Monday, November 15, 2010

On Customer Service: Service to the Customer

It is time to redfine what you consider customer service. Smiling and knowing a customer's birthday does not constitute customer serivce. You must go deeper, farther, serving your customer is about exceeding expectations. Providng for what your customer desries, and providing that which they were unaware that they desired. Satisfying needs and anticipanting wants is what customer serive is all about. In training or any business, serivce should never end at the front door. A request can become a new stream of revenue, so take the time to familiarize yourself with valued customers. Well served customers, are customers for life!

"If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense!"

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Tough At The Top

Success  is often a lonely universe. The ambitious often find themselves losing friends because of their ambition. Transformation often requires shedding your old skin. The wings that it takes to fly to the top cannot spread within the shell of inaction. Do not sacrifice your goals for those that you once considered friends. Friends are not obstacles that weigh you down. True friends are the supports you build a foundation upon as you begin to construct your future. To reach the ocean, you must first leave the pond. Just remember that some prefer the predictability of a stagnant pond. The routine and mundane are the eyes of those that are unable to see past today. It is the risk takers that will build the world of tomorrow. The top isn't lonely, its just home to a select driven few. So don't be concerned with those that are afraid of success, the top is  where you will find the Fitness Mastermind Group.

If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Fitness Mastermind Group: The Return!

Fitness Mastermind Group: The Return!

The Return!

After a long layoff the Fitness Mastermind Group has been reactivated. Other opportunities made it necessary to temporarily power down this marketing beast, but cries from those in need has made it critical that the beast be awoken. But WAIT! This is a new and improved model. We have been in the lab perfecting our monster.................And you will benefit. Stay on the lookout for seminars, teleconferences, live seminars, coaching tips, and the money making information you need to reach your goals. And as always............"If It Doesn't Make Dollars, It Doesn't Make Sense!"

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Thursday, April 30, 2009

What's Old is New Again

In the quest to attract new clients, here's a novel idea........reacquire your old clients! If you are truly taking advantage of your extensive client list (which includes clients that you are not currently training), then clientele should never be a problem. Identify your premium clients and reconnect with them. Obviously they may have moved on after achieving their goals , (or they could have easily picked up their former habits) but they probably knows someone that is in dire need of your services. Remember, the seeds that we plant ourselves often produce the greatest fruit. Former clients are your best spokespeople let them tell others how great you are.
Here is a great strategy to reconnect with those long forgotten gold mines:

-Send an email inviting former clients in for a free check-up assessment
-Offer them a special personalized package that entices them to "Tighten up for the summer"
-Remind them to continue to read your newsletter for helpful hints and tips on staying in shape (ask for feedback on your newsletter as well, things that they feel might improve the newsletter)
-Inform them on specialized training that you offer that caters to their hobbies and interests

These simple steps and methods of personalized communication demonstrates that you have not forgotten about them, and that though they no longer train with you, that you are still interested in their fitness success. Sometimes you can find money right in your own pocket.......or client list, whatever the case may be.

"If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense!"

Friday, April 24, 2009

The Power of $5

The current economy has wreaked havoc on many industries and businesses. Consumers are being more careful with every penny they spend.......Which smart business people are anyway, but we'll leave that conversation for another time. What hasn't changed is the willingness of buyers to pay top dollar for a product or service that offers great value. FMG members understand that their customer service and value added services and products should never be scaled back or sold at a "discount." That word discount very precarious in that I promote the use of discounts all the time, but ONLY when used as a strategy to generate more business. (Incidentally, discounts should be offered on products and services offered at a premium price in order to derive the desired profit.) In this way you leverage a slightly lower price to increase consumer volume. Simply put, by sacrificing a 10% profit, you generate 10 more consumers. Less money from more buyers equals greater profit.......Simple!

BUT there are instances when the price must not be compromised, both for the integrity of your business and reputation, and to respect the loyal consumers that are the foundation of your organization. Here is what i mean. I stand firmly on a strict NO HAGGLE RULE. This means that I do not negotiate price. I offer any discounts or packaging of sessions on my own terms, and so should you. Keep in mind that when it comes to price, there is never a price that is low enough, and when you offer something for free most people ignore it. Why? BECAUSE IT IS FREE! Many of you may be thinking, "Why not get the money that you can, particularly with respect to the current economy?" By settling for what the consumer offers, I place them in a leveraged position. I would also reduce the value of loyal premium rate clients.

I was inspired to remind all of you out there of this because of a call I had the other day from a potential client. A young lady was looking to train with me, but was concerned about price. I provided a scenario in which she could reduce her rate by agreeing to certain terms: 1. She would have to come to the location most convenient to me 2. She could only train at "off peak" times (basically time that I might be taking a nap, playing with my dog, cutting the lawn........which I actually enjoy sometimes but don't tell my wife) 3. And she had to purchase a minimum number of sessions. Again ,I put her on my 30 minute session program (if you aren't familiar with converting your hour clients to 30 minute clients, I will be detailing that in future tele-seminars and blog entries) , and told her that she could get this all at a discounted rate. Even with this value she asked if I could lower her rate by $10 more. I quickly told her, politely I might add, "No, but I would be more than happy to connect her with another of my network of trainers that might meet your price." To which she quickly replied, "Well, how about $5 less." I repeated my previous statement, which of course astonished her......."You mean to tell me that you would turn me down over a difference of $5." I quickly reminded her that I could easily charge my normal rate, which is about two and a half times more than what many trainers charge, and give her $5 off of that rate. I also reminded her of my level and quality of service. Needless to say she now has a contract in place and is so happy to pay the $5 extra that was such a point of contention at the time.

Sometimes $5 just isn't worth your time or hassle, and in the end it can cost you thousands.

"If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense!"

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Make Them an Offer They Can't Refuse

The Marketing Triad

As consumers and marketers what we have come to realize is that you can't have it all. SERIOUSLY! No matter if you are a multimillionaire or have limitless resources, it is impossible to have it all. The three absolutes when considering a purchase is 1. great customer service, 2. superior quality product/service, or 3. lowest price. In any purchasing decision, one of these elements must be sacrificed. The question is, where do your service or product offerings lie with respect to this triad dynamic? Are you company that offers great customer service and product, or low price with great product? No matter how you slice it, if your goal is to generate wealth, then price should never be a part of the equation. Particularly in the service route of the fitness industry, each minute of service time must be maximized financially. Time is literally money, which is why positioning your business effectively is key. Determine your areas of specialization and charge a premium for this service, and at the other end of the spectrum you can sell small informational pamphlets and booklets for a minimum price. These brief publications serve a twofold purpose, as a marketing piece for your premium products and as a means of expanding your marketing reach to those they may no have the means to afford premium prices. It also critical that you position your company as an authority in the particular subject matter. Remember to sell the car, the parts, and souvenirs. Not everyone can afford a Lamborghini, but many can afford the Lamborghini T-shirt.

"If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense!"