The Importance of Improving Your Business Knowledge

The business of corporate fitness is becoming more and more competitive, which means that improving your business knowledge is crucial to maintaining your bottom line. Whether you are running a franchise in a chain of clubs or an independent gym in a small town, improving your business knowledge will always keep you one step ahead of the competition.

“Business just ain’t what it used to be,” or at least that’s the word on the streets. The economy is in an interesting place and advertising has gone viral. Attracting customers is now accomplished by word on the web, not word of mouth. The fact is that if you’re doing things the same old way, then you might keep the same old customers and members, but you won’t attract any new ones.

Turnover happens. You might be blessed with slow turnover; maybe you only lose members when they die, but it’s not just about maintaining numbers. It’s about raising them. You need new members and possibly some new staff, too, if you want to keep your business flourishing. Improving your business knowledge will give you the tools you need to attract both.

When you are determined to run an excellent business, you will attract excellent staff. When you have excellent staff, you will attract and keep excellent clientele. You see, your passion to pursue greatness is contagious. If you are motivated when it comes to improving your business knowledge and - in turn - motivate your staff to increase their education and understanding of the field, your whole operation will outshine all the others.

The reverse is unfortunately also true. If you don’t care to stay abreast of current business trends and practices - especially in the fitness field where human mechanics often fail and lead to injury - not only will your logo start to lag, but you could very well be sued. In this day and age, lack of knowledge is quickly translated into negligence and liability.

You want your staff to be on the cutting edge of their field. When a member asks them a question, you want them to know the answer. You don’t want your staff looking stupid. As the owner or manager of your business, why should the standard be any different for you? You should be setting the standard for pursuing excellence in your field of work, giving those around you something to reach for.

It’s true that business isn’t what it used to be, so yours needs to be better. People want their dollar to stretch. Consumers expect more quality than ever before, and this economy favors those business owners who are willing to go the extra mile.

You need to attend seminars and conferences at least twice a year and reward your staff for earning continuing education credits. Travel to another city if you have to. Write it off as a work expense, and focus on improving your business knowledge. Bring it back to your staff and hold a meeting to share what you learned. Be the one who knows the answers. Look smart not stupid. Take your product and your consumers the extra mile and make your business shine!

Hospital News

I happen to play some pick up basketball games at one of the local hospitals in the area as we were getting ready to do battle (yes, I said battle I had my chin split open during today's game) I step out to use the restroom while on my I passed an office.  As I passed this office a young lady had enter and joyfully announced their patient was up.  I must say my first reaction was, "if your patient count is up, how could that be good news?  It means someone is hurt!"  This served as a great reminder that hospitals are in business.  Hospitals are trying to earn a buck.  Is there anything wrong with this, absolutely not! But just a warning that we the people need to be aware and do our research when seeking out treatments in hospitals.

Oh, and as an interesting spin the Early Show had a wonderful report entitled "Haggle Your Way to Lower Health Care Bills"  click the link below:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/07/earlyshow/contributors/susankoeppen/main6654097.shtml

Enjoy!

The 8th Annual Achieve Fitness USA Fitness Business Conference

Each year Achieve Fitness USA hosts an annual meeting for their licensing program owners and this year is no different, well except for the size of the conference.  I have been involved with the Achieve Fitness USA Licensing Program for quite a few years now and reveled in its growth.  This year their annual conference brings some of  the industries best programs and presenters:

• Peter Twist- CEO & Founder of TWIST Conditioning
• Leslee Bender- Owner of Bender Ball
• Natalie Heckert- Owner NATs Total E Fit
• Scott Colby- The Abs Expert
• Derrick Wilburn- Co Arthor of the Success Express Series
• and much more.

If you are in the fitness industry and looking to make a impact this is a must attend event.  For more click here