We have all heard the term, “Follow your gut.” Following instincts may have different definitions for different people. When we first become aware of our intuitive messages, it may seem disturbing not to be able to understand the importance, or unimportance, of the messages. Sometimes, we don’t fully understand the meaning of these intuitive flashes. The thing is, by following through on our everyday hunches, we are actually taking test drives, and virtually honing-in on our listening skills. These skills will serve us well when the bigger, more important messages need to surface, so pay attention!
Skills which are Invaluable in Business.
Keeping a sound mind, body and soul can go a long way in receiving and determining what intuitive messages mean and what to do with them. We are all in the fitness business, and staying fit and promoting fitness is the single, largest factor in having a sharp mind and outlook for making good decisions. It all starts with the business you chose – promoting exercise and being physically fit. You set the example for the lifestyle, and you are a beacon for others to do the same. Don’t ever forget the reason you entered into this business and lifestyle.
Referencing the popular TV show “The Biggest Loser”: When it comes to financial services, who is the biggest loser? Many times, we’re seeking to cut the fat. Just like in a fitness mission statement, you want to run a mean and lean business operation. Do you really need all the services for which you are paying?
Financial service companies offer several services that cater to entirely different fitness facilities. Software that is designed for a large club may not be the right fit for a smaller one. Are you paying for services you don’t want, or software you don’t need? The purpose of choosing an outside company (or outsourcing) is to allow you to focus on your core business as well as interacting with new members and seeking new prospects. If you are spending time on complicated software and programs your club may never use, who is the winner? In this case, you may be the biggest loser.
The Right Stuff
Following your gut instinct will help you decide if what you are about to pay for is actually worth your time. If the services sound too good, they probably are. It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money – that’s all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot – it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is wise to add something for the risk you’re running. If you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.
Look for easy-to-use software and services that don’t require a big learning curve, manuals or classes. If extensive training is required, then how was the software designed and by whom? Software programs should be self-intuitive and should only require simple instructions for operation and maintenance. Support staff should be available and educated on supporting you and the product. For example, can you access your real-time member information from anywhere, anytime, on your computer via the Internet?
A Good Match
Some companies create many products to attract potential customers, but they only perform a few of those services well. Your financial service partner will help you in your success. By removing the association of membership attendance with payment, your service partner can collect more money from your members than you can. A good partner can provide you with the latest products and technology for far less than if you attempted to create these products on your own, too. Plus, they will free you up to concentrate on maintaining a solid membership base and a smooth-running operation.
Any good partnership starts with meeting the needs and expectations of both parties, and it is much better if you understand those needs and expectations up-front. What does your intuition tell you? Most of us don’t have the time or the patience to devote an extensive amount of time to learning a complicated program. It’s good to collect facts and listen to others, but this can sometimes skew your ability to listen to your intuition or inner voice. Remember, your gut instinct has gotten you this far in business and it will continue to guide you, if you let it.
In the end, we are all responsible for our own growth and success. Do your homework, collect your facts, speak with the people behind the services you are seeking, and make sure the products are in line with your operation. Experience the product first-hand, weigh the benefits and costs. Then, sit back and let your intuition guide you toward your best move.
John Chalk is President & CEO of eFit Financial, located in Denver, Colorado. His company would be happy to answer any questions regarding financial and software services and the products they offer. For more information, call 877.772.3348, or visit www.efitfinancial.com.
