The Club Insider Archives: February 2011
Family Fitness
Where Staff Really Is Family
By: Justin Cates
Justin CatesIn the world of dance, a great performance is comprised of strong individual efforts supported by equally strong team efforts. Dance performances have solos and individual stars, but the ultimate success or failure of the show is in the hands of the entire company of dancers. If a soloist falters for only an instant, most will not notice, and the performance can still be considered a success because the group will overcome the mistake of an individual.
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Fitness Legend, Jack LaLanne, Passes Away at the Age of 96
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesThe legendary icon of fitness, Jack LaLanne, passed away at his home in Morro Bay, California on Sunday afternoon, January 23, 2011. He died of respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Jack LaLanne was the unchallenged, worldwide "Godfather of Fitness," and he did more for the idea and cause of exercise, fitness and proper nutrition than anyone ever.
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Managing the Member Experience
Part III
By: Karen Woodard-Chavez
Karen Woodard-ChavezIn Part I, we began with the fact that, for the past ten years in our industry, much has been discussed about the best way to insure that the member experience is one that 1) creates differentiation so that current members stay with the club and 2) creates differentiation in attracting new members, allowing the club to have an edge over the competition. This has always been a critical part of any business model.
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Celebrity Marketing
By: Derek Barton
Derek BartonSome say Michael Jordan helped make Nike, and others say Nike helped make Michael Jordan. I say it was a little of both. I remember the first Nike commercial, with Michael Jordan flying through the air in slow motion from the foul line, his right arm high above him holding the ball like the Statue of Liberty holding her torch, and as he hovered over the rim, he slammed the ball through the net for the most amazing dunk I ever saw.
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Key Performance Indicators
Which Ones Are Right For Your Business?
By: Steve Ayers
Steve AyersToday's business owner is faced with many uncertainties in this ever-changing global financial environment. How do you, as a health club owner, monitor your company's performance based on those changes? Which Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are right for your company? KPIs can be specific to the health club industry, but foremost, they need to be specific to and in line with the goals and vision of your individual company.
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Rope is the Only Thing Your Staff Should Be Skipping!
By: Ron Alterio
Ron AlterioOkay, so that super, crazy-busy time of the year is upon us! You made it through January, but you still barely have time to breath, so I will do you a favor by getting right to the point! Let's face it, the insane mad rush that is January and February can make even the most seasoned sales professional tinker with the idea of taking short cuts just to keep up.
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The Real Truth About Social Network Marketing
Part IV
By: Casey Conrad
Casey ConradIf you're like most club operators, no doubt you have begun using social network vehicles like Facebook and Twitter. If you haven't begun, then you have probably thought to yourself at one time or another that you need to. Let's face it, we've all had conversations with others who tell us, "Man, you need to be on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Linkedin..." or some other social site.
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Reasons Why Independent Health Clubs Fail
By: Jim Thomas
Jim ThomasStarting, developing or owning a health club is a dream of many, but many times, the market place for an independent health club, fitness center or gym is very unforgiving. If you do some statistical research, you will find that less than five out of ten small businesses survive beyond their first five years. Any potential health club or fitness entrepreneur planning to invest his time, energy and savings (not to mention blood, sweat and tears) into a new fitness venture does not want to be a part of this statistic.
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Programming Tip of the Month
Programs... Promotions... Professionalism
By: Sandy Coffman
Sandy CoffmanHopefully, you are running specific programs for profit, participation and retention expressly to service your new members from your January influx, existing members, returning members and those members with trial months from the holidays. The way you present your programs can be compared to an impressive presentation of a gourmet meal. Professional presentations create excitement and enthusiasm.
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Ten Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym
Questions Your Staff Should Be Prepared For
Losing weight is one of the most common New Year's resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. If you're pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line. In 2009 alone, BBB received 7,787 complaints about gyms and health clubs, putting the industry in the Top 20 for most complained about businesses.
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2011 Club Industry East Canceled
In a recent survey, we received a lot of feedback about how to enhance the attendee and exhibitor experience at Club Industry events. As a result of that feedback, and in an effort to make a positive change affecting participants in our events, we have decided to cancel the 2011 Club Industry Executive Summit in New York. By focusing on one event this year, Club Industry 2011 at McCormick Place, Chicago, October 12-14, we will better meet the direct needs of our industry.
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ACE Expands Partnership With ICCA
SAN DIEGO, CA - The American Council on Exercise (ACE), announced that it has collaborated with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) to offer professional development for staff members who provide fitness and wellness programs in senior living and community-based senior centers throughout the country.
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Visual Fitness Planner Team Energized By Annual Corporate Retreat
FORT WORTH, TX - The Visual Fitness Planner (VFP) Team enjoyed and were energized by their annual company meetings, conducted again this year at the Telos Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas. The annual event was facilitated again this year by Brent Darden, Telos Fitness Center Founder, co-owner and General Manager, and current IHRSA Board Member.
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World Gym and Body Training Systems Launch World Group-X
ATLANTA, GA - World Gym International and Body Training Systems (BTS) are proud to announce the launch of the World Gym branded Group Exercise system. The new World Group X combines the expertise of BTS programming with the excitement of World Gym branding to create powerful programs that attract and retain members, ultimately enhancing overall return on investment for World Gym Franchisees.
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NFBA Atlanta 2011 & AFIRM Atlanta 2011 Slideshow
Check out photos from NFBA Atlanta 2011 and AFIRM Atlanta 2011!
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Norm's Notes for February 2011
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Publisher and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in!
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