Megan Wenstrup on finding new ways to motivate people (and give back!) with the FitGive Movement

Describe the FitGive Movement in a few words?

We coordinate fitness events to benefit great causes.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

My favorite part of fitness training is figuring out new ways to motivate people. When given the opportunity to teach fundraising classes, I jumped at the chance. I have yet to find anything more inspiring than working toward a common goal with a group of like-minded people to serve a cause bigger than ourselves. 

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

My career started in high-end technology Sales. Then I spent some time as a stay-at-home mom/community volunteer/PTO fundraiser/party planner. As soon as my youngest went to school, I followed my passion for Fitness and became a Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. 

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I think most Salespeople will agree that profession has many similarities to running your own business. But it wasn't until after my kids came along that the idea of starting my own business really took root. The potential for schedule flexibility was one of the biggest draws. 

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Well, I am sort of still there. My Marketing strategy has primarily been to leverage existing relationships in my community to promote the business. That, coupled with aggressive social media (albeit self-created) Marketing have proven to uncover more opportunities than I expected. So far, so good!

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

I make mistakes every day...too many to name and I am still very much in the "figuring this out" phase. I think it is fair to say we all have our doubts and our demons, but I need to remind myself, time and again, to focus on solutions, rather than the problems. I find when I let go and trust, that things have a way of taking care of themselves. 

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

So far, we have exceeded our fundraising goal for each event we have coordinated. I'm most proud of the prospect of the good we can do with the money and awareness we raise for these great causes. 

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

In my past experience, I always had a training period that was considered a trial run. Both myself and the candidate got a few weeks of working together to determine if we were a good fit for each other.  If given that chance, I can't recommend a "test drive" enough as it didn't take long to determine compatibility.  As far as a go-to interview question, it's simply, "Why do you want this job?" The answer needs to align with my values and that of the company or there is no need to talk further.  

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Both Events and Fitness have been pummeled by the pandemic. But I think we can all agree that we are craving community and connection more than ever. As restrictions continue to roll back, I think we are all looking forward to getting back to routines we loved, but we are also looking to be different, better. 

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

I plan more events, bigger events, and a greater focus on partnering with corporations to deliver memorable, meaningful employee and customer experiences.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

There were so many lessons learned, but to pick one I would say the idea that we were never meant to do this alone. I am guilty of a lot of "head-down, total focus," resulting in neglecting meaningful relationships outside my immediate family. I've learned we all need a support system for when the times get tough and that system needs continual care and feeding.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

"Solopreneur"-ing can be lonely! 

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

I have recommitted to my faith. I have also gotten back to reading books, both for pleasure and inspiration. 

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

As a burn-out survivor and a Health & Wellness professional, YES!, I believe in the work/life balance.  As my community started opening up again, I spent about a month trying some new things and some old things, observing how they felt. I pretty easily found a few things that I try to do most days/weeks that have a marked impact on my mood, productivity, and focus. They include yoga, walking my dog, and preparing healthy meals for my family.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I really like to sit on my couch in a blanket.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

SLEEP. Movement breaks (quick walk, stretch, etc). Moments of stillness and/or quiet. 

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Starting my own business had everything to do with bringing the greater good into the fitness business in a unique way. While helping support my family is a big driver, I wanted to do it with fulfilling work that matters.