Posted by on Sep 30, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

Marketing- Social Media-Yelp,Twitter, Google, Pinterest

Attached please find the latest addition to our series of On-Line Marketing e-Books. Establishing a presence on Yelp, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest will provide your gym with an array of complementary social media platforms to grow your business by providing distinctly different ways for you to engage your audience while allowing you to take advantage of the ability to cross-promote from one platform to the other.   All e-books are accessible on the Operations Disc here: My Gym Operations Disc / My Gym Operations / Marketing Directives / 01 – Marketing Initiatives / Online Marketing / Social Media Marketing  ...

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Posted by on Sep 25, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

Special Order Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt

Special Order Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October, one of the gyms just asked us to make special staff/retail shirts for them (thanks Josh Stuckey).  We think this is a great idea, so we’re giving all gyms the opportunity to get these shirts as well.  Now you too can help increase awareness of breast cancer and support the fight against this disease with this My Gym T-shirt. The front of this 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.  The MGE Product Division will donate a portion of the revenue from the sale of these shirts to a breast cancer charity.  Order this shirt by...

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Posted by on Sep 25, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

Check Out the New Child’s Cup with Straw!

Check Out the New Child’s Cup with Straw!   The popular My Gym Child’s Cup with Straw is now updated with a fun new design.  This new cup is clear with sparkles.  (The prior design had a solid white background.)  Now parents and kids can see what’s in the cup and know when it’s time for a refill.  One side of the cup has the full-color My Gym logo, and the other side has Mymo in his T-shirt with floating circles and logos behind him.  Aside from that, this cup has the same specifications as before:  12 oz. capacity, 5-1/4” tall, sipper straw, drink-thru lid, and a convenient spot for writing the child’s name.  This cup is perfect for promoting your gym, giving as a gift, and more.  Click here to order...

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Posted by on Sep 23, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Revised Detailed Class Evaluations and Amendment Forms

Revised Detailed Class Evaluations and Amendment Forms Please be advised that the following files have been updated on the Operations Manual.  The Detailed Class Evaluations forms for all classes have been updated to include both a “Date” field and also an “Evaluator” field.  This will help ensure more accurate record keeping for this mandate.  The Amendment Form has also been updated to include an “Accepted by:” and a “Processed by:” field.  It is recommended to deplete your current stock of all of the above forms and then start using the new versions as soon as possible for the most accurate records. MGE Support:   818-907-6966       –       Email:   support@mygym.com      –       Live Chat:  From...

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Posted by on Sep 20, 2013 in General | 0 comments

Music Licensing

Music Licensing Update We know that music licensing has been more confusing than we all want it to be.  Below are some reminders of the highlights: We make a national deal with all three music licensing companies each year. We ask all franchisees to be a part of the program. We send out invoices to everybody.  If you pay by the deadline, you are in the program. The time period for each contract year is January – December. If you choose to not be a part of the program, you will probably receive calls from them and they will try to get you in at a higher price. The main issue some of you have been experiencing lately is the fact that you are getting calls from them even though you have opted into the national program.  They are not as organized as we want them to be, but we are doing our best to get them to stop making these calls to franchisees who have paid.  If you...

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Posted by on Sep 19, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

Sponsor/Marketing Materials- Julius Jr. Nickelodeon Poster

Julius Jr. – Nickelodeon Posters The Julius Jr. Nickelodeon TV show debut date has been changed, and the posters need to be modified. The solution was to create stickers that can be pasted over the current poster’s debut date. Gyms will soon be receiving shipments containing two 21.5” x 4.5” stickers for the front and back of the poster.  Upon receipt, please paste the stickers cleanly over the debut dates on the bottom part of the poster on both sides. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the instructions above, please contact Freddy Sundara with PlayNetwork at 818.205.9132 or fsundara@playnetwork.com.  He can provide further, more detailed instruction. If possible, once the stickers are on the poster, please send a picture of the poster via email to fsundara@playnetwork.com, or text picture to 562.665.7128...

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Posted by on Sep 17, 2013 in General | 0 comments

Franchise Advisory Board Webinar

Per franchisee request, we will be holding a Franchise Advisory Board Owners Only webinar on Monday 9/30/13 at 8:00 pm EST.  This will be an open floor style webinar, so please come prepared with any topics you would like to discuss. We will get to as many as possible. If you are unable to attend, feel free to send any topics you would like discussed to your regional FAB representative. If the registration link does not appear above, copy and paste this URL into your...

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Posted by on Sep 17, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

Special Order Halloween Products

Hi, hi, how do you . . . BOO!  Treat your Halloween party guests to these spooky and fun My Gym branded products, available for special order now: My Gym Halloween T-Shirt – Kids and staff will love this bright orange shirt with the My Gym Halloween logo on the front and the phrase “Hi, hi, how do you . . . BOO!” on the back.  The adult shirt is a super soft Tultex fine jersey tee that comes in men’s and ladies’ styles.  The kids’ shirts are similar to the registration shirts and are available in infant, toddler, and youth sizes. 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 My Gym Halloween Fun and Safety Tips. My Gym Halloween Trick-or-Treat Bag – This bright orange tote bag has...

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Posted by on Sep 12, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

Sponsor/Marketing Materials

Sponsor/Marketing Partners Update & Reminder This is just a reminder that the marketing materials currently in the gyms for our various partnerships can soon be removed. Here is the schedule of final dates for each one: Stride Rite                                           Sunday, September 15th Disney- Doc McStuffins                 Monday, September 16th Chuggington                                      Thursday, September 19th Julius Jr./Nickelodeon runs into October, and we will be sending more information relating to this partnership soon....

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Posted by on Sep 10, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

New Plates and Napkins Are Here!

New Plates and Napkins Are Here! My Gym has new plates and napkins with fun, colorful, and engaging designs!  The 7 inch Mymo Party Plate features Mymo in his T-shirt with the floating My Gym circles behind him.  What fun kids will have seeing Mymo appear as they eat their food! The Peek-a-Boo Mymo Napkins are even more fun.  The front of this lunch-sized napkin features part of Mymo’s face as he peeks from the bottom, and the other side shows the back of Mymo’s head.  Kids will love flipping this back and forth and seeing both sides.  Maybe they’ll even use the napkin to wipe their hands and faces (LOL). The napkins and plates are each sold in sets of 200 (4 packs x 50 pieces).  They’re in stock and ready for immediate shipment from ShopMyGym.  Click here to order the napkins and here for the plates.  Enjoy!...

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Posted by on Sep 5, 2013 in Technology | 0 comments

Website Upgrade to Franchisee Homepage Launching Friday (9/6/13) Night – Please Read

We are releasing the new franchisee homepage tomorrow night.  There is a much better look and feel and added functionality as well.  Here are a few things you need to know: The heading of your articles is now dynamic.  This means you can label the column on the right-hand side of the homepage anything you want.  Currently, it’s not dynamic; it simply says, “What’s New at My Gym Pasadena.”  The reason we are making this dynamic is that franchisees are using their articles for many different things, so you might think of a better descriptive line to label the articles. Inside the “Edit Your Website and Schedules,” go to “Home Page.” First input field says “Article Title”:  Simply type in anything you want to see as the label for the column.  Please go to your website, refresh the page, and make sure it shows well. The main new functionality created for you are the four boxes in the middle of the page.  We have provided the four that you...

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Posted by on Sep 5, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

New Facebook Posts!

MGE Marketing and Back At You have successfully completed and loaded a new round of Facebook posts designed to provide consistent My Gym messaging, brand awareness, and public participation/interest.  The posts, created with the guidance of key franchise owners/FAB members/Marketing Committee, should reflect improvements, new ideas, and eye-catching info suggested by many of you. These approximately 75 new posts will represent a new and improved ‘Round 2’ of the content utilized in the first half of 2013 and will be scheduled to be automatically posted over the next several months on the pages of all gyms who have made Back At You an administrator of their pages. If you have not already made Back At You an administrator of your page, we urge you all to do so, allowing them to easily post this new MGE approved content to supplement your local content, implement promotions, and provide a class schedule application.  To allow for this, please follow the steps below: *Before Back At You can become an Admin of...

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Posted by on Sep 5, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Partners with Marriott International Hotels

My Gym Partners with Marriott International As part of our ongoing efforts to market and brand My Gym to targeted consumers everywhere through all possible channels, we have recently finalized a deal with Marriott International to offer enrollment incentives to their employees throughout North America. This ad is now live on the Marriott “company store” extranet site.  The site offers specials and discounts to over 100K employees of the direct managed properties of Marriott in both the USA and Canada. The discounts we are offering are as follows: –          50% off Lifetime Membership –          $10 off monthly billing –          $25 off a birthday party –          $10 off a 5 pack of camp or PNO The fine print: –          Valid at participating locations –          Not valid with other specials/discounts –          Current and eligible Marriott employees only/subject to verification We suggest you ask the Marriott employee to print the ad out and bring it in along with a Marriott ID card to redeem the offer.  There is currently no expiration date...

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Posted by on Aug 30, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

The My Gym Retail Program is Here! Taking the My Gym Experience Beyond the Gym…

  The My Gym Retail Program is Here!  Taking the My Gym Experience Beyond the Gym . . . We’re so excited to finally have some favorite My Gym products available for sale to the public!  Now your customers can have stylish and fun My Gym branded apparel plus the same great handmade puppets that are used in the gym.  Stay tuned for My Gym Manips; they’re being added to the program soon. The My Gym puppets are packaged for retail sale and include My Gym activities and songs tailored for each puppet.  Parents and kids will have a blast bringing the My Gym experience into their homes. To help gyms market and sell these products, we’re sending you retail brochures with product images and descriptions to display in your gym.  Look out for these in the mail along with a sheet with retail sales and merchandising directives. This program presents a great marketing and profit opportunity for you.  Plus, we’ve made the lowest possible price points for you...

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Posted by on Aug 30, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

2014 MGE Marketing Plan- Overview and Calendar

MGE 2014 Marketing Plan  Introduction The following is presented by the MGE Marketing Department in conjunction with the North American Marketing Committee.  It is the outcome of much work involving research, survey results, and conversations and planning among ourselves and our marketing consultants. For your planning purposes, this document is intended to give all gyms a top-line understanding of our North American marketing approach in 2014, including the calendar of key dates/time frames of the campaign. In September, we will be providing the 2014 campaign directives and a specific “to do” calendar so that gyms are aware of what and where materials are available to them and when they should be implementing each step.  Included in these directives will be the specifics for what, when, and how MGE is conducting its marketing support for the campaign as well as suggested promotions, offers, and events gyms can conduct in conjunction with each at their discretion.  OVERVIEW From a national/N. American perspective, the direct branding and enrollment impact MGE marketing alone...

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Posted by on Aug 27, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

Special Order Onesies in New Colors

  Special Order Onesies in New Colors! We recently made some special order Island Blue and Bubblegum Pink “Registration Style” Onesies for David Ames, and they were a big hit!  Because of the great response, we’re making them again, and we’re giving you a few days to get in on the order.  Plus, we’re offering three more colors:  Bright Pink, Lavender, and Kelly Green.  These are the same super soft and lightweight cotton-poly jersey onesies that we stock in Heather Navy and Red.  These onesies make great retail items and gifts for your members.  Order by 10 a.m. PT this Friday, 8/30, and your order will ship the week of 9/9.  Click here to order...

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Posted by on Aug 26, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

CHUGGINGTON Partnership on Track to Achieve More Than 5 Million Impressions for My Gym!

CHUGGINGTON Partnership on Track to Achieve More Than 5 Million Impressions for My Gym! Our cross promotional relationship with Chuggington during our 30 Year Anniversary Campaign continues to achieve a tremendous number of targeted marketing impressions for My Gym throughout North America. Specifically, Chuggington has included: My Gym branded campaign/contest info and links in emails to their fans (100,000+) My Gym branded Chuggington Facebook Posts/Tweets My Gym logo on Chuggington ad in Kiwi Magazine in August (1 million reach) My Gym full-page ad/coupon is INSIDE Chuggington DVDs. (400,000+ reach) My Gym campaign and location info via Chuggington’s blogging campaigns – Here are just a few examples: http://www.heckofabunch6.com/2013/08/chug-patrol-ready-to-rescue-and-my-gym.html http://kellysluckyyou.com/giveaway-chuggington-dvd-chug-patrol-ready-to-rescue-ends-824-us/ http://stacytilton.blogspot.com/2013/08/chug-patrol-ready-to-rescue-dvd-and.html?showComment=1377211816253 http://workofchildhood.com/chuggington-chug-patrol-ready-to-rescue/\   And finally…  Check out this powerful PR write-up featured in Licensing.biz magazine (print and online) reaching tens of thousands of marketing industry leaders. http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/us-anchor-bay-and-my-gym-team-up-for-chuggington-dvd-promotion/038516   This relationship is just one example of the many ways MGE Marketing is working to spread the good news about what a wonderful place My Gym is for families to experience Fitness and Fun...

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Posted by on Aug 26, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Fall Enrollment Events: Maximizing your PR through the Use of Engage 121

Engage 121 Update As you’re ramping up for your open houses and enrollment events, it’s important that you’re covering all your bases (Facebook posts, articles on your webpage, announcements, fliers, Exact Target emails, etc.).  You’ve covered everything – right?  Did you get your PR release sent via Engage 121?  This step is a vital one, for everything you are promoting now and in the future.  Press releases create additional exposure opportunities on a grand scale to consumers in your market and can also help you establish important media connections.  It is all set up for you to simply find a template, customize it for your event or announcement, and push “Send.”  It’s already paid for out of the marketing fund and should always be part of your marketing mix.  Why NOT use it? Consider this as an example.  Between January 1 and April 1, 2013, there were 33 total times a My Gym franchisee used the Engage 121 system to send out a press release.  During this time, a...

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Posted by on Aug 23, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

30 Year Campaign-Fit & Healthy Family Contest Update

Update- 30 Year Anniversary Contest Grand Prize Winner As per our 30 Year Anniversary recap update sent 2 weeks ago, our Fit & Healthy Family contest performed extremely well, generating thousands of entrants, votes, and traffic to our FB page.  This resulted in an enormous number of impressions and greatly increased social engagement with our brand. Over the last two days, via Facebook, we formally announced the 30 semifinalist winners and the Grand Prize winner, Maddie Jaime of Maryland Heights, MO.  SSA is now working hard to achieve PR for this announcement in the St. Louis area and, hopefully, on a national level. All 30 of our semifinal winners (out of thousands of entrants) will be receiving BabyGanics products, Chuggington DVDs, a Recognition Certificate from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and a specially-designed My Gym prize pack. In addition to all the great prizes for our semifinalists, our Grand Prize winner will also receive a $1,000 Little Tikes gift card and a free one-year My Gym...

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Posted by on Aug 23, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Curriculum Update

Curriculum for Next Week We would like you to incorporate one of our sponsors, Chuggington, into your curriculum for next week.  Here are some fun ways to do it. During Big Deal: The Big Deal is the train.  Please click here for the fun Chuggington song for you to download and play during the train time or any Explore Time.  You can sing along while the kids are riding the train to this theme song. During Parent Share:  Soft Frisbees During Manipulative Skill:  Poly Spots Hold your Soft Frisbees/Poly Spots and pretend you are driving a train like new adventures in Chuggington. o   In control and ready to roll! o   Three Honks for New Adventures! o   Get your wheels to the rails! When the kids put the Soft Frisbees/Poly Spots away, perhaps they can “speed” along the tracks of the speedway, flashing their new headlights and honking their horns.  (You can play the theme song at this time too.) Other Areas: Tone words that are affiliated with Chuggington are listed...

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Posted by on Aug 21, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

September Operational Reminders

  Operations Update August 30th, 2013 All Gyms   September Operational Reminders Marketing: Post Open House marketing work: Database Calls – If this was not completed in August, continue to make calls.  Pull a list of anyone who canceled from January – June and call them to invite them to your enrollment event/tell them about the current specials. Market to those people who didn’t enroll at Open House/Enrollment Night.  Offer another special or incentive (smaller) and email, call, and/or post on Facebook. Consider running an Offer on Facebook to target those people who didn’t enroll.  Contact “Back at You” for help/ideas. Plan Parents’ Night Out.  See Marketing & Advertising Annual Sample Plan for PNO marketing Send monthly email newsletter with events, promotions, etc. Send Birthday Mailer and/or email to upcoming birthdays (October & November). Call and/or email all birthday guests each week. Contact PTAs and offer your services.  Check out the sample letter to send to schools located in the Marketing folder. Research, attend, and participate in popular fall...

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