Reject the Recession and Build a Thriving Health Club

“In a time when many health clubs across the country are struggling, everything in the media focuses on downsizing, rising costs and economic problems, it can be hard to avoid that sinking feeling in your stomach. But as health club owners you really have two choices: You can let the negative media send you into full panic mode or you can view the economic downturn as an opportunity to increase your market share. This is a time in the economy when market share can be seized and fortunes made. While some health club owners are giving up and closing their doors, their competitors are seizing opportunities in the market place. Here are some thoughts on how you can thrive in the health club business during tough times: 1. Keep Marketing Your Health Club…and Keep Marketing, 2. Don't Be Afraid To Discount Membership Fees, 3. Leverage the Internet For Marketing And Exposure, 4.Form A Health Club Think Tank For Some Possibility Thinking, 5. Tap Into A New Niche For Your Club, 6. Reach Out To Your Existing Member Base, 7. Make Improvements In Your Health Club Operation, 8. Survey Your Members, 9. Keep an Eye On Capital, 10. Get Some Help And Keep Your Eye On The Ultimate Goal - Now is a great time to sharpen your own skills. Take some classes, read some books and network with others in the health club industry so you can learn from them. Get involved with IHRSA and other groups and make sure you are on top of your game. Look for joint venture opportunities. Make yourself more efficient by outsourcing services that consume your valuable time. Also, determine your priorities. Where should you be spending your time? What can you do to make your health club bigger, better and stronger? Leave the worrying to your competitors and instead seek out opportunities with your health club and stay positive. When you put the right energy and focus into your health club--despite the economy--the results can be extraordinary. Now, let's go build a thriving health club.”

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