Mixing member experience with business growth

Getting the word out about a new concept like Koko takes a lot of work and resources.  It is a fun thing to do because everybody who joins it, enjoys it.  There are so many ways to promote a business and all cost money.  Whether it is advertising, (print and online), social media, word of mouth, there is a cost whether it be time or money.  Of course sometimes you hit gold and other times, you fall flat.  But, there is no sure thing so you need to try almost everything at least once to see. 

One of our members introduced me to a small business advisory group here in Scottsdale called the Redwood Alliance.  I had been to (and still attend at times) other networking groups or websites and associations that can assist in getting your concept to the right eyes and ears.  But Redwood is different in a couple ways.  Redwood is not just about trying to pitch other members of the group about your business.  Instead it is a group that allows each member to pose a case study about challenges a small business faces.  Other members of the group offer objective feedback and suggestions of how to overcome these barriers or challenges based on their experience in their business lives.  I have attended two of these meetings and I have found them to be excellent.  I decided that it was worth becoming a member in short order.

Yesterday, our case study was changed at the 11th hour due to unforeseen circumstances.  The fill in speaker was a realtor who talked about how staying positive in these economic times is paramount to success.  Now, think about this.  If there is a tougher industry than realty right now, in a state like Arizona that has seen one of the worst default and foreclosure rates in the country, I would not want to see it.  There is nothing but bad news for this industry everywhere you look.  Yet, our speaker had the best outlook and attitude about his state of affairs.  He had so many terrific take-aways around basic human relationships that we seem to forget as we can get caught up in the bad news.  His attitude shows that sometimes just being attentive, upbeat and energetic are enough to keep you alive in business. 

I am fortunate to feel like what he was saying is what I have been feeling and doing for several months now, even in a down economy.  Clear vision of the future; Unwavering belief in your ability to deliver an excellent experience; creating value for your members; being passionate about each day...

We are lucky to be changing lives for the better.  We can't help but do all the aforementioned things as owners and users of Koko.  We have a village of people that are collectively making a difference in their own lives and setting great examples for their families, co-workers and friends.  Keep it up Kokonuts!

Getting back to a routine

I am seeing more and more people talk about getting back in shape now that school is back in session for the year.  Demonstrations are up and membership is increasing.  At the big box clubs, crowds are starting to re-develop as well.  Just this morning, one of our members who belongs to Lifetime and Koko, went to go to her spin class, arriving 30 minutes ahead and STILL did not get a bike!  Sorry, we're full. 

The big box loves a member like that.  Paying a handsome sum each month and not even getting to use the product she signed up for in the first place!  Thankfully, she came to Koko and got a good elliptical workout in and also a strength session which she won't do at Lifetime.  I don't mind that we don't have a spin bike.  I don't even mind that we aren't always her first choice.  What makes me happy is that she came here, got in a great workout in 45 minutes and left very satisfied.  No waiting for a class; no waiting for a machine.  She got personalized service and was treated like she was welcome. 

There is a difference here and it is a big one.

It only gets better

As I type on this early Saturday (when normal people are sleeping), I cannot stop thinking about what a great few days I just had.  I was in Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod for my first Koko Owners' Meeting that we call Koko Jam.  This was the second annual meeting which I narrowly missed last year as I was not quite ready to get going.

Let me just say that the Koko experience is only going to get better.  More locations are coming all over and the people that own them are terrific.  I was amazed at the backgrounds and experiences these people bring to the table.  For example, we have former CFO's of large organizations, physicians, entrepreneurs in their 30's with tremendous business start-up experience and other franchise system ownership.  A commonality I noticed was that there was a genuine interest in wanting to help others with the best product in the market.  Period.

This meeting unveiled the enhancements of the existing product and experience that are being worked on feverishly.  They are far ranging and will be discussed more as they roll out.  Bottom line is that those who are members will be the one's who can say 5 years ago, "remember when Koko was a virtually unknown?"  It is time to get off the sideline and get going on Koko.  Then you won't be one of those people who will hear, "I am sorry, we are currently at capacity but we will call you when a spot opens."  That will happen and it won't be that long until it does.

On a more local note, the second Arizona location is opening TODAY, in a few hours in Tucson.  Gary Durrenberger is a new friend of mine (thanks to Koko) and I wish he was closer.  I can promise you that his club is going to be a fun, energetic and welcoming place for the Tucson crowd.  He is one of those people you instantly connect with and I am excited to watch him succeed.