I've spent the last two weeks calling CrossFitters from around the country, and asking them about their CrossFit experience. I'll post the results from that survey - along with some comments - next week, when we finish up. Thanks to the 9 Affiliates who bore their souls for everyone's benefit.
While the positive comments have been very gratifying - you folks are doing such a great job changing peoples' lives, I wish I could call one of your clients EVERY DAY for a daily Bright Spot - there have been a few that struck a chord in me personally.
The biggest: bathroom cleanliness. One of the biggest forehead-slapping moments came when we heard, "I'd like to bring all my friends to CrossFit with me...but I'm too embarrassed. They'd be grossed out by the bathrooms."
I was immediately reminded of a joke by Drywall: "That girl is dirtier than a CrossFit bathroom." Funny...but it sticks to your ribs in a very poignant way. If you find yourself wincing, or thinking, "yeah, but....my clients come for the coaching, right?"
It's true that they STAY for the coaching. They STAY because they love you, and you make their life better. On that first visit, though, when their decision about you will be made emotionally, not logically: are you scaring them?
If we realize (as I'm now beginning to) that most negative reactions stem from fear, and not hate or distrust, then our principal job as professionals is to remove reasons to fear. Is your toilet seat confirming their dread?
When in doubt, consider this: you meet a new girl at a coffee shop. Things go well. She just texted you: she's on her way over with coffee (she remembered your blend, but that's not important.) What's important is that you like her hair, and her sense of humour, and her bookwormy hotness...and that your bathroom looks like it belongs at the State Fair. You know: the one the carnies use.
My proposition: if you wouldn't show it to your new girlfriend, don't show it to your clients.
The money part: if you can't do it yourself, hire someone. Figure out what you'd spend on Ms. Right, and spend that to clean your bathrooms. Every week.
And now, excuse me while I try to live up to my own recommendations....
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