Posted by on Oct 12, 2015 in Products, Support & Programming | 0 comments

My Gym Programming Developmental Index Price Dropped to $2.50!

Launched in August 2013, the My Gym Programming Developmental Index is a valuable tool available to gyms in the ongoing quest to enhance learning among students and parents.  Each colorful page breaks down the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of what we do every day at My Gym far beyond simple ‘working-on’ explanations. This booklet is meant to complement the My Gym program, not just Building Blocks, and can be used internally as a supplemental training tool.  Externally, we recommend that the Index be used in the following ways: Laid out on the front counter for parental perusal (walk-ins, new members, etc.) Brought to marketing events (booths, expos, etc.), and used to explain how the My Gym curriculum coincides with child development Referred to in enrollment conversations; have it nearby for quick reference when selling the program This durable booklet makes an impressive presentation; it’s professionally printed on thick paper, laminated, and coil bound. Soon we will be introducing another Building Blocks guide, which will reflect the changes in the program. ...

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Posted by on Oct 8, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

IMPORTANT-MUST READ: Bambo Nature Diapers Compliance

As per our update below of August 17, 2015, MGE has entered into a Sponsor relationship with Bambo Nature Diapers.  Per the information in this update, we are obligated to have our gyms follow these directives outlined below. Bambo has informed us that, over the last 2 weeks, they have sent various representatives out to gyms across the country to check on the placement of the marketing materials and samples. Overwhelmingly, they have found our My Gym locations compliance level to be “low” at best. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND JEOPARDIZES NOT ONLY OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BAMBO NATURE BUT WITH OTHER POSSIBLE PARTNERS IN THE FUTURE! THOSE GYMS WHO ARE NOT COMPLYING AND/OR NOT REQUESTING REPLACEMENT MARKETING MATERIALS OR SAMPLE DIAPERS ARE JEOPORDIZING YOUR FELLOW FRANCHISEES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD! COMPLIANCE HERE IS NOT AN OPTION! PLEASE PLACE/ADJUST THE MARKETING MATERIALS AND SAMPLE DIAPERS SPECIFCALLY AS OUTLINED BELOW. IF YOU REQUIRE REPLACEMENT MARKETING MATERIALS OR DIAPERS, PLEASE EMAIL WHAT YOU NEED ALONG WITH YOUR GYM’S ADDRESS TO MARKETING@MYGYM.COM....

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Posted by on Oct 7, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Social Media Marketing: Taking it to the next level – Part One: Facebook Ads

Introduction: Facebook advertising is a simple way to reach more customers with your business page using only as much or as little of your budget as you desire. MGE recommends $50 to $100/month on your campaign(s), or more if you desire. Contrary to boosting or promoting a post, which only increases your current fans’ visibility of your content (people who already LIKE your page), Facebook ads can be targeted to all new potential customers with respect to zip codes, interests, etc. Alternatively, ads can be set to reach JUST new customers who are friends of your current fans page. You can run multiple campaigns for different parts of your business: classes, birthdays, enrollment night, etc. For more information on the power of Facebook Advertising and tips on where to start for your My Gym Business page, read below. GET STARTED HERE: https://www.facebook.com/business/products/ads Because of the ever-changing nature of Facebook and its advertising platform, we recommend always referring to Facebook’s Business Help Page for tutorials and troubleshooting help. (TIP: Bookmark...

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Posted by on Oct 7, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Survey – Marketing and Sponsorships

As per the update sent on October 7th, the MGE Marketing/Sponsorship Division would like to remind you to please take JUST 5-8 MINUTES, uninterrupted and as focused as possible, to complete the following survey.  We consistently strive to provide our franchisees with the best marketing services, vendors, and materials.  Additionally, we have a goal to seek out and establish the most beneficial marketing and sponsor programs. Franchisee satisfaction is of paramount importance to us.  In order for us to measure, assess, and improve in these areas, we need your feedback!  Please consult with your key staff as necessary to answer any questions. Unless you choose to fill out your name/gym location, your answers will be totally anonymous. Click here to take the survey. ++++ The MGE Marketing/Sponsorship Division consistently strives to provide our franchisees with the best marketing services, vendors, and materials. Additionally, we have a goal to seek out and establish the most beneficial marketing & sponsor programs. Franchisee satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. In order...

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Posted by on Oct 6, 2015 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Thanks to you…

THE CHILDREN YOU HELP:  Meet Timmy Thanks to your help and contribution to the Macy’s Shop for a Cause fundraiser, MGCA provided an improved quality of life for little Timmy! Timothy was born with Cortical Visual Impairment, GERD, Umbilical Hernia Irritability, and several other challenges.  When Timmy’s mother got the news that he would receive several much-needed items, she explained: “Life with Timmy will always be difficult at times… We are *always* ready for an ER trip.  But, it is our life and we cannot imagine any other.  We are so grateful for your help.” Timmy loves his Gearation game, where he can enjoy the different sounds and sights it provides for stimulation.   HALLOWEEN IS ON ITS WAY! When brainstorming fundraising ideas for your 100% Program, many of you designated Halloween Parties and other fundraisers surrounding this child-friendly holiday as your best opportunity to raise the $1,000 so sorely needed by the children of MGCA.  Halloween is fast approaching, and now is your opportunity to start thinking about how to make...

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Posted by on Oct 5, 2015 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Important New Protocols

Updated One Year Training Plan We have updated the One Year Training Plan to be more streamlined and to include two new protocols.  If you are currently using the One Year Training Plan, be sure to switch to the new one.  If you are not currently on the One Year Training Plan, we recommend you start immediately with the corresponding month in the training plan.  The updated One Year Training plan contains new trainings such as “Child Advocacy and Sexual Abuse Policy” as well as the “My Gym Disability Sensitivity Training.”  It is imperative that both trainings are reviewed with new staff members and with the entire staff every 6...

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Posted by on Oct 5, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Hyland’s Homeopathic – Free Sampling Program

With cold and flu season just around the corner, were pleased to participate in the Hyland’s free sampling program once again. Each gym will receive a free shipment containing all of the materials you will need to execute the program, which runs for a month from October to November, 2015. The samples and coupons should be made available to all customers from 10/12/15 to 11/12/15 or until supplies are gone, whichever occurs first. The materials include: 700 Hyland’s Homeopathic Cold n Mucus 700 3”x 5” coupons for Hyland’s products 1 counter card Please place the counter card near the samples and encourage parents who are interested in doing so to take the survey AND feel free to take multiple samples along with the coupons. Upon commencement of the program, please snap a quick picture of the samples and literature display and send it to marketing@mygym.com. As a thank you for participation in the Hyland’s program, if you get at least 3 parents submitting feedback to the online survey page...

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Posted by on Oct 2, 2015 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

My Gym Holiday Campaign – Materials & Merchandise

Soon it will be time to prepare all of your marketing for the Holiday Marketing Campaign for November and December.  To help you execute the themed campaign in your own gym(s), the following are ready for you to access: Customizable Print Materials: These materials are located in the Print System on the extranet.  (Franchisee Tools > Order Marketing Materials > National Campaigns)  All printed marketing materials may be printed locally or from All Printing and displayed in your own gym(s) as needed. Full-page flyer Half-page flyer (color and black & white versions) 6×4 postcard (Got Print formatted postcard template also available) Poster (11×17 size design) Holiday Theme Gift Certificates Printed ads for placing in local family guides or other publications are to be ordered through the Custom Artwork Request form, as sizes vary.  Please select “2015 Holiday Campaign” under “National Campaign Artwork” when placing your order so that artwork will match in style. Email Marketing: Global Emails (generic emails for you to customize with your own message and offer)...

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Posted by on Sep 30, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Signpost

There has been a lot of discussion on the Facebook boards about Signpost recently. As posted by the Marketing Division last week, we had tested their services last year and decided against recommending them. Since then, they have apparently modified and possibly improved their services.  Therefore, we will be undertaking a formal re-evaluation process to test their new services, costs, and value over the course of a few months.  Once we have completed our test and assessment, we will make a formal recommendation. In the meantime, we suggest that gyms hold off proceeding with Signpost.  If you decide to do so, at the very least, we recommend that you do not sign any long-term...

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Posted by on Sep 25, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Olive Garden Fall Promotion

Olive Garden 2 Free Guest Class Promotion MGE Marketing is excited to announce an all new promotion with Olive Garden.  THIS IS NOT A PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT EVENT.  There is nothing that gyms need to do other than to please honor the promotional vouchers if/when customers contact you and bring them in. Here are the details: My Gym is partnering with Olive Garden for a dining rewards program.  The program gives families who make qualified purchases at their restaurants the opportunity to claim online vouchers that entitle their children to two FREE My Gym Guest Classes!  If parents choose to enroll their children after the two free guest classes, they are also entitled to receive $25 off the lifetime membership fee! This offer is for new My Gym customers only. Only one voucher can be used per child. The voucher cannot be combined with any other offers. Guest classes must be scheduled in advance. The voucher is valid for three (3) months from the date the customer downloads it,...

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Posted by on Sep 24, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

2016 Marketing Plan

INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW The 2016 Marketing Plan (attached here) is presented by the MGE Marketing Division in conjunction with input and guidance from the Marketing Committee.  This plan will give franchisees a clear understanding of the MGE and suggested local franchisee marketing approach for 2016 on a monthly basis.  The 2016 Marketing Plan includes monthly worksheets to help franchisees plan all aspects of their marketing along with a new “Year at a Glance” planner. As we progress toward 2016, The MGE Marketing Division is poised to build on the direction and procedures that were refined in 2015.  We will continue to strive to achieve broad impressions and branding through advertising, social media, PR, cross-marketing, and sponsor partnerships; however, our #1 goal remains to be working for our gyms and WITH our gyms every day in order to deliver the materials, tools, resources, and guidance needed to drive a minimum of 100 leads to your doors each month. WEBINAR We will be holding a 60-minute webinar on the 2016 Marketing Plan.  This...

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Posted by on Sep 23, 2015 in Products | 0 comments

My Gym Halloween Products – Now Available

Hi, hi, how do you . . . BOO!  Treat your Halloween party guests to these spooky and fun My Gym branded products, now available on Shopmygym now.  These products are in stock and will ship immediately. Flashlight with Fun and Safety Tips – A flashlight on Halloween is always helpful for safely trick-or-treating and seeing your way around.  This orange flashlight is decorated with the My Gym logo and is the perfect size for kids.  Each flashlight includes batteries and comes with a card with My Gym Halloween Fun and Safety Tips. My Gym Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bag – Kids and staff will love this bright orange bag with the My Gym Halloween logo and the phrase, “Hi, hi, how do you . . . BOO!”  It’s perfect for Halloween treats and will give My Gym great exposure as your members go from house to house on Halloween. My Gym Clip-On Flashing Reflector Safety Light – This light is safe AND fun.  It was a big hit in 2014,...

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Posted by on Sep 22, 2015 in Marketing, Support & Programming | 0 comments

Kidpower Marketing Materials Available

With the Kidpower Partnership in full swing, we’re excited to see our gyms contributing to child safety and protection by educating our members with the Kidpower Safety Minute each week.  The positive feedback you have been sharing on Facebook has been an inspiration, and we’re eager to see all of our gyms and members continue to embrace this alliance. We can help spread the message of Kidpower while adding value to our program by using the Kidpower marketing materials, which are now available. We recommend that everyone print and distribute flyers and hang the Kidpower poster in your gyms.  These items are available on the Print System (Class Specific > Other Programs). The Kidpower web article, available on the extranet in the Kidpower folder, is available to post on your web pages to provide resources and information to your members and guests. Kidpower social media posts will be available on the Official My Gym Facebook page for you to share on your page. The Kidpower digital images are now...

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Posted by on Sep 21, 2015 in Technology | 0 comments

Toggling “Future Schedule”

It is that time of year where many gyms are changing over to a fall schedule; so, as a reminder, here are instructions on how to disable your “Future Schedule.” Log into the extranet and click Edit Web Sites & Schedules. Select your gym and click Gym Information. In the Options tab, uncheck Enable MGM Future Schedule. Remove the data in the MGM Future Schedule Start and MGM Future Schedule Label fields. Ensure that you have properly titled your current schedule in the MGM Current Schedule Label field. Click Update to save your changes. To enable your future schedule, simply recheck and reenter the appropriate data. Please note that you may need to close out all open internet browsers and/or clear your cache in order to see the changes on your...

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Posted by on Sep 21, 2015 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

New Ingredient for Cardio Kids

We’ve been receiving great feedback on the new and improved Cardio Kids program that launched this year, and were excited to add a brand new ingredient!  Recent research shows that supervised weight training for children as young as age seven is a great way for students to improve coordination, prevent injury, and tone and strengthen muscles and joints.  Our Cardio Kids program introduces our students to gentle weight training, cardio and plyometric training, muscular strength and endurance training, and stability and proper exercise form and posture, all while instilling accountability, appropriate goal setting, and positive habit-forming behaviors.  Our new ingredient, “Active Recovery Games and Skills,” will teach our students the importance of gradually recovering after higher intensity activity as well as add an element of fun while they hydrate.  These games will focus on minimal activity and movement, allowing for our students heart rates to fully recover after the Cardio/Plyometric Stations rotations.  We will also be rotating a fun My Gym Relay in with the Game and Group Movement...

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Posted by on Sep 14, 2015 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

MGCA Halloween & Macy’s Results

HALLOWEEN IS ON ITS WAY! When brainstorming fundraising ideas for your 100% Program, many of you designated Halloween Parties and other fundraisers surrounding this child-friendly holiday as your best opportunity to raise the $1,000 so sorely needed by the children of MGCA. Halloween is fast approaching, and now is your opportunity to start thinking about how to make the most of this event and help children facing challenges through My Gym Challenged America. Please reach out to Aleah Whaley if you would like help brainstorming: awhaley@mygym.com. MACY’S RESULTS Thank you to all of the gyms that participated in our Macy’s fundraiser.  Because of your efforts and the help of our dedicated team in the MGE main office, MGCA raised over $4000, $5 at a time!  Every ticket sold made a difference, and we could not have done it without you.  Thank...

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Posted by on Sep 14, 2015 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

My Gym Halloween Marketing Campaign – Materials & Merchandise

It’s hard to believe, but September is here and Halloween is just around the corner.  As part of our annual marketing plan and campaigns, Halloween marketing materials and merchandise are available for gyms to utilize. Halloween Themed Marketing Materials- NOW AVAILABLE: Full-page flyer, half-page flyer, poster, and offer cards (Print System > Holidays > Halloween) Exact Target Global Email (Global Emails > Holidays & Seasonal) Social media profile picture, Facebook cover photo, and email signature image (My Gym Marketing Library > Logos & Assets > Seasonal Logos & Assets) Social Media Digital Ad – For use with Facebook and Instagram (My Gym Marketing Library > Digital Artwork > Seasonal) Halloween Themed Merchandise- AVAILABLE MID-SEPTEMBER: Treat your Halloween party guests to these spooky and fun My Gym branded products: Flashlight with Fun and Safety Tips – Carrying a flashlight on Halloween helps trick-or-treaters see where they’re going and also be seen by drivers.  This orange flashlight is decorated with the My Gym logo and is the perfect size for kids. ...

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Posted by on Sep 10, 2015 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Attention! Very Important Safety Reminder!!!

Reminder:  As we have stated previously, Hanging Beach Balls are NEVER to be used for students over the age of 2.5 (the oldest of Gymsters) or for any party that includes mixed ages because of the risk of serious cuts and abrasions to the neck as well as possible strangulation.  Hanging Beach Balls are appropriate to be used with the younger age groups (Gymsters and below) when monitored safely. The Hanging Beach Balls can be used during a relay or game as it is instructed in the curriculum. Please spot them carefully. It is important that the staff treat the Hanging Beach Balls with utmost caution and watch them with the same level of vigilance as when supervising the swings in a Waddlers class.  All of these safety precautions should be taken into account when using or supervising any hanging equipment involving elastics such as hanging pom-poms or hanging...

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Posted by on Sep 9, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Google AdWords and Online Marketing

To date, Scott Hendison at Search Commander, Inc. has worked with more than 120 franchisees, conducting more than 400 appointments relating to their Google AdWords campaigns.  Things continue to go well for the majority of franchisees who consult with Scott, and the more often he speaks with gyms, the better things go. The gyms Scott talks to regularly know what they’re spending and where it’s going, and its helping them to make good decisions such as: Pausing ads due to higher costs and lower return Excluding certain geographic areas because of low caliber of leads Identifying new opportunities – Are your Parents’ Night Outs always full? Experimenting with different ads to measure performance and optimize campaigns Adding value through use of newer “Ad Extensions” for more size, exposure, and options Better localization through use of Google Maps/Google My Business Scott has directly communicated to the Marketing Division that the gyms taking advantage of the opportunity to work with him on a regular basis are reaping bigger benefits than the...

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Posted by on Sep 4, 2015 in Products | 0 comments

Order Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts Now

In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October, ShopMyGym is offering special staff/retail shirts. We did this in 2013, and the shirts were very popular, so we’re repeating it this year. Now you too can help increase awareness of breast cancer and support the fight against the disease with this My Gym T-shirt. The front of this charcoal colored shirt features a pink ribbon, which is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness and identifies the wearer as a supporter of women with breast cancer.  The back of this shirt features a large My Gym logo.  This shirt is available in men’s and ladies’ styles in a soft, comfortable material and cut similar to some of the other My Gym specialty shirts.  It’s the same Anvil shirt used for the Premium Staff T-Shirt and the Mymo-stache T-Shirt. The MGE Products Division will donate a portion of the revenue from the sale of these shirts to a breast cancer charity.  This shirt is available only by special...

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Posted by on Sep 2, 2015 in Products | 0 comments

Introducing the Mymo Time! Wooden Stamp Set!

Hand stamps have long been a tradition at My Gym.  Giving children My Gym stamps on their hands or arms serves as a fun reward and sends them home with a reminder of My Gym that can last for days.  Accordingly, the Merchandise Division worked closely with Melissa & Doug to develop the Mymo Time! Wooden Stamp Set.  This high-quality set, which contains several My Gym-branded wooden stamps and a stamp pad, is designed for use in the gym and at home.  Here are the highlights: 4 durable wooden stamps Stamp images feature Mymo and My Gym branding Stamp size 1” x 1” Stamps indented on top and bottom for easy grip Stamp image imprinted on top of stamp Two color stamp pad – Royal blue and red Child-safe washable ink Stamp pad case approx. 3-3/4” x 2-3/4” Wood box Shrink wrapped with colorful and detailed information Durable design for everyday use in the gym and mobile programs Attractive packaging and high-end design for retail sale This set also...

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Posted by on Sep 2, 2015 in Marketing | 0 comments

Babyganics Update

After several months of negotiations, we regret to inform you that, effective immediately, we no longer have an affiliation with Babyganics. As a result, gyms will no longer be able to order cleaning products through the My Gym/Babyganics portal. Furthermore, any remaining marketing materials present in your gyms may be removed. For gyms that order product on a regular basis, we apologize for our inability to give you more lead time to place final orders and stock up. It was our intent to do so; however, because of unforeseen circumstances, this was not an option. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, and we look forward to creating a new alliance with an alternate provider/partner in the near...

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Posted by on Aug 31, 2015 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

MGCA September Update

Thank You to Our August Donors: My Gym Westfield, My Gym Norwell, My Gym Annapolis, My Gym Crofton, My Gym Columbia, My Gym Chesterfield, My Gym Manalapan A special “thank you” to the gyms that are more than halfway to the 100% goal:* My Gym Upper East, My Gym Manhattan, My Gym Lincoln Center, My Gym The Woodlands, My Gym Aventura, My Gym Katy, My Gym Charleston, My Gym Lake Mary, My Gym Maitland, My Gym Kailua *Our mission is to have every My Gym contribute $1,000 to our MGCA kids in 2015. THE CHILDREN YOU HELP:  Meet Rebekah We were so happy to bring a smile to the face of our newest recipient! Rebekah has Spina Bifida and is unable to walk without the assistance of braces and a walker. Rebekah’s new swing, presented by MGCA, allows her to enjoy playtime with her siblings and friends. MACY’S SHOP FOR A CAUSE Thanks to all of your help, our Macy’s fundraiser was a success! We will announce the grand...

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