Posted by on Aug 8, 2014 in Marketing, Products, Support & Programming | 0 comments

2014 Convention Recap

Programs, Operations, Support & Training Curriculum Update & Building Blocks Update We are excited to announce that the Building Blocks program is getting an upgrade!  We revisited the goals of Building Blocks and realigned them to reflect what is effectively the most basic and important building block of any My Gym – teaching amazing classes.  We believe that, by peeling back the layers of the program and restructuring the concept, our teachers will be better able to do what they do best: teach intelligently, engagingly, compassionately, and (above all) authentically. The current Building Blocks and supporting skills will not be used going forward.  In their place are two easy-to-understand concepts that will be written automatically into the curriculum and rotated out every four weeks: one pertaining to a child’s social, emotional, or cognitive development, and one pertaining to physical development.  Together, these focuses are being termed “Mind/Body.”  As curriculum is released each week, you will see that certain ingredients are marked with either the Mind or Body focus for...

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Posted by on Aug 8, 2014 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

Get Ready Now for Your Back to School Campaign with the My Gym Kids Activity Wall Calendar!

We know you’re currently planning your Back to School campaigns, so we want to remind you that the 2014-2015 My Gym Kids Activity Wall Calendar is an essential promotional item for a successful campaign.  We’ve had an amazing response to this calendar.  Many gyms have seen this great calendar in person by now, and lots of you have purchased these calendars and have been distributing them to your members and communities.  Those of you who attended the International Convention last month received this calendar in your gift bag, so you already know how incredibly this product captures the essence of My Gym by encouraging your members and communities to be healthy with interactive activities, nutrition tips, healthy recipes, exercises, family fitness and self-esteem activities, and more! Remember, this 16-month calendar starts with September 2014, so NOW is the time for everyone to hop on board and order this calendar to get the full benefit of this powerful and effective marketing vehicle.  Here are some suggestions on how to use...

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Posted by on Aug 5, 2014 in General | 0 comments

2014 Award Winners

We are so proud of what each one of you accomplishes in your gyms day in and day out!  You all touch the lives of children and create wonderful memories for your My Gym Kids and their families.  My Gym is helping to change the world, and you’re the ones who are doing it.  We recognize and appreciate the hard work everyone puts in on a daily basis.  Thank you! Congratulations to Our 2014 Award Winners: WORLDWIDE FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR It is with the greatest of pleasure that My Gym Enterprises Presents this Award to China In recognition of having outstanding principles, superior accomplishments in all areas of operations, and making unique contributions to the My Gym organization You have distinguished yourselves as a pinnacle of My Gym and have built exceptional relationships with your fellow franchisees, your clients, the communities you serve, and MGE   ************* International Franchisee of the Year The gym that best exemplifies the ideals for which My Gym stands by achieving excellence in the areas of business operations, leadership, customer service,...

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Posted by on Aug 5, 2014 in Technology | 0 comments

MGM Schedule and Class Pricing

  A new feature has been released to allow easier changes to class start and end times as well as class pricing. Gyms transitioning to the “Optimized Model” (OMG) will be able to adjust all class times without disrupting the currently enrolled, new enrollments, or switches. To edit existing class start or end times: From the “Admin Section,” go to “Classes” and then “View/Edit Class Schedule” Click on the desired class and enter the information under “Future Class Time/Cost” Change Date – This is the date the changes will take effect. Start Time – The new start time of the class End Time – The new end time of the class Class Cost – The cost of the class (Leave blank if the cost is not changing) Click “Save” and repeat the steps for any other applicable classes Additional Notes: The revised classes will appear on the website’s “Coming Soon” / “Future” schedule. The classes will be available for online enrollments and guest class bookings if Client Interface is...

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Posted by on Aug 1, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

All Printing Campaign in a Box

Simplify your marketing and save time with Campaign in a Box! All Printing is now offering packaged printing options to correspond with the corporate marketing campaigns.  Visit the All Printing website and select Back to School Materials to see the two package options currently available.  Each package includes high quality/full-color glossy posters, full-page flyers, half-page flyers, and 4×6 postcards.  Modify the designs with your own special promotions and call to action. The postcards offered are intended to be used for flyering, posting on community boards, or in-house mailings generated with your own mailing list from MGM. The items offered through All Printing can be ordered a la carte, however, ordering one of the preselected packages will provide the best pricing that either meets or beats other print vendors. Package Option #1 includes: Package Option #2 includes: 10 Posters250 Postcards 250 Half-Page Flyers 250 Full-Page Flyers Cost $185.00 ($206.99 value) Plus tax and shipping 25 Posters500 Postcards 500 Half-Page Flyers 500 Full-Page Flyers Cost $229.99 ($255.00 value) Plus tax and shipping Visit www.mygymprinting.com to...

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Posted by on Jul 31, 2014 in Technology | 0 comments

ATTENTION MGM USERS

This affects only US and Canadian gyms that use MGM and Paymentech credit card processing. It has come to my attention that there were cases where Credit Card transactions received an “APPROVED” from Paymentech but were in fact “PARTIALLY APPROVED” with not 100% of the amounts actually paid on these transactions. In all cases, the credit cards were PREPAID or GIFT type, and they may not have had enough funds on these cards to fully cover the charge amounts. The MGM code that prevents PARTIAL AUTHORIZATIONS has been put in place as of Tuesday, 7/ 29/2014, at 3:45 PM CST. Any partial transactions will report as DECLINED from that date/time forward. In order to make sure your gym has received the amount as stated on the MGM, you have to do the following: In MGM, go to your TRANSACTIONS report. Select dates FROM: 7/4/2014 TO: 7/29/2014. The report can now be EXPORTED to a CSV file and opened in Excel. Go to your Chase/Paymentech reports. Get a transaction report...

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Posted by on Jul 30, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

RBS and VIMA Update

There have been some changes made to the VIMA as well as general RBS protocol. Please review, note, and make appropriate changes to your systems. New VIMA verbiage makes an addendum unnecessary. You are now able to change pricing with just an announcement and/or letter. Both the VIMA on the extranet and the VIMA within MGM have been updated. Click Here to see the new Raising Your Tuition-RBS Price Increase Directives There have been changes made to the policies section of the VIMA. This is updated on the extranet, but you need to make your own change in MGM. Within “Admin Options,” select “Payment Agreement Customization.” Remove the verbiage under Attendance and Make-Ups and replace with the following: Tuition is based on four (4) weeks of class programming. Members must inform the gym of an absence a minimum of 2 hours in advance to be eligible for a make-up. Each make-up must be completed within four (4) weeks of the missed class. There may be short periods when My...

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Posted by on Jul 30, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

YouTube Video Contest Winners

Thank you to all participating gyms for submitting videos and for promoting them to your customers, families, and friends.  Collectively, there were over 7,000 views! Each of the gyms that submitted videos will receive a $50 ShopMyGym.com store credit.  Those gyms are: Kent, WA; Calgary, Alberta; Westfield, Manalapan & Glen Rock, NJ; Potomac & Bethesda, MD; Plantation, FL; Valencia, CA; and Fresh Meadows, NY. Congratulations to the three gyms whose videos received the most views: Calgary, Alberta; Valencia, CA; and Fresh Meadows, NY.  Each of the three videos was screened at the My Gym International Convention. After final voting by the MGE Executive Team and Staff, the results were as follows: 2 Runners-Up Calgary, Alberta and Fresh Meadows, NY will each receive a $100 shopmygym.com store credit, 1 Free Marketing Fund month (to be paid by MGE), and a $200 lunch/dinner/employee party! Grand Prize Winner Valencia, CA will receive a $150 shopmygym.com store credit, 2 Free Marketing Fund months (to be paid by MGE), and a $400 lunch/dinner/employee party!...

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Posted by on Jul 29, 2014 in General | 0 comments

2014 Convention Evaluation

Please take a few minutes to give us your opinion on the following convention topics.  Your candid evaluation will assist us in our efforts to support you in the best manner possible.  We would like a 100% return rate to know how to make our next convention even better! Online Form – 2014 Convention Evaluation Online Form...

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Posted by on Jul 14, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Direct Mail Marketing – Back to School Campaign Discounts

We are pleased to inform you that Aspen Marketing (FKA Get Members) is offering My Gym franchisees the following promotional discounts for those gyms wishing to utilize Direct Mail: Jumbo Postcard (4×6) 5,000 quantity with Paid Consumer List – $150 Off! 5,000 @ .46 cents = $2,300 … Minus BTS Special – $150 … = $ 2,150 NEW 5×8 Postcards for 2,000 or 3,000 quantities 5×8 Postcards – 2,000 or 3,000 quantities with Paid Consumer List – Specials 2,000 @ .62 cents = $ 1,240 … Minus BTS Special – $ 50 … = $ 1,190 3,000 @ .62 cents = $ 1,860 … Minus BTS Special – $ 100 … = $ 1,760 Email Blast when bundled with any postcard mailing – $50 OFF 10,000 @ .05 cents = $ 500 … Minus BTS Special – $ 50 … = $ 450 Aspen has all of our Back to School Campaign artwork to incorporate into your orders. If you are planning to hold an Open House, you’ll want...

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Posted by on Jul 11, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Important travel information for those using LAX to get to and from the My Gym Convention

Aviation/Century intersection will be closed July 25th through 28th.  Allow extra time driving to the airport! When you are returning to LAX at the close of the Convention, do not take the Century Blvd exit to get to the airport!  Century Blvd closures will begin at 9:00pm on Friday, July 25, and end at 6:00am on Monday, July 28.  It will also affect the southbound traffic lanes on Aviation Boulevard in that area, though the northbound lanes will remain open.  It is advised that passengers who must go to the airport on this weekend allow extra time to get there. It would be best to take the 105 fwy to LAX, but it may be more congested than usual because of the Century Blvd closure. Just 12 days away – can’t wait to see you all at the My Gym International...

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Posted by on Jul 11, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Inventory Clearance Sale! Save 25% on Everything at ShopMyGym!

ShopMyGym just stocked up on inventory and has a bunch more arriving next week, which means that we need to make room in our warehouse quickly!  So we’re taking a big hit and giving you 25% off all orders of $250 or more between now and Tuesday 7/15 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.  Registration packs, apparel, birthday party favors, promotional products, and more . . . everything is on sale.  We have never offered this type of discount, and we might not ever do this again, so take advantage of this opportunity to save big and get the same great products.  Click here to start...

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Posted by on Jul 9, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Introducing the new My Gym Superhero Cape!

Introducing the new My Gym Superhero Cape! Kids love superheroes and capes, so they’re bound to love the new My Gym Superhero Cape. Of course, the My Gym expert programming team has developed tons of great activities for kids (and parents) to get the most out of this fun product and to use it the My Gym way. These activities will soon be incorporated into the curriculum when the cape is introduced as a Manip. In the meantime, you can start the fun now by wearing this cape from time to time in your gym during classes and during superhero themed birthday parties. In addition, this is a great retail item to display in your gym and sell to members. Like the other Manips, the cape comes in retail packaging with an activity card containing pages of fun activities. This cape is made of premium red satin with a serged edge and the My Gym superhero logo emblazoned across it in red, yellow, and black. It’s 20” length and...

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Posted by on Jul 9, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Your Prompt Attention, Please!

Attention:  2014 My Gym Convention Attendees ONLY If you will be attending convention, you must complete your DiSC profile to participate in the 2-hour management and leadership meeting.  If you have not done so yet, please complete your profile following these instructions: A DiSC profile must be completed by each person attending convention.  For example, if 3 of you are attending from your gym, you must each complete your own profile with its own unique link/code. Pay for your discounted profile using the link below.  You will receive a receipt immediately. If you complete your purchase between 8:00 AM and 5 PM Central Time, you will be emailed a link within the hour.  Click the link to take your assessment.  If you pay after these hours, the link will be sent to you the following business day. When completing your profile, answer all questions from a work/business perspective (not home or personal). Your DiSC profile will be given to you at convention. If you need assistance or have questions,...

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Posted by on Jul 7, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Photo Gallery Updated

The gallery of still photos has been expanded!  Visit the Extranet and click, “Logos, Pictures & Marketing Materials.”  Then open the “MGE Approved Photos” folder to check out the update galleries.  The new shots are included as well as the most successful of the previously existing gallery. In an effort to provide for a variety of needs, we have increased the number of shots available.  As a result, you may see some photos that do not match your particular needs or taste but, hopefully, many more that will enhance your marketing and increase your business. Please note that the image files in the MGE Approved Photos folder are optimized for the most common uses and are not suitable for high quality printing.  Please contact designer@mygym.com if you require a high resolution version of any photo in the...

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Posted by on Jun 30, 2014 in General | 0 comments

Gym Closure

We notify all franchisees when one of our gyms is closing so you are all aware of what’s happening in the My Gym world.  We need to inform you that My Gym Howell, NJ closed it’s doors for business as of June 29,...

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Posted by on Jun 27, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Important Merchandise Division Reminders and Announcements

  We want to let you know about the following merchandise opportunities: Pre-order your 2014-2015 Kids Activity Calendar by Monday, 6/30.  This great marketing piece is an incredible value at just $1.50.  Lock in this price by pre-ordering now.  Calendars will ship at the beginning of August in time for Back to School and fall registration events.  This 16-month calendar starts in September 2014 and is jam-packed with fun exercises, nutrition tips, and activities.  Click here to order now. Boot Camp T-shirts are in stock and ready for immediate shipment.  All pre-orders are shipping now.  Click here to see all the great styles in sizes from infant through adult. Premium pullovers and jackets are in stock and ready for immediate shipment.  All pre-orders are shipping now.  Click here to learn more about these incredible premium garments. Camp products are in stock and ready for immediate shipment.  Shirts, tote bags, water bottles, stickers, temporary tattoos, and beach balls – we have them all.  Click here to order...

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Posted by on Jun 24, 2014 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Disability Sensitivity Guidelines

My Gym has a longstanding commitment to the happiness, growth, and well-being of the children we serve.  We have a passion to teach and inspire children – ALL children – regardless of ability.  With this in mind, please take some time out of your staff meeting in the weeks to come and review our official stance on welcoming and servicing all families, including (and especially) those who have disabilities.  Click here for our policies and...

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Posted by on Jun 24, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

MGE Facebook Update and Reminder

Don’t forget about the power of Facebook.  As per our update on May 19th, the MGE marketing department has taken a big step forward toward harnessing and maximizing our social media efforts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mygymfun).  We have been posting relevant and engaging content/pictures, including specific ones about our class elements and programs as well as articles our families want to read.  We have seen a big jump in the page’s activity and are steadily increasing our “likes,” having recently surpassed 16,000.  Our organic reach has increased, growing from about 200 reaches to over 600 reaches a post.  Our content is increasingly being shared, not only by our gyms but also by moms who are sharing the posts with their friends, thereby increasing and organically growing our visibility. We want YOUR gym to easily access this content to supplement your page and benefit from this.  So, if you have not done so already, please make sure that your gym, as well as you personally (and all your staff), are “friends”...

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Posted by on Jun 24, 2014 in Marketing | 0 comments

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

Effective July 1, 2014, Canada will enact the first phase of its Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). While Canadian gyms will have to change the way they collect and store email addresses, the effect on email marketing should be minimal as long as email lists are regularly maintained and cleaned up. The most important piece of CASL states that customers must OPT IN to receive mailings, instead of OPTING OUT once they receive an initial email. Customers must give you explicit and expressed permission to email them, or you may be subject to a fine. The good news is, as long as they were obtained with permission before, your existing subscribers fall under the “grandfathered” stipulation of CASL, and their permission has been “implied.” Going forward, all new email addresses obtained for marketing purposes must have OPT IN language and permission before you are allowed to send them any form of email. How It Applies to My Gym MGE notes in italics Marketing emails should be sent only to recipients who...

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Posted by on Jun 18, 2014 in General | 0 comments

2014 My Gym Survey

As we have done in the past, we are sending this survey to every franchisee so we can all learn more about national averages, programs, and other details that are good to know. Please fill out the survey before July 1, 2014; results will be given at the convention. NOTE:  If you are unsure about any answer, please leave blank, but thank you in advance for filling out as much as possible. Online Form – 2014 My Gym Survey Online Form...

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Posted by on Jun 17, 2014 in Technology | 0 comments

Understanding Your Website’s Class Schedules

Understanding Your Website’s Class Schedules MGM / Extranet Tools With the season’s change and implementation of Client Interface, many questions have surfaced regarding how to make changes to the website’s class schedule.  The information below describes from where the class schedule is pulled and what steps need to be taken so that your schedules are both viewed properly and functional. Understanding your Website’s Class Schedule: If your gym has Client Interface (CI) enabled, your website’s class schedule is pulled from the MGM System. If your gym does not have CI enabled, your website’s schedule is pulled from the extranet. We advise gyms to enable CI and not use the extranet to populate current or future class schedules.  Once CI is enabled, you will have to disable all future schedules (on the extranet). What to do if your schedule is about to drastically change (summer/fall): Enter any new classes in MGM with the appropriate start date.  Enter an end date if applicable. Place a check in extranet’s tools next to...

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Posted by on Jun 16, 2014 in Products | 0 comments

Pre-order your September 2014-December 2015 My Gym Kids Activity Wall Calendar now!

The 2014 My Gym Kids Activity Wall Calendar was a huge hit; the reaction from parents, kids, and gyms has been incredible.  So it’s no surprise that My Gym has created another calendar for 2015, and it’s bigger and better than ever before!  As before, the new calendar will encourage your members to be healthy with interactive activities, nutrition tips, healthy recipes, exercises, family fitness and self-esteem activities, and more!  This year, the calendar has 4 additional months!  This amazing marketing piece brings home the My Gym experience and will live on your members’ walls for 16 months, from September 2014 through December 2015. We recommend using this item as a giveaway for members who remain registered throughout the summer – as well as for returning members and new registrants during your Back to School Campaign.  Additionally, this item can be used throughout the fall and holiday season as a giveaway, or it can be sold individually (suggested retail price of $3.00 each) and/or as birthday party favors at...

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