The fitness industry is demanding: long hours and constant focus on other people.
To save yourself from burnout, give permission to yourself to:
Take brief but regular breaks. Step away from your desk, clients or even the club every 90 to 120 minutes for just a few minutes. Stretch, breathe and chill!
Say ‘thank you’ as this positivity will boost your energy level and the person you speak with.
Reduce your interruptions so that you can focus. Allocate specific times to return emails, chat with colleagues and to do your work
Do what you love. Understand what your strengths are and what you enjoy doing. Then find ways to do more of those things rather than the things that tire you out!
I am taking aim today at the following people in a #JTRant:
What a s#*t job the fitness industry is doing;
What the f#*k are government’s doing? And
What the hell are we doing to support our friends!
Why are they in my sights? In 2008 9% of deaths around the world were caused by complications arising from inactivity. In 2013 alone, the direct and indirect health care costs associated with inactivity totalled $67.5B.
Stay tuned as I tee off on the fitness industry, our governments and us!
Welcome to #JTInTheRaw show 57 where I chew the thin on business! I am JT and have been working in and with small businesses since 1979 when I first started letter boxing flyers for my mum’s real estate business. I think I was paid $10 for 1000 flyers!
What was your first job . . . tell me in the comments below! Go…
In fact, I put flyers out for my mum for most of the time I was at school. I think by the time I got to high school I may have reached 25 bucks a 1000! But that was OK I also wanted to do a flyer drop to the home units not houses!
What was your first job – whether you are watching live or on replay – pop in the comments your first job. Go…
While talking about flyers, we had an interesting chat with a client this week. They told us in the last few weeks they had gained 3 or 4 new clients from a letterbox drop we recommended in their marketing plan.
Now I know 99.9% of marketers are saying that flyer drops are done, dusted and a waste of money but go with me here:
Not everyone is on Facebook. Perhaps the avatar or the broader demographic you want is not on-line, so the only way you can speak to them is with direct mail.
There are so many businesses that are not using flyers now, that when you do use a flyer you are now only 1 or 2 pieces of paper in the letterbox rather than 50!
There is something about a tangible marketing piece that makes it just “stick.”
Flyers have always had a low return: 0.5% up to maybe 2%. But with a specifically designed direct mail piece with a target avatar, printed on a heavier than usual stock and delivered when the timing is right you may just top up your leads!
FYI – In the past 7 marketing plans I have designed for clients, I always include a 100-2000 flyer drop every month. #JustSaying!
There’s a little marketing tip for you! If you want to talk marketing, then contact me: +612 9484 5501 or email me.
And remember today’s question of the day . . . what was your first job? Pop that in the comments.
This week, I am super stoked as I finished my next ebook called The Hottest Tips for Video Live Streaming. There is no jargon, no technical bull shit just the facts on:
And if you know anyone who you think should read it, tag them in the comments below and I’ll send you both a link to grab a copy! Thanks in advance of sharing!
I know I teased you up front about a #JTRant today, well here it comes so sit down and just listen! Then I challenge you to do something because 1 in 10 people in your community will die if you don’t do something! And I am dead fucking serious 1 in 10 people will have their heart stop beating and die!
“Physical inactivity is the 4th leading risk factor for global mortality, placing it as a significant contributor to early death alongside smoking and obesity – according to the World Health Organisation in 2010!
Now here come the stats that will shock you – in fact if they shock you, regardless of whether you are watching live or on replay don’t hit the ‘thumbs up’ hit the “WOW Face”. Ready to press …
Globally 31% of adults do not meet the minimum recommended physical activity levels;
In 2008, 9% of world wide deaths were caused by complications arising from inactivity;
In 2013 alone, the health care costs of inactivity was 67.5B
44.5% – that is a fucking scary figure – of Aussie adults do not meet the daily-recommended physical activity levels.
Inactivity contributed to 10% of deaths in 2008 in Australia.
And the health care costs of inactivity in Australia is $805M in 2013.
As a society what the fuck are we doing!!!! Let me tee off on 3 stakeholders:
Firstly, the fitness industry! What the hell are we doing????? There are now more fitness service offerings on the planet than ever before! And yet our population is fatter, less active and unhealthier than ever before. Can someone please explain why?
I want you to imagine walking down your street, assuming 2 adults live in each house and based on current figures, every 5th house one of those 2 adults will die from inactivity. That’s a sobering thought!!!
Whatever the fitness industry is doing we are aren’t making what to do impact enough people! Forget about telling people to join our gyms, buy personal training for weight loss – and we’re not that good at that either – maybe the message is join our gyms to live!
In 2014, the Australian Physiotherapy Association released an impactful ad to encourage people to move. It was called the Biggest Killer Campaign and the TV commercial was awesome! If you haven’t seen it, pop APA in the comments and I will share it with you.
But what as an industry are we doing? We need to reposition that any movement is great for people! We need to show exercise is not painful or a chore. If you have not read Michelle Segar’s book No Sweat, read it and use many of her strategies to get the inactive active in your community – you may just save lives!
Let’s move to the government now. What are they doing to promote activity in adults? Nothing!!! In essence, the government are letting one of their 10 constituents die with no thought or care. Surely they must know these statistics and they are doing nothing about changing them . . . maybe we charge them with murder! Perhaps that may get them to act!
And then finally, you and me! We are just as useless as the fitness industry and governments. We all know one person – at least – who is inactive and what are we doing to help them. Generally … NOTHING!
If we give a shit about our friends and loved ones we have to change how they view exercise and we need to get them moving. For their health’s sake, their family and to save money in our own communities!
Just imagine in Australia, if we could reduce the health costs of inactivity by 50%. We do this by simply having more people move! What could we do with $402M! What could we do with that money!!!
It makes me angry we have to spend so much money to keep people alive when they just need to move.
It breaks my heart that people do not see joy in moving.
And it kills me knowing that people are dyeing because they don’t move enough!
Lets do something! I am not sure what other than raising awareness, changing the perception of what happens in gyms, pressuring our politicians and loving our friends. Let’s turn these numbers around! Are you with me?
I challenge you to message, text or call ONE friend who you know is not active enough and go for a 30-minute walk with them on the weekend! Are you up for the challenge?
And that’s #JTRant over!
WOW! That was pretty deep today wasn’t it?
Thanks so much for tuning in!
We talked about:
Our first ever jobs – if you haven’t yet, pop in the comments what your first ever job was!
I shared why I think there is still a place for flyers and direct mail in your marketing plans.
I told you about my new e-book: The Hottest Tips for Video Live Streaming – pre-order your copy now and save75% by clicking here!
And finally, I shared the gut wrenching statistics of inactivity in our world today and left you with a challenge: message, text or call ONE friend who you know is not active enough and go for a 30 minute walk with them.
If you enjoyed the show, please tell me in the comments below, I’d really appreciate it! If you didn’t, I’m sorry I wasted your time!
If you know anyone who should watch the show, just tag them in the comments below – I’d be grateful for any sharing!
Fitness First Asia has announced the launch of a brand new digital membership, available to both members and non-members, in a bid to broaden the reach of the Fitness First brand and inspire people to stay active wherever they are.
The digital membership is delivered through the CustomFit app, Fitness First’s version of the award-winning Wexer Mobile app. This app will also now allow Fitness First to live-stream group fitness classes – from its clubs, direct to users wherever they are, and provide a library of hundreds of on-demand virtual classes.
The app – Wexer Mobile – was created as a white label mobile solution for operators to extend their reach beyond the four walls of the gym. Additional modules in the app include a workout builder, class bookings, challenges, results-focused programmes and a tool for PTs to prescribe bespoke workout plans for their clients.
Simon Flint, CEO of Evolution Wellness – the parent company for both Fitness First Asia and Celebrity Fitness following a recent merger – says: “Fitness First understands that in today’s busy life there may be occasions where members won’t always be able to make it to the gym, so we want to provide tools and content which will allow them to stay on track with their fitness regimen. We’re keen to continue to help keep people inspired wherever they may be – at home, at work, or while travelling – through fitness-rich experiences.
“This is why we have chosen to partner with Wexer in this unique way.”
Wexer CEO Paul Bowman adds: “Our key objective is to help clubs stay relevant in a world where consumers are increasingly looking online for fitness inspiration and content.
“Wexer Mobile is a digital extension of the club’s offering. It allows the operator to maintain its relationship with members 24/7, while also expanding the reach of the business by engaging a new cohort of non-gym- goers.”
About Wexer
Through a range of digital products and services Wexer helps club groups connect with members both inside and outside the four walls of the gym. The original product, Wexer Virtual, features world-class exercise content and allows 24h usage of group exercise and cycling studios. The gym floor product, Wexer Trainer, helps clubs activate their functional space. Wexer also offer Wexer Mobile, an app, which allows streaming of both live and pre-recorded classes as well as ‘on-the- fly’ exercise programming which can be used whenever, wherever.
About Evolution Wellness
Evolution Wellness brings together two leading fitness brands – Celebrity Fitness and Fitness First – under one roof to create one of the largest fitness club networks in Asia. It combines the expertise of one of the most established brands, Fitness First, with one of the fastest-growing brands in the health and fitness industry, Celebrity Fitness. The combined entity will wholly-own,manage, and operate all 153 fitness clubs across Asia.
About Fitness First Asia
Fitness First is one of the largest fitness brands in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. In Asia alone, there are more than 90 Fitness First clubs across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. With over 222,000 members generating close to 15 million visits per year, Fitness First carries unparalleled brand equity across the region. With an unrivalled club network in the region, a unique range of proprietary group fitness classes / experiences, class-leading fitness app CustomFit, and a reputation for great customer service, Fitness First is well placed to build on its leadership position in the fast-growing Asian fitness market.
City Venue Management is a facility management company that manages a number of Aquatic and Health Club facilities throughout Queensland. Visit cityaquaticsandhealth.com.au/health-clubs/ for further information.
About the role
We are currently seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our team as a Cycling/ Triathlon Coach. The successful candidate will be based at our new facility in Parkinson and will have the opportunity to work alongside our Squad Coach to coordinate and deliver the cycling/ triathlon program. This position may be suited to a former triathlete or someone who is having a break from the sport.
Responsibilities of the position include
Assist in developing Cycling/ Triathlon programs
Deliver one-on-one and small group training programs
Assist with building relationships within the area/ triathlon community to drive numbers
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of triathlon training techniques and concepts
Assist in promoting and facilitating triathlon information sessions, triathlon clinics and seminars
The successful applicant
The successful applicant will have the ability to work with athletes of all abilities to help them achieve their fitness and race related goals and will also possess the following:
‘Development Coach’ qualification – Desirable
Blue Card – Essential
First Aid/ CPR – Essential
How to Apply
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Applications Close
25/08/2017
Looking for more vacancies in the fitness industry?Click here to see our other listings or Click here to find more from our friends at Sportspeople.
City Venue Management is a facility management company that manages a number of Aquatic and Health Club facilities throughout Queensland. Visit cityaquaticsandhealth.com.au/health-clubs/ for further information.
As part of our Summer launch, each of our City Health Clubs are creating an exciting new timetable of classes for our members.
Classes will include: Aqua, Spin, Boxing, dance based, Circuit, Step, Pilates/Yoga, CrossFit and a range of functional and fusion based class styles.
Instructors with experience in a variety of class styles are encouraged to apply and can be employed as either contractors or casual employees.
Personal training opportunities may also be available.
Qualifications/ Certificates/ Licenses and Experience:
Certificate III in Fitness and/or appropriate modules for specific classes (desirable)
Working With Children Check (Blue Card)
First AID and CPR
The successful candidate will be rewarded with a fun and vibrant working environment and the opportunity to grow within our company.
Instructions on how to apply
If your skills and qualifications match our requirements, please email your resume, along with a cover letter and video footage (if available) to [email protected].
Please note our recruitment process may include trials.
Applications Close
01/09/2017
Looking for more vacancies in the fitness industry?Click here to see our other listings or Click here to find more from our friends at Sportspeople.
This week I remembered what it was like to be going somewhere where I was as scared as shit! Just like someone who has never been to a gym or in deed purchased a product they have never used! It made me realise how important making a prospect feel comfortable is in the buying process.
Stay tuned as you will love my story!
Welcome to JTInTheRaw show 56 where I chew the thin on business for 15minutes every Friday! And we have people from all over the world and from a variety of industries tuning in to the show.
I want to start with a question what was the #1 thing you did this week that took your business forward? Tell me in the comments below . . . what did you do that helped your business move forward . . . I am curious!
This week I punched out a few big tasks:
I finished an ebook, which will be published by the end of the month with all the tips needed for you to do your own live video – like this! This has been a work in progress for about 3 weeks but finally sat down and finished it!
I completed a pictorial showcase of Flywheel Sports that is exclusive for the Active Management members, another thing I’ve been procrastinating on.
I started a marketing campaign to relaunch the Victorian Personal Trainers Industry Leaders Roundtable – which by the way if you know any PTs who you think would benefit from business education, collaborative thinking and working on the business then please tag them in the comments below or pop ILR and I’ll send you the link for more some info.
Updated blog articles for the next month
Met with a client who we are going to be designing a marketing strategy and plan for – hopefully!
So all in all a pretty full on week! What about you?
Tell me in the comments below . . . what did you do that helped your business move forward . . . I am curious!
My other big news for the week was that I had a tooth rebuilt on Wednesday!
Three weeks ago while munching on a red frog – my confectionary of choice – I felt something very unusual with the red frog. And after over 35 years of eating red frogs I consider myself an expert and this was not right. I think I knew instantly I had broken a tooth and simultaneously realised “Shit I have to go the dentist!”
Seconds later, “Shit not only go to the dentist, but I’m going to have a needle!”
And you may think I am a big strong, brave boy but when it comes to visiting the dentist, there are plenty of things I’d prefer to do.
In fact I’d suggest this was very evident by the fact I made my appointment 3 weeks after I broke the tooth! I knew it had to be fixed, I just pushed it out as far as I could justify!
So this week my dentist and her team did their very best to make me comfortable with visiting them:
A text message on Monday confirming my appointment; and
A phone call confirming my appointment.
And here is the first lesson for us in business – when I hear the word appointment I think PAIN:
I make an appointment to see the doctor because I am sick or in pain.
I make an appointment to see my accountant because I have to pay tax – ie pain!
The word appointment elicits pain for many people, so if you are saying to a prospect lets make an appointment to have a chat, look around, try it out or whatever else, there is a huge chance they are linking whatever you want them to do pain.
Just use words that elicit pleasure – a catch up, a chat, a get together.
So 9:30 Wednesday is looming. I jump in the shower and wash every part of my body 3 or 4 times. I brushed my teeth and am about to leave to go but went back and brushed my teeth AGAIN! Yep I was procrastinating!
I drive up and can’t find anywhere to park. I drive around for 15 minutes and am SOOOOOO close to saying “Bugger it! I’ll have to cancel my appointment and come back another day.” When a damn car spot opens up!
I am now 8 minutes late and get a phone call from Lois asking if I am still coming for my appointment! There’s that word again – appointment!!!!
Anyway, I arrived got my tooth fixed and walked out thinking “that wasn’t bad at all! What was I worried about!”
When I reflected on my behaviour leading up to my appointment, I realised I was doing everything possible to not get there. I don’t want to say I was scared . . . I was just … well you know! Hit like if you know what I mean . . . LOL
And that got me thinking, I never feel like this when I am going to the gym. But I bet 1000’s of people today across the planet will want to go and visit their local gym to start an exercise program but they will drive around the block 3 times and go home.
My thought today is do we really … really … really know what our prospects are thinking about coming into a gym. I am guessing not.
An interesting challenge for us would be to be put into a situation that would scare the shit out of us … eg going to Toastmasters for the first time and having to speak could be something; participating in a group fitness class when we don’t do classes; or even visiting your dentist. When we know how stretching our comfort zone feels then we can empathise with our prospects.
I want you to think right now what would make you feel so uncomfortable that you may feel physically sick. What is an activity that would make you drive around the 3 blocks three times and the retreat.
Put your answers in the comments go . . .
When you can truly empathise with what your prospect is feeling, you can market to them and sell to them. And more importantly, you may just change HOW you do things!!!
Go with me here . . . wouldn’t it be cool to have new sales people go through that uncomfortable feeling. Just saying . . .
Back to you . . . your answers in the comments of something you could do that will stretch your comfort zone!
I really hope this helps you and your team build empathy with your prospects. If you think anyone could benefit from the message I am sharing then I’d be super grateful if you share the show by tagging people in the comments below. Please & thank you!
Next week will be a fun week.
And first up today, I want to give a shout out to Paul Mr Retention Brown who is starring and I mean starring in the first Fitness Business Podcast Intensive. The bonus show goes live today and Paul rocks the show giving you specific tools, strategies and ideas to improve retention! If you are still not sure how find the Fitness Business Podcast, pop FBP in the comments and I’ll send you the link to the new Intensive Series. And a special thank you to ABC Financial for supporting the Intensive Series.
I have brand new client today for coaching from NZ. So Nevill can’t wait to chat at 10am today!
And next week I am working on content, content, content . . . resources for fitness business owners and managers to make your lives easier! So keep your eyes peeled as there is some good shit coming!
Thanks for tuning in today! I hope I made some sense around empathy and our prospects. We really don’t know how they feel when coming into such a foreign and intimidating environment.
Quote of the Week
When you have walked in your prospect’s shoes then you can truly empathise.
Online reviews and social media have replaced the water cooler referral system. In days gone past we learned about gyms we should join from workmates at the water cooler, school playground or at a dinner party.
Now every day, people review your facility with the comments and engagement online with your brand. In this entertaining professional development video, you’ll learn how important your customer service is and how to embrace the clients who complain. You want them complaining, so you can get better!
One difference between a good fitness business leader and a great fitness business leader is that great leader’s self-evaluate performance.
This week’s show is focused on questions you need to ask yourself after your day of work; a tour; a price presentation or even a 1:1 meeting with a team member. Indeed, the more you self-evaluate the more you can innovate, change and improve for success.
The 3 questions you should ask at the end of the day if you want to be transformational leader:
What did I do today to serve my team?
How can I serve them to be a better version of themselves?
How can I demonstrate a commitment to our business and my team?
What would you think when the maintenance man, who can barely speak English and needs to visit a dentist for two prosthetic teeth to complete his pearly whites, in a hotel looks at your squarely in the eyes and says “Good morning. Have a great day.” Then brings his palms together, fingers pointed to the sky and bows.
What would you think if this happened many times every day?
What would you think if the maintenance men were just a sub-contractors and not even an employee?
And what would you think if the employed housekeepers, wait staff and receptionists all replicate that behaviour every day every moment?
What would you think?
Welcome to #JTInTheRaw show 53 where I chew the thin on business and today I’m going to challenge each and everyone of you to lift your game! More to come…
But first thanks to everyone for their well wishes on show 52! Two weeks ago I celebrated a year of shows and you guys rocked with your compliments. I’m grateful!
It was in show 52 that I talked about having a scoreboard in your business. The quote of the week was “People play differently when they are keeping score.”
Your actions you are doing daily to achieve your weekly, monthly or even annual goal are captured on a visual scoreboard and updated regularly.
I did receive 5 questions from viewers asking for some more details on what the scoreboard should look like. Thanks Ben from Brisbane, Oliver from London, Peter from San Diego, Ingrid from Montana and Tina from Sydney for your question: what should my scoreboard look like?
First – choose a theme. This means a scoreboard with:
Trend lines
A speedometer model with a needle indicating performance
Bar chart
Traffic lights – colours indicating performance
Second – the design must be simple, easy to see the performance, see if we are winning or losing and must show the main measure and the actions that impact that measure.
Third – the build. This is best done by the team as they own it. It can be electronic, poster, whiteboard or chalkboard but remember if must be able to be seen!
Lastly – updated. It MUST be updated so decide who will update, when will it be updated, and how often.
My final tip on your scoreboard that is my favourite. I like to see where I should be to get my end result compared to where I actually am – shows if I am winning!
Oh and your scoreboard is not a communication board to post reports, status updates or other general information that will distract the team from the results they need and want to see.
The simpler your scoreboard the more engaged your Team.
I’m sure that helps Ingrid, Ben, Oliver, Peter, and Tina.
If you haven’t watched show 52, pop 52 in the comments and I’ll send you the link.
And if you know anyone whom you think needs to build a scoreboard or needs help building their scoreboard then pop their name in the comments below and they’ll get a notification to watch the show.
What We Can Learn From The Hospitality Industry?
As some of you know, I just had a wonderful 8-day holiday in Thailand and as a guest in the resort I couldn’t help but notice the hospitality of the staff.
I can say unequivocally that every staff member when they walked past me did not avoid eye contact as we passed.
They smiled.
They said good morning or good afternoon.
And they put their hands together and bowing.
Every single person! From managers to maintenance men. It was part of the resort’s cultural DNA.
In many gyms I visit this is one missing link. And I guess I scratch my head in wonderment! I mean these are not high paid staff in the resort – in fact I suggest they could be paid a fraction of what your staff are paid. So do this not because they are highly paid.
I guess for these staff it is very much they are proud to have their job and proud of where they work. So they accept the cultural requirements of the resort.
My question is WHY WHY WHY can’t we instil this into the culture of our businesses?
Let me share the behaviour of the resort staff made me feel very welcome. It broke down barriers so I felt comfortable asking for assistance. And I am a raving fan of the service – even though I didn’t really any “actual” service.
If you want your members to have those similar feelings, the perhaps work with your team on their engagement with your members and clients.
I have been to many gyms and it is chalk n cheese in the consistency of the eye contact and warm welcome. If you think this is an important component to the service, then get to work! And make it part of your DNA.
Facebook Social Media Memes & Their Value In the Facebook Algorithm
Now a little education on social media: Facebook LOVES social media graphics because as humans we are visual creatures.
We are naturally drawn to beautiful, interesting images, on every social media platform.
Sure, Facebook wants to promote their advertising platform, but they also are highly conscious of your user experience. If your posts don’t get engagement, that tells Facebook that people don’t want to see your posts, and your reach goes down.
You lose your connection with your audience, growth slows, and opportunities dwindle.
The flip side, however, is that you are REWARDED for posts that people engage with. And people engage with visual content.
At Active Management, we have stunning social media graphics that are strategically designed to drive engagement and grow your business. You don’t have to waste your time trying to figure it out, just add your logo to our ready-made graphics and you’re good to go (it’s easy, and we show you how).
This means FREE traffic for your business, and cheaper results for paid traffic.
Even if you’re running Facebook ads, improving the reach of your organic posts is rewarded with better results for your ads.
Facebook does keep score, and factor your page ranking into your media buying power!!
But for many of you highly engaged, organic traffic is all the power you need to grow your business with social media.
Think of it as free advertising.
We have a full collection of social media images ready for you:
Become a silver member and get every set included in your membership. That means you get 770 bucks worth of social media memes for only 249 – a third of the price – plus loads of other resources to help you run your business easier, faster and more productively. Click here for membership details.
What’s On This Week?
This week, I am delivering a presentation via Zoom to the team of Life and Soul in Broome before heading to Brisbane to speak at the Go Health Clubs conference.
Oh and by the way, on the 27th July I will be in Perth for FitnessBiz Brunch. The theme of the event: differentiating your business by leadership! To grab a ticket click here.
Next week, #JTInTheRaw will be back from a location in Sydney.
To finish up today, quote of the week returns to the hospitality industry.
“Eye contact and smiling will cost you nothing to create an impact in your business.”
