Built To Grow Fitness Business

Tim Lyons and Randy Angsten, Tim Lyons, Randy Angsten
Built To Grow Fitness Business

We help gym owners win! This podcast is a deep dive into marketing and excellence for Fitness Professionals. The fitness business industry can be a maze of misinformation and the hosts, Tim Lyons and Randy Angsten, will guide you down the proper path by sharing insights and learnings on marketing, mindset, business, and sales that have helped them grow a multiple 7-figure fitness business. This podcast will build a foundation you can GROW your fitness business on.

  1. 17 HR AGO

    Grassroots Gift Card Campaign

    Smart business owners know the best marketing feels like a win for everyone. For gym owners, that kind of strategy looks like a grassroots campaign that builds community connections and attracts clients who are ready for a long-term commitment. Here’s the idea: partner with local kids’ sports teams to sell gym-branded gift cards. It’s a win-win – teams get a boost in their fundraising efforts, and your gym brings in clients who already feel invested. Families support their kids’ teams while also gaining a month of training at your gym. And because they’ve paid for these cards, they’re more likely to show up, creating a stronger, more loyal membership base. This approach is straightforward yet effective. By using CRM automation and a simple landing page, these gift cards turn into scheduled appointments, bringing in a steady flow of quality clients – without the need for constant paid ads or quick promos. Ready to launch a community-centered strategy that benefits families, supports local youth, and brings dedicated members to your gym? Tune in as Tim and Randy explain the details on how to make it happen. Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)The grassroots gift card campaign concept (00:40)Partnering with youth sports for fundraising (02:50)Setting the card’s value and pricing structure (04:25)The importance of commitment through paid gift cards (06:00)How CRM automation supports lead nurturing (07:55)Local engagement: expanding beyond youth sports teams (10:30)Recap (14:55)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    17 min
  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Dominate Your Black Friday Campaign

    For gym owners, Black Friday is a huge chance to boost revenue and set the stage for a successful year ahead.  But let’s be real – throwing out a big discount isn’t the smartest move. It can actually hurt your business down the line by devaluing your services and lowering your recurring income. In this episode, Tim and Randy share how to make Black Friday work for you, not against you. They walk through a simple “good-better-best” pricing strategy that adds extra value instead of just cutting prices.  You’ll learn how to create packages that really resonate with your audience by partnering with local businesses to sweeten the deal. They also explain why, with all the inflation and uncertainty this year, it's more important than ever to focus on getting clients to commit for the long term. Ready to make this Black Friday your biggest revenue driver yet? Tune in and get all the tools you need to take your campaign to the next level!  Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)How Black Friday impacts your business revenue (01:55)Adapting strategies to this year’s unique economic climate (06:11)Using the “good-better-best” approach for pricing (08:00)Creating more value without discounting your services (12:24)Making the most of Cyber Monday to boost sales (18:28)Acquiring new clients with gift card campaigns (21:41)Leveraging referral programs to attract quality leads (25:02)Keeping your email list engaged for better results (27:04)Recap (28:19)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    30 min
  3. 24 OCT

    The Three-Legged Stool

    Bringing more clients into a gym without a solid foundation is like piling passengers onto a sinking ship – it’s a recipe for true disaster, and every new client only adds to the chaos. Even if you achieve some growth, the existing cracks will only widen without proper systems, automation, and lead generation. These three elements form the essential pillars of a successful gym. In this episode, Tim and Randy explain the "three-legged stool" approach. Just like a three-legged stool stands firm on any surface, systems, automation, and lead generation work together to stabilize your business: Systems prevent daily operations from falling apartAutomation ensures a seamless client journey from start to finishLead generation keeps your growth engine runningSkip any of these, and you’re left scrambling, relying on quick fixes and marketing gimmicks to patch up the holes. Ready to transform your gym from a wobbly mess into a rock-solid operation? Join Tim and Randy to learn how to balance these three crucial components and stop your business from teetering on the edge. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)The three-legged stool concept (00:54)Systems, automation, and lead generation as gym business pillars (02:24)The risks of pushing leads into a broken system (05:21)Impact of staff turnover on client retention (08:32)Acquiring new clients vs. retaining existing ones (10:34)The importance of documented processes (14:59)Business Accelerator program overview (15:47)Recap (17:45)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    19 min
  4. 22 OCT

    Soft Skills Have Hard Cost w/ Lindsay Vastola (Part 2)

    The critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the fitness industry remains this week’s topic as Tim and Randy continue their conversation with Lindsay Vastola, a leadership coach specializing in emotional intelligence and team development for fitness professionals. In the previous episode, they discussed why many gym owners hire based on hard skills and technical expertise, only to face high turnover because staff members lack the emotional intelligence necessary for a positive gym culture. Now, they dive deeper into how EQ affects every aspect of the business. In this episode, Lindsay explains: How to craft job descriptions that attract candidates with high EQWays to assess resourcefulness and problem-solving during interviewsThe high costs of keeping a cultural misfit and its impact on team moraleTune in to learn why soft skills should be a priority for fitness business owners and how investing in EQ can transform your gym’s environment and boost profitability. Let's dive in!  P.S. If you missed the first part of the interview, be sure to check it out here! Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Marketing job openings like services to attract the right candidates (00:28)Evaluate resourcefulness in interview scenarios (07:05)Slow hiring and quick firing leads to better staff quality (10:42)Controllables vs. uncontrollables in hiring challenges (15:37)Tap into local community groups to find potential coaches (19:13)Investing in EQ training boosts revenue and reduces churn (23:42)Balancing hard skills (certifications) with EQ training (25:47)Lindsay’s leadership coaching programs (28:02)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    30 min
  5. 17 OCT

    Soft Skills Have Hard Cost w/ Lindsay Vastola (Part 1)

    We usually hire for IQ but end up firing because of a lack of EQ. This is something we rarely think about, but it's true.  Many gym owners focus only on the technical skills of their staff when hiring and often overlook the emotional intelligence needed to ensure the day-to-day activities in the gym run smoothly.  But what happens when your coaches can't connect with clients? Or if they struggle with tough conversations? Or leave you frustrated because they don't know how to communicate with each other or resolve conflict?  It's easy to assume these soft skills are common sense. But the truth is, you can't expect your 23-year-old coach to know how to handle every (or any) situation – it's on you to guide them.  In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Lindsay Vastola, an expert in emotional intelligence and a member of the Iron Circle. Lindsay explains why neglecting soft skills can come at a high cost, impacting everything from staff performance to client retention.  Tune in and learn how to turn EQ from a silent killer in your business into your biggest asset. Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Importance of emotional intelligence (02:05)The five key components of emotional intelligence (05:28)Assume nothing, train everything (08:06)A real-world example of soft skills undermining a coaching team (14:54)Hire for emotional intelligence over technical skills (23:03)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    25 min
  6. 15 OCT

    My Business Is Different

    "But my business is different." How many times have you told yourself that? It’s a common refrain among gym owners who believe their challenges are unique and that the solutions that work for others won’t apply to them. In this episode, Tim and Randy break down the "my business is different" mindset that holds so many back from achieving real growth.  They explain how the systems and processes that lead to success – whether in marketing, staffing, or automation – are universal and can be applied to any business, in any industry. They share real-life examples of owners who initially resisted change, only to find that adopting proven methods resulted in significant growth in their businesses. The truth is that your business isn’t that different. This belief is just an excuse to avoid making necessary changes that feel too emotionally difficult to face. If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start making changes, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to overcome this limiting mindset and start making the necessary changes to transform your business today! Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)The “my business is different” mindset (01:10)Systems are key to lasting success (05:46)Are you the biggest obstacle in your business? (09:11)Act now or watch your business collapse (11:01)Why immediate action is crucial for growth (15:06)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    19 min
  7. 10 OCT

    The Truth Behind Your HighLevel Automation

    As more and more gym owners jump into white-labeled automation solutions, they often find themselves trapped in systems that don't serve the full client journey. You might have experienced this frustration with different agencies offering you "custom solutions." However, you soon realize that all these systems are just rebranded versions of the same software, leaving you juggling multiple accounts and incomplete solutions. In this episode, Tim and Randy break down the chaos surrounding HighLevel automation tools. They reveal how gym owners are being locked into multiple platforms that barely scratch the surface of what a gym actually needs for real growth. These tools often stop at lead generation, leaving the crucial aspects of client retention, communication, and long-term relationship-building entirely out of the picture. If you can’t control the client's journey from start to finish, you’ll always be at the mercy of various agencies and their solutions. Their main focus is usually getting you locked into monthly subscriptions rather than helping your business grow. That’s why owning your automation system is key. Curious to find out how to finally take control of your business? Tune in to this episode to learn how you can build a system that works for your gym and your clients, not just for an agency’s bottom line. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Overview of Iron Circle and upcoming events (00:56)HighLevel automation software explained (03:22)Why HighLevel automations fail (07:45)Importance of owning your automation system (21:32)Warning about reliance on agency-built solutions (26:54)Conclusion (27:48)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    31 min
  8. 8 OCT

    4x5 Performance Model

    Do you have a clear system to evaluate the performance of your gym coaches? Or are you just hoping they’ll do their best and grow on their own? Many gym owners don’t have a structured plan to develop their coaches' skills or reward them for hitting performance benchmarks. But without a solid evaluation system, these gyms risk high turnover and stagnation (not to mention missed opportunities for growth). In this episode, Tim and his fitness director, Zach, break down the "4x5 Performance Evaluation" tool that gyms worldwide are now adopting. This system allows coaches to be graded in four critical areas – teamwork, standards, client experience, and expertise – on a scale of 1 to 5, and it gives your coaches the possibility for continuous improvement. Tim and Zach talk about the impact of this tool, how it helps coaches understand exactly what's expected of them, and how it can elevate both individual and team performance. They also explain why this approach makes all the difference in creating a sustainable, thriving business. So, if you’re serious about helping your coaches grow, keeping them engaged, and ensuring your gym operations run smoothly, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn in just 10 minutes how the 4x5 system can transform your gym’s coaching culture. Let's dive in!  Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)4x5 performance evaluation tool for coaches (00:57)Four categories breakdown (02:24)Scoring system and potential for bonuses (04:23)Review process and development (08:25)Additional Resources: - Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville  - Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings - Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons  - ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group - A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix  - SOP in a Day Workshop  - An app designed for semi-private training - Semi Private Pro  - Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course  - Business Accelerator Program   - Learn more about The Iron Circle  --- If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

    11 min

About

We help gym owners win! This podcast is a deep dive into marketing and excellence for Fitness Professionals. The fitness business industry can be a maze of misinformation and the hosts, Tim Lyons and Randy Angsten, will guide you down the proper path by sharing insights and learnings on marketing, mindset, business, and sales that have helped them grow a multiple 7-figure fitness business. This podcast will build a foundation you can GROW your fitness business on.

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