During this time of year, I always like to take a few moments to reflect on the past year. However, this year I’m so excited for the future, I can barely make time to reflect on what occurred over the past 12 months.
Why am I so excited? Well, Club Solutions Magazine has some exciting changes coming, which will be reflected in the January 2015 issue of Club Solutions Magazine. I can’t say much more, but know that these changes reflect our dedication to you — the reader. Look for the issue at the beginning of January, and be sure to let me know what you think of the changes.
Now that I’m done being purposely vague, I’d also like to take a moment to thank the health club industry for another great year. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Our industry is a great one to be in. It’s fun, exciting and constantly changing (for the better).
Lastly, I’d like to say: Happy holidays from Club Solutions! Enjoy this time with your families and a little R&R.
But don’t worry — if you need to take a break from the in-laws this week to learn how to better your business, the Club Solutions website will still be updated with articles, blogs and more to help.
Until next week!
Rachel Zabonick is the Editor of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.
I have been receiving your email blasts for many years and forward to my staff so I am familiar with your content. I have been in the business 30 years. I started as a PT and worked my way through sales and into mangement. I’ve spent 20 of those years in 100,000 square foot clubs. My comment is that I cringe every time I see the word sell in a PT article. We need to get that word out of the service. In my four years at the Healthplex I have grown PT from 400 hours per month to over 1000 and have never used the word sell. In fact I teach against the word by telling my PTs if they feel like they’re selling they are doing it wrong and will ultimately fail. We need to teach our PTs how to be a professional trainer through consulting skills and relationship development. That is how we ultimately build a reputable and stable business.
Dennis, thanks for the comment. This is Jason Linse, with the Business of Fitness. I understand how the word “sell” can be seen as a dirty word. I define sales, as simply helping someone get what they want. But selling does require people to be willing to try, meaning they have to be able to ask somebody to purchase training, not wait for them to say they want it. And it requires them to not be afraid to ask for money. And regarding failure: This could simply come down to setting expectations. I expect a personal training salesperson to sell to 50% or more of all people they meet with. Failure is anything below 50%. It sounds like you have built quite a training program. Congratulations. And thanks for reading.