during the member ’ s first visit . Why ? When the member feels connected to at least one team member , their comfort level rises to become more engaged in the club , ask questions and feel like they belong .
• Encourage your MSRs to introduce the new member to your fitness trainer during their first visit . Why ? The member will now have a second team player with whom they feel connected as someone they can trust to answer health and fitness-related questions . The trainer can introduce members to PE @ PF sessions , and in turn , introduce them to other members . ( P . S . If the fitness trainer is not present , recommend they meet with the fitness trainer during their next visit .)
• Create a culture of face-to-face follow-up with your new members . Your GMs and AGMs can ask the member during their fourth or fifth visit how their fitness journey is going .
• MBWA . Similar to a great restaurant manager , your GMs and AGMs should MBWA ( Manage By Walking Around ) and exemplify the 10:5 rule .
• Connect members to other members . Collaborate with your team in each club to brainstorm ways to accomplish this . An obvious example is to introduce members to one another in a PE @ PF group session . Coach your fitness trainers to connect members to other members who have similar goals . Fitness trainers should also pair a seasoned member with a new member . A lot of our seasoned members , especially those who participate in PE @ PF , love helping new members get acclimated . Often , they become workout buddies or accountability partners .
Another way to connect members to other members is to create special events inside the club as well as encourage members to be involved with your external charitable or community events .
• Plan digital detox time at team meetings , special team events and whenever your team determines the best ways to connect with one another .
• Create a culture of connectivity . A culture of connectivity rests on core values of kindness , respect , service and commitment to one another . Your HR leadership can educate your team about the importance of social connection for workplace well-being , health , productivity , performance and staff retention as part of team member orientation , ongoing training and your wellness resources .
These are just a few ways to help impact the loneliness epidemic in your club and the communities you serve .
Bonus : According to IHRSA , the No . 1 way to impact member retention is member to member connection . The No . 2 way to impact member retention is member to staff connection . Creating a connectivity culture , your clubs can impact the loneliness epidemic while you reap the benefits of member retention ! G
Franchisees Victor and Lynne Brick are the founders , CEO and president , respectively , of Ohana Growth Partners . They are also the founders of the John W . Brick Mental Health Foundation . They can be reached at victor @ ohanagp . com or lynne @ ohanagp . com . To view the full Move Your Mental Health report or for more information on self-care approaches to treating mental illness and promoting mental well-being , visit www . JohnWBrickFoundation . org .
GearedUp | 2023 Issue 3
57