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scalable tool allows everyone to stay up to date on the logistics of business and make coordination a breeze. RESPONSE TIME IS EVERYTHING Many small businesses hesitate to bring “bots” into customer- facing operations because they don’t want to lose their human touch. But humans are busy, and an unanswered request for a quote or a delayed response to a question will quickly give current and potential customers a bad impression. That’s why software like Keap exists. Keap allows you to send automated email responses at the first point of contact. This message can be as simple as an acknowledgment that their message was received and will be answered soon. The important part is that your customers are reassured that they are being heard. Far from making your business more robotic, automated tools allow your team to focus on what they do best. That means more time for thoughtful customer service emails, personalized interactions with customers, and well-executed projects. That’s something you and your clients will appreciate.
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE Lori Forrester never wanted to own a gym. As a former school teacher-turned-CrossFit coach, Lori had seen the difficulties of being an affiliate owner up close and had no intention of taking them on herself. But, as luck would have it, she didn’t just become the owner of Rock City CrossFit; she transformed the failing gym into an extremely successful box. This is her story. To understand how Lori runs her box, you have to start with her journey into CrossFit. “I always worked out as a hobby,” she explained, “and for my 40th birthday, I got myself a personal trainer and signed up for a figure competition.” While training for this contest, Lori recalls noticing some “crazy people at the back of the gym.” You guessed it: They were CrossFitters. Lori joined them and “the rest is history,” she says with a laugh. This was back in 2011, and over time, Lori would go from an enthusiast to a certified coach. Then her daughters got accepted to her alma mater, the University of Arkansas. She and her husband decided to move from Georgia back to their native Little Rock to be closer to their kids and extended family. It was then that Lori’s sister came to her with an opportunity: A local box was for sale. “‘Nope.’ That’s the first thing I told her,” Lori remembers. “I’d seen how hard the job was.” After the nonstop encouragement of her sister, she decided to take a look at Rock City CrossFit. The gym only had 16 members and was headed toward closure. Not wanting to see these members lose their community box, Lori was swayed. This was in 2017. Today their membership has swelled to 105. Lori credits this amazing turnaround to making the gym more inclusive. “I started CrossFit at 40, not 25, so I had a different perspective,” she reflects. “I’d seen CrossFitters bragging about throwing up during workouts and knew that just wasn’t healthy.” Thus, Lori retooled Rock City CrossFit to accommodate members at all fitness levels, including athletes and those who just want to keep up with their kids. “To be sustainable as a business, your people can’t get burned out,” she explains. This measured approach has led to greater member retention and attracted people who may have never considered CrossFit was for them. Lori may not be a teacher anymore, but new affiliates can certainly learn a lot from her! HOW LORI FORRESTER TRANSFORMED HER BOX
PALEO PUMPKIN PANCAKES
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée • 2 large eggs, whisked • 1 tsp vanilla (optional) • 1 tbsp almond butter • 1/2 tsp baking powder (optional, but really helps fluff them)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
DIRECTIONS
1. In medium bowl, combine eggs with pumpkin and vanilla. In a separate bowl, add almond butter and spices; stir together. Combine the almond butter mixture slowly into the pumpkin mixture, stirring until smooth. 2. Heat a large nonstick griddle over medium-high heat. Spoon 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the nonstick griddle. Cook for 3 minutes on each side. 3. Enjoy with honey, maple syrup, or other desired topping.
NUTRITIONAL INFO
Yield: 4 pancakes | Serving size: 1 pancake | Calories per serving: 303 Fat 19g | Protein 18g | Carbs 16g | Fiber 7g
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