Active Management

Tag: fitness business

  • Taking Personal Training To A New Level

    Taking Personal Training To A New Level

    personal-training

    Chinese students have found a very cool and apparently useful way to earn extra cash!

    They are earning around $US490 per month as ‘professional running partners.’ They provide support, encouragement and additional motivation. Plus adding a safety factor.

  • Social Media Is NOT About Sales – part II

    Social Media Is NOT About Sales – part II

    Social Media

     

    Ok moving on from last week, where I kind of insulted the fitness industry in some people’s eyes and others considered it a kick in the pants to get their social media campaigns just right!

    You may like to categorise your posts into:

    1. Business information that shows the human and caring side of your business:
    • Tell stories that involve your members;
    • Show photos of your members engaging with each other or engaging with your staff;
    • Have videos of people having fun in your facility.
    1. Educational information that answer common questions about exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle. Your post maybe a meme, a comment with a picture , a video link or it may direct them to other experts or to your blog. Your goal should be that you are seen as the ‘go to expert’ so people come back to your social media posts as people trust you for the latest and balanced information.
    1. A sales post! Remember though the keys to a sales message are:
    • Urgency to act – ie limited number or time deadline;
    • You have a specific target market and a message that attracts them
    • You tell the reader what to do next: email, call, visit or go to a web page

    Now comes the ratio of these. I have heard 2 business, 4 education and 1 sales is the sweet spot. I prefer the idea of 4 business, 5 education and 1 sales. BUT what I do know is it is NOT 1 business, 1 education and 1 sales!

    Can I suggest if you have not read Jab Jab Jab Right Hook by Garry Vaynerchuck get it and read it now. Buy it here under 2014 Readings!

    Oh and before I forget, if you don’t have a social media plan, then there is a good chance you’ll post crap! Or at least a sales post!!!! Design a social media posting calendar and that will make things so much easier for you!

    And lets fix last week’s quote to . . .

    ‘When social media is kept ‘social’ you’ll find that your followers, likes and comments will increase.’

    You may also be interested in Social Media Is NOT About Sales.

  • Lower Health Insurance Fees For Gym Members

    Lower Health Insurance Fees For Gym Members

    Health Insurance

    The December issue of CBI from IHRSA shared a great innovation from Japan!

    “Researchers from Osaka University are working on a business model that would allow the insurance industry to offer lower premiums to people who work out at gyms.”

    They used 79 gym members as their research group (aged 20 to 82) and calculated the probability of suffering strokes, heart attacks or other major medical conditions. The study found that these people paid an average of $US14,337 less than the national average for medical expenses.

    The study is being subsidised by Japan’s Ministry of Economy over the next 2 years before formally presented to the insurance industry.

    This will have a massive impact worldwide on the health insurance industry and the economies of countries. Not to mention the fitness industry.

    Pretty bloody exciting I think!

  • Social Media Is NOT About Sales

    Social Media Is NOT About Sales

    Social Media

    When is the fitness industry going to get it?????

    Because it is driving me crazy!!!!

    If all you are posting are things your members and clients can participate in or buy, then you are just trying to sell them! And that will turn them away from your Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter feed!

    Social media is a way a consumer can get to know you. You want potential clients to see how they can relate to you, so add personal and human touches to your posts.

    I love this quote:

    ‘When social media is not kept ‘social’ you’ll find that your followers, likes and comments will soon disappear.’

  • What Drives Members To Stay Gym Members

    What Drives Members To Stay Gym Members

    Dr Paul Bedford is an industry guru when it comes to retention studies and then sharing information. In 2014 he did a series of articles for the UK magazine Health Club Management and I found these 7 findings from a study he conducted in the UK on why members stay at their particular club:

    1. Staff took an interest in them as a person, not someone who had money to spend in their club;
    2. The club was clean plus they could see the cleaning occurring;
    3. The exercise environment was designed for easy use;
    4. There was proper support available;
    5. They could see re-investment into the club year on year;
    6. The staff were happy in their job and with their working conditions; and
    7. The price reflected the level of service they received.

    Paul found that experienced exercisers are willing to pay more for what they want. In fact, they may even pay more for less choice, if they get more of what they want! Shown by the development of the niche and boutique studio growth.

    Can I suggest that if you want to improve your retention then connect with Paul Bedford through:

    Paul Bedford

    Website: www.RetentionGuru.co.uk
    Twitter: @guru_paul
    LinkedIn: Paul Bedford

  • First Impressions Count – Here is how

    First Impressions Count – Here is how

    29th Jan

    There are a variety of statistics that are bandied around on how quickly we make the first impression on person we just meeting. Some say 7 seconds and others as long as 19 seconds but either way the window is small if you want to create a sale or gain a new client. Here are 5 ways that may just help:

    1. Polish your look – research shows that your appearance significantly influences the perception of you. This means dress accordingly to the person you are meeting, eg if it is a conservative environment (eg a job interview) cover up those tattoos!
    2. You talk less – not just letting the other person talk first but have them talk more will increase your ‘likeability’, warmth and trustworthiness.
    3. Why are you meeting this person – be very clear on the purpose of this meeting. When you have focus and energy, you will attain your result.
    4. Reveal your human – it is tempting to be perfect but by showing that you have flaws, make mistakes or are simply not perfect you will show you are more genuine and human.
    5. Body language open – an oldie but a goodie! Keep your body language open with no crossed limbs, keep up your eye contact and most of all: flash those pearl whites with a big smile!
  • Will 2015 Be Your Year of #Growth?

    Will 2015 Be Your Year of #Growth?

    Einstein Was One Smart Man

    Einstein Insanity

    So now the New Year has started what are you going to do differently this year?

    Can we suggest you get a helicopter? We believe a helicopter is exactly what you need this year to grow your business!

    The challenge you, many business owners and managers and we face in our businesses is stepping out of the day to day ‘chaos’ and working on the business. You need fresh eyes, fresh perspective and fresh thinking! And there is a formula for getting maximum value from working on the business NOT in it.

    JT will be sharing this formula at FitnessBiz Brunch in:

    • Perth on 13th February
    • Adelaide on 4th March
    • Melbourne on 5th March
    • Brisbane on 6th March
    • Sydney on 1st May

    In 2015 FitnessBiz Brunches will be $49 but we want to give you a SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY to book your seat at Why You Need A Helicopter To Be Successful In Your Fitness Business for jus $39 (same investment at 2014!). You just need to use the code 2014 and register by the 30th January.

    A message from JT . . .

    “The fitness industry is the most competitive it has ever been, so how do you stand out?  How do you differentiate yourself as a gym or personal trainer?

    The answer is simple: stop working in your business and start working on your business.  This requires time management, discipline and direction.

    You need a dynamic strategic plan and you need time to work on that plan.  To #grow your business, this is non-negotiable time in your business.

    Your FitnessBiz Brunch session will share with you:

    • How do you logistically ‘get out’ to work on the business?
    • What you need to look at to #grow your business?
    • How often you should study your own business?
    • How you can get a better understanding of your business?
    • And more.

    At the end of this session you will have real ideas and ways that you can #grow your business. And a 30 day challenge to get you into your helicopter.

    Plus everyone that attends will have the opportunity to win an Introductory Mystery Shopper Program valued at $499.”

    Remember, In 2015 FitnessBiz Brunches will be $49 but we want to give you a ONCE EVER offer to reserve your seat at Why You Need A Helicopter To Be Successful In Your Fitness Business for jus $39 (same investment at 2014!). You just need to use the code 2014 and register by the 30th January. Book now:

    • Perth on 13th February
    • Adelaide on 4th March
    • Melbourne on 5th March
    • Brisbane on 6th March
    • Sydney on 1st May

    This FitnessBiz Brunch is well suited to owners and managers of gyms, personal training businesses, pilates studios and yoga facilities. It will rock! So get along and book now to save $10!

    This Is Essential Information

    You can receive a FREE ticket to EVERY FitnessBiz Brunch if you become an Active Management Member!  Click here to join.

  • How To Handle An “Oh Shit” Moment

    How To Handle An “Oh Shit” Moment

    22nd Jan

    In every sized business crisis management is important. The speed at which you handle the crisis often means it is just a blip on your business radar. Here are 3 tips:

    1. Admit your mistakes – no matter how many you made or are making. A powerful phrase could be “I’m here telling you what we did was clearly wrong and doesn’t work for you.”
    2. Walk the talk by directly addressing the complaints and or the crisis. Don’t hide by the ‘company policy’ make new policies in conjunction with your consumers.
    3. Stay responsive by remaining vigilant to improving. Ensure there is a direct feedback loop to you to ensure minimum future crisis.

    I believe no consumer expects you to be perfect 100% of the time but they do expect you to admit your mistakes 100% of the time and learn from them.