It's a Funny Business... by Art Rothafel

This is a funny business. 

I received two phone calls on Saturday from two very different fitness professionals. 

The first call came from a guy I'll call "Ben."  He's ACE certified and owns a small personal training studio in Iowa. 

He called because he was curious about private-labeling some products but didn't really understand it or even see the need. 

The conversation went something like this:

"Will this stuff sell itself?  Because, look, Art, I'm in the business of selling my specialized services.  I consistently have a full book and don't have time to be messing around with all kinds of other activities and inventory...."

Those who know me can imagine my response.  I just went off.....!

Next call came just 10 minutes later from another guy I'll call "Frank."  Frank is married, two kids, has a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology, is certified through ACSM and NSCA and owns a studio on the west coast of Florida.  His curiosity about private-labeling took him to a whole different place. 

Our conversation went something like this:

"Art, I've researched and visited several commercial weight loss centers (Weight Watchers, NutriSystem, Jenny Craig) as well as a couple Gold's Gym pro shops.  I see the higher profit margins are in the products when compared on balance with my time.  In fact, it appears to me that most the money at the commercial weight loss centers is made through product sales.  What's the best way to get started?"

Amen.  Frank totally gets it from a successful business perspective. 

Meanwhile, Ben is consumed with himself, his time, his effort.  He has an "old school" narrow focus (sessions) and, in my opinion, will be replaced by guys like Frank who inherently understand fitness, when operated as a club or studio, is a business... and business requires cash flow! 

It's a funny business!

Art Rothafel
art@privatelabelfitness.com
800-340-7011
www.privatelabelfitness.com