“Just try it, you might like it!”
Those of you who have parented small children know that phrase all too well. We put something in front of our kids that we know tastes great, and we’re just trying to get them to try it one time because we know they will like it if they just let down their guard and give it a little taste. One of my kids would, I think, actually like something but pretend that he didn’t just to stay entrenched in his position but that’s a different story. He even did it with chocolate ice cream.
When we’re trying to convince our friends or family to try CrossFit it can be very similar to getting a child to try a new food. We know that they will like it if they just stay open to the possibility that it could be tasty (food) / fun (CrossFit), and we know it’s even good for them. What a win/win! But they are distrustful and feel like somehow the wool is being pulled over their eyes and they’ll be tricked into doing something terrible. So, what now? We are on one side, knowing it’s great, and they are on the other, knowing it will be different and uncomfortable.
Who is going to win this battle? Maybe the one that compromises their entrenched position a little bit. “OK,” we’ll say – “maybe CrossFit is not for everyone and some people actually don’t like it. But I like it a lot and I think you would too, because you’re really a really good runner and you played soccer in high school and CrossFit feels like you’re working out with a team again.”
I don’t know a lot about debate, but this model sounds rock-solid and I’ll call it the “I’ll admit I might be wrong and you might be right, but here’s another reason why I’m right that includes something personal about you.” Boom.
Then, we just ask them to try it one time. We’re not asking them to commit to the 5am class for a month. We’re asking them to come to a Saturday class with us one time. If they hate it, then they win the debate and it’s over. But if they like it, we have done something great for them, and started them on a path toward greater fitness and health.
I didn’t mean for this to turn into a lesson on how to sell CrossFit to your friends, but I guess that’s where we are. You all are in fact our greatest marketing and sales reps because of how hard you work in the gym and the results that people around you notice, and ask about it. “What are you doing, living in the gym?” – No, just one hour a day of CrossFit.
So one last piece to remind you of. If you get your buddy, or your mom or your dogsitter’s sister to come to the gym and then they sign up for a membership, YOU GET $80 OFF YOUR NEXT MONTH. And… THEY GET $80 OFF THEIR FIRST MONTH. No referral code to use or anything, just remind me that you referred them and I’ll make the financial magic happen. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not, it’s just our best strategy to get new members because you know them, you’re vouching for them, and they’re going to stick around because they know you and now they love it.
Next week we’ll discuss how to sell ketchup popsicles to a woman wearing white gloves, but for now we’ll keep it easy. Tell your friends that you think would like CrossFit about us, get them to JUST TRY IT one time, and then help them (and you) save money on a membership.
Train hard, tell your friends,
Ryan