Image courtesy of Gentrit Sylejmani on Unsplash
Running an aquatic center means more than just keeping the pool clean and filling up the chlorine. There are various elements that need to work together in harmony to make the facility successful, including financial stability, safety, customer satisfaction, and marketing. This is where strategic planning comes in. A well-thought-out strategic plan can help you organize and prioritize your center’s goals, leading to increased efficiency, profitability, and overall success. Here are the basics of strategic planning and how it can help you enhance your facility’s operations.
Determine Your Definition of Success:
In his groundbreaking book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Dr. Stephen Covey uses the term, “putting first things first” when discussing the importance of working on critical tasks before secondary ones. Before committing to operations, your first step is to create a strategic plan that defines your goals. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Brainstorm the key areas you want to improve, such as increasing membership, reducing operational costs, enhancing customer experience, or improving staff training. Then, prioritize these goals based on their importance and feasibility.
Develop a Plan of Action:
Now that you have defined your goals, it’s time to develop a plan of action. Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and assign tasks to specific individuals or teams. Set deadlines and regularly review progress to ensure that your plan stays on track. It’s essential to involve your team members in the planning process, as they will bring fresh perspectives and ideas.
Allocate Resources:
Successful implementation of any plan requires adequate resources. As you develop your strategic plan, you must determine what resources you need, including financial, human, and physical. Allocate resources wisely to avoid overspending or under-resourcing your goals. For example, you may need to hire additional staff, invest in new technology, or improve physical infrastructure to achieve your goals.
Execute and Evaluate:
Once you have developed your plan and allocated resources, it’s time to execute it. Ensure that everyone is on task and carry out their assigned responsibilities. Regularly review progress and assess if you are meeting your milestones. Your plan may need adjustments along the way, so be willing to make changes if required. Celebrate every victory you achieve, even if it’s a small one, to keep up morale.
Partner with an Aquatics Center Operator:
As you implement your strategic plan, consider partnering with an operator like The Sports Facilities Companies for pool management, aquatic staffing, and maintenance services. With our experience and expertise, we can help you enhance your aquatic center’s operations and profitability. Our team of professionals can take care of your facility’s day-to-day tasks, freeing up time that you can spend on implementing your strategic plans. We offer comprehensive management services that include staffing, maintenance, risk management, customer relations, budgeting, and more. With SFC by your side, you can ensure that your aquatic center runs efficiently and effectively.
Strategic planning is an essential tool for maximizing your aquatic center’s potential. By defining your goals, developing a plan of action, allocating resources, executing, and evaluating, you can streamline your operations, improve profitability, and enhance customer satisfaction.
