Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janae Cardona. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Janae, appreciate you joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

After joining a mentorship group, I was sent cookies and other yummy goodies. While being a part of that group, I gave birth to my daughter and the same group sent me a personalized gift! It made me feel special and increased my loyalty to the group.

Remembering this, I have tried to implement similar things in my business, from birthday shout outs in our Facebook group (for athletes and parents) and a cookie mailed to the athlete the week of their birthday, to shout outs when athletes become big brothers/sisters and gifts for the family. We also send hand-written thank you notes with a little gift to clients when becoming members of our gym and referring new clients.

Janae, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a former cheerleader and school teacher who started working with children during high school, volunteering to teach drill team routines to local youth at a PALS center. I went on to coach cheerleading for a non-profit for approximately 10 years while going to college and obtaining my elementary teaching credential. I branched off to start my own company 14 years ago. We provide cheerleading and tumbling instruction to youth ages 2.5-18. I love seeing children learn new skills and am proud of the way we celebrate accomplishments and strive to make our gym feel like a second home.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like any business owner who was in business before and after 2020, COVID has a huge impact on us. Having to pivot to teach cheerleading and tumbling via Zoom was challenging as was keeping our business alive financially. Once we were finally able to resume in person classes after three months, as a fitness-business, we had to move our business outdoors one month later. Holding classes in the parking lot presented its ow challenges, but we preservered and made it through.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

There were plenty of lessons learned in the earlier years of doing business and am grateful for the opportunity to work with a mentor who helped me change my business around! At my lowest point, I didn’t have enough money in our accounts to pay my employees and had to use money from my personal accounts to make payroll. It was my expensive hobby until I changed my ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://magnitudecheer.com/
• Instagram: @magnitudecheer
• Facebook: @magnitudecheerleading
• Linkedin: @magnitudecheer
• Twitter: @magnitudecheer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/magnitudecheer
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/magnitude-cheer-northridge-2
• Soundcloud: @magnitudecheer