Art's Blog

Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett - Too Young... By Art Rothafel

Rare that two super-stars might pass away on the same day and so prematurely.   Our sympathies to families, friends and fans.

Here's the USA Today Obituary for Jackson

Here's the Hollywood Reporter for Fawcett

YOU Could Be the Next "BIG THING!" by Art Rothafel

What do Tiger Woods, Mary Kay and Amway have in common?  Private-label products.  Yes, I know.... they're big and can afford to do all kinds of things.

But think about this.  When you attend almost any kind of motivational or training seminar what do you see?  You're right.  Private-label, branded products from the speaker or organization. Typically it's books, CDs and DVDs. And, these guys aren't so big... but, they create multiple profit centers through branded product sales... right?

Are Your Lights On?

So... What about you? 

• Do you network? 
• Do you public speak? 
• Do you have a following of clients?  

If you're a successful fitness professional you do.

Over the years, hundreds of fitness professionals have told me that their epiphany came when they asked themselves this simple question: 

"Am I creating, building and projecting a
branded business for myself or someone else?"

Yes... that's the first question.  But, now, here's the second question:

The Second Question To Ask About YOUR Success

here's the second question that just might lead to yet another epiphany:

Are your clients and members simply clients and members?  OR, could they also be the absolute BEST SALES PEOPLE FOR YOUR BRANDED PRODUCTS? 

Doesn't each client and member have a circle of friends, co-workers and family members who all have their own circles and belong to various groups and organizations....  all of whom could benefit from your branded products and services.

With this kind of brand exposure you could be the NEXT BIG THING!

Next blog... I'll share the incredible things I'm learning from a 24-year old marketing phenom.

Branding Builds Profits

Are You the Lead Dog? .... by Art Rothafel

Old business adage:  "Unless you're the lead dog... the view never changes!"

You get the idea.  In the business world there are "followers" and there are "leaders."  The followers simply punch the clock, do as little as possible and attempt to stay invisible. 

Meanwhile, leaders seek new challenges, provide solutions and always put in the extra effort.  It's a mindset.

This really struck me the other day when I spoke with Joe Deangelis, an industry veteran and owner of Flex Family Fitness in NJ.   Joe is a Lead Dog!  His marketing creativity is just one reason.  Here's his example as well as a few others:

• Joe already generates new profits by selling his private-label supplement line in his club.  But he didn't simply stop at the obvious.  Joe negotiated with a health food store to carry his branded line of supplements.  And, here's the twist (value proposition).  Customers who purchase Joe's products at the health food store get a free guest pass to his club as well as a free session.  Talk about qualified leads!   Brilliant!

• Joyce Ellen is another lead dog trainer who recently used the Daily Journal as a high school fund raiser.  She convinced her school board that instead of sending the students out to sell candy, cookies and other non-healthy items, they should sell the Daily Journal, with the school's mascot on the cover.   Each one was sold for $25.00 each.  It was positioned as the "healthy alternative" with the her business card inside!  Joyce made money and gained more clients than she could handle.

• We know of at least 3 professional sports trainers who are selling their private-label products (Journals,  Supplements and Menu Planning) into professional sports team training camps.  This is a highly lucrative, repeat purchase market.  Definitely, lead dogs!  (FYI - many sports professionals endorse other products... but actually use ours for themselves!)
  

• And today, I received a huge order from a young trainer who is using all of our products under his private-label to start his own affiliate/continuity and multi-level marketing programs.  He's recruiting online, but is also attending chamber of commerce mixers, networking meetings, conducting weight-management seminars, etc., and recruiting other sales people to sell his product line.   Talk about extra effort... but it's going to pay-off big-time!

This is the HUGE of ADVANTAGE of carrying your own line of private-label products.  It can turn into a huge, revenue-generating business opportunity! 

So, to all you Lead Dogs.... enjoy the view!