If you’re like most club operators you probably have a love/hate relationship with your members. Unfortunately, a lot of the time hate is the more appropriate roll. Most club operators get frustrated at the small things like cleanliness, or the annoying member who is tapping his toe behind you while your enjoying your personal workout. However, you fail to realize the big stuff … for all the little things that your members do to upset you; they do one really amazing thing that should have you grinning ear to ear…THEY PAY YOUR BILLS!
Here are some quick must have’s for every health club:
1. Wall of Fame: Dedicate a wall and put your members’ success stories on it. Every month there should be a new member of the month at the top of the wall, which should be rewarded with a $50 gift certificate to their favorite dinner spot.
2. Member Parties/Food: My all time favorite thing is when I walk into my local health club, and on the first Tuesday of the month they have pizza, wings, salads and all kinds of other junk food for me to pig out on. Yes … junk food. Your members spend enough time working out and living healthy lifestyles. Reward them once a month with a cheat meal on you. They’ll love it and they’ll tell their friends that their gym actually fed them pizza.
3.Random Rewards Days: I love quirky holidays: Arbor Day, secretary day, flip-flop day — there are literally dozens of them. Pick out a few of your favorite or make some of your own: green shirt day, blond hair day, ’80’s day — make sure your staff dresses the part. Every member that comes in the club on such a day should get a random cheesy prize. Nothing too nice — the dollar store should suffice for all giveaways.
Chris Batchelor
Health Club Marketing Contributor
