1. Welcome input from your members.

FIT4MOM also belongs to its members and they have a lot of value and insight to add. I have learned from my own three children that you can't make everyone happy at the same time, but clients deserve to be heard. Without input from members, we would not have had amazing groups of ladies working out in neighborhoods in Bethesda, Kensington and Colesville. Concepts like Walk Club would not have been born without members reaching out to me. This business is continually evolving so keep those ideas coming, mamas!

2. Motherhood is a team sport and the FIT4MOM brand is defined by the community.

We are never meant to go through Motherhood alone. In what other instance can you show up 45 minutes late for class and be genuinely welcomed? Where else can you go with greasy hair and spit up all over your clothes without judgement? During a FIT4MOM class your child can have a massive tantrum and you will only get offers of assistance. That community support will never be found at a gym and is one of the many reasons why FIT4MOM is such an essential component of motherhood.

3. The core offering (i.e., fitness) matters, but the overall experience differentiates FIT4MOM from all other businesses.

FIT4MOM classes are amazing and come in a variety of different formats. But there are many, many places you can go for exercise. In addition to the moms that make up the community, it's the social aspect and all of the extras that truly make FIT4MOM special. Sometimes we attend class to get that sweat in and accomplish those fitness goals. Other times, we are in it for the opportunity to talk to another human that just gets it or the post-workout coffee chats. It sounds cliche to say that FIT4MOM is so much more than a workout, but it's the truth. Movement may bring us together, but the opportunity to socialize and bond really binds us. Whether we are crafting at playgroup, listening to a pelvic floor therapist talk after class, throwing axes at a Mom's Night Out, chatting at Book Club or working out and shopping at Vuori after hours, FIT4MOM is constantly bringing us together both inside and outside of fitness classes.

4. Get to know your audience.

A small business owner, especially one centered around community, needs to be present, accessible and really understand the needs of clients and potential clients. In Montgomery County, we live in a market where dual-income families are generally the norm and schedules are tight. Moms crave flexibility and multiple options. Of course we can't make everyone happy (see point #1), but we are continually trying to evolve this business to make it work for women with varied schedules in all stages of motherhood.

Thank you for making my first year so rewarding!

xo,

Jessie