by Heather Binns, Owner of Renov8 Fitness in North Hollywood CA
So you want to host an outdoor bootcamp? You have the best idea and now it’s time to put it into action. Well, if you think the old saying “If you build it, they will come!” applies here, you may be in for a surprise. No matter how great your idea, if you don't take the right steps to put your bootcamp together, you may have no one show-up. Or worse yet, people never coming back after they try it. The last thing you want to do is waste your valuable time!
Here’s a handful of key steps to help make your outdoor bootcamp a success:
Check your local laws to determine what needs to be done to start your business and what it will be called.
-
Business license
-
Liability insurance
-
Seller’s permit
-
DBA (doing business as)
Determine the type of outdoor bootcamp you want to offer:
How is your outdoor bootcamp different from everyone else’s?
-
Vibe/atmosphere
-
Types of training used
-
Equipment used
-
Location and time of day
-
Duration classes and programs
-
Your credentials, coaching style and personality (YOU!)
This is how you will set yourself apart from your competition and what you will use in your marketing/advertising.
Where do you want to host your outdoor bootcamp?
-
Local park
-
Beach/lake
-
Recreation center
-
Parking lot
Check your local laws to make sure you are allowed to host your outdoor bootcamp in the area you select.
Determine your ideal target market for your outdoor bootcamp:
-
Sex (male, female, coed)
-
Age range
-
Fitness level
-
Health & fitness goals
-
Income level
-
Education
-
Occupation
-
Work/home radius
When and how often will you host this bootcamp?
-
Daily
-
Weekly
-
Monthly
-
Hours
Can clients pay per session, buy a package of sessions, or pay for a duration of time? How will you accept payment?
-
Online or a mobile app (credit/debit cards)
-
In-person (cash, checks, money orders)
-
Combination of the above
Determine your cancellation and purchase policies and make sure you have liability waivers signed to protect yourself and your business.
Market the outdoor bootcamp to your target market using the best way possible.
-
Word-of-mouth
-
Social media
-
Website
-
Email
-
Direct mail
-
Flyers/signs
-
Get feedback from your clientele after they take your classes to make sure you are on the right track.
Now go out there and make your outdoor bootcamp a success!!
