Alwyn's March 1 Blog - JP Fitness Forums

Deserve · 03-01-2007, 03:05 PM

I think that Alwyn's blog for today about the business of fitness and other industries is spot on and is probably worth some discussion. It is an issue that I have personally felt strongly about for some time.

UConnJulie · 03-02-2007, 05:52 AM

I totally agree ... I already clipped it in Bloglines!! Great pearls of wisdom from someone who has obviously been successful ...

K Manley · 03-02-2007, 09:32 AM

I totally agree, I definitely fell into the trap of trying to fill my head with more training knowledge and not focusing on the business of things. Its something that many trainers just don't want to think about and hope that their skill will drive them forward. I know that I was in the majority when my training career was a time consuming, financially unrewarding endeavor. Shames me to admit that the help was out there, I just wasn't ready to accept it.
I totally believe that if you aren't going to get as excited about business and sales knowledge as training knowledge then you aren't cut out for training. Thats part of the reason that I got out of it. But now I'm finding myself more intrigued by the business side of things so who knows what the future will bring.

trainerty · 03-02-2007, 01:38 PM

Hmmm... Facts are universal. I actually read this from other authors as well.
I slightly agree with Manley. I also disagree because of the growing "dark side" of fitness marketing. Greed is a very strong human trait. Unfotunately, it is overbearing in our genre. I do believe people must understand and be able to use the marketing side of training. I also believe knowledge of how to train, anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology etc. should far exceed the marketing trait.

K Manley · 03-02-2007, 06:06 PM

Oh I totally agree trainerty, and as much as I love Alwyn's stuff theres only level objectvity he can have when he sells marketing products. Although, he has recently criticized underqualified trainers who are good at marketing.
For me thats the greatest tragedy, seeing dangerous trainers with booming businesses and great trainers that can't make ends meet. I do think that all those elements you mentioned should be at a very high level, I just think that if you're already above the average in those skills you should dedicate some of your study time to marketing with some sort of passion. Greed could be the motivator true, but it could just be saving clients from ending up with another trainer that can't help them. Good trainers need to make a
living or it will just be the greedy unqualified trainers left.

kingkop182 · 03-04-2007, 02:14 PM

I think he makes a very valid point about 'opportunity cost'. JP recognizes this in the way he runs his facility. If you read his post about opening up a gym he mentions all functions he has outsourced to other companies - such as payroll. This leaves him time to concentrate on his main source of competitive advantage; his ability to train people. Yes he has a business to run but he's clever enough to realize that it is often best to let others worry about the day to day details.

Deserve · 03-05-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trainerty

Hmmm... Facts are universal. I actually read this from other authors as well.
I slightly agree with Manley. I also disagree because of the growing "dark side" of fitness marketing. Greed is a very strong human trait. Unfortunately, it is overbearing in our genre. I do believe people must understand and be able to use the marketing side of training. I also believe knowledge of how to train, anatomy, biomechanics, gynecology etc. should far exceed the marketing trait.

Product quality versus sales aggressiveness is a balance that can only be decided by the individual practitioner. I don't believe there is one right answer only individual preferences between consumer and seller.