Posted by on May 29, 2017 in General | 0 comments

Credit Card Chargebacks

Few need an explanation for Chargebacks, as they are becoming more and more prevalent in our business. However, for those unsure, a Chargeback is essentially when a customer disputes a charge to his or her credit card company and the funds collected are refunded to the customer. MGE has been working extremely closely with Global’s Dispute Resolution Department. Unfortunately, the information provided has not been great news for us. Recurring charges are basically a red flag in the credit card / banking industry. Because of industry standards, these disputes are rarely won. As many are aware, even with proper documentation (a signed agreement), if a cardholder continues to dispute and refute the transaction, there is no way to continue to recover the funds through this channel. That is not to say you as the merchant can’t attempt to collect the funds through small claims court if it makes sense financially. It is important to note that Chargebacks are not a Vendor/Global Payments incident. They are initiated and handled by...

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Posted by on May 24, 2017 in Marketing, Support & Programming | 0 comments

Social Media Content available for this week!

It’s that time again! We have another video this upcoming week that correlates perfectly with the curriculum. Please take the time to share Activate with Mymo/Point and Flex. Please see drop box link below and suggested copies for each social channel. Let us know if you have any additional questions at marketing@mygym.com. Facebook Post: Navigate to Facebook and share the MGE post by clicking “Share to Page”: Point and Flex: https://www.facebook.com/mygymfun/videos/10154701399278723/ Suggested Copy: “Hey Parents! Check out this video that shows you a fun way to teach your youngsters how to point and flex! @(insert my gym instructor). Looking forward to seeing it in real life in your (insert class) class next week! #parenthack #toddlerlife #mygymfun Instagram Post: Download the original video from this drop box link to your computer and transfer to your smart phone: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tkxozu0pt7o5cs9/AABUc6sMG4Px0LTuNU1xRW0pa?dl=0 If you have the Dropbox app on your phone, you can save the videos directly to the app and download them to your computer’s storage directly. Publish this post on Instagram organically Suggested...

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Posted by on May 16, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Social Media Content available for this week!

We are so excited to bring a Social Media opportunity to your attention! We have an updated version of Activate with Mymo – Baby Sit Ups available to share that correlates perfectly with curriculum this week. We strongly suggest you take the time to post the below before the end of the week. Facebook Post: Navigate to Facebook and share the MGE post by clicking “Share to Page”: https://www.facebook.com/mygymfun/posts/10154677876538723 Suggested Copy: “Hey Parents! Check out this video that shows you a fun way to teach your youngsters how to sit up! @(insert my gym instructor). Looking forward to seeing it in real life in your (insert class) this week! #parenthack #toddlerlife #mygymfun Instagram Post: Download the original video from this Dropbox link to your smart phone: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tkxozu0pt7o5cs9/AABUc6sMG4Px0LTuNU1xRW0pa?dl=0 Publish this post on Instagram organically Suggested Copy: “Hey Parents! Check out this video that shows you a fun way to teach your youngsters how to sit up! @(insert my gym instructor). Looking forward to seeing it in real life in your (insert...

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Posted by on May 15, 2017 in Products | 0 comments

My Gym Lakeshore Learning Discount

My Gyms have been using Lakeshore Learning products for many years.  Some of the products used by gyms include Wrist Bells, Soft & Safe Building Blocks, ABC Blocks, Giant Sight & Sound Tubes, and Baby Band.  New gyms receive these products automatically as part of their equipment packs; however, for gyms that need to replace these items or want to buy additional Lakeshore products, we have set up a discount with Lakeshore.  My Gym locations in the continental United States receive a 5% discount on Lakeshorelearning.com and at Lakeshore stores, and free shipping online for orders above $250 after the discount.  Also note that the Soft & Safe Building Blocks (item RR794) are currently on sale for $39.99 (regularly $59.99), so this is a good time to buy these if you need to replace yours or want an additional set. Click here for ordering instructions, and click here for your login. These files are also available in the Products folder of the Operations...

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Posted by on May 12, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

My Gym Gives Back – Santa Monica

Walking into My Gym Santa Monica, you could see the joy erupt as Johannah experienced the gym for the first time. She was immediately attracted to the red mats and wanted to use the balance beam as a drum. Despite her physical limitations, five-year-old Johannah had just learned to walk on her own and was exploring the gym with wonder. This was only a small part of the joy experienced in My Gym Santa Monica that day. Her parents beamed as MGCA founder, Randy Bertisch, presented them with an iPad that would enable Johannah to work on her speech therapy and communicate at home. Although Johannah is currently nonverbal, there are special iPad apps that will allow her to communicate her needs, wants, and feelings. It will also enable the family to build a stronger bond as they find new ways to communicate despite these verbal limitations. We are incredibly grateful for My Gym Santa Monica’s participation in this moving event and for allowing us to present in person...

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Posted by on May 11, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

2017 Northeast Training Seminar & Award Winners

We just spent an amazing weekend with a great group of smart, fun and talented My Gymers in the Northeast.  There were 135 people in attendance, and your passion and dedication helped create an amazing event!  Thank you to the Nanuet My Gym for hosting the event.  David Schlamme, Liz Zurla, and the Nanuet team did a wonderful job! Northeast Award Winners We would like to recognize the award winners from the Northeast region.  Keep up the fantastic work! +++ WORLDWIDE FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR It is with the greatest of pleasure that My Gym Enterprises Presents this award to Ryan Debin In recognition of your outstanding principles, your superior accomplishments in all areas of operations, and your unique contributions to the My Gym organization You have distinguished yourself as an ideal My Gym franchisee and have built exceptional relationships with your fellow franchisees, your clients, your community, and MGE +++ Franchisee of the Year Award The owners who best exemplify the ideals for which My Gym stands by achieving excellence...

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Posted by on May 5, 2017 in My Gym Foundation, Products | 0 comments

Special Order Your MGCA T-Shirt Now

Now you can show your support for children facing challenges with our “Love Children” T-shirt.  The messaging on this shirt reminds and informs people of the many different ways My Gyms nationwide improve the lives of children through My Gym Challenged America. Who should wear them?             My Gym instructors, directors, members, and any other MGCA supporters When should I wear my shirt? We will all wear these shirts on National Children’s Day, June 11, 2017 as a nationwide show of support for children in need. We encourage you to pick one day each month where everyone on your team wears this shirt to raise awareness in your gym. You can wear this shirt when fundraising for MGCA as well. When members comment on your shirt (and they will), tell them you’re wearing it to raise awareness of the millions of children who suffer physical and cognitive challenges, and that all My Gym Children’s Fitness Centers raise funds to award assistive devices and services to these kids who can’t...

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Posted by on May 4, 2017 in General | 0 comments

Music Licensing Update

Dear Franchisees, We are ready to move forward with the new National Licensing Program for 2017. There are a few nuances you need to understand this year.  In years past, we have put together national deals with 2 or 3 of the music licensing companies.  For 2017, there is a small possibility we can get away with only one of the companies – not likely, but possible.  For that reason, we want to get solidified with BMI at this time.  Just know that sometime in the near future you might be asked to buy the music rights from one or two other companies as well.  To say it cleaner, we are trying to get away with using just one company this year.  If these other companies do what they have done in the past (hound franchisees, drop into our stores, etc., etc.), we will need to make a master deal with them as well. To opt in to the program, please send a check made out to My Gym...

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Posted by on May 3, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

Social Media Cross Territory Advertisements

Organic Social Media Reach (posts that gain likes, shares, and comments without having to boost or pay) is never going to lose its important foothold on Social Media Marketing, although, over the past year, the impact of Organic Social Media alone has dropped over 52% compared to 2016.  This is due to Facebook’s algorithms that sort/select/block small business posts.  Facebook has done this to improve the experience of users and to drive business toward paid advertising.  To compete in the social media landscape and overcome the new Facebook Algorithm Challenges, social media marketers must develop a strong, relevant, organic social media strategy (not made up of a large percentage of pushy promotions) and a consistent paid social media advertising campaign. Facebook Advertising campaign options have grown and changed along with the social media landscape.  There are now many varieties of targeted campaign goals that allow us to reach our potential leads.  Because of these advanced options, it’s increasingly difficult for franchisees to target their zip codes and know for...

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Posted by on May 1, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

New galaxy-themed digital ad available

“Help us, Mymo, you’re our only hope!” As you may know, May 4th is a popular unofficial holiday for Star Wars fans of all ages. We have created a digital ad to help you celebrate the day with your fans. Enjoy… and May the Fourth be with you! As a reminder, all digital ads created by MGE are available on the My Gym Marketing...

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Posted by on Apr 27, 2017 in General | 0 comments

Protected: If you have issues with “HR” or “Employee Practices, we can help!

HUB International can help tighten up all your employment loose ends – Human Resources Assistance, Health Insurance, Benefits, and much more. We have solutions and agents to help you implement a legal and compliant work place:  Firing, Hiring, Education, HR Problem Solving, etc. We’re here to help.  Call 1-800-399-7327 ext. 550, or email me at...

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Posted by on Apr 27, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Fun in the Sun

Summer is almost here! Brighten up your wall with a Summer Sun fundraiser for MGCA. Participating? Share the fun on your Facebook page and be sure to tag My Gym Challenged America. Please click here for cutouts and flyer. They can also be found on the Operations Manual > My Gym Challenged America. Questions? Contact Aleah at:...

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Posted by on Apr 20, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Sponsors/Strategic Partners – April Reminders

Your participation in and compliance with the programs we design with our sponsors and strategic partners is so important. As always, we strive to: Keep the programs as easy to implement as possible Find partners that fit well with My Gym Establish programs that provide valuable brand perception, free and/or discounted pricing on items for you and your customers, and samples whenever possible We have developed this new checklist to make it as easy as possible to know what needs to be done. Gazillion Bubbles __ Send a photo of the Gazillion poster hanging in your gym to strategicpartners@mygym.com.* (Deadline for compliance was April 21, 2017. That has been extended one week to April 28, 2017). __ Enter the franchisee contest by posting a photo of the Gazillion Bubble Storm on Instagram. Tag it with #GazillionBubbleStorm, #GazillionMagic, and @OfficialGazillion. You can post once weekly for additional entries into the contest. Contest ends May 31, 2017. Three winners will be randomly selected to each win a $50 gift certificate to...

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Posted by on Apr 20, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Attention California My Gyms: New Car Seat Laws

Car Seat News to Share with Your My Gym Families! Because we are a company that cares about raising safe and happy children, we always want to stay in the know and be a voice of wisdom for parents, especially when it comes to changes that may affect our clients and their children’s wellbeing. We believe this post will be something parents want to hear about (awesome that it’s coming from you!) and are likely to share with their friends on Facebook. Recently, California updated its car seat laws, and there are some changes that will directly affect most of our youngest members. We suggest that all gyms in the California area take a moment to familiarize yourselves with this new update and then inform your clients via Facebook. This attached poster (linked below) details the additions to the current California Child Car Seat Laws and how they affect children under 2 years of age specifically. Also, below you will find a sample post you can customize for your...

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Posted by on Apr 14, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Now Trey can build upper-body strength at home

Five-year-old Trey was born a preemie at 34 weeks and, eight days after birth, suffered a stroke causing hemorrhaging on the brain and the resulting brain damage. While Trey cannot sit, stand, or walk on his own, he uses a gait trainer 1 to 2 hours every day to work on building up strength. Trey’s mother requested a Tumble Form Biform Wedge from MGCA, which helps Trey build strength in his upper body. Now he can stretch his tight arms and learn to bear weight on his hands. We hope that in the future Trey will gain the strength to learn to crawl, and this Biform Wedge is helping him toward that goal on a daily basis. — Want to see more stories of children YOU’VE helped? Like our Facebook Page for new updates: www.facebook.com/mygymchallengedamerica — Gyms that are more than halfway to their 100% Goal for 2017: * My Gym Glen Rock, My Gym Huntington, My Gym Katy, My Gym Stony Brook, My Gym Westfield *Our mission is...

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Posted by on Apr 7, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Web-Based Curriculum, Building Blocks, and Mobile Survey

We ask that you please take the time to fill out our survey on the Building Blocks Program, Web-Based Curriculum, and Mobile. Please discuss items with your staff where needed so that we get the most accurate answers. We will be using this information in preparation for our upcoming seminars as well as to create the best operating systems possible. Please click here to take our survey. Thank you for your time and...

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Posted by on Apr 3, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

SPONSORS/STRATEGIC PARTNERS – GAZILLION BUBBLES AND AZUL HOTELS BY KARISMA

Posters and Free Products By now, each gym in the U.S. should have received the Tornado bubble machine, a case of bubbles for gym use, and 100 samples to hand out to customers.  Separately, you should have received a Gazillion Bubbles poster and hanging hardware. If you are missing any of these, please contact us at strategicpartners@mygym.com. Canadian gyms: Your posters should arrive any day if they have not already, and your product shipments will be on the way next week. Gazillion Bubble Storm Franchisee Contest Extra! Extra! Not only will 3 lucky gyms be randomly selected to win a $50 gift certificate to ShopMyGym.com; Gazillion has sweetened the deal!  They are adding a case of 4 x 2L bottles of bubbles for each of the 3 winners as part of the prize. We love seeing all the creativity and fun in the photos you are posting on Instagram.  In addition to your using the #GazillionBubbleStorm hashtag, Gazillion would like you to add #GazillionMagic and @OfficialGazillion to the Instagram...

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Posted by on Mar 30, 2017 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Marketing Booth Is Available

Promote My Gym in style with this marketing booth designed to increase leads at community and My Gym events. Large, visually impactful, pre-designed units take the guesswork out of your marketing setup and allow you to focus on your business. Look great while promoting My Gym! Order a complete booth or individual components Use indoors or outside Take to fairs, expos, and other events All items branded for My Gym Carrying bags included Lifetime Guarantee on the frames Receive your booth in 10 business days! Shipping fees included in prices (for continental United States) Complete specifications and prices available here Marketing Booth includes: Canopy – 10’ by 10’ Table Cover Teardrop Flag – 11’ tall Backdrop for Canopy* – 9.5’ wide by 7’ tall 2 Retractable Banners* – each 35” wide by 82” tall * Note: Order either the Backdrop OR the 2 Retractable Banners. You do not need both items. The Banners can be used with or without the canopy, whereas the Backdrop can be used only with...

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Posted by on Mar 29, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

My Gym Gives Back: Rowland Heights

Nicholas is a sweet 5-year-old diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He receives countless hours of different therapies and has come a long way. As Nicholas grows, however, new challenges arise. Nicholas doesn’t know how to cope well when his 9-month-old brother cries and screams, and Nicholas becomes aggressive and frustrated by the sound. This situation has created so much stress and heartbreak in his family, as they have to keep their sons in separate areas of the house to minimize aggression. Through Occupational Therapy, his family discovered Therapeutic Listening, which is intended to help with sensory processing dysfunctions, and they knew they needed to start the process at home to see long-term improvement, bringing Nicholas a sense of calm. Cherrymaine and the members of My Gym Rowland Heights were deeply moved by Nicholas’ story, and wanted to help. In January, they came together to raise enough money to purchase a special pair of headphones and music player for Nicholas to use at home. Now he has a special way to calm...

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Posted by on Mar 28, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Egg Hunt Directives

Spring is here! Many gyms will soon be running Egg Hunts, Bunny Hops, or other spring-themed activities, so we have updated directives to be used for these events. Whether as revenue generators or enrollment boosters, parties like these can be great to build community awareness and, of course, fun for all involved! The directives can be found on the Operations Manual by searching “egg hunt” or “bunny hop.” You may also download the files below. Egg Hunt or Bunny Hop Directives-Enrollment Booster-E03232017 Egg Hunt or Bunny Hop Directives-Revenue Generator-E03232017 If you have never planned an event like this or need some assistance, please contact the MGE Support Team. Happy...

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Posted by on Mar 20, 2017 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Just Say “NO” to Nuts!

We all know that safety is of paramount importance in the gym.  While we applaud every My Gymer’s efforts to make each and every class, party, and camp a fun, memorable, and safe experience, we implore you to consider safety off the floor too; specifically as it pertains to allergies and the children who suffer from them. Peanut and tree nut allergies, which tend to develop in childhood, are usually lifelong. In the U.S., approximately three million people report allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Studies show the number of children living with peanut allergy appears to have tripled between 1997 and 2008, though no one is exactly sure as to why. It is our responsibility to ensure that each child who walks into My Gym is walking into a safe environment.  As such, we must insist that you ban nuts of any kind – peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, filberts, etc. – along with any products that may contain nuts, including almond milk, from entering the gym. ...

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Posted by on Mar 17, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

MGCA Easter Opportunity

Easter is less than a month away, and it provides a great opportunity to fundraise for MGCA and contribute to the 100% Campaign. Here are a few ideas to consider: Guess how many Easter candies are in the jar! Hold an Easter party raffle. Don’t charge for admission to your Easter parties? Consider adding on a $5-$10 donation to MGCA for admission this year. Looking for more ideas? Reach out to Aleah to come up with something fun and simple:...

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Posted by on Mar 16, 2017 in Products | 0 comments

New Special Order Staff Shirts in Great Heather Colors!

You know the cotton/poly Tultex shirts we’ve been using for specialty apparel?  Yeah, the ones that My Gym staffers and members love wearing because they’re so soft, lightweight, and comfortable.  Yes, these are also the shirts known for their appealing heather colors, such as the heather red and heather charcoal we’ve used.  That’s why, in addition to great artwork, the “My Gym Rocks,” “Keep Calm,” and other specialty shirts are so popular.  In fact, we’ve made special order staff T-shirts for gyms using these Tultex shirts, and every time people from other gyms see our support team wearing those shirts, they want to know how to get them.  So, we’ve decided to put out this special order opportunity for all gyms to get staff logo tees using the Tultex shirts in all 12 colors that are available from the manufacturer. We plan to carry this shirt in some of the heather colors as stock staff tee options in the future.  However, initially they’re available only by special order so...

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Posted by on Mar 15, 2017 in Strategic Partners & Sponsors | 0 comments

Sponsors/Strategic Partners – Gazillion Bubbles Spring Launch and “Monkey Business,” MGE Corporate E-Newsletter

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles! A GAZILLION Bubbles! Free stuff, a contest, and more! Phase 2 of our Gazillion Bubbles partnership is starting, and we have some exciting news! Free Stuff                                                                       Each gym in the U.S. and Canada is going to receive two Tornado bubble machines, 4 x 2L bottles of Gazillion Bubbles to use in the gym, and 100 x 8 oz. samples of Gazillion Bubbles to hand out to your customers. Additionally, each gym will receive a poster to hang in the gym. Please hang up the poster right away. You can use the Tornado machine for bubbles during Separation Time and for games during classes and parties. Whenever you are using the Tornado, please refer to the activity as the “Gazillion Bubble Storm.” Of course, we want to make sure we don’t over-commercialize our programs. Just give this quick shout-out to our partner. While supplies last, you can also mention during bubble time that everyone gets a free sample of Gazillion Bubbles on their way out. Products...

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Posted by on Mar 10, 2017 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

A HUGE Thank You to Azul

Back in March of 2016, MGCA granted Kristen’s request for therapeutic horseback riding lessons. As a young child, Kristen would have 20 to 30 seizures a day. After delicate brain surgery, her seizures were lessened, but now she is developmentally and physically disabled because part of her brain had to be removed. Kristen’s mobility benefits from therapeutic horseback riding, and she continues to enjoy these lessons when the nearby farm is open. Our friends at Azul read about Kristen’s story through an update, and they were incredibly moved. They generously offered to send Kristen and her family to the Karisma Resort property in Mexico, and they pampered the family during their stay. They also gave Kristen the opportunity to ride a horse while she was there, and she had an amazing time! We cannot fully express our gratitude for the wonderful support Azul has shown to MGCA over the years, bringing joy not only to My Gym families but to children of all abilities! — Want to see more...

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