Active Management

Author: JT

  • Why Write Letters

    Why Write Letters

    lettersI am hopeless at writing letters, but on reading these reasons why we should send letters, maybe I will start again …

    • To follow-up on a salesperson’s call
    • To set up an appointment
    • To apologise for something you may have done wrong
    • To compliment someone for something
    • To recognise an anniversary of almost anything
    • To celebrate holidays other than Christmas – Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, for instance
    • To solidify the telephone contact you’ve made
    • To solidify the in-person contact you’ve made
    • To thank someone for seeing your demo or hearing your presentation
    • To thank someone for making a purchase
    • To thank someone for their time even if they said ‘no’ to your offer
    • To thank someone for giving you a referral
    • To welcome someone to anything at which they’re new
    • To applaud someone for a job well done
    • To reiterate how much you’ve enjoyed working with someone
    • To congratulate on a promotion or new job
    • To mention that you saw the person in the news (include the clipping)
    • To congratulate on a special achievement or award
    • To thank a person for doing a favour for you
    • To thank someone for exceptional service
    • To let a person know that you appreciate their product or service
    • To thank a person for their time
    • To express regrets if regrets are merited
    • To thank someone for inviting you to something
    • To tell someone that you hope they get well
    • To express condolences
    • To congratulate someone on a new baby, marriage or new home
    • To recognise a person’s birthday
    • To announce a new product or service that you offer
    • To give advance notice of a discount you’ll be granting

    Time is of essence when reading, so make sure your letters are accurate, brief, clear and reflect your personality. Ensure they have that intense personal feeling, which can be conveyed by handwriting.

  • Hump Day Laugh #10

    Hump Day Laugh #10

    HD 10

  • Andrew Simmons: Wants on The Fitness Australia Board Too

    Andrew Simmons: Wants on The Fitness Australia Board Too

    Why Fitness Australia members should vote for me.

    I have over 20 years of experience on the coal face of the Industry working in big health clubs in group fitness and management as well as outdoor training and Personal Training. I am the Founder of Australia’s largest PT Andrew Simmonsstudio franchise (Vision Personal Training) and know how to achieve results for the population and business owners alike in combination. I continue to work on the coal face on a daily basis with clients, trainers, students in Fitness Courses, managers and owners so have a solid understanding of the issues facing the industry. My passion for standards has also seen me win National Personal Training Business of the Year in 2003 and 2010, as well as Emerging Franchise System of the Year in 2008 as voted by the Franchise Council of Australia.

    My Vision is to increase the participation in our industry to ensure that the “Diabesity” epidemic is eradicated. I would like to see the industry viewed as a more inviting ‘place’ for everyday people. I believe that many people are intimidated about the industry and that more needs to be done to for the population to see the industry as professional. I would like us to be seen by the medical fraternity in the same light as physiotherapists and chiropractors. I am also extremely passionate about removing the some barriers faced by Fitness Professionals in building their businesses. I will also fight to ensure that we can receive government assistance through adjustments to workplace laws, FBT Exemptions, Medicare rebates and further health Fund rebates from the relevant parties. I would also like to be involved in assisting in further regulation around the Fitness Qualification process as well as push for National standards in terms of working with councils regarding outdoor group fitness.

    Having sat on the Regional Council for Fitness Australia as well as Fitness NSW for many years, I have witnessed and contributed to the great work done by the Associations over many years. I believe that I can act as a spokesperson to encourage more membership that will assist Fitness Australia in achieving the above objectives. As we face a growing health crisis, my aim is to represent the entire industry as I believe it is going to take a united front to combat these challenges ahead I would be honoured to receive your vote to help in achieving this.

    Should you have any questions about my nomination please contact me at [email protected] or on 02 9542 7750.

    Thanks

    Andrew Simmons

  • Kristen Green: A Fitness Australia Vote For Me Means A Win-Win Quality Approach.

    Kristen Green: A Fitness Australia Vote For Me Means A Win-Win Quality Approach.

    With our ageing population, Australians need access to safe, competitively priced and comfortable exercise options. As an Industry, collectively we have the solution to many of the age related diseases and illnesses which are burdening our health system.

    My vision for the fitness industry is to build a sustainable future for all fitness service providers, through a commitment to a Quality approach to business. Through improved consumer confidence, risk minimization and Portrait Kristen hi Resprofessional business practices, the industry is better placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented to increase the levels of exercise participation.

    More professional industry standards enhance the industry reputation, and will facilitate stronger relationships with allied health professionals in order to work collaboratively on preventative health solutions. A win-win for all providers of quality fitness services!

    I have over 24 years Fitness Industry experience, where I have worked in roles including Membership Sales; Personal Training; Exercise Therapist; Fitness Educator; Group Fitness Instructor; Operations Management and as an Owner/Manager. Through my experience, I have a practical understanding of the challenges and demands facing individuals and businesses alike.

    My professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Sports Science (Exercise Science) and I am currently completing an MBA.

    In my current role as Aquafit General Manager, I have demonstrated a consistent ability to deliver business outcomes and exceed financial objectives, despite the vast rate of change in the Fitness landscape over the last 10 years. My passion for Industry standards is demonstrated through Aquafit as a successful and multi award winning business model, and most recently as the recipient of the 2012 Gold Quality Award.

    I am committed to achieving professional standards of excellence for our Industry suppliers and businesses, to enable greater participation in health and fitness activities, to improve the health of all Australians.

    Kristen Green

    [email protected]

    www.aquafit.com.au

  • Susan Kingsmill: Why I Should Be A Director of Fitness Australia

    Susan Kingsmill: Why I Should Be A Director of Fitness Australia

    I am seeking re-election because I believe that independent operators, people who actually work at the coal face of the industry every day must be on the board.

    (more…)

  • What to Look for in New Staff

    What to Look for in New Staff

    11 JuneYeah sure you want to know if they have the ability to do the job, the skill set, experience and personal and professional abilities, but also consider:

     

    • Career fit – does your position match their ‘career logic’?
    • Cultural alignment – are they a definite match for your business’ culture?
    • Interpersonal skills – can they interact and add to conversations on a range of topics?
    • Personal values – do they have integrity, passion, drive and confidence?
    • Communication skills – what are their written, oral and aural skills like?
    • Independence – can they work alone and offer alternative solutions?
  • Gold’s Shows Their USP

    Gold’s Shows Their USP

    In a subtle way, Gold’s marketing piece really shows what their brand stands for.

    I really like this as it sums up functional strength, what about you?10th June Golds

     

  • Even de Bono Can Help Your Business

    Even de Bono Can Help Your Business

    hatsLast month at one of the Industry Leaders Round Tables meetings, we had a member share how challenging it can be for them to articulate their questions. And in fact, while speaking out loud it helped clarify what they needed to know.

    As a result, we are going to implement the coloured hats that Edward de Bono suggests for meetings. And I can’t see any reason why you couldn’t use the same in your team meetings.

    Check this out … his 6 thinking hats:

    1. The White Hat calls for information known or needed.
    2. The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition.
    3. The Black Hat is judgment – the devil’s advocate or why something may not work.
    4. The Yellow Hat symbolises brightness and optimism.
    5. The Green Hat focuses on creativity: possibilities, alternatives and new ideas.
    6. The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process.
  • Whip your office into shape – Personal Training Business Tips

    Whip your office into shape – Personal Training Business Tips

    6 JuneConfession time. I’m a bit of a grub. I’m one of those people who love to cook, but somehow end up with half the ingredients covering one end of the kitchen to the other.

    Over the years, my office has at times bared a similar resemblance, with post-it notes stuck to coloured pens, sticky tape clinging to the calculator and an i-pod cable draped across a corner of the Mac screen anxiously awaiting its next plug in.

    Despite my good intentions, I do have to make a conscious effort to have a ‘mini office overhaul’ every so often and do a quick tidy up to get things looking schmick and back to a happy place where my life is organized and my headspace is clear.

    Now I know I’m not alone, and I know how great it feels when you have a clean workspace, plus lets face it, even personal trainers need to do paperwork every now and then.  So I thought I would share with you a few tips I’ve found helpful for keeping things in a order both in your physical environment and your online space.

    Here are my Top 6:

    • Recycle / shred any unwanted lose paper you have lying around (that you don’t need to keep for Tax purposes!).  This includes old quotes, forms, flyers, catalogues.
    • De-clutter your desk from stationary by investing in storage boxes of various sizes.
    • Open your paper mail next to the rubbish bin.  Straight away throw out or recycle the envelope and any pieces of paperwork you don’t need.
    • Before you finish work for the day, give your desk a tidy. Put away papers, and put calculators and pens back in the draw.  Its refreshing to arrive to a clear desk the next day.
    • Online – Use the Rules function in Outlook to automatically re-route and file emails by subject so they don’t clog up your inbox and appear overwhelming.
    • Online – The most important email rule of all, use the ‘Four D’s for decision making’ Delete it, Do it, Delegate it, or Defer it.

    I hope these simple steps give you a little motivation for a quick tidy up.  Do it frequently and you’ll find it won’t be a huge task, plus it will free up your time to do more of what you love.

  • Mark Stitt: Why should independent gym vote for me to be a Director of Fitness Australia.

    Mark Stitt: Why should independent gym vote for me to be a Director of Fitness Australia.

    I have been an independent owner of fitness facilities for 20 years come this October, in any of my businesses I have never had any financial partners or supporters and have endured an often volatile and challenging business Mark Stittenvironment for these years and have prevailed successfully whilst enjoying the transformation our industry and contributing in its evolution.

    I fear we have a new threat on our business horizon in the expediential growth of franchised facilities and multi conglomerate organisations that are demanding and dictating the terms of our industry. I am not necessarily implying this is having a negative impact on our industry but depending on whose survey figures you are using independent owner’s account of about 35% of our industry. We should have representation at any level of governance of our industry that represents that figure.

    I applaud forums such as The Industry Leaders Roundtable and The Independent Gym Owners Association for the assistance and support they offer independent owners. We need strong representation to champion our group’s causes, concepts, growth and longevity in this industry.

    I gain little personally from applying for this nomination, I am a strong believer that as an industry we need a solid front and image of integrity and unity as to gain the publics and the governments respect and trust so we can have a greater sense of professionalism, brand and in turn finally the financial return that our profession warrants.

    I will make myself available to tackle the little issues or the big issues and represent our industry, especially independents, in the forum. I will work with all industry persons and board members for a greater good, it is not a “them and us.” It is an us, but we must have a voice.

    I watched for many years as industries such as Hardware Stores made their independent owners extinct, independent owners are the reason this industry is alive and growing, I will represent us well.

    Regards

    Mark Stitt

    Director

    The Suncoast Fitness Centre

    [email protected]

    www.suncoastfitness.com.au

    07 54097000

     

    Director

    FIT College

    [email protected]

    www.fitcollege.edu.au

    07 54097070

     

    Director

    Global Sports Coaches

    [email protected]