In working with affiliates for nearly 4 yrs now I find, at some point, there is a switch that is flipped... a point in which all of your hard work clicks and the flood gates of growth and business burst open.
SO - this question, or series of questions goes out to those affiliates who have already flipped that switch...
What happened around that point?
What do you remember in that month - 6 weeks - 2 month point where things drastically changed?
Help the community out and post what you remember here and provide as much detail as necessary to really paint a vivid picture.
I think for us, the switch flipped when our member referrals were dominating the number of calls and new intros booked. This was the confidence we needed that our system was working, membership was growing, and ultimately our members were truly happy.
Also, it was a point when we worried less about money and how to survive and more about customer value and how much more we can bring to the table for them. Value is now a major focal point.
During the transition period from being unassertive to feeling complete confidence, look out for the following in your business: (More of a feeling of momentum building over the months, than a drastic short term change in business)
1. New clients/ intros: excitement and eagerness to get involved; purely based on word of mouth or referral.
2. Greater reassurance of value and confidence in your program.
3. Awareness of competing gym's/CF affiliates eagerness to imitate or offer ridiculous offers just to draw attention.
4. A thriving community, over crowded classes, profile pictures changed.
5. Your picking up trash off the ground in the parking lot, scrubbing behind the toilet, and worried about your grammar on your blog.
Regardless of the timing of your growth, stick it out, focus on member needs, spend wisely, give more back, and do it bigger than the rest.
