Using Technology To Improve Membership Sales & Retention

As promised here is my IHRSA 2011 presentation on Using Technology To Improve Membership Sales & Retention. What a great crowd and thank you for attending if you did. Special thanks to Nigel Champion fouder of the Australian Fintess Network for introducing me and of course to my colleagues @RoberjDyer, @Kellihatton, and Cary Wing for attending. As promised, I will be posting follow ups from questions I received. Remember, if you donate to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami victims, I will donate an hour of my personal time consulting with you on your specific needs. So, what did you think of the presentation ? Contact me Bryan O'Rourke, and share your views on technology, consumer trends and key challenges for improving membership sales and retention in health clubs.

 

 

IHRSA 2011 - Social Media - I Hate The Term But You Better Learn About It

 

The fitness industry has great promise - if its leaders and participants embrace the revolution that is going on in business and organizations that promise will be MUCH greater.

At IHRSA 2011, its 30th anniversary, a lot of professionals are going to be talking about "social media" (I hate that term but don't have a better one yet) and the revolution of business. If you'd like to learn more about what I am talking about watch my video above and check out Gary Vaynerchuk's new book - The Thank You Economy.

Thanks to my friend Robert for sharing the book with me and for admitting I've been right for the past 4-5 years. If you are at IHRSA please check out my presentations on Wednesday and Saturday and share with me, Bryan O'Rourke your view: is there a better term than "Social Media"? Connect with me at IHRSA !

 

IHRSA 2011 - My First Report And First Meeting With Les Mills International

Its going to be a long week, but I'm not complaining I live for this stuff ! Having arrived late last night in San Francisco, I got a 6 mile run in before meeting up with my friend and partner Robert Dyer for breakfast (fun as always). It is rare we get to spend time alone uninterrupted . Our first meeting of the IHRSA 2011 show was with our strategic partner, Les Mills International (if you don't know by now fitmarc distributes Les Mills in 12 U.S. states to over 600 customers).

Arriving without his luggage that was misplaced by the airline and after visiting his son in Los Angeles, Les Mills founder Phillip Mills and I sat down for a chat about Les Mills, its future and our business relationship. He recently has a new 3 month old grand son, and is trying to recoup from the terrible earthquake in New Zealand, where he lives, which destroyed two of his Les Mills gyms.

My partner and fitmarc CEO Robert Dyer was, as always, animated and positive and the rest of the group including LMI's CFO, General Counsel and Marketing Brand Guru (see picture on left and yes I was the guy holding the camera) exchanged pleasant and frank views about how we could continue our great relationship and potentially expand our relationship. This, the beginning of a full week of discussions and meetings about the future of the fitness industry and where we might possibly have a role. There was considerable interest among Les Mills executives about the recent strategic advisory alliance our companies Fitmarc , Integerus and I have with Star Trac and its owner Michael Bruno. All was positive as our business is broadening its influence and relevance in the industry. I know Robert and I both, as well as our customers, partners, employees and stakeholders are delighted at the prospects. I'll be sharing more each day as the IHRSA 2011 30th anniversary unfolds.

The Club Business Is Improving ! Get To IHRSA 2011 !

The economy had attendance down over the past few years but 2011 is likely to break that trend. Several club operators and executives have shared with me their very good numbers for January ! A great sign for the fitness industry. So with business getting better its time to plan to get to IHRSA this March for the 30th anniversary celebration !

My colleague Kelli Hatton, who is attending this year agrees. She said, "seeing those people that can provide insight into the industry and convey their experience is why I go." In fact our entire business development team at Fitmarc will be there !

Kelli is right ! Take advantage of an improving business environment and invest in learning. There are many great speakers and super presentations. I promise that if you attend my presentation Wednesday, March 16th at 8 am on Using Technology to Improve Member Sales & Retention you will learn some pretty neat stuff ! I've included a sneak preview below you should check out !

So tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, are you planning to attend IHRSA this year ? If so why are you going or why aren't you going ? Let me know and check out this video on using foursquare for your health club that I will cover during my talk at IHRSA Wednesday morning (I'll also be presenting Saturday morning as well) and make your plans today to attend IHRSA ! Making an investment in learning will pay off huge dividends ! I'll see you there.