Art's Blog

Wanted: Beta Testers for New Web-Based System - Art Rothafel

 Well, once again, it pays to be a subscriber to my blog.  YOU are the first get the opportunity to be a beta-tester for our upcoming MediCorp Menu & Activity Planning web-based system.  We are accepting the first 100 health and fitness professionals -- who complete this form -- to be our beta testers.

As a beta-tester, you'll receive ten (10) free clients (subscriptions) on the new web-based system.

The new web-based system will include nutrition planning just like the disk version, but will also include our new data base of "exchangeable" activities, including resistance exercises, cardio activities, swiss ball, stretching etc.

In return for the free subscriptions, we simply ask for your feedback and recommendations for improvements before the system is rolled out for use by health, fitness and medical professionals.

We hope to roll out the beta program sometime in mid April.  If you're interested in becoming a beta-tester, please complete this form. 

If you have questions, please call or e-mail me.

To your continued Success!

Art Rothafel
art@privatelabelfitness.com
tollfree:  800-340-7011

Slap Shot..... By Art Rothafel

 Talk about "taking it" in the chops!  Does this apply to your club or studio? Here's my experience with Frontier Airlines:

Three weeks ago I booked a flight from S. Cal to Denver on Frontier Airlines.  But, then, my lovely wife and daughter looked at the calendar and discovered my brief trip was during Presidents Weekend (no school) and  they could join me if I was willing to extend my trip by three days.

Figuring this was plenty of advance notice, I said O.K. and immediately called Frontier Airlines.

I got a reservation agent on the phone and explained the situation.  But GET THIS... She was unwilling to change my original booking without charging me an additional $105 change penalty.... THIS.. DESPITE THE FACT THAT I WANTED TO PURCHASE TWO MORE RESERVATIONS $700!!!!!   

I asked to speak with the Customer Services Manager.  Same story.  In fact, the young man actually REPRIMANDED ME for not reading the fare rules and policies! 

So, in effect, they were ready to penalize me for spending more money on their airline.  This is OUTRAGEOUS... not to mention incredibly bad marketing.  Just think of the ill feelings and negative word-of-mouth this creates. (I, alone, communicate with thousands!)

Nonetheless, I booked the flights and paid the penalty.  HOWEVER... being an "action guy," I wrote to the President and CEO, Sean E. Menke, to let him know of the situation and my experience. Here's why...

I'll bet that the Mr. Menke has no idea that his Customer Service Representatives are treating Frontier's customers so poorly.  I'll bet that if he knew the situation he'd waive the penalty fee and say "Thank You for flying Frontier Airlines."   I'll bet he'd recognize how bad it is for "policy" to trump "excellent customer service."  After all, he wouldn't be CEO if he didn't understand this stuff.  And most of all, if enough people complain... I'll bet as CEO, he'll change it on-the-spot. (In fairness, if he responds to my letter, I'll update this blog).

This brings us to YOU.... your staff your members/clients.  Do you really know what's going on?  Do you know how your members and clients are being treated.  Are your frontline employees empowered to make common sense decisions to accommodate customer satisfaction... or are they constrained by "policies?"

At our company, we often ask ourselves, "How big can we grow before we become out of touch with our customers?"   And, even more importantly, how will we respond if one of our customers feels like he or she just got "sucker-punched?"

To your continued Success!
Art Rothafel
art@privatelabelfitness.com
www.privatelabelfitness.com
tollfree:  800-340-7011

Dale Does Branding.... by Art Rothafel

There's a saying:  "If you love your work, you never work a day in your life!"

Dale Benedict, owner of The Training Studio in Louisville, KY exemplifies this lifestyle! 

First off, he's got the credentials and can certainly "walk the walk."  He's a "brand" evangelist who has developed multiple profit centers.   And, most importantly, you can see his business is much more than simply selling sessions.  It's almost a social network.

Check out the branding.  Look at all the branded apparel in his group photos!  Great stuff for press releases, web site, brochures and advertisements.  He also brands our protein powder.

Next, are his 3 fitness DVD's under a separate brand (snowangelfitness.com).  Dale tells me sales are way above projections.  This has turned into a nice profit center.

Finally, take a look at his web photo albums and his blog.  From simple workout sessions to group events to iron man competitions, The Training Studio has the look and feel -- not of a fitness studio, but rather a fitness "family."

From an outsider's perspective, it appears to me that Dale's members all know each other.  All support each other.  All motivate each other. 

Now that's a great business model!

To your continued Success!
Art Rothafel
art@privatelabelfitness.com
privatelabelfitness
tollfree:  800-340-7011