The Studio Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Game-Changing Consultant

Lately, I've been in deep conversations with studio owners all over the country, and I'm hearing a constant theme: “We’re working harder than ever, but we’re not seeing it translate into profit.”Does this sound familiar?

The boutique fitness space is more competitive than it’s ever been. While you’re running a studio that pours its soul into every class, recovery spaces, luxury gyms with high-quality group classes, and wellness social clubs are on the rise. And yes, they’re luring your clients— and their wallets —away with sleek branding and curated, influencer vibes. Add in the rising cost of doing business, unpredictable pricing on everything from towels to tech, and teachers who are harder to find and commanding higher rates, and suddenly, staying in the black isn’t a cake walk.

As a result, many studios turn to consultants for guidance. Don’t get me wrong; that can be a game-changing move. I’ve been a consultant myself, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to bring in outside expertise, accountability, and just plain moral support. (Being an entrepreneur can feel lonely, especially when you’re expected to have all the answers.)Does this sound familiar?

But here’s the truth: not every consultant is right for you, and unfortunately, I’m starting to hear more and more stories about boutique studio owners investing time and money into programs or firms that don’t deliver, or worse, make them feel even more overwhelmed. So if you’re considering bringing in a consultant or already working with one, here are three proven ways to ensure the relationship is a boost to your studio’s growth and bottom line:

1. Get clarity on what you actually need help with

Before having conversations or hiring anyone, take a thorough, honest look at your fitness business. Ask yourself:

• Where are we bleeding time or money?

• What am I avoiding because I don’t know how to fix it?

• What tasks constantly fall off my plate, but are too important to ignore?

Maybe it’s reporting. Or pricing. Or lead follow-up. Or maybe your marketing feels like throwing spaghetti at a wall on Instagram. One rule you should never forget when looking for assistance? The more specific you are, the better quality help you’ll get.

Once you know your weak spots, look for a consultant with a proven track record in that particular area. Ask for case studies and references. Don’t be afraid to dig into how they’ve helped businesses like yours, not just any studio, but one of your size, with your model and your specific challenges.

2. Don’t fall for “We’ll fix everything overnight!” promises

I know how tempting it can be when someone claims they can solve all your problems in 30 days. But if they do, it’s honestly a pile of ___. Real evolution takes time, commitment, and alignment.

Some consultants are strategy-focused. Others are accountability partners. And some are roll-up-their-sleeves, let’s-do-the-damn-work kind of people. Figure out what type of help you want and need to move the needle. Then ask yourself if you’re ready to participate fully in the relationship, or if you’re secretly hoping someone else will just handle it all for you. (Seriously, no judgment if you want someone to do the work! Just be upfront about that—and be ready to pay for it. It will save everyone a lot of time and effort, eliminating the need for back-and-forth.)

3. Start small, then scale 

Before you sign that 12-month contract, test the waters. See if they can deliver on a single project or short-term engagement first. If the consultants wow you with tangible results, then you’ll feel a lot more confident investing in a longer-term relationship.

Yes, some coaching programs require a long-term commitment. And those can be great—but only if you have the bandwidth, the budget, and the energy to follow through on what they’re asking. (Spoiler alert: Most programs require you to do just as much work as they do.) 

When you’re checking references, ask how much additional work the program and consultant added to their plate, and if they needed to hire or spend more on payroll in the short term to accomplish it.

Before you invest in any long-term commitment, ask yourself:

• Do I have the resources to execute on what they’re giving me?

• Do I need to hire or delegate to make this work?

• Is now the right time?

At Walla, we see ourselves as the ultimate toolbox for building the business of your dreams. Smart, intuitive, and built specifically for boutique fitness, our platform gives you the structure and insights to grow with confidence. And when you bring in the right expert to help you get the most out of those tools? That’s where the magic happens.

We love watching studio owners partner with the support they need—and finally bring to life the vision they’ve been carrying for years. Know this: If you’re going through a tough patch, you’re not alone. Every business has seasons of chaos. I’ve been through them, come out the other side, and back in. It’s part of the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Just make sure you’re bringing the right people on the ride with you.

You deserve support that moves you forward, not just someone who sounds smart in a Zoom call.