What can we learn from the Polar Vortex and its recent occurrence within the U.S.? The Polar Vortex was described by Brandon Miller, the international senior meteorologist for CNN, on CNN.com as “circulation of strong, upper-level winds that normally surround the northern pole in a counterclockwise direction — a polar low-pressure system.”
This system doesn’t affect U.S. citizens regularly. Therefore, when it did, it created havoc for citizens for several days in a row. This made me think about our own lives and businesses day-to-day.
We don’t regularly deal with a “Polar Vortex” in our business on an everyday basis. But, that doesn’t mean that we won’t deal with one at some point. In fact, if your business has stood the test of time to experience a Polar Vortex, you’re probably not doing too badly.
However, many people in the U.S. were taken aback when the Polar Vortex hit. They weren’t prepared for what it brought into their lives. When you are working to develop your business, are you also preparing for your own Polar Vortex, or are you in the belief that it will never get that bad? A few days of a Polar Vortex on and unprepared business could be life or death.
I don’t believe you should spend each day in worry about “what if” scenarios. In fact, it’s not healthy in creating a solid infrastructure if you are continually planning for the worst. It’s important that you strive to build a solid community and culture within your facility. It’s important that you manage your people with respect and create an enjoyable work environment.
Not all of your members are going to love your club. But, it’s vital that you stay in touch with your members and learn about their needs and desires. They need to value your club and the role it plays in their day-to-day lives.
If you can do both for your members and employees, when times get tough they won’t run for the hills, but rather they will stick by you and fight for what they love.
We all saw a Polar Vortex during the recession. Many clubs had developed a solid infrastructure and were able to handle the years of hardship, while others weren’t established and continued to fail. For some owners, they knew the recession would come because they had seen it come before and they were prepared. Others simply knew that they had to develop a strong business to stay afloat during rough seas, and were able to weather the storm.
One thing can be certain for any business owner — there will be another Polar Vortex. The question is, when the Polar Vortex returns to your business, will you be ready?
Tyler Montgomery is the editor of Club Solutions Magazine. Contact him at tyler@clubsolutionsmagazine.com.
