Art's Blog

God is in the Details...

I had an interesting conversation with a very well-qualified trainer named Kevin.  He has his own studio and is working hard to grow the operation.

He's already attended several marketing seminars and workshops offered by all the familiar sales and marketing experts in our industry.

• He's learned to work "on" his business instead of "in" his business.

• He's learned to outsource as much as possible.

• He's got a great website and conducts all kinds of incentive outreach campaigns via FaceBook, Twitter, Craig's list, AWeber mailings as well as a host of other web-based tactics.

• He knows how important it is to physically network within his market area.

• He's not afraid of public speaking and books himself whenever possible.

• He sends out media releases on a regular basis.

Nonetheless, he was picking my brain about what other marketing strategies and tactics he might employ.   Our conversation was going smoothly and I offered some suggestions.  Then, I decided to ask one of my favorite series of questions...

Me:  Are you in your studio right now?

Kevin:  Yes

Me:  How many people are in there working out?

Kevin:  About 16 people.

Me:  Great, what are you wearing?

Kevin:  What?

Me:  Seriously... what are you wearing?

Kevin: I'm wearing a Nike polo shirt and gray sweats.  Why?

Me:  Think about all the seminars and workshops you attended.  What were the presenters wearing?  Polos or T-shirts.... right?  With their logos on them, right?

Kevin:  Ahhhh.... I get it.

Me:  I knew you would.  But here's the point.  "God" is in the details.  The little things.  You'd spend all that money branding your business, your websites, your emails, business cards and even your car... but then you show up "in-person" looking like a Nike endorsement.  If ever there was a crucial moment to be branding... it's when you're face-to-face with your clients.

YOU ARE THE BRAND!

Yes.... Kevin ordered a bunch of shirts...

Not That You Even Go Near It... But Just in Case....

I'm confident you don't eat refined sugar and additives... and hopefully neither do your clients.... but they may have kids and ... well, you know how it goes.   So, here's the Official Statement:

Working in consultation with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kellogg Company (NYSE: K) is implementing a voluntary recall of certain breakfast cereals due to an uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell coming from the liner in the package.

Only products with the letters "KN" following the "Better If Used Before Date" are included in the recall. Products with a "KM" designation are NOT included in the recall. In addition, no products in Canada are affected.

Kellogg's® Apple Jacks®

• UPC 3800039136 1: 17 ounce package with Better if Used Before Dates between APR 10 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039132 3: 8.7 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between JUN 03 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg's® Corn Pops®

• UPC 3800039109 5: 12.5 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039111 8: 17.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039116 3: 9.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between APR 05 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg's® Froot Loops®

• UPC 3800039118 7: 12.2 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039120 0: 17 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011
• UPC 3800039125 5: 8.7 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

Kellogg's® Honey Smacks®

• UPC 3800039103 3: 15.3 ounce packages with Better if Used Before Dates between MAR 26 2011 and JUN 22 2011

While the potential for serious health problems is low, some consumers are sensitive to the uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell and should not eat the recalled products because of possible temporary symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea.

No other Kellogg's products are part of this recall. The recalled products were distributed nationwide.

Those with questions or who would like a replacement may contact the Kellogg Consumer Response Center at 888-801-4163 from 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time.

Why not just eat right in the first place?

Required Viewing for Fitness Professionals...

Yes, you have to sit through the commercials, but, every Fitness Professional should watch this and consider posting on your blog or website.  The embed code is below. 

You can post it on your website and show it to your clients with this embed code:

<object width="512" height="288"><param name="movie" value="http://www.hulu.com/embed/81T6Kzlov-MiArf_s5_RKg"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.hulu.com/embed/81T6Kzlov-MiArf_s5_RKg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"  width="512" height="288" allowFullScreen="true"></embed></object>

You're Still Not Eating Right!

Once again... there is no big surprise with the 2010 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  (Click here to digest the whole report)

Here's what they recommend:

• Reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity
• Shift to a more plant-based diet
• Reduce added sugars, solid fats, sodium, refined grains
• Meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Duh.... !  How much tax money goes into this research and report? 

The bottom line is Americans are just not interested in healthy eating... at least not until their first heart attack, stroke or onset of diabetes. 

Even a 5-year old knows how to make healthy eating decisions.

Oh yes... there are all kinds of excuses from metric food labels to the subliminal marketing urging us all to super-size everything.  What a bunch of B.S.

It gets down to personal choice and personal motivation.  If someone wants to eat "clean" they can.  Even at McDonald's.  It just takes a little education and EFFORT. 

10 Advantages of E-Mail Marketing

Do you do email? 

Among the country's top trainers, clubs, spas and bootcamps, almost all have some sort of e-mail marketing strategy as part of their marketing mix. 

Consider these 10 advantages.

Your outreach e-mail will:

• Allow your "brand" and business to maintain a two-way conversation with your clients.

• Provide "relevant" information to your clients where they spend time on computers, mobile devices, etc.

• Create an entirely new revenue stream (through e-mail consultation, product sales, services, etc.)

• Project and reaffirm your brand/business message and "character" - as well as provide additional motivation/coaching for your clients to stay on track!
  

• Target only those who are most receptive to your message

• Drive interest and confidence in your brand and business

• Increase brand recognition and awareness

• Generate urgency and excitement for special events and promotions such as fitness contests, bootcamps, special memberships, off-site events, etc.

• Breed confidence among clients, members, business partners, media, staff, etc

• Deliver the strongest "return on investment" ROI  -- $0

My #1 Resource for All Things Web

I've been building and revising my own website since 1999 using the archaic MS FrontPage website software. 

However, building your own website these days is an incredible TIME SUCK!  Especially since there are so many experts to whom you can outsource -- and get a much better result than you would ever come up with.

I recently started using a company that acts like PayPal or eBay.    You post your job requirements and they solicit bids from all over the world.  You can get a complete WordPress website up and going for $100.  Yes that's right....  $100 or less!  

I've recently completed 3 jobs through this company and am extremely pleased with the results.  So much so, that I am recommending them with an A+  (full disclosure - yes, I've become an affiliate and will receive a commission). 

Click on the link below and check it out.  After all, your time is better spent doing what you do best... and not coding a website!

Here's a link:

This is the world's largest outsourcing marketplace for small business. They connect over 1.5 million employers and freelancers globally from over 234 countries & regions. Through their website, employers can hire freelancers.

The average job is under $200, making outsourcing extremely cost effective for small businesses.

Getting the best web design, professional programming, custom writing or affordable marketing has never been easier!

This Video Could Change Your Life!

I'm a big fan of Derek Sivers.  He's smart, honest and ethical.  Here's a 3-minute video that changed my entire view of business and leadership. 

When he gave this presentation, he received a standing ovation!

What's the Difference?

Here's one of our most popular posters:  What's the Difference? 

When we open our exclusive "content" site, as a member you will be able to download this poster with YOUR LOGO as the top header (see below).

But for now, you can download this generic handout for free!!

Download What's the Difference

___________________________

With LOGO as Counter Display

FREE Daily Exercise and Nutrition Journal Posters

 Here we go again.... til June 30th!  One of our most popular promotions.  The 8.5" X 11" laminated posters of the Daily Exercise and Nutrition Journal with YOUR LOGO as well as a 3D imageYOUR JOURNAL!  of

 

With your purchase, you'll receive:

• Two (2) Posters with a purchase of 15 Journals

• Four (4) Posters with a purchase of 25 Journals

• Eight (8) Posters with a purchase of 50 Journals

• Twenty (20) Posters with the purchase of 100 Journals + Qty Discounts!!!
  

***  I know... I know!  Every time we do this, I get calls from people who ordered last week.  We will send to you your laminated posters if you ordered as far back as May 31.  I hate it, too, when a promotion starts just after I purchased something!! 

Order Now! Get your FREE POSTERS!  Offer Ends June 30, 2010!

Death Wish Foods

Each year, the Center for Science in the Public Interest publishes it's list of extreme meals.  They are a bit more "kind" in their presentation than I am. 

Frankly, if you're over 30.. and you eat this stuff... well, then, you clearly have a "death wish!"

Download Xtreme_Menus_2010