• Episode 233: What To Include On A Job Description For Your Boutique Wellness Business
    Apr 30 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED podcast with your host, Christa Gurka. Today, we're diving deep into the art of crafting compelling job descriptions, especially tailored for boutique fitness studios facing hiring hurdles. Join us as we explore key insights from Pilates in the Grove, where the focus is on highlighting culture, growth opportunities, and desired traits over mundane responsibilities.

    Here's a sneak peek into what we'll be uncovering:

    • Trait-Centric Descriptions: Shift the spotlight from duties to desirable traits like being a self-starter, problem-solver, and team player.
    • Growth Opportunities: Illuminate the path to impact, creativity, and professional development within the role.
    • Inviting Language: Infuse your job descriptions with warm, inviting language that mirrors your studio's values of innovation, teamwork, and support.
    • Linking Responsibilities to Behaviors: Establish crystal-clear expectations by tying job responsibilities to specific behaviors throughout the hiring journey.

    Ready to revolutionize your hiring game? Dive into our exclusive hiring workshop at ChristaGurka.com/store to learn tools and strategies for recruitment success. And for the 90-day onboarding resources, check out the First 90 Days Mini-Training available at ChristaGurka.com/FitnessBusinessResources.

    For those looking to take their tracking and analysis to the next level, explore our coaching programs like the Inner Circle, offering customized scorecards and dedicated support.

    If you're interested in being a guest on a future episode, reach out to us at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com.

    Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep empowering yourselves and others!

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    29 mins
  • Episode 232: Q1 Recap - What the Inner Circle & PITG Did in Q1
    Apr 23 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED podcast with host Christa Gurka. Today, we're diving into the inner workings of business metrics with our special guest, Lauren Amron, COO at Pilates in the Grove studio.

    Join us as we unpack the highlights of Q1 and how we're keeping our business on the path to success.

    In this episode, Christa and Lauren dissect how they review business metrics quarterly at Pilates In The Grove. They explore the key metrics driving their decisions, including revenue, net income, utilization rates, visits, and unique customers. Lauren offers her expertise in analyzing Q1 performance and demystifies the budget vs. actual spreadsheet, shedding light on the importance of understanding profit margins, location viability, and operational optimization.

    Here's what we'll be discussing:

    • Revenue and Utilization Rates: Unpacking why these metrics are crucial for operational success.
    • Net Income vs. Revenue: Understanding profitability beyond the topline figure.
    • Financial Performance Analysis: Breaking down Q1 month by month and quarter by quarter.
    • Setting Annual Goals: How quarterly reviews inform long-term strategic planning.
    • Optimizing Studio Operations: Leveraging data to refine schedules and pricing.

    Key takeaways from our conversation:

    • Start Simple: Begin tracking one metric like visits to gain insights into business performance.
    • Consistency is Key: Source data from the same place for accurate analysis over time.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Use metrics to objectively set goals and make informed business decisions.
    • Quarterly Reviews: The power of regular reviews in optimizing operations and driving profitability.

    Ready to dive into your own quarterly review? Download our worksheet template from www.christagurka.com/quarterlyreview and get started.

    For those looking to take their tracking and analysis to the next level, explore our coaching programs like the Inner Circle, offering customized scorecards and dedicated support.

    Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow entrepreneurs. Together, let's empower each other to thrive in the fitness and wellness industry! If you're keen on being a guest on a future episode, reach out to us at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com.


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    44 mins
  • Episode 231: How To Optimize Instagram For Your Brick and Mortar Business with 20 Degrees Media
    Apr 16 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED podcast. I'm your host, Christa Gurka, and on today’s episode I’m joined by Mindy to discuss all things Instagram for your brick and mortar business.

    Joining me is Mindy Lundy Kramer, the founder of 20 Degrees Media, a marketing agency focused on the outdoor wellness industry. In this episode Mindy shares her journey from photography to helping businesses improve their online presence and we dive into different considerations and strategies for optimizing your Instagram presence.

    Some of the things we discussed include:

    • Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses: The challenges of running a business as a technician vs entrepreneur. Developing comprehensive marketing strategies using various tactics like websites, social media, email marketing and events.
    • Using Instagram for Local Businesses: How Instagram can be a powerful tool for small businesses to increase visibility, connect with customers, and create a stronger community through collaboration.
    • Instagram Strategies for Fitness Studios: Focus on showcasing instructors' personalities and teaching styles to attract the right clients. Use Instagram for awareness, trust-building and community over direct sales.
    • Analyzing Social Media Analytics: Understanding metrics like engagement, reach, likes and comments.
    • Creating Engaging Content: The importance of developing a consistent posting schedule and asking customers directly for content ideas.

    Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow entrepreneurs. Together, let's empower each other to thrive in the fitness and wellness industry! If you're keen on being a guest on a future episode, reach out to us at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com.

    About Mindy and 20 Degrees Marketing

    Mindy worked for Vail Resorts for three years in the Marketing Research department before taking an internship with the Photography department. After she graduated from college in 2004 and fulfilled those internship hours at Vail Resorts, she became an independent photographer. For 14 years after that, she photographed 125+ weddings, 7+ sports companies, too many events to count, and commercial work. But then, she and her husband moved to California, really disrupting her referral based business.

    You can find Mindy online at 20degreesmedia.com and on Instagram @20DegreesMedia.




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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode 230: Your Studio Website is Working Against You
    Apr 9 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED podcast. I'm your host, Christa Gurka, and in today's episode, we're taking a deep dive into all things websites - specifically When Your Website Could Actually Be Working Against You.

    Joining us is Latasha Doyle, the brilliant mind behind Uncanny Content. Together, we'll uncover how a website - if not optimized properly - can hinder the growth of your brick-and-mortar business. Latasha will share her expertise on strategies for website optimization, automation, SEO, and customizing content to resonate with your target audience.

    Here's what's in store:

    • The Role of Websites for Physical Businesses: Understanding their impact and potential pitfalls.
    • Optimizing Websites and Streamlining Automation: Simplifying booking processes and enhancing user experience.
    • Best SEO Practices for Local Businesses: Tips on keywords, headers, and boosting visibility.
    • Strategies for Multiple Location Businesses: Tailoring websites to cater to diverse locations effectively.
    • Pages vs. Blog Content: Maximizing engagement while catering to educators and businesses.
    • Advice on Branding, Strategy, and Copywriting: Crafting compelling narratives and continuously refining your approach.
    • Capturing Leads and Personalizing the Customer Journey: Enhancing customer experience through targeted customization.

    Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow entrepreneurs. Together, let's empower each other to thrive in the fitness and wellness industry! If you're interested in being a guest on a future episode, reach out to us at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com.

    About Latasha and Uncanny Content

    Latasha owns and operates Uncanny Content, a full-service content and copy agency. From content strategy to content ideation, content writing, social media, and sales copy, she and her team do it all. Latasha and her team work with women, queer, and disabled business owners to help elevate their brands and help them impact their communities.

    You can find Latasha and the team online at uncannycontent.co and on Instagram @uncannycontent.








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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 229: Lost a Client? Learn How to Master Win-Back Campaigns for Pilates and Yoga Studios
    Apr 2 2024

    Welcome to another episode of the Female Empowered Podcast, where we delve deep into topics that matter to female entrepreneurs in the fitness and wellness industry. I'm your host, Christa Gurkha, and today's episode is packed with valuable insights on mastering a winning Win-back Strategy.

    In this episode, I'm excited to share insights and real-world examples of the effectiveness of Win-back Strategies. Whether you're a studio owner, fitness professional, or wellness entrepreneur, understanding the power of re-engaging past clients can significantly impact your bottom line.

    So, what exactly is a Win-back Strategy? It's a targeted effort to reignite and re-engage clients who haven't interacted with your business in a while. We'll explore why this is crucial for business growth and profitability, along with actionable steps to implement them effectively.

    Join me as we discuss:

    The importance of customer retention and increasing lifetime value

    • Real success stories from businesses implementing Winback strategies
    • Measuring metrics and calculating return on investment
    • Key components of a successful Winback strategy, including database management, personalized messaging, and clear calls to action
    • Plus, I'll be sharing exclusive resources to help you kickstart your own Win-back campaigns.

    I hope you enjoy this episode, which is filled with actionable tips and strategies to boost your business's success. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your fellow entrepreneurs. Let's empower each other to thrive in the fitness and wellness industry!

    If you want to access the exclusive email templates mentioned in this episode, follow the instructions to claim your discount. And if you're interested in being a guest on a future episode, contact us at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com.

    Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep empowering yourselves and others!

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    32 mins
  • Episode 228: Equipment Investments: Budgeting, Capital, Credit?
    Mar 26 2024

    Hey there, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast. I'm your host, Christa Gurkha, and I'm thrilled to have a recurring guest with us today – Danielle Hayden, the founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc.

    What I truly appreciate about having Danielle on the show is her ability to provide a different perspective on financial matters. I often approach things from my own angle and Danielle offers an objective viewpoint grounded in financial expertise.

    Today, we're diving into the topic of investing in our businesses, particularly when it comes to equipment, growth, and expansion. Whether it's addressing capacity issues or aiming to generate more revenue, investing in equipment is often a significant step for business owners. We'll explore various aspects of this, including budgeting, financing options, and different financial management approaches.

    Topics we discussed include:

    Considering equipment investments to address capacity issues and generate more revenue

    • Calculating potential return on investment from new equipment
    • Options for financing equipment purchases like loans, lines of credit, credit cards
    • Perspectives on using debt versus paying in cash
    • Tips for preparing cash reserves and exploring state grants
    • Reflect on your money mindset and risk tolerance when making financial decisions

    Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow entrepreneurs. Until next time, keep empowering yourselves and others!

    If you're interested in being a guest on a future episode, reach out to us at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com.



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    42 mins
  • Episode 227: How To Leverage Your Studio Revenue And Recruiting Process With Teacher Training With Nora Reynolds
    Mar 19 2024

    Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! In today's guest episode, I'm thrilled to have Nora Reynolds, Chief Innovation Officer of Arrichion joining me.

    Nora's journey began with her family's athletic background, leading to the establishment of hot yoga studios across several cities, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham, and Salt Lake City. However, her most recent venture, Strength Through Fitness University, has redefined fitness education.

    Some of the major takeaways from the discussion include:

    • The importance of focusing on teaching skills rather than just exercises in fitness teacher training programs.
    • How Strength Through Focus University has developed an online teacher training framework based on competencies and feedback to effectively train fitness instructors.
    • The challenges of creating and delivering effective in-person teacher training programs and how an online program can help address these challenges.
    • How licensing a standardized online teacher training program like Strength Through Focus University can help boutique fitness studios reduce workload and costs while improving training quality.

    Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Until next time, keep empowering yourselves and others!

    Interested in being a guest on a future Female Friday episode? Email me at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com!

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    58 mins
  • Epsiode 226: Why Women Are Better Business Owners
    Mar 12 2024

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast, hosted by Christa Gurka! March is Women’s History Month, so on today's episode, I’m taking a look at why women often excel as business owners.

    Here's what I unpack:

    • Unlocking Women's Strengths: From superior communication skills and heightened emotional intelligence to exceptional time management, women possess a unique set of qualities that set them up to be excellent business owners.
    • Navigating Challenges: Despite progress, women still confront gender biases, limited access to funding, and the ongoing struggle for work-life balance. For women of color, the biases and limited access are even more significant.
    • Insightful Statistics: I shared some pretty astonishing stats on the growth of women-owned businesses, executive representation, and the persistent gender pay gap.

    If you enjoyed this episode: screenshot it, tag me @ChristaGurka, and tag another female business owner. Share the wealth and let’s support each other - a rising tide raises all ships. We are not each other’s competition.

    Looking for advice and resources to help you market and grow your clinic or client-based business? Visit my website or follow me on Instagram!

    Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review for the show to help other female fitness and wellness professionals find our podcast!

    Interested in being a guest on a future Female Friday episode? Email me at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com!

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    22 mins