Blair’s POV: Leadership Advice for 2022

Each month Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM, sits down with Rachel Zabonick-Chonko, the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine, for a frank discussion on the current state of the fitness industry.

BLAIR MCHANEY’S POV SHOW NOTES

Top of Mind

• Many club owners are very nervous about the omicron variant.
• Politicians are hesitant to do shutdowns again, but it looks like mask mandates are coming back in certain states.
• How different everything is state to state and how to predict what is going to happen. Some states are still struggling, some are beating 2019 numbers.
• Political advocacy is more important than ever. We must find a way to structure the volunteer state alliances that were formed to keep them going and active even after COVID-19.  
• The work doesn’t stop. The state alliances need constant engagement.

Looking Ahead

• People are less interested in learning about sales and more interested in learning about operationalizing the customer experience.
• Sad reality is clubs have closed and there are pools of people looking to find a new gym. 2022 is a time to capitalize on that.
• There is an opportunity for a change in messaging. “You’re one workout away from a great mood.” Weave this message into everything you do and act on it.
• People are looking for more 20-to-30-minute workouts in 2022.

Challenges for 2022

• Employment will continue to be a challenge for the next few months.
• The Great Resignation will lead new, passionate people to the industry.
• Blair has received more personal training applications this year than ever before.

Leadership advice for 2022

• Hang in there.
• Be flexible.
• This is going to go away. Remain optimistic.

Book Recommendations

• “Managing Corporate Lifecycles” by Ichak Adizes.
• So many incredible lessons operators can take away from this book.

For more insights from Blair McHaney and to learn more about MXM, the world’s leading experts on Operational Member Experience Management, visit mxmetrics.com.