Beyond Money: A Holistic Approach to Measuring Boutique Fitness Business Success

In a world often obsessed with money and the idea that “more is better”, it's crucial to recognize that a business's success extends far beyond the balance sheet. Money is a necessary tool to help run a business, don’t get me wrong. It represents energy exchange and we need enough of it to play the game of business which enables us to offer our life enhancing services to the world. I propose to you that measuring success and progress should look beyond money and encompass a broader, more holistic perspective.

In this blog post, we'll delve into alternative metrics and mindset shifts that go beyond the traditional bottom line, exploring how businesses and their fearless leaders can evaluate their impact and progress in a variety of ways.

Reclaim The Idea of Success & Progress

The word success is often defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It comes from the latin term succeedere which means “come close after” with the roots sub which means “next to” and cedo which means “go, move”. I prefer to think the latin definition was perhaps more spot on than our current English interpretation. Success implies that there is “upward movement or momentum”.

The word progress is often defined as forward or onward movement towards a destination. It comes from the latin term progradi which means “an advance” with the roots pro which means “forward” and gradi "which means “to walk”. Progress is another way of saying “forward or onward movement”.

Both of these terms have an end included in the modern definition (aim, purpose, destination) and I question that. Yes, having a specific, concrete goal is helpful to shoot towards. It gives us focus and clarity. Yet, my inner wisdom guide knows that it’s the road traveled, not the destination that matters most. As long as we have the forward, upward, and advance energy happening, perhaps that is enough.

Progress Over Perfection & Open To Outcome

A lot of times we get hung up on our goals and our approach to achieving them. We also consciously and unconsciously compare ourselves to others and their definitions of productivity and success. We are inundated with social media messages constantly. What is the spirit of your goal rather than the specific and how can you make sure you’re still moving toward that root spirit of your goal, not matter what?

Enlightened Boutique Fitness KPIs

How many people did you help move this day, week, year? How many pieces of content did you put out there? How many interactions did you have in person? Did you connect with your greater community? Did you help others do so? Think of all the ways you interact in the world.

Movement

Did you move today? Did you help others move? That’s all that matters! Perhaps counting this daily, weekly, monthly, annually is helpful in realizing your goals.

Positive Energy

Did you spend any time or effort towards your bigger goals and intentions for you and your business? Enough said.

Upward Momentum

If a process or movement gains momentum, it keeps developing or happening more quickly and keeps becoming less likely to stop. Did you feel upward momentum at least once this week?

Slow & Steady, Little & Big

Long game and turtle approach are sometimes key to feeling positive progress. Look at your daily, little goals and bigger, long term goals often and you will find it easier to spend your time on the things that matter most.

Persistent

Keep showing up. Don’t give up just because you need to pivot or change course for a while. I know many of us still have a little “pivot covid fatigue” but the fact that you are here reading a blog about boutique business after a pandemic proves to me that you are more persistent than most. Find ways to keep on keeping on.

Bonus Enlightened Boutique Fitness KPIs

Owner Leader Satisfaction and Well-being

This is a good example of owner wellbeing (me hiking christmas day!)

A fundamental pillar of a successful business is having an owner leader in charge that is inspired and inspiring. Beyond merely assessing productivity, you must prioritize owner well-being.

Customer Experience and Loyalty

Beyond financial transactions, success can be measured by the satisfaction and loyalty of customers and employees. A positive customer experience not only leads to repeat business but also promotes positive word-of-mouth marketing.

Social Responsibility

Measuring success should also involve assessing a business's impact on the community and the world at large, shouldn’t it? Social Responsibility initiatives, such as charitable contributions of time, movement, or money, environmental sustainability practices, and ethical sourcing, can contribute to a positive community.

Innovation and Adaptability

A successful business is one that can adapt to changing circumstances and remain at the forefront of innovation. Embracing a culture of innovation fosters resilience and positions your business for sustained success in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Conclusion

While financial metrics play a crucial role in assessing business success, a holistic approach that considers measures beyond money provides a more comprehensive evaluation. By embracing a broader set of metrics, businesses can cultivate a sustainable and meaningful impact, contributing not only to their bottom line but also to the well-being of their communities and the world at large. Success, when measured beyond money, becomes a more nuanced and rewarding pursuit.

I hope this post reminds you that you are indeed doing great even if some of your metrics aren’t what you wish they could be.