Have you ever heard the fable about the goose that laid the golden egg? A man and his wife had a goose that laid one golden egg daily. Despite their good fortune, they became impatient. They assumed the goose must be filled with gold and decided to kill it to get all the riches at once. But instead of gold, they found a normal goose, and they lost their valuable source of daily income.
What does this have to do with business? Everything.
In the pursuit of success, many cheer gym owners fall into the same trap as the couple in the story: Instead of appreciating and nurturing the steady progress of their growth, they prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. They become impatient, and it affects their decisions within the business.
This can manifest in several ways, such as:
- Hiring a coach or director who is out of the budget or lacks common values to produce winning teams.
- Chasing wins (literal or figurative) and forgetting about the other programs in the gym that are keeping the lights on, like recreational tumbling, birthday parties and preschool programs.
- Sacrificing profit to keep up with the Joneses with out-of-budget uniforms, bows, choreography and music.
Owning Your Gym Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
The truth is that owning a gym is not a short, finite game. It’s not about grabbing all the golden eggs you can in one swoop. Business is a marathon with progress checkpoints along the way. These checkpoints might look different for everyone, but they typically measure:
- The happiness and well-being of owners and staff.
- The satisfaction and loyalty of customers.
- The profitability and financial health of the business.
- The company’s ability to adapt and withstand challenges.
Here’s a sobering fact: Only 30% of businesses make it to their 10th anniversary. This statistic is a reminder that expecting to achieve instant results will lead to burnout, broken relationships and lost opportunities.
How To Protect Your Golden Goose
So, how can you avoid the fate of the goose in your business? Here are a few key takeaways:
1. Focus on the Long-Term
Resist the temptation to chase immediate wins and keep up with the “industry standard” that could jeopardize your long-term success. Build systems, nurture your staff and invest in your customers’ loyalty.
When I first opened my gym, all I wanted was to coach all star cheer—but the rec tumbling kids kept the lights on and the doors open. I would celebrate the two or three new all star kids who signed on each season while forgetting to celebrate the 10-12 new rec kids I got each month. The rec kids built my gym and paved the way for the eventual success of my cheer program. I had to learn to nurture that program as much as cheer in order to find long-term success in my business.
2. Measure Progress Holistically
Success isn’t just about the wins. I understand that a very successful season might bring dozens of new kids to tryouts, but the same can be said for great marketing, a proper cheer funnel and a solid reputation. Wins do not define your gym’s value in your community.
Yes, wins feel good and can give credibility, but turning a group of kids into hard-working teens and responsible adults will do the same—and have an even greater long-term impact on your community.
3. Value Relationships
Whether with partners, staff or customers, relationships are the foundation of your business. Open communication, transparency and mutual respect are essential for longevity. Don’t sacrifice your culture for the wrong coach—even if you think they can grow your program. Remember, not all growth is good growth.
4. Be Patient
Sustainability takes time, effort, and education. It’s better to lay one golden egg daily than to gamble it all for a quick payout. Now, in the Next Gen Academy, we do see people with amazing growth in a short period, but that’s because they have a mentor who is guiding them through proven systems and strategies and adapting them for their gym’s culture and brand. When you have someone to help you along the way, you avoid costly mistakes and setbacks.
Remember, the goose that lays the golden egg represents steady, sustainable progress. Protect your goose. Nurture it. And watch your gym culture and revenue thrive for years to come.
