Trust Me! .... by Art Rothafel

I've written about this before.  But, have you ever considered how many gurus there are in the fitness business? 

There are gurus for clubs, gurus for trainers, gurus for bootcamps, gurus for certifications and the list goes on and on.....  

Some of them are very good and quite helpful.

Nonetheless, everyday I get loads of e-mail (intended for trainers and club owners) from sales and marketing gurus who promise a six figure income if I just invest in their "system."   And the list of gurus is growing!

But, also everyday, I speak with fitness professionals who made those investments only to find the "system" required additional investments such as CDs, Books, DVD's and additional services, etc.  Can you say "up-sell?" 

Being a purveyor of private-labeled "hard goods," here's what I notice.  Not one.  Nope... not one single guru ever mentions the incredible potential of increased revenues selling hard goods (like the stuff we sell).  (yes, I'm jealous, if not annoyed).

Nor do they mention how product sales, although not flashy,  create an essential cash flow model that grows each month. 

Do you know why they don't mention this important business foundation?  

Because they don't sell hard goods!  Instead, their pitch is always about "more clients - more members - more sessions."    They sell "advice" or "consulting services."  

Do you have any idea how easy it is to declare yourself a "guru?"  It doesn't require any capital ($$$) for such things as manufacturing equipment, employees, warehouses, etc. 

It's easy for a guru to simply hang a sign and say, "Trust me!"