Time is just zooming by! March is already here, we’re losing an hour sleep tonight with day light savings time, and I’ve been a business owner for two whole months now. I have learned so much, faced and conquered various challenges, and slowly we are seeing the fruit of our labor.

One of my personal goals during the transition from instructor to owner was to learn everyone’s name. I have talked to all the clients in some way or another, but I never took the time to memorize everyone’s name as an instructor. You might think that this should be an easy task, but I’m awful with names. Also, we have ladies with similar body shapes, hair styles, and if I can’t remember something distinctive about her, my brain will just not compute! Or, I’ll remember the name for a solid week, and then if I don’t see a client for awhile, I’ll completely forget again.

But I’ve gotten better at remember names. I’ve made a point to greet every single person that comes in, specifically by name so that I can train myself to remember. We’ve also been sending out post cards to clients, and I’ll try to write something personal to them, whether it’s from a conversation that I’ve had with them before or something that I’ve noticed about the client.

Recently, I had a lady take a free trial class during one of my classes. I felt really awkward as I had planned a very cardio-intensive class, and for a new client, it may be difficult/frustrating to follow. I explained to her what the class format was, taught the class and tried to cue to cater to her as well as I could, and then recapped with her after class. The next day, I mailed her a card thanking her and appreciating her effort to keep up with me in such a difficult class.

She ended up returning and joining. She took another class with me, and afterwards, she thanked me. She thanked me for taking the time to show her that extra care. She noticed how I was trying to show her correct movement during class. She appreciated the extra effort, the attention to detail, and community feel that we provided while working out.

This is when I realized that I’m not just providing a workout program. I’m not just teaching a class. Essentially, I’m selling me. I am part of the package and a product for clients to “try out” and judge whether they want to “buy” or not.

As an instructor, I was aware that I was selling my style of teaching. Each instructor has a preference in musicality, movement, and approach to teaching that is unique to his/her personality. But as an owner, I’m also selling customer service and in an industry of service, that customer service is a feeling. How do you feel when you walk through that door? Are you excited to be there? Do you feel welcomed? Are you wanting to come back? And if you’re not, what can we do to change that?

All of those decisions are made in the details: the greeting, the involvement of those around you, encouragement, support, engagement, and reinforcement. You’ll find a workout class at any gym. There are hundreds of workout programs actively hunting for your loyalty and membership. How do you decide what’s right for you?

Honestly, that’s a decision that I can’t make for you. Obviously, I love Jazzercise, but it’s not for everyone. Just like I’m not a huge fan of unsustainable exercise/diet programs. But what makes Tyrone so special is its community and our clients. We’ve got every body size, age, and level of fitness on that dance floor. We have ladies that have done Jazzercise for years and some for days. We have two owners that really love the program, love the clients, the instructors, and have the priority to develop community intimacy.

Yep, you read that right. We love it. The sense of camaraderie and community is truly spectacular and sweet right now. I so desperately want to share that love with everyone around me. I’m in it for the long haul, baby, and I’m selling me. I’m ready. Let’s jump in the F-U-N together.

There will be always be an excuse. I’m too busy. I’m too tired. I’m not fit. I can’t follow. I feel silly. I’m too old. I’m too young. It’s too far. It cost too much. There are always options. If it’s worthy enough, you’ll make it happen. Let us show you that we are worthy enough.