Danielle Cote

The classes that a studio offers are the product. It is not a tangible item that someone pays for, puts in a bag, and carries out the door.

It’s an experience that the team begins to create from the very first touch point. Whether that’s corresponding via email, a phone call, a text, a DM…. Or the moment someone walks through the door for the first time.

Every interaction continues to have the power to build on or break the foundation that has been created.

The people delivering the classes are the biggest asset to bring the product to life and deliver a world class experience.

It is through the relationships that they, and the rest of the team, create with every person that they are able to transform someone from being a customer into an actual member of a community.

A great deal of preparation goes into being a Teacher / Trainer / Instructor / Coach. They have the power to make it more than just a workout and are the faces of the studio and the brand.

While it becomes more natural over time, the behind the scenes work never stops.

14 thoughts as a I reflect on the past 14 years…

1. Never forget what it’s like to be a beginner.
2. A lot of people are really nervous to try something new. There’s so much uncertainty on what to expect. Lean into this.
3. No one likes to feel like they’re not good at something — keep this in mind when connecting with people, especially new faces.
4. Be open to finding new ways to challenge yourself.
5. Remain a student and keep finding ways to learn, grow and step outside of your comfort zone.
6. Embrace the mistakes, the failures and the off days.. this is where the real growth happens.
7. Get out of your own way… and maybe out of the way of others.
8. Don’t be afraid to redefine “perfection” and what you feel when you hear or think about it.
9. Sometimes you need to get further away to be able to see things clearer.
10. Do not assume anything. Plain and simple.
11. Ask more questions. Yap less.. easier said than done. Clearly.
12. The negative ones are usually the loudest, but often the minority rather the majority.
13. Find the people that will not only be your biggest cheerleader, but also the ones that are willing to have real conversations with you… even if it’s not what you want to hear.
14. And last, but not least, if you find something that lights you up, do whatever you can to make the time for it.