095 Dealing With COVID-19: Operations & Crisis Management

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke continues his second series of interviews with guests on the ongoing crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. Listeners will hear their insight into how their handling the situation from licensed franchise operations to communication strategies for crisis management. We hope these conversations continue to be of value and interest to you as the situation continues. If there is anything we can do for you, again please reach out @bryankorourke or at bryankorourke@gmail.com.

• Interview 1: Bryan is with Rick Mayo, Leading Franchisor of Alloy Personal Training in Roswell, Georgia. Rick and his team conduct over 60,000 personal training sessions a year with over 1000 clubs licensed worldwide.

One Powerful Quote:
15:38: "Stay focus on the things you can do. There are so many things right now that are outside of our control…But there are a lot of things that we can control. Just focus on what's right in front of you right now."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:28: Bryan asks Rick how he and his team have handled their operations. Rick says their personal training facilities have remained open and describes how this is possible and what they have done.

5:38: Bryan adds that Alloy also offers digital training options for their platform, and Rick describes how Alloy has pivoted that platform for marketing engagement.

8:51: Bryan and Rick discuss how this shift has become a convenience for clients. Rick admits that taking their digital offerings to market will continue to be a part of their strategy.

9:45: Bryan comments on Alloy's community support, and Rick describes how their organic engagement is relevant and benefits their members.

11:53: Bryan inquires with Rick on what he thinks is the biggest concern for others. Rick admits he does not know the right answer, but he shares similar pain points including public perception for business owners if they should stay open.

15:38: Rick offers his final thoughts and advises listeners to take control of the situation. He mentions how the availability of technology should motivate owners to engage with their members and the community.

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamalloy/
https://twitter.com/CoachRMayo
https://www.facebook.com/rick.mayo.395
https://www.rickmayo.com/
https://alloypersonaltraining.com/

• Interview 2: Bryan is with Brandi Bergeron, Digital Brand Strategist & Brand Developer of Moon Mission Media, a boutique marketing firm that has helped significant group of operators, suppliers, and industry groups and are deeply familiar with trends, opportunities, and challenges facing both the industry as a whole as well as specific technology providers among others.

One Powerful Quote:
20:00: "If we play the long game, as we set out what we do, all the efforts and tasks that we choose to work on that will connect us to the long term goal puts us in more in-touch in the overall big picture. You know we can reframe our potential past mistakes or business omissions as opportunities for deeper learning and growth."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
18:30: Bryan asks Brandi about her marketing philosophy as they discuss short and long-term planning. Brandi says this is a perfect opportunity for businesses to outline their communication strategy with their overall brand. She also mentions that, if owners align their goals and future success, it will allow them to recognize potential mistakes or omissions as a time for learning and growth.

20:45: Bryan inquires with Brandi about deeper learning for users and the community. Brandi explains how the fitness industry has quickly adapted, and the goal of the business is still executing.

21:34: Bryan and Brandi discuss crisis management strategies, and Brandi offers her five tips on how to the situation.

23:07: Bryan and Brandi speak on the benefits of having a protocol in place. Brandi illustrates that a sound plan aligns a business's values and mission in a cadence that members/users will acknowledge and trust.

26:21: Bryan and Brandi delve into transparency and honesty and how the perception of truth is shared.

28:19: Brandi explains how progressive values and doing good work is key for owners/operators to run their business and serve the community.

29:43: Brandi highlights how evolving in times of uncertainty/duress will force us to re-evaluate the way we interact and conduct business.

30:25: Brandi offers her final remarks and encourages listeners to remain calm as there will be a better tomorrow for everyone in the end.

Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandijbergeron/
https://twitter.com/brandijude
https://www.facebook.com/brandi.bergeron.96
https://www.moonmissionmedia.com/