3 CrossFit Box Manager Problems

Disclaimer: WodSites is not in any way affiliated with the CrossFit brand.

To the outside world you’ve got it all… a successful CrossFit® box, a great team of trainers and a pretty nice lifestyle. You pick the hours you want to work and you get to train whenever you want. In fact you are probably the envy of many of your friends who believe that you are living the ultimate dream. The truth is, it’s hard managing a CrossFit® box even though you are passionate about what you do. Here are the top 3 CrossFit® Box Manager Problems we hear at Wodsites Australia and how you can address them:

Running a box takes up much more time than you realised to begin with and that’s before you get started on the admin. Most box owners do not anticipate the quantity of paperwork when they start out and believe that they can easily slot it in around training. Paperwork such as membership forms, insurance, payslips, taxes, community charges, certification and licensing are time consuming and tedious to complete. Before you know it, you are spending as much time doing admin as you are coaching and this isn’t what you wanted from your box.

Most new box owners are unable to budget for a full time administrative staff member but it is possible to outsource administration either to a part time employee or on a freelance basis. If you need to manage the admin yourself then keep on top of it by keeping computerised files and making a series of templates for all eventualities. This way you will spend the minimum amount of time completing forms. It sounds obvious but try not to let the paperwork mount up, instead dedicate at least 30 minutes per day to your administrative duties.

Everyone wants to increase their profits but many CrossFit® box owners are struggling to generate the profits they need to make a living. Running a box is expensive; you have to pay trainers, purchase equipment, pay utilities, cleaning and taxes and not to mention insurance! The key to generating enough profits lies in having a good marketing strategy to attract new members, a good retention approach for keeping existing members and not under pricing yourself against competitors.

Carefully think through your membership fees before you start… are they enough to pay all your expenses? Will you have enough if some of your members leave and what if you need to replace some equipment? Once you are sure that your prices are right for the services you are offering then turn your attention to your marketing. You may be tempted to cut corners and get a cheap (or free) website but actually this is one of the worst things you can do. A good website is essential for attracting new clients and will form the core of any digital marketing activities you undertake. Most CrossFit® box owners are not digital experts and if this is you, then you need to outsource this part to people who are.

Most CrossFit® box owners complain that they just don’t have time for anything. Family time takes a hit, precious one on one time with members is difficult to maintain and you feel like you are always running behind. It doesn’t matter how early you get up in the morning or how late you stay, you just don’t seem to be able to finish it all. No doubt about it, running a box is time consuming but there are ways you can work more efficiently, have time to train, socialise and also rest at home.

Make sure that you have automated your digital workflow wherever possible so that emails are triggered for specific website enquiries – eg when an ebook is requested or a landing page membership form completed. Add payment buttons and an online store so that your existing clients can pay online using their Paypal or credit card. Add an intranet system so that your staff can manage training schedules, holidays, policies and notes in one place without needing to bother you or create confusing paperwork. Spend an hour each week scheduling your social media posts for the week ahead and outsource any tasks like blog writing. Remember that by having clear goals and a determined focus you will be able to eliminate unnecessary tasks and focus on the ones that will bring in business and make your box successful.

Want to know more? Check out this 5 Tips For The Best CrossFit Programming. For more information on marketing your box, increasing signups and getting noticed contact the team at WodSites.