Tips for managing your opener

When running your day-to-day business, some things should be expected, such as your gym opening on time. 

For many operators, we fear the 3am phone call (sometimes text) that your team member won’t make it into their shift. 

This is assuming that you even get a heads up, some times you will occasionally get someone who woke up late and freaking out, calling to tell you they are running late. And then there is the ultimate dreadful scenario where they just don’t show up or they show up late and you have to find out via online reviews that your gym didn’t open on time. 

In the last 12 years, I may have experienced one or two (maybe all) of these situations. Below are four tips to help your opener set the tone for the day (and yes, number 1 is how to make sure you open on time)

1. Hire a housekeeper to open aside your front desk team member. Make sure they have their own key and practice simple front desk procedures with them. This tip can be the difference if your team member calls in, and it also buys you time in case you have to be the one who shows up ultimately. 
2. Payroll Audit Report – Make sure your team member is punching in 30 mins before opening. You can’t have your team member arriving to the gym at the same time that the gym is scheduled to open. 
3. Double-check cleaning stations and locker rooms. You want to always make sure that your cleaning stations (paper towels & disinfectant spray) and your restrooms are stocked. Once you open the doors, there is no telling when you will be able to step away from the desk to tend to said items. 
4. Look for messages left from the prior night, Ex. your closer got a phone call that someone misplaced an item, and they found it. They will notify the member and inform them that it’s been secured. You want to make sure that you have a good line of communication present among your team. Try using Microsoft teams. 

When it comes to your opening shift, it’s imperative that they are responsible, accountable, and able to follow all core competencies that establish the business for success from the start. 

What are some extra tips that you would add here to help your fellow industry peer? 

Feel free to share below and remember, together; we’re stronger!