Q: What should people know who want to buy a franchise for themselves?
A: Franchising is a great model. I highly recommend becoming a franchisee if you see a concept that you like and a brand that you trust. The idea of franchising is great because you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You get tons of support and can learn from the franchisor’s experience. Franchising your own business is a huge undertaking. If you are considering this route, work with attorneys and consultants who specialize and have great success in this area.
Q: How do you get the word out about your fitness programs?
A: For the clients, we really focus on member referrals. We do a lot of co-op marketing with stores who share a similar demographic. Partnerships have been great for us. Media publicity has been a very important marketing tool, both on the local and national level.
Q: What secrets have you learned in terms of publicity and marketing your product?
A: We do so much that is more than just fitness. There are so many stories within our business. For example, our Moms With A Mission program raises money and awareness for a variety of charities. It ends up being a win-win where we are helping, but it also creates positive recognition for our company.
Q: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?
A: At the beginning we only focused on the fitness program aspect, and I think we missed a lot of the market. It’s also an incredible place for moms to connect and have fun with their baby. That solution was already there. We just needed to market it.
Q: How long did it take to get your program from idea to market (conception to product launch)?
A: It was actually incredibly quick because it started very small. I had the idea and decided to start a class in my neighborhood. I had a logo and flyers designed and I was in business a month later. I think it’s important to perfect your product before you grow it.
Q: How have you managed to juggle the roles of business owner and mom? What falls by the wayside?
A: It’s a constant juggle. Attitude is everything. Have a sense of humor. It’s evolved as my business has evolved. I hire more help than I used to, as I’m working a lot more. I do my best to be 100 percent present when I’m with my kids—and the same for my business. That means that when I’m with my kids I never pick up my work phone or check emails. When I’m working, I don’t answer my home phone or put in a load of laundry, etc. I don’t waste time with long emails, personal calls, etc. I’m very focused and some may feel a little too brief. I’m just very conscious of time.
Q: What kind of support system do you have in place personally and professionally? A: Again, I realize it’s changed. I used to do everything! Now, I have a nanny three days per week. I hire someone to clean my house so that I don’t have to spend time on that. Every time I could afford it, I would hire more staff to do what I don’t excel at. I now have a staff of about twelve, not counting outside contractors.
