lesson #6: Remember Your Anchor Through Changing Seasons
Oh, how many seasons we have walked through! I’ve seen and met so many people of all ages. I’ve experienced the growing pains of being a new business, seen seasons of prosperity, and walked through a pandemic that could have ended it all.
Through six years, I have learned to never lose faith. God always shows up supernaturally when you are faithful to Him and are doing what He has called you to do.
I know there are people out there wondering how we made it six years, considering that I’m not the most financially successful person on the planet. The answer is simple: God and hard work. I always pray for Him to order my steps so that I know what to do in every season.
My prayer today is that you do the same. There may be six years or more of success on the other side of your faithful obedience.
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