Fitness Business Book

David Claiborne · 10-07-2009, 09:43 AM

I'm going to be picking up some business books specifically for fitness and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on which ones I should start with.

I have been consistently reading Thomas Plummers blog so I'm not sure if I need to get his books or if there are other avenues/authors I should be looking at.

Jean-Paul · 10-07-2009, 06:12 PM

Absolutely get Plummer's books. They really are the best I have read in this industry, and I have read a lot over the last 23 years that I've been self-employed.

It might not hurt to read some of Labadie's or Ryan Lee's stuff. For running a club Plummer is the best there is, but Labadie and Lee both know how to market cheaply and -- like 'em or not -- they know how to teach you how to self-promote. They're all good speakers too.

David Claiborne · 10-07-2009, 06:16 PM

Will do. Thanks and is there one you would recommend I start with or should I just dive into any of them starting off?

Dave Chesser · 10-07-2009, 07:58 PM

I just finished "Making Money in the Fitness Business" and it was great. Really. It goes more in depth than his blog and he laid out more of a comprehensive plan for marketing, operations, etc. I'll be getting "the Business of Fitness" very soon.

One thing that bothered me though is how his recommendations regarding equipment, etc. may have changed since the small gym movement via Crossfit, etc. got started a few years back. "Making Money" assumed you were trying to run an independent big box so his recommendations were in line with that assumption. I'm still a little unclear from looking at the book and his blog what his recommendations may be now.

Jean-Paul · 10-07-2009, 11:20 PM

I was going to recommend the very same book. Dave, you and I seem to have many similar ideas in general.

Dave Chesser · 10-08-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Paul

I was going to recommend the very same book. Dave, you and I seem to have many similar ideas in general.

I hope it works out for me like it did you. I'm just stumbling along trying to find out what works.

David Claiborne · 10-08-2009, 07:49 AM

I'll pick it up today. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Just picked it up and if anyone else is interested it is on sale for $26.00 at Amazon instead of buying it for $39 off the nfba website.

Jean-Paul · 10-08-2009, 09:06 AM

I eventually wound up buying just about every book they had. I got a lot out of how to hire/fire employees, tons of templates for proper documentation and procedure. Probably saved me a fortune in potential lawsuits.