Over the past decade consumer choices have changed tremendously around how to join a Health Club.  In the old days, health club memberships were sold in small closing offices with big contracts, often scary closing pitches and a no way out clause.  Thank goodness those days are over, the softer and friendlier "month to month" agreements are now in place, but now an even more progressive consumer controlled way of joining clubs has come along. 

Check out ClassPass, if you have not already heard of this show stopper of a platform, check it out! 

"For $79, you'll have your pick of classes to choose from, including cycling, yoga, Pilates, barre, strength training, bootcamp, dance, and so much more. Plus, we’re adding new studios and classes each and every week.  

Commitment not your thing? Cancel anytime". -ClassPass

I am not the only one talking about the platform, visionary Bryan O'Rourke had this to say.

"Technology is creating a tsunami of business model innovation and Class Pass is but one example. Competitors in the health club and fitness space should prepare for the opportunities and threats that are arising because significant change is upon us all. We have certainly entered a new era". -Bryan O'Rourke 

I could not agree more with what Bryan is saying here! the traditional health club membership model is changing significantly. As consumers are more and more empowered to have what they want when they want it, as an industry we are going to continue to see consumers create the reality of the market. 

What do you think, how will classpass and membership models like this impact our industry?

Reply here, send me your thoughts! 

And! take a moment to complete the survey bellow.

Cheers,

Lindsey

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Lindsey Rainwater is an experienced consultant and coach  to the fitness and wellness industry.  She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping Health Club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions.  For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o 

The VLOG Fun continues! 

Totally Trendy Tuesday, Twitter is Your Friend!

Learn quick tips about how to use Twitter to easily retain and transition your members from Spring to Summer.  

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Lindsey Rainwater is an experienced consultant and coach  to the fitness and wellness industry.  She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping Health Club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions.  For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o 

I laughed as I typed that title...

click on Infograph to see source article

We have entered a new era, one of empowered customer choices and complete consumer disruption resulting in customer control.

I love disruption!

Maybe it's hardwired into me to ask many question and get to the truth before I buy in, but I am noticing that I am not the only one taking my business to the company’s that might be less popular but really, give the consumer what they want and keep caring after the sale.

This past weekend I experienced this very circumstance with my cell phone provider.

I stopped into a retail store to make a simple change to my account and inquire about an upcoming upgrade that I was eligible for.  I would have loved to handle this over the phone, but the customer service experience varies from phone to in person, so I decided to go to source vs. wasting my time on the phone (experience teaches).

 An hour later I ended up leaving the store irritated, frustrated and ready to take action.  I went up the street to a neighboring service provider to see if maybe there was a chance I could get what I wanted with the “little guy”.

Thirty minutes later I left that store with not only what I wanted in my hand, but more than I had expected.  My loyalty to the brand that I had been with for 10 years went out the window in 30 minutes because I was in control and took my business to a company that aligned with what I most wanted. Did I mention they were super nice and got to know me personally?

So the question: why do big companies still think they are in charge?

Haven’t they gotten the message yet that they work for US, the consumer?

Regardless of what industry, consumer choices create your reality.

Where I choose to spend my money creates the business's success, so the notion that CEO’s or owners are in charge, well that’s just not true.  The Customer controls the market and the success of the company.

I believe disruptive consumer momentum is radically exciting, giving the opportunity for the consumer to take 100% responsibility for what they really want and change the face of companies all over the world.

What do you think, exciting or terrifying? 

Lindsey Rainwater is an experienced consultant and coach  to the fitness and wellness industry.  She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions.  For more information about lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o 

Upon returning home from IHRSA each year I take time to reflect on the trip and capture the most meaningful take away's to share with you.  This year the event was in San Diego, such a great place to hold the event, you can't beat the sunshine and coastal breeze! not to mention yummy fish tacos that are walking distance from the convention center!  

Two of my favorite speakers this year were Mrs Sally Hogeshead and Mr Bryan O'Rourke. 

Mrs Sally Hogesead delivered a compelling talk about fascinating your listener in 9 seconds or less. She engaged the audience with many different suggestions to better enhance the delivery of who you are as an individual. 

Mr Bryan O'Rourke spoke on the impact of mobile technology on the fitness industry and how important it is to have a mobile ready website and apps to improve the member experience. For more information on his presentation, click here. 

And of course, the trade show! what a lovely show it was this year.  I always enjoy the buzz of the trade show, so many club owners and operators making impactful decisions on their equipment and programming options for the year.  You will see some pictures below of the event!

Be sure to share your IHRSA 2014 thoughts with me if you desire! 

cheers,

Lindsey 

Tradeshow floor, showing several equipment providers booths.

Ms. Sarah and Myself at the Les Mills booth

Mrs Rebecca Cofod and myself

Your's Truly :)

Lindsey Rainwater, Consultant and Coach to the Fitness and Wellness Industry

What's your favorite restaurant?  And why do you go there?  

The other night my boyfriend and I were firming up our evening plans, we were feeling low key and decided dinner and movie sounded like the perfect evening.  We enjoy going out for Pho and go to our favorite little hole in the wall family owned spot about once a week.  

The movie theatre we were planning to go to was next door to another pho spot, but we did not eat there.  We drove across town and went to the pho spot where we know Tony, and he knows us.  You see, every time I am out of town he asks where I was and how my trip was, we have a relationship with these folks.  I find it fascinating that we will drive across town to visit Tony, for Pho vs. go wherever is most convenient.

Relationships really do influence our purchasing decisions, and more over the consistency of the combination of service and relationships usually makes a lasting relationship between business and customer. 

So how did the relationship start?

Well that is a simple answer, Tony asked us our names, and we asked him what his was.

Our names are our identity, the title we offer the world and one of the most personal ways to go from stranger to friend.  

I had to laugh thinking about the fact that we went so far out of our way for a bowl of soup just to be in the environment we preferred.

Why? Because Tony creates an experience for us at his restaurant simply by knowing our names and addressing us when we visit him.

I ask you today, how many new members or strangers can you make friends by asking their name?  

Better yet- how many staff members can you inspire to do the same?   

A little food for thought- make names a priority. 

Let me know, Lindsey Rainwater what your experiences are around learning names.