Art's Blog

$10 Membership? .... by Art Rothafel

I received e-mail regarding my blog "Still Not Doing It?" 

It was argued that national brands (like supplements, apparel, energy drinks) provide the opportunity to "piggy back" on national advertising campaigns.  And, they don't require any work other than putting the product on the shelf.

Well... that's a decent argument on the surface. 

Sure, you can piggyback on a national campaign.  But, so can everyone else. 

Just plug "whey protein" into EBay and see what comes up.  Yup.. everything from EAS and Met-Rx to Optimum Nutrition and Pro Lab.  Then plug it into Google.  Wow!

These are all excellent products.  My point is that the pricing is all over the place.  Plus, once people know they can purchase online or at a retail store at a discount... do you really think they'll pay a premium price from you?  So, you're forced to discount.

Not only are you now stuck with discounting, but, you must now dedicate valuable shelf space marketing and merchandising a brand. other than your own.  A brand that your clients and members can purchase somewhere else! 

It just doesn't make sense.   And, it's just plain lazy.  This is the "mind-set" that drives the $10 per month membership! 

 

Exposed for the Holidays! by Art Rothafel

What?  Holidays...?!!  Isn't it a little early to be writing about the holidays?

Yes, it is -- if you're looking for presents, festivities and good cheer.

But, it's not too early for your clients who want to look good.

Think about it... 

Just around the corner is the time of year they get together and actually visit with parents, grand parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, friends and professional peers..... often for the first time in months... maybe years!

My friend Peter, runs an 8-week "Holiday HIT" (High Intensity Training) program that runs from mid Sept. to mid November.  It's one of his most profitable programs and is always full.

He sends out flyers, emails, etc. to all his clients reminding them of the upcoming holidays.  His promos include some one-liners:  

• "Who'll be seeing you at Thanksgiving?  Just HIT it!"
• "Add energy to your holiday.  Just HIT it!"
• "How ya gonna celebrate New Years?  Just HIT it!"
• "Can't sleep? Just HIT it!"

Oh... and his programs are all pre-paid. Nice cash flow.  Like most Next Gen trainers, he's always thinking ahead.  By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, he's already sold out his New Year's weight-loss programs!

So.... are you, your clients, your training programs exposed for the holidays?