Finding the right club management software can be a time consuming and exhausting experience, but learning how to use the product does not have to be. The key to easily and confidently undergo software training is to relate it to a topic that is relevant and meaningful to the trainee (user). In the fitness industry, for example, comparing software training to personal training would be an obvious choice.
Personal Training and Software Training
Truth be told, there is no real difference between a client learning fitness from a personal trainer and a software user learning technology from a software trainer. Both disciplines require learning an unfamiliar set of concepts, the ability to make those concepts work and the willingness to pass on the knowledge learned to others. The only real difference is that in fitness training, a client should sweat, while in software training, sweating is completely optional.
Prior to Training
As fitness training begins, questions will arise from both the client and the trainer. “What are your certifications?” and “how long will it take for me to see results?” are common questions a client may ask. Personal trainers, on the other hand, will have a variety of specific questions revolving around a client’s previous fitness experience, fitness limitations, preferred modality of exercise and goals. Trainers will also need to identify if a client’s expectations are realistic. Although these questions may seem simple, they are essential for a trainer to create a safe and personalized exercise program geared towards a client’s success. Knowing that every client (user) is unique, each question reveals a piece of the puzzle, helping to formulate the best possible approach to learning and implementation for a client. Software training questions may vary when compared to personal training, yet their intent and desire for success are the same.
During Training
While undergoing training — personal or software — one reigning factor should never be overlooked: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Repetition is a key learning technique that assures all skills will be retained. A new user must embrace and practice the craft being taught. From a personal training point of view, failing to work out for weeks on end can potentially reverse progress a client has made.
Post Training
A user with the ability to provide software education to other employees has accomplished his or her initial formal training goals, but this does not signify the end of learning! Rather, this period should be a time focused on acknowledging progress, keeping up to date on any developments within the software and formulating a plan to ensure continued education. With current fitness trends and techniques constantly changing as technology advances, so too does software and its capabilities. The willingness to adapt to technology and software improvements will ensure long-term success and a mastery of the specific product. Remember to reflect on the progress made, outline the next steps, and with the sky being the limit, incorporate long-term business goals.
The key to understanding club management software and its process is to look at it from a point of view that may be applicable to the trainee, i.e. personal training. As with personal training, software training requires a desire to learn and understand that “the more work put in, the better the results.” Practicing, sharing knowledge and setting goals will result in a “sweating optional” club management software training experience, and a fully educated user.
Bryant Strozinsky is a Product Educator at EZFacility Inc. He can be contacted at 516.336.6500, or by e-mail at bstrozinsky@ezfacility.com.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
