POPULARITY
Do you want consistent 5-star google reviews, and amazing experiences in your gym? Hank Ebeling is the customer service King and outlines his model for serving clients in any fitness business!
Leveraging Superior Customer Service for Fitness Business Success In this episode of the Fitness Business School podcast, Pat Rigsby interviews Hank Ebeling, a success story in the fitness industry known for his focus on customer service, customer success, and creating a positive customer experience. Hank, who started his career in hospitality and now owns H4 Training, delves into the importance of customer service in differentiating a business in the competitive fitness landscape. With his experiences from starting in a high-end hotel in Las Vegas to running two successful training facilities near Chicago, Hank shares his journey and the strategies that helped him build a durable business focused on service. He explains the concept of his LTS method (Leadership, Team, Systems, and Strategies) which is central to implementing a service-first culture, akin to the Ritz Carlton level of client experience. This service-focused approach has not only retained clients but has also turned them into advocates, underlining the power of exceptional customer service as a competitive advantage and marketing tool. 00:00 Welcome to the Fitness Business School Podcast 00:26 Introducing Hank Ebeling: A Master of Customer Service 01:45 The Foundation of H4 Training: Service Above All 05:02 Scaling Success: Replicating Exceptional Service 06:39 Overcoming Challenges in Cultivating a Service Culture 08:21 The Onboarding Process: Building a Service-Minded Team 10:52 Maintaining Service Excellence: Team Meetings and Client Feedback 12:10 Learning from the Best: Ritz Carlton's Influence 17:08 Standing Out in a Competitive Fitness Industry 22:36 Expanding Impact: From Gym Owner to Industry Coach 27:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans For Pat's Free Bundle of Best Selling Books: https://patrigsby.com/podgift/ ----- Want a surge of new clients and revenue over the next 6 Weeks with ZERO FEE and no obligation to continue? If you're a current business owner who wants to add 50K or more in annual revenue over the next 12 month, you can Test Drive our coaching program for 6 Weeks with no fee or even an obligation to continue as a way to demonstrate how we can help you grow your business. No strings attached. No obligation. You get our best coaching and tools...and hopefully, you'll love it enough that you want to keep working together. Learn more here: https://patrigsby.com/iba-six-weeks - Complete Your Ideal Business Scorecard. There is a proven framework to creating your Ideal Business. Find out how you score across the 8 Ideal Business Rules - https://patrigsby.com/scorecard -- Join Fitness Lead Academy. If you'd like to get more leads and clients but don't want to pay for an Agency to run your ads...visit http://fitnessleadacademy.com/ ...we'll be opening territories again soon and those who reply will go to the front of the line.
On this episode of the Business of Strength Podcast Dan Goodman is joined by Hank Ebeling. Hank is a customer service specialist who is a published author, speaker, and owner of two H4Training gyms just outside of Chicago. Hank breaks down how working at a fancy hotel in Vegas put him on the path towards providing exceptional service. How he differentiated himself at a big box gym that eventually led him to owning and operating two of his own gyms. The surprise and delight effect for small businesses and how it improves client retention. He breaks down a messaging sequence that any coach can accommodate in order to better connect with their customers. Lastly he finishes with advice on where he sees the industry going in the next five years and where people need to remain focused in order to not only sustain but thrive in the fitness industry! Get in Touch with Hank Ebeling Below: Links: Instagram LinkedIn Crushing the Competition with Service book Superhero Service, Super Profits Course
Small Business Quick WINS w/ Jay Schwedelson l Presented By Thryv
In this episode of small business Quick Wins, host Jay Schwedelson interviews Hank Ebeling, founder of the fitness and training company H4 Train Me. They discuss key customer service tips, strategies, and philosophies for small business owners, with Hank drawing on his decade plus of experience running his own fitness studios. Listeners can expect to gain actionable and cost-effective customer service tactics that can make an immediate positive impact.Discussion Points:- Focus on being highly responsive to customers and prospects (00:03:45)- Communicate with customers even if you don't have all the answers yet (00:05:15)- Train staff on service philosophy and standards early in onboarding process (00:06:42)- Create 8-12 concrete and consistent service standards for your company (00:08:28)- Regularly solicit feedback from clients and staff to audit your customer service level (00:10:04)Guest & Company Bios:Hank Ebeling is an entrepreneur, author, and customer service expert. He founded H4 Train Me, which operates two fitness studio locations, over 10 years ago. Hank previously gained customer service experience working at luxury hotel company Canyon Ranch spa and popular fitness chain Equinox. If you want to give his book a read, you can find it here!
In this episode you get to hear some great insight from our youngest guests yet. From a family heartbreak to a successful business listen in as these brothers dish out advice that you ca adopt for your business.You can purchase their great product below:https://www.brothersnuts.com/ If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30min
Hank Ebeling is the founder and owner of H4 Training. He is passionate about helping small businesses transform their customer service and elevate their customers' experience. Hank is the author of the book "Crushing the Competition with Service" and has created an online course called "Superhero Service Super Profits" to help businesses deliver outstanding service consistently. He joins us to discuss his four-step process for handling customer complaints. The process includes acknowledging the complaint, apologizing, making it right, and thanking the customer. Hank emphasizes the importance of listening to the customer, avoiding defensiveness, and finding a solution that meets the customer's needs. He also highlights the value of thanking customers for bringing issues to your attention and using their feedback to improve your business. Show notes and more resources: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/520
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minFor today's episode:Carl is an accomplished entrepreneur, innovator, and business leader who has made significant strides in various industries. With an impressive track record and a diverse portfolio, Carl has become a force to be reckoned with in the business world.As a co-founder of two fledgling startups, Carl has demonstrated his keen eye for identifying market opportunities and turning them into successful ventures. Essential Automation Works, the first of his ventures, is a custom welding and manufacturing company that specializes in creating cutting-edge feed systems. The company's innovative solutions have revolutionized the manufacturing industry, providing clients with streamlined and efficient operations.In addition to Essential Automation Works, Carl co-founded Clean Carl's, a company dedicated to providing top-notch pet mess cleaning products. Under his leadership, Clean Carl's has gained recognition for its effective and eco-friendly solutions, earning a loyal customer base.Carl's entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond his startup ventures. He embarked on a remarkable journey when he took over a near-bankrupt family business and transformed it into a thriving enterprise. Through his strategic vision and business acumen, Carl not only turned the company around but also achieved remarkable growth, increasing its revenue by over 500%. This remarkable feat was accomplished through a combination of organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and effective management.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minFor today's episode:Jim Duda,third-generation family owner of Millie's since 2016 which has been open since 1959.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minFor today's episode:After traveling the world to seek out the best wines, the finest earth, and the most knowledgeable winemakers in the world, Ann & Phil decided it was time to make their own wine. What started as a hobby has turned into a passion to connect the midwest with a-list wine culture. After studying winemaking with UC Davis, the best winemaking school in the United States, they produced multiple award-winning wines. That led them to begin raising their own vines in 2016 in Harbor Country, Michigan..
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minKate Kemph is the owner of Kie & Kate which celebrates 12 years at their brick and mortar store and 15 years in business. They are the proud recipient of the 2016 & 2017 Best Women's Clothing Store by Suburban Life Magazine and 2016 Most Distinct Gift Shop by Glancer Magazine.
Customer service is often seen as a “soft skill,” something nice to have but not necessary for a business to run well. It's an afterthought, and this is especially true for small businesses. When small businesses can learn customer service skills from larger ones, the business owners can see them flourish and thrive. You're delivering a high level of service in what may be an unexpected environment. It takes an everyday experience and transforms it into a special one. In this episode of The Customer Service Revolution, John interviews Hank Ebeling, owner of H4 Training, author, and podcast host, about how he took an ordinary gym experience and turned it into an extraordinary one. Hank learned about customer service early in his career from his manager in Las Vegas and injected that experience into his business. Hank understands that offering customers a high level of service on the precipice of leaving can retain them. By cultivating this kind of culture in his business, he's created a thriving gym with a team that instinctively knows how to serve their clients above and beyond. Here are just a few takeaways: What Hank's first managers at a gym he worked at taught him about creating an excellent customer service experience and how he transferred that to his business, H4 Training How he built credibility as an expert in his field and why working in the industry provided an advantage The difficulties small businesses face in offering world-class customer service and the lessons they can learn from larger businesses His book, Crushing the Competition, and the LTS method he outlines in it How Hank finds the “superhero” team members and identifies the attributes that make them superheroes The three Cs--care, commitment, and community--that make up his service vision Some interview questions he uses to find team members who represent the culture and how a self-audit can pinpoint roadblocks to delivering high levels of service Why customer service skills are an intelligent business strategy Resources mentioned: www.thedijuliusgroup.com thedijuliusgroup.com/the-customer-service-revolution-podcast customerservicerevolution.com thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy thedijuliusgroup.com/project/cx-executive-academy-online LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ebeling-9b603655 Instagram - www.instagram.com/hankebeling Hank's Book - www.amazon.com/Crushing-Competition-Service-Entrepreneurs-Outstanding/dp/B08P6G6YFV Success Trails Podcast - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/success-trails-podcast/id1491010186 Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. EPISODE CREDITS: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minFor today's episode:Jackie Errico has been in the fitness industry for over 13 years. She has her Bachelor's in Exercise Science and her Master's in Business Administration. Jackie is a nationally certified strength and conditioning coach, a certified personal trainer, and co-owner of Just Lift Fitness.
In an industry where competition is fierce, such as the fitness industry, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd.However, one area where gyms can differentiate themselves is through exceptional customer service.In this episode, Tim and Randy are joined by Hank Ebeling, who brings a unique perspective on customer service in our industry.He has authored a book, "Crushing the Competition with Service," which stresses the importance of viewing customer service as a competitive advantage.This approach emphasizes the importance of having strong leadership in place, implementing effective systems to support service delivery, and developing a range of strategies to surprise and delight customers.Hank also highlights the importance of intentionality and consistently seeking out opportunities to deliver and show our customers that we care about them through exceptional customer service.Tune in and discover some simple ways to delight your clients and deliver exceptional customer service!Key Takeaways- Crushing the competition with service (05:15)- Surprise and delight tactic (10:34)- Building a relationship with your clients (12:06)- Creating a culture of service in your gum (15:25)- FORD framework for knowing your clients (24:24)- People first culture (27:16)Additional Resources- Book a call to learn if Hank's SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course is the right fit for you: calendly.com/hankebeling/30min- Link for Hank's free SUPERHERO CUSTOMER SERVICE: 13 POINT CHECKLIST https://hankebeling.com/free-checklistHank's Social Media:- Facebook: @hankebelingiv- Instagram: @hankebeling- LinkedIn @hankebeling----- Learn more about our Brand New Coaching Program for Gym Owners- Grab your tickets for the 2023 FitPro Growth Summit - Learn more about The Iron Circle - Business Talk with Fitness Professionals Facebook group ---If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minFor today's episode:Sarah Whitt is the owner + curator of House of 423, a boutique featuring an elevated line of women's clothing and accessories from everyday to formalwear needs. 2022 accolades include Batavia Mainstreet Business Rookie of the Year, Kane County Magazine's Finest Women's Boutique and one of the recipients of Batavia's Grow Your Business scholarship funded through the Batavia Chamber and the Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center. She was also featured on WGN's Small Business Saturday Segment.Website: houseof423.comIG: house.of.423FB: https://www.facebook.com/house.of.423?mibextid=LQQJ4dUse code Success Trails for 15% off in-store purchase
If you are a small business owner who is tired of trying to use ads to grow your business then I have a solution for you! I want to help use customer service as a revenue generator versus a revenue detractor. To find out if my SUPERHERO SERVICE, SUPER PROFITS course if right for you then click the link below to set up a call.https://calendly.com/hankebeling/30minVince Balistreri a renowned leader in the food and beverage industry. As partner of Niche Restaurant, it has always been his job to not only make his customers happy but also maintaining niche as one of the top restaurants in the Illinois.In this episode some topics we discuss:>Importance of having the right fit when it comes to employees>Conducting interviews and the challenges of today's hiring pool>How Niche transformed their look and feel and had success>What you can learn from other businesses in your industryLinkshttps://www.nichegeneva.com/
This Episode we interview Jay Randall, Jerry Trubnan, Hank Ebeling about their take on being a Gym Owner. Welcome to the Gym Lords Podcast, where we talk with successful gym owners to hear what they're doing that is working RIGHT NOW, and to hear lessons and failures they've learned along the way. We would love to share your story! If you'd like to be featured on the podcast, fill out the form on the link below. https://gymlaunchsecrets.com/podcast
This Episode we interview Jay Randall, Jerry Trubnan, Hank Ebeling about their take on being a Gym Owner. Welcome to the Gym Lords Podcast, where we talk with successful gym owners to hear what they're doing that is working RIGHT NOW, and to hear lessons and failures they've learned along the way. We would love to share your story! If you'd like to be featured on the podcast, fill out the form on the link below. https://gymlaunchsecrets.com/podcast
Is great customer service a dying thing? Like me, have you had any bad customer experiences lately? I know it doesn't happen at your work or business, but I bet you have experienced some bad service recently at a restaurant, shop, gym, or retail business in the last month alone. Truth be told, creating extraordinary customer experiences is MORE important than ever these days and I want to dive deep into that today and discuss how we can consistently dazzle and WOW our clients, customers, fans, and tribe/community even more consistently. In today's episode, I want to share the 7 principles to consistently deliver a “world-class experience” and share a few personal stories from brands like the iconic Ritz-Carlton, Nordstrom, and Disney that I have dealt with and how they have left a lasting impression on me. Additionally, I have my good friend Hank Ebeling on the IMPACT SHOW today. Hank is the king of service, building his career on a passion for customer service and customer experience. Here are some of the things we discuss: - Hank's Top 4 & my Top 3 Customer Service Principles. - Why I wanted to be the “Ritz-Carlton” of the fitness, gym, and coaching industry. - The Disney story and how I once saw Snow White doing something you wouldn't believe. - Why I love Nordstrom's…and what keeps me going back. - Why people's names are so important and top tips on how to remember them. - How & why it's important to meet the unexpected and unspoken needs of your customers/clients. - A negative customer experience I encountered recently and my thoughts on why it went bad. - What's the lifetime value of your customer/clients? - The weatherman test and how it can help you create a world-class customer experience. Enjoy this episode on customer service and creating a world-class customer experience. If you enjoy the episode and you believe your co-workers, team, and customers will get value out of it, please SHARE it. Simply take a photo of the episode and share it on your IG stories. Please tag Hank Ebeling and me so we can reciprocate some love. Tag us at: Instagram: @ToddDurkin @hankebeling About Hank Ebeling: Hank Ebeling is a small-business entrepreneur and the founder and owner of H4 Training gyms in Illinois. He's built his career on a passion for customer service and customer experience, and he shares his insights in interviews and conversations with a range of other small-business owners in his popular Success Trails Podcast. Hank recently authored the book Crushing the Competition with Service, which is available on Amazon. Hank helps transform other small businesses by taking their customer service from to gold. You can email him at hank@h4-training.com or check him out on other social platforms like Instagram at @hankebeling. Hank's Book - Crushing the Competition with Service https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Competition-Service-Entrepreneurs-Outstanding-ebook/dp/B08NTZSYCR Get Your IMPACT JOURNAL today at www.ToddDurkin.com https://fitnessquest10.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/IMPACT-Journal Its not to late to plan - get your God-Sized Dream 2023 planner today: https://fitnessquest10.infusionsoft.com/app/manageCart/addProduct?productId=288 ATTN: FIT-Pros, Trainers & Coaches Are you a trainer, coach, or fitness business owner seeking to make a massive IMPACT in your business & life and you would like to be coached to your full potential? Are you looking to level-up your business and make an even bigger IMPACT in people's lives? Are you a trainer, coach, or fit-pro who is constantly pouring into others, yet your “well” runs dry and sometimes you need some more “juice” poured into you? If so, I invite you to be a part of my Todd Durkin Mastermind for Fit-Pros and surround yourself with the most passionate, purposeful, and IMPACTFUL life-transformers on the planet. Being a part of the TD Mastermind gives you the opportunity to connect, share, and grow with the fitness industry's top coaches, trainers, and entrepreneurs on a daily-basis. The MASTERMIND is for passionate and purpose-driven fitness professionals who are committed to creating success & significance in their personal and professional lives and want to be coached by Todd and surrounded by some of the brightest, sharpest, and most passionate trainers on the planet. If that sounds like you, visit: ToddDurkinMastermind.com to sign-up for the INSTITUTE Level or email Frank Pucher, Director of Todd Durkin Mastermind, at frankpucher1112@gmail.com for a FREE CLARITY CALL today. www.ToddDurkinMastermind.com Join my TD Community for FREE: Simply text me “IMPACT” to (619) 304.2216 and you are on your way to receiving exclusive content and even more motivation & inspiration. Sign-up TODAY! Please keep your questions coming so I can highlight you on the podcast!! If you have a burning question and want to be featured on the IMPACT show, go to www.todddurkin.com/podcast, fill out the form, and submit your questions! Don't forget that if you want more keys to unlock your potential and propel your success, you can order my book GET YOUR MIND RIGHT at www.todddurkin.com/getyourmindright or anywhere books are sold. Get Your Mind Right now available on AUDIO: https://christianaudio.com/get-your-mind-right-todd-durkin-audiobook-download Want more Motivation and Inspiration? Sign up for my newsletter The TD Times that comes out on the 10th of every month full of great content. Sign-up here… www.todddurkin.com ABOUT: Todd Durkin is one of the world's leading coaches, trainers, and motivators. It's no secret why some of the world's top athletes have trained with him for nearly two decades. He's a best-selling author, a motivational speaker, and founded the legendary Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA. He currently coaches fellow trainers, coaches, and life-transformers in his Todd Durkin Mastermind group. Here, he mentors and shares his 25-years of wisdom in the industry on business, leadership, marketing, training, and personal growth. Todd was a coach on the NBC & Netflix show “STRONG.” He's a previous Jack LaLanne Award winner, a 2-time Trainer of the Year. Todd and his wife Melanie head up the Durkin IMPACT Foundation (501-c-3) that has raised over $250,000 since it started in 2013. 100% of all proceeds go back to kids and families in need. https://todddurkin.com/impact-foundation/ To learn more about Todd, visit www.ToddDurkin.com and www.FitnessQuest10.com. Join his fire-breathing dragons' community and receive regular motivational and inspirational emails. Visit www.ToddDurkin.com and opt-in to receive his value-rich content. Connect with Todd online in the following places: You can listen to Todd's podcast, The IMPACT Show, by going to www.todddurkin.com/podcast. You can get any of his books by clicking here! (Get Your Mind Right, WOW BOOK, The IMPACT Body Plan, What's Next?)
In 2017, after 6 years of living in LA and searching tirelessly for a bagel that hit the right spot, Zach Liporace decided to take matters into his own hands. After scouring Los Angeles for a bagel that married a soft, fluffy inside with a fresh crispy exterior, and just the right amount of chewiness, Pop's bagel journey began in a small studio apartment in Los Feliz.In this episode we discuss:>How you need to grind in the early years to build your business>The challenges of handling not so great employees>How you can discover new ideas by visiting other businesses>Expansion to multiple locationshttps://www.instagram.com/popsbagelsla/https://business.facebook.com/popsbagelsla/popsbagelsla.com
A long time carpenter turned business owner Tom Anderson shares his insights in being successful with different businesses.In this episode we discuss:>Why Tom decided to go from home renovations to the dumpster business>The importance of customer service for business success>Building your business through relationshipsFor more information about Red Oakhttps://www.redoaktogo.com
In this episode I speak with the husband and wife duo behind The Bridge Lemont. With no experience in the event venue space this couple has transformed an old building into a gorgeous and profitable wedding venue. In this episode we discuss:>The importance of learning your industry from others who have had success>Marketing a new business through social media>Balancing a business together as a couple>Making adjustments within your business as you grow>Taking care of your team properlyAnd more!For more about The Bridge Lemont:https://thebridgelemontil.com
Join Tacey and her Special Guest, Author of Crushing the Competition with Service, Hank Ebeling. Today's Topic: The Importance of Excellence in Customer Service. There is so much competition out there today; the one thing that they can't replicate is how you make people feel when interacting with your brand. Good or bad, it's the thing that uniquely belongs to you, so make it the most magical experience you can use so that your guests keep returning for more. Today we discuss strategies to make that happen. Tune in for tips to create your magic. Timestamp: [01:02] Hank's Story Timestamp:[03:00] Biggest Advantage in Business Timestamp: [07:57] Warm Bodies vs Engaged Employees Timestamp:[10:54] The Gift of Complaints Timestamp:[23:21] Hank's Speed Round Enjoyed the show and want to contact Tacey or Hank? Hank's social links: @hankebeling Link to Hank's book: Crushing the Competition with Service: https://a.co/d/gjZoHpQ Tacey's Website: www.taceyatkinson.com (Jan. 22nd will be the relaunch of a new look for social media & new website) Tacey's social links: @taceyatkinson Thanks for tuning in. Customers First: Today, Tomorrow, Always. Until next time.
Adam Pratt owns the unique business Chaos To Memories https://chaostomemories.com located in Wheaton Illinois. With 20 years of experience in technology and design, Adam helps clients organize their family photos, preserve their memories, and tell their story. In this episode we discuss:>Why Adam is against discounting and likes giveaways>What Adam learned from his time at Adobe when it comes to your customers and clients>Building a staffAnd much more!
Nicki Anderson has accumulated knowledge over the years with her different roles from business owner to running a local chamber of commerce. In this episode Nicki discusses:>Being proactive versus being reactive>Insights from working within the chamber of commerce >Focusing on where you are spending your time>Not burning bridgesAnd much more!
Listen as owner of Red Hive Market Bridget Johnson discusses:>Why customer relationships are the reason they are business and why they are able to expand>Importance of getting to know your customers so you can understand what they want>Running a business with a spouse and the challenges that can bringAnd much more!For more information about Red Hive Market check them out:https://redhivemarket.com
On this week's CXIC, we unpacked the idea that CX is the backbone of the small business world with Hank Ebeling.
This week on the Voices of CX Podcast we hosted Hank Ebeling, founder and owner of H4 Training gyms, and in a refreshing change of pace, the first small-business entrepreneur we've hosted on this podcast! But as you might expect, CX is no less important to small businesses just because it's easier to manage. In fact, it's even more important when you're face to face with the people you serve. Read the full transcript on VoicesofCX.com:
Hank Ebeling - Customer Service Transformation Unlike many so called experts, I am actually in the trenches everyday at my gyms running a small business. To me that is what sets me apart is the fact that I am practicing what I preach and testing things in real time. I learned the value of customer service early in my career in fitness and realized the power it has in helping give you distinction. I used that service superpower to grow my business while working for a large fitness brand. It was in 2013, when I opened my first business that I used those same principles to grow my own business. Now in business almost 10 years later and having worked with other small business owners I have been able to create a framework that can apply to any business to help them crush their competition with service! Connect with Hank https://www.facebook.com/hank.ebelingiv https://www.linkedin.com/in/hank-ebeling-9b603655/ https://www.instagram.com/hankebeling/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6qccqDt_9COW3t_Y8efbxA
In this episode I chat with Tony Russo who after over 17 years in the real estate business as a broker, Tony recognized a shift in the way people want to work as the concept of “office space” evolved. He saw a need for more coworking spaces and set out to provide this option to their very own community. Since opening TeamUp in April of 2019, he has enjoyed seeing the members network and help each other grow their businesses. This episode you will learn:-The importance of building a community in any business-Tips when it comes to real estate -Using your network to help your business early on-Why you need to collect feedback to understand your customers needs
In this episode I chat with small business owner Juliana Cancelo who along with her mother owns Bocaditos Cafe. You will learn how she navigates a family business and keeps her personal and professional relationships strong. We also discuss how her experience in marketing has helped their business and what tips she would pass along to you! As a mother and wife Juliana has a journey in business ownership that many can relate to.
Steve and Katie are a husband and wife duo who are the owners of Beyond Measure Training in the suburbs of Chicago. Steve took a leap of faith and opened his facility right out of college without any business knowledge. In this episode we dive into what his experience was in being such a young entrepreneur. We also talk about what its like to work with your spouse and how you can use masterminds to your benefit.
Be a customer service superhero In this segment, Hank Ebeling shares how to lead with service and how to be the Ritz Carlton of your industry. How to have excellent customer service and experience for small business owners. Follow the 3Cs - Care, Commitment, and Community Tips for business owner 1. Service Vision 2. Focus on onboarding by hiring the right people 3. Level up customer service by have a simple way See video here - https://youtu.be/Wq0j1vBwoow WHO IS HANK? Hank Ebeling is a sought-after speaker and small-business entrepreneur and the founder and owner of H4 Training gyms. He's built his career on a passion for customer service and customer experience, and today helps other small business owners transform their customer service. Hank hosts his popular Success Trails Podcast which focuses on small business owners and their success. Hank recently authored the book Crushing the Competition with Service, which is available on Amazon. HANK'S CALL TO ACTION Check out the book here: https://cutt.ly/mDLKXf5 https://www.instagram.com/hankebeling/ GENESIS'S INFO https://thehello.llc/GENESISAMARISKEMP CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp Channel, Hit the notifications bell so you don't miss any content, and share with family/friends. **REMEMBER - You do not have to let limitations or barriers keep you from achieving your success. Mind over Matter...It's time to shift and unleash your greatest potential. If you would like to be a SPONSOR or have any of your merchandise mentioned, please reach out via email at GEMSwithGenesisAmarisKemp@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/support
Villa Park native and University of Illinois, Chicago graduate, Joe Fontana got his start as a valet working at over 140 restaurant and bar venues including some of Chicago's staples such as The Redhead Piano Bar, Ranallis, Mothers, and the Italian Village. After finding a passion for the industry, Joe worked his way up from barback, to server, to bartender to manager at the late Doc Ryan's in Elmhurst. 6 years of pursuing different marketing and sales jobs in the “real world,” Joe decided to return to hospitality with a small dream of opening a restaurant. So in 2015 Joe opened a pop-up Meatball stand in Oceanside, California. It wasn't long before the meatball stand was selling out night after night and Meatball Republic was born. In 2016 Joe signed a lease for the Meatball Republic, but after a heartbreaking real estate deal gone wrong, Joe was forced to look at other locations. After a year of searching for the right spot, a golden gem made it self available, but this time it wasn't for meatballs. In 2017, Joe opened Fry the Coop, a Nashville Fried Chicken joint focused on becoming the “In and Out” of Nashville Hot Chicken. Fry the Coop got off to a fast start serving 1000's of guest per week in its first month and has big plans for the future.
We're coming out of Winter and moving into Spring, what better time than now to position your business for the next stage of growth. Here are five key points that will help your business reach its goals this year. 1. Client experienceThe biggest topic we've heard over and over again is that today's small businesses need to provide a better client experience. We talked about this topic extensively in our episode with Hank Ebeling of H4 Training (listen here). Why is it when we interact with a small business their quality of work is outstanding but getting them to respond to an email, return a phone call, or send over an estimate is frustrating? Often the answer is the business owner is spending too much of their time working in the business and not on the business. What might seem like busy work to you is what most customers think of as good customer service. The great part though is, just like having the right tools for the job site, the right software can help you automate tasks and provide customer service that matches the quality of your work. 2. Starting a businessWhen it comes to starting a business, a side hustle can be a great way to get started as an entrepreneur. We spoke with Charles Alexander, the Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and he shared how a side hustle provides a proof of concept (listen here). Growing your business on the side while you continue to work your day job is a solid way to improve your odds of being successful. 3. Launch your business in a way that you aren't just buying yourself a jobThis is an all-too-common pitfall when starting a business. In our episode with Corey Harris and Julie Traxler of SB Pace, they shared how most small business owners that are on the edge of burnout is a result of working harder vs. smarter (listen here). The concept of firing yourself is to get out of the day-to-day operations of the business so that you can focus on the bigger picture – how to improve your offering, find new customers, and delight the customers you do have so they come back for more and give you referrals. Part of the way you can fire yourself is to automate as many of the trivial tasks as possible. Don't overlook this essential step because there is a compounding benefit that is found on the other side. 4. Know your numbersKnowing your numbers all starts with accurate bookkeeping, which not only allows you to borrow money if needed but more importantly allows you to get the data that helps you make better and quicker decisions. Knowing your numbers can help you better understand what products or services are driving profit or if you are even making the profit you thought you were. Many small businesses underprice their services which leaves them with too little profit and can result in failure. That is why smart business owners have adopted the profit-first model we spoke about with Stephen King from GrowthForce (listen here). We also spoke with Danielle Hayden from Kickstart Accounting about how her firm is empowering small business owners with insights so they can grow their businesses faster (listen here). 5. Fix your mindsetAs your business grows, it becomes more and more critical that you approach it with the right mindset. Mikey Moran of Private Label Extensions shared his philosophy: the quicker we can push past those failures, the quicker we can find success on the other side (listen here). As an entrepreneur, you need to be curious, open-minded, and realistic about your weaknesses so you can hire people to fill in those gaps. Don't fall into the trap where you ignore your weaknesses and don't surround yourself with a team that challenges you to grow. Resources Shared: ThryvHow to Turn Customer Service into a Competitive Advantage – Hank EbelingHow to Start and Grow a Side Hustle into a Successful Small Business - Charles Alexander How to Launch a Business So You're Not Just Buying Yourself a Job - Julie Traxler & Corey HarrisFixing Your Pricing Model Can Help You Live The Dream – Stephen KingHelping Entrepreneurs Understand Their Numbers – Danielle HaydenWhy Having the Right Mindset is Critical to Business Success - Mikey Moran
I've been in the fitness space since college. I've worked for several prominent clubs along my journey, including Equinox. I knew one day I wanted to open a club of my own. Generally, you find most of the quality clubs in the city but I saw a need in the suburbs that was being underserved. In 2013 I took the plunge and opened my first location and then in 2017 we opened our second location. Our typical client is a woman in her 50s but we have clients as young as 15 and as old as 75. Our gyms are a different concept from the larger chain locations you typically find in the city. We have around 3,000 square feet of space and we offer personalized training to each of our clients. We don't have large group classes You get personalized service in a clean, friendly, and inviting environment. Since the pandemic, the reason people are coming to us is more about overall health than simply getting lean or building muscle. During COVID we had to close our doors, like a lot of businesses, and shift our business model to online training. At the end of the day though our clients are paying a premium to get personalized service and attention. As soon as we were able to open back up, we saw most of our clients continue their training in person. I can attribute my focus and passion for customer service to one of the early managers I had that was obsessed with great service, from body language to how to talk to people. That stuck with me and I found it to be a competitive advantage as I advanced in my career. Even when I might not be as smart or as experienced as another trainer, I knew that if I could provide my clients with great service, it would give me an edge. No matter what business you are in, great customer service is often an underrated advantage you can use to stand out from the competition. If you are looking to build a strong culture around customer service, it first starts with leadership. You have to walk the walk and talk the talk so that you are displaying the traits you want your team to follow. The next area is to create a service vision. When customers think of your business, what do you want them to think about you. Lastly, great customer service lives or dies based on who you hire and how you onboard new employees. Too often businesses just focus on training people on their technical skills. I believe customer service should be the cornerstone to any new hire training. Resources Shared: H4 TrainingSuccess Trails PodcastCrushing the Competition with Service by Hank EbelingThryv
Marie Herman went from dabbling into a side hustle to turning it into a full time fix figure business.Marie Herman is now the owner of MRH Enterprises LLC, which provides speaking, writing, and training services, as well as corporate consulting to help office professionals advance their careers. In this episode Marie talks about how she has grown her business by strictly word of mouth and creating raving fans. Marie always talks about providing more value in your offerings.
Eric Schlickman never planned to get into the restaurant business. In fact, he started his career in the architecture field. It was during a car ride with his wife and a conversation centered around the fact that a local landmark deli was going to be closing that led him to the restaurant industry. In this episode Eric talks about running two businesses and how he uses his design and architecture background in building out his restaurants.
Episode #81 - Dan Gingiss interviews Hank Ebeling by Dan Gingiss
Kevin Walker is an entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses and different concepts. Kevin owns 3 Mexican themed restaurants called El Famous Burrito and 1 juice and smoothie bar called Extract Juicery. In this episode Kevin shares his experience in running multiple successful businesses and how to make sure your employees are in the right seats within the business.
Jan Barbeau started doing travel on the side as a fun extra gig. She then started doing events for her church and eventually turned it into a real business in Events By Jan. In this episode Jan shares about her challenges during Covid, the importance of listening to your customers and the power of a strong team.
Many people have experienced disappointment in their professional lives, but not as many are able to spin that into profit. Today's guest, Hank Ebeling, has known what he wanted to do from the start and managed to turn losing a corporate position into an opportunity that allowed him to open not one, but two of his own locations for his business. Learning from his past experiences gave him the push he needed to take action on what he was truly interested in. Guest ResourcesWebsiteLinkedInFacebookInstagram
Jon is the perfect example of a business owner who learned the trade through a mentor. In this episode Jon talks about not being afraid to go for it! He talks about what you need to do to work with the higher end demographic and succeed. Jon is someone who thinks about how he can make life easier for his customers and that has led to his success.
As a small business owner how do you compete in today's highly competitive landscape? The answer? Delivering outstanding customer service and an outstanding customer experience. You can boost sales, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty by crushing the competition with service. Key Takeaways from the episode Why focus on customer service? It starts with you as a leader Where Hank feels most owners run into problems Do you hire for skills or traits? Do you have an Ideal Team Member? Hit them in the face with your culture Do not assume people know the basics of customer service Have you taken a look outside of our industry for ideas? Mindset and Development What has been Hank's most successful failure. What has been his biggest surprise in the industry Where does he go for personal and professional development
As a small business owner how do you compete in today's highly competitive landscape? The answer? Delivering outstanding customer service and an outstanding customer experience. You can boost sales, increase customer satisfaction and loyalty by crushing the competition with service. Key Takeaways from the episode Why focus on customer service? It starts with you as a leader Where Hank feels most owners run into problems Do you hire for skills or traits? Do you have an Ideal Team Member? Hit them in the face with your culture Do not assume people know the basics of customer service Have you taken a look outside of our industry for ideas? Mindset and Development What has been Hank's most successful failure. What has been his biggest surprise in the industry Where does he go for personal and professional development
Hank turns up the heat on the customer service and customer experience. By making a few small changes, to your level of customer service, your club can crush the competition! Follow along for Hank's 14 service points and a “how-to” guide on implementing them. Plus, Hank explains the definition behind “Surprise and Delight.”
Episode 226 - Hank Ebeling IV - Founder of H4 Training, Business Coach and Author of Crushing the Competition with Service “At an early age in my fitness career, I was ingrained with the importance of customer service...put people first and the profits will come.” - Hank Ebeling IV In this episode of the Two Fit Crazies and a Microphone Podcast, Hank Ebeling IV joins the Fit Crazies to shed some light on the MOST IMPORTANT skill to master in order grow your business while “crushing the competition.” Listen up as Hank breaks down proven methods for success as detailed in latest book, Crushing the Competition with Service. After receiving an exercise science degree from UNLV, Hank learned firsthand the importance of providing exceptional customer service from some of the top hotels and health clubs on the Las Vegas Strip. From the Venetian to Equinox Sports Clubs, Hank recalls how a simple handshake, a welcoming remark, remembering someone’s favorite sports team, or what they prefer in their coffee can make the difference between a fleeting client and a life-long membership. In the last decade, Hank continued to educate himself about the power of growing a business with a focus on stellar customer experience alongside fitness legends such as Rick Mayo, Todd Durkin, Allan Cosgrove, Mike Boyle and more. In 2013, Hank founded and opened the doors to H4 Training, a small group training facility just west of Chicago. In a few short years, Hank’s success led to the opening of his second location in 2017, and a third location is in the works. Get ready to take some notes and level-up your customer service so you, too, can “CRUSH THE COMPETITION!” Stay Healthy and Stay Crazie! Christine and Brian www.twofitcrazies.com tfcpro@twofitcrazies.com Hank Ebeling Links and Sites H4 Training: H4-training.com Email: hand@h4-training.com IG @hankebeling Facebook: @crushemwithservice or @hankeblingIV Crushing the Competition with Service: https://www.amazon.com/Crushing-Competition-Service-Entrepreneurs-Outstanding-ebook/dp/B08NTZSYCR
Top Takeaways: - People can steal your ideas or create the same products. What they can't take away is the level of service and relationships you've built with your customers. - Everybody has customer service. You can win by focusing on creating connections and building relationships with your customers at a higher level than others. - You can coach people on the technical aspects of the job. But, having empathy is something one just has or doesn't have. - Customer service starts with leadership. Leaders create the service vision and hire the right people to carry it out. - When hiring someone, let them interact with other people in your business. You can tell a lot about a person by how they talk to other people that are not from a high-level position within your organization. - Leaders need to participate in the onboarding process and set the tone of the business' culture. - Service aptitude is a person's ability to exceed expectations. It comes from 1) Life experiences 2) Previous work experience 3) Current job experience. Teach your employees about your own culture of service. - Figure out what makes your business stand out. You can have the same product or service as your competition but if you can out-service them, you will always win. Quotes: "No matter what business you are in, it is extremely competitive. The only way to stand out is by delivering an outstanding service." About: Hank Ebeling is the founder of H4 Training and author of Crushing the Competition with Service: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Delivering Outstanding Customer Service & Customer Experience. Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and your host of Amazing Business Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices