Posted by on Aug 8, 2013 in Marketing, Products | 0 comments

Building Blocks Programming Developmental Index Now Available on ShopMyGym.com

  The Building Blocks Programming Developmental Index is one of the newest tools 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. The booklet is meant to complement the Building Blocks program 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.  Since the booklets are meant to be used both in and out of the gym and at different times, we recommend that...

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Posted by on Aug 7, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

In-Gym TVs

Please be advised that Play Network, at their own expense, will be dispatching technicians to gyms throughout the country in the coming days to fix any issues that may arise.  If you are contacted, please respond as soon as possible.  We appreciate your doing your part in helping us fix these...

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Posted by on Aug 7, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

30th Anniversary Campaign Report

As we head into the last major phase of our 30th Anniversary Campaign this month – the 30th Birthday Party/events at gyms, we are happy to provide you with a recap of the campaign including the overall impressions generated, specifics related to our Facebook contest, and results to key questions in the survey recently taken by franchisees. Part 1 – Impressions The impressions below are based on the national corporate marketing efforts and channels of communication employed for the 30 Year Anniversary marketing campaign during the months of April-June, 2013.  These include PR, digital and print ads, social media, blogs, and emails sent by MGE and our partners, including Little Tikes, BabyGanics, Chuggington, and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. * These impressions do not factor in impressions achieved by local gym ads, fliers, email, website traffic, walk-by traffic, or social media posts/tweets. Advertising Impressions Facebook Ads 450,000 Nat’l Magazine (Parenting) 11,000,000 US Family Guide Banner Ads and Tiles 420,495 Yowza Mobile Coupons 1,042 Media/Online Impressions PR/Media (SSA) TV 67,825,633...

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Posted by on Aug 6, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

In Gym Sponsor Marketing Program – Stride-Rite Shoes

As mentioned in last week’s update regarding the Chuggington partnership, here is the information on the new program with Stride Rite Shoes. My Gym has partnered with Stride Rite to promote Disney Princess shoes to moms and young girls. The program features a poster, which is to be displayed either in the front window/door of the gym or hung in the lobby from the ceiling.  Additionally, a 30-second commercial will be played on My Gym TV screens during the term. The dates for the program are 8/15/13 – 9/15/13. Beginning later this week, each U.S. gym will receive a package containing the following materials needed to execute this program: One 24”x36” Poster to be affixed to your front window or lobby wall Poster Hangers, in case you prefer to hang the posters There will be no programming elements related to this promotion. Upon commencement of the program, please send a picture of the TV commercial and posters via email to fsundara@playnetwork.com or text picture to 562.665.7128. If you have...

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Posted by on Aug 6, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Separation Time Protocol

Separation time in younger classes provides a fantastic opportunity for parents to stand back and watch as their children grow confidence and cultivate their social skills with their peers.  When done correctly, this portion of class should nurture the child’s ability to separate and overcome anxiety in a safe environment among trusted adults (i.e. the teachers).  Here are a few tips to ensure that each separation time is a smooth one: Have the parents back away as far as possible.  Though there’s a learning curve for both parents and children when it comes to separation time, over time we want to make sure that the two are actually properly separating.  It’s okay to ask the grownups to back away as far as the lobby.  The kids will certainly let them know if/when they’re needed. Never put up a barrier (i.e., the red and black mats) around the children.  If you are currently doing this in your gym, please stop.  Having mats up can be scary for kids who need...

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

My Gym on National TV- The Talk on CBS, Tuesday, August 6

We are excited to inform you that this coming Tuesday, August 6th, My Gym will be featured on the nationally aired show, The Talk, on CBS, starring Sharon Osbourne, Sara Gilbert, Julie Chen, Aisha Tyler, and Sheryl Underwood. During the segment, the topic of childhood fitness and activity will be discussed.  As part of the segment, they will discuss My Gym, (hopefully) show our logo and Website URL, show some video and/or pics, and provide the studio audience (approx. 250) with gift certificates to My Gym (good for a class and Free Lifetime Membership) and complimentary copies of our “Mymo’s Adventures” DVD.  There is no My Gym representative on the show. The Talk airs Weekdays at 2pm ET, 1pm PT/CT.  PLEASE check your local listings to find the exact time in your market. The Talk reaches approximately 3 million viewers per...

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Posted by on Aug 1, 2013 in General | 0 comments

Protected: My Gym Conference 2016: Presentations & Videos

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL MEETINGS All presentations are in PowerPoint format. Individual Thursday Meetings: VIDEO: Conference Opening VIDEO: Rules of Conference Support Meeting – Angie Foote You and Your Team – Edwin Chavez Marketing Presentation – Matt Hendison & Lorna Brown VIDEO: Cute Kids Healthy Habits 1 VIDEO: Cute Kids Healthy Habits 2 VIDEO: Cute Kids Healthy Habits 3 Targeted Hiring – Angie Foote & Krissy Winters Technology Overview – Mae Perez Merchandise Presentation – Scott Greenfield & Alex Herrera VIDEO: MGCA Presentation Individual Friday Meetings: Training Presentation – Angie Foote & Jackie Purcell Online Marketing – Plush Digital Curriculum & Programs – Angie Foote My Gym’s Exciting Future – Cory Bertisch Enrollment Conversations & Sales Techniques – Edwin Chavez & Tom Saito Owners Meeting – FAB Fun Financial Facts – Jamie...

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Posted by on Jul 31, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

In Gym Marketing and Sponsors – Chuggington

Sponsor and Marketing Partnerships Chuggington, August 12-September 19, 2013 With August now upon us, we want to advise all of our US gyms of upcoming sponsor and marketing programs that will soon be starting, specifically Chuggington, which is FAB approved and set to begin in mid-August. During the term of My Gym’s 30th Anniversary campaign, Chuggington has been a great marketing partner for us, offering up both contest prizing and a multitude of cross marketing messages on our behalf aimed directly at our target consumer. Their efforts, which included Facebook posts, Twitter messages, PR, Blogs, and email, have accounted for several hundred thousand targeted My Gym impressions. In August, My Gym will be tagged on their print ad in Kiwi Magazine (reaching 1 million moms) and included in their national blogging campaign with a coupon/voucher. Finally, in September, upon the release of Chuggington’s newest DVD, My Gym will be featured with a full page coupon/insert in 400,000 units. In return for the marketing Chuggington has provided for My Gym,...

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

Exact Target: Recommended Usage

Dear Franchisee, As you gear up for fall enrollment, we at MGE want to take a moment to remind you that Exact Target – while a very useful component of marketing – should not be used as the sole or primary vehicle by which you market your gym.  Rather than overly relying on email to reach your audience, gyms should include email as PART of the overall media mix and actively pursue other avenues of marketing as well: business to business, social media, consumer review sites, raffles, fliering, participating in community events, etc. The current average “click-thru” rate for email is only around 15%.  As such, we need to be judicious in choosing where and when to email so as to maximize its impact and not run the risk of being ignored.  Email should be used primarily when you have something really valuable and important to say and, on a secondary less frequent schedule, as a means to update your consumers and keep connected to them. Attached are 3...

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

New Party Invitations and Thank You Cards!

Wow!  Wait till you see the new My Gym invitations and thank you cards.  They feature fun, colorful designs that tie in with the My Gym website and birthday party favor bag.  Party hosts and guests are bound to be excited when they receive these.  The convenient format is carried over from the prior design.  The invitations and cards are 4” x 6,” have a convenient fold-over design, and close with the included sealing labels (no envelopes). The outside of the invitation greets guests with a dancing Mymo saying “It’s a Party,” and the inside of the invitation has space for writing all the party details and includes a waiver for guests to complete and bring to the party.  The front of the thank you card features Mymo and “Thanks for coming!,” and the inside features Mymo doing a handstand on “Thanks!” plus space to write a special thank you message. These invitations and cards are in stock and available immediately.  Click here to order...

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Posted by on Jul 24, 2013 in Products | 0 comments

Save 20% on Theme Party Accessories Kit

    The new My Gym theme party program is a huge hit.  We’re getting great feedback on the theme party kits and programming.  As you know, ShopMyGym has an accessories kit with high quality props and other products that tie in with the birthday party theme programming.  Examples include scene setters, plush horse stick ponies, handmade felt hand puppets, princess shoes, army men, and much more.  Gyms are using these high quality, reusable products during each themed party to enhance the party and provide the children with the ultimate themed birthday experience.  Make sure you get this kit now.  It makes a huge impact and adds loads of fun for the kids, and all of the contents are reusable.  The regular price of the accessories kit is $162.99; but, for one week only (until July 31st), you can buy it for just $130.39, which is a savings of 20%.  Click here for more details and to order...

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

Back At You is retained by the MGE Marketing Fund to work for YOU! Use them!

Every day BAY is working with more and more gyms to maximize their Google AdWords campaigns, build traffic and likes on Facebook, and consult on anything else related to online marketing. Additionally, once they are made administrators of gyms’ pages, they can post great MGE-created-and-approved content to complement your posts and enhance the experience for your followers. Email Michael Glazer today at...

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Posted by on Jul 17, 2013 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

Helping families like ours

In July, a mother in need asked for help: Describe your disability: (name withheld) was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis last August at the age of 11months. It effected her c spine from C1-C7. She was paralyzed from the neck down within just hours of onset. She has come far; just began walking again 2 weeks ago. With her TM we are learning she is unable to control her body tempature… We have had 2 cases so far where her temp reached 108. She cannot go outside even to swim without spiking a fever. What is your request? We are wanting to purchase a cooling vest but are unable to afford it. What impact will a gift from MGCA have on your life? If MGCA could purchase her a cooling vest she could have her childhood back and be that much closer to having a normal life. We are a very outdoorsy family and it kills me to have to exclude Allie due to her illness. My Gym Challenged America...

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Posted by on Jul 15, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

30 Year Anniversary Campaign Post Campaign Wrap-Up #1- Campaign Recap and Franchisee Survey

With the promotional discount and contest entry period of the 30 Year Anniversary Campaign behind us, we are now in the process of collecting data in order to formulate a post campaign report. Part of this process includes getting feedback from our gyms. Accordingly, we ask that you please take just a moment to fill out and submit the attached survey at your earliest convenience. Your answers will help us measure and shape future campaigns. A brief recap of our 2013 campaign: 2013 In the 2013 campaign, we applied strategies and tactics including: Use the coincidence of our 30th Anniversary to cement the concept of My Gym as long-term experts in children’s fitness and development – the foremost authority Once the number (30) is in the consumer’s head: Reinforce it with a 30% discount (tactic), solidifying our 30 years of experience and expertise Create and distribute a 30th Anniversary logo (tactic) featuring the number “30” prominently displayed to support the campaign theme – This logo is used on all...

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Posted by on Jul 12, 2013 in My Gym Foundation | 0 comments

I helped that one.

Remember the story about the young man throwing starfish back into the ocean? (Click here if you don’t) It’s a story about ordinary people changing the world- the way you do every day at My Gym. My Gym Challenged America continues building a brighter tomorrow, one child at a time… But it’s tough each month seeing the wishes we cannot afford to grant. How do you say “no” to a child facing such bitter challenges? We welcome your suggestions about fundraisers for this rewarding and heartwrenching cause. The more donations we raise, the more children’s wishes we grant. We may not help them all, but we’ll do what we...

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Posted by on Jul 12, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Operational Reminders

Operational Reminders Marketing: Fall Open House and/or Enrollment Night planning Choose dates (Last weekend in August or September is recommended.) Research and select themes, hours, and promotions Order artwork Review Open House Marketing Directives with entire staff Fall Open House Marketing Create a homepage article on website Plan your email blast Exact Target timeline Post event on Facebook once per week Prepare list of business contacts to connect with next month Post event on all community calendars, blogs, magazines, and newspapers, both print and web-based Update parenting magazines to reflect Open House next month Call and/or email all birthday guests each week Send Birthday mailer to children with birthdays in upcoming months (August & September) Send monthly newsletter through Exact Target Attend community events to spread community awareness Continue to market Summer Appreciation Months and Summer Camp Swimming pools are a great place to find children this summer.  Here are a few options: Consider a business-to-business partnership with a company that runs swim lessons Offer to run free pool...

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Posted by on Jul 10, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

New Online Marketing E-Book – Facebook Addendum

Together with Back at You, we have created the 2nd installment of our Online Marketing E-Books; an addendum to the Facebook E-Book originally released in May. This new E-Book, available on the extranet at My Gym Operations Disc / My Gym Operations / Marketing Directives / 01 – Marketing Initiatives / Online Marketing / Social Media Marketing, defines, explains, and simplifies several areas related to maximizing Facebook as a marketing asset for your gyms, including: Building of your LIKES When and how to use Facebook Ads vs. Facebook Offers Promoting your posts Linking your posts to Twitter These e-books are intended to be an informative and educational resource for all of our gyms.  If, at any time, you need any assistance with Facebook or any online marketing initiatives, Back at You is available to you as part of our Marketing Fund at michael.glazer@backatyou.com or (818)...

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Posted by on Jul 9, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

2013 Training Seminars

As we reflect on this summer’s training seminars and our 30 year anniversary, we are so proud of every person involved with My Gym. Training seminars are a great forum to exchange new and exciting ideas among MGE and fellow My Gymers.  Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the event; we sorely missed those of you who were not there this year. We hope the event provided the perfect opportunity for My Gym people to come together, make new contacts, and leave revitalized, energized, and motivated. We had a total of 106 gyms represented, with over 375 people attending.  Here is our Opening Video from the Training Seminar to share with your entire staff. Click here to launch video in a separate screen. Thank you to those of you who have completed the feedback form on the seminar already.  If you have not done so by now, please click here to give your feedback.  We value your input and draw from it when planning future events. ...

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Posted by on Jul 9, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Birthday Party Sign-In Release Slip

Obtaining guests from birthday parties is an essential part of every gym’s marketing plan. By conducting tests in several gyms, we have proven that providing parents with a Birthday Party Sign-In Release Slip instead of the Sign-In Sheet increases the number of leads you will obtain from each birthday party. Follow these simple steps to convert these leads into enrolled members: Require invitations or release slips to participate. Lead a great party and make connections as you normally would. Make a great post-party announcement offering all in attendance an incentive or, at a minimum, a free guest class. Each staff member working the party should approach at least one parent and sign up the child for a guest class. For the sake of time, their class selection can be written on the back of the sign-in release slip. Follow up with the guest prior to their guest class as you normally would. Input all data from the sign-in release slips into the MGM that week and send an email...

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Posted by on Jul 8, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

My Gym Media Update

Have you noticed My Gym in the news? In case you missed our posts regarding the many recent My Gym related broadcasts on TV and radio, here are JUST A FEW samples of the great media exposure our 30th Anniversary campaign is generating! CLICK A LINK TO SEE MY GYM IN ACTION May/June 2013 CBS Channel 2 – 5 PM News, New York WPIX-TV, New York NEW-TV, Newton, MA KFWB Radio – Money 101, Los Angeles Yahoo News – Worldwide WBAL-TV Baltimore, MD – NBC affiliate WCIU-TV, Chicago KRIV-TV, Houston WRC-TV, Washington DC Millions of Americans now agree that My Gym is the best place for family fun, fitness, development and...

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Posted by on Jul 8, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Tips for Dealing with Employees Who Are Leaving the Gym

Make sure to collect keys and My Gym clothing. Make sure they do not continue to have access to the extranet, Facebook, or any other online portals you use. Please remember that under no circumstances can you withhold the last paycheck.  Even if they haven’t returned items they are supposed to return, you still cannot withhold the last paycheck. Make sure you hold on to their executed Confidentiality Agreement. Make sure to collect all other physical items such as manuals, DVDs, etc. An employee’s leaving is usually not a hostile situation.  Make it as friendly as possible; they are still known to the community as ambassadors of My...

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Posted by on Jul 2, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

South Training Seminar 2013

The South Training Seminar was held June 28th-29th, and it was a fantastic event.  Thank you to all who participated.  Your input was so valuable and your enthusiasm wonderful.  We loved your incredible passion for My Gym and the children.  We also want to send a special thanks to Bill Parkes, Mindy and Rick Reeth, and Carmen and Joe Beaulieu for hosting this year. We held part of the 2013 awards ceremony during the event.  Each one of you is so deserving of an award for the remarkable work you do.  Thank you for all that you do in your gyms day in and day out. We want to congratulate and recognize again the 2013 award winners: Achievement Award Spring Miller – Jacksonville, FL Bill Parkes – Orlando, FL Franchisees of the Year, South Jenny Swain and Addie Inman – Frisco, TX Director of the Year Laura Donikowski – Lake Mary,...

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Posted by on Jul 1, 2013 in Marketing | 0 comments

30 Year Anniversary Campaign

Yesterday, June 30th, marked the end of Phase 1 (Free Membership and 30% off 4 weeks) and Phase 2 (Entry to our Fit & Family Contest) of our 30 Year Anniversary campaign.  We are busy pulling together our report of PR/Media Hits, impressions, and contest entries, but early indicators are extremely encouraging.  We will be sending this comprehensive report along with a brief survey to all North American gyms shortly.  Your responses to this survey will be extremely important for both the measurement of the campaign and the shaping of our 2014 and future campaigns. In the meantime, just a few reminders: Please update your posters in your lobbies by removing the Green and Pink stickers promoting the discount offer and contest.  Doing so will reveal generic messaging. If you are planning to hold a 30 Year Anniversary Birthday Party Open House in August, please make sure your posters reflect the specific day(s) and time(s) in the Blue Circle, if you have not done so already. We are now...

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Posted by on Jul 1, 2013 in Support & Programming | 0 comments

Titles and Descriptions of My Gym Positions

When we speak of “upward mobility” at My Gym, we are referring to the development and advancement of the gym’s employees.  There are many benefits to implementing an upward mobility program in your gym.  Employee morale and retention improve when there is a career path available, and you have a better chance of retaining your most talented staff through internal promotion. Click here for the Titles and Descriptions of My Gym...

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