Over the last 10 years the health club industry has changed drastically and it will continue to change. Some club owners have not kept up with the pace of change, and have found themselves struggling with little to no profits to show. However, during this most recent recession, the downturn in membership revenue has very little to do with the down economy. For many club owners 2009 was the most successful year ever! Further their profit line is continuously moving upward in 2010. The secret is that these health club owners have been willing to change.

Blaming the economy is a lot easier than taking action. People do have money to spend – it’s just a matter of priority.
It is up to you to show them that you have what they need!

Everything is constantly changing — the economy, your competitors, consumers and more. If you don’t continue readjusting your unique selling proposition (USP) or continue operating the same as you did last year, you will slowly kill your business. Change is key!

Analyze and identify your unique USP:
1) Cost (be the low cost competitor) – Analyze your business by running helpful reports with your management software
2) Convenience (offer 24-hour access ) – Welcome your members anytime with a 24-hour door access system such as the iGo Door Access
3) Service (focus intensely on the results of your members) – It’s all about results. Your unique fitness training program combined with a software to track and encourage your members, is a slam dunk.

You must differentiate yourself in at least one of these areas to become a more unique, or superior to your competitors.
It is crucial to consistently reevaluate your marketing and business operations to run a successful business.

Change today!

Cheers,

Kyle Z.

Source: http://www.clubsolutionsmagazine.com/?p=5087

We are very excited to offer the addition of the new door access feature in iGo Figure. Not only does this new feature come at NO extra charge to both new and existing users, we think we have the most competitive offering for door access equipment on the market. iGo Figure users will be able to manage multiple door access points in order to access interior and exterior doors for their members and employees. The system will either grant or restrict access depending on the member’s status. Whether you have a 24 hour access gym or simply want to give special members extended hours through secured door access, you now have complete control within the iGo Figure software. We have certainly seen a rise in 24 hour access fitness clubs, gymnastic centers, and an increase in the adoption of higher security measures for facilities that you would not expect to be interested in door access such as Yoga centers, day spas, and massage centers. In short, our users requested it, we delivered it, and they didn’t have to pay extra for it.

Request Free Trial

iGo Figure Software Home Page

The IHRSA 2008 Convention was held in San Diego March 6 – 8. I and members of our sales team attended. This convention is one of the largest in the fitness industry, and it showcases products from hundreds of vendors.

The convention was terrific. Many customers stopped by to say “hi”, and many more club owners stopped by to pick up a free trial version of the software. Club owners from more than 15 different countries stopped by, including Russia, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Ireland and more. Many were wowed when I showed them how easy it was to run the software in their language (currently available in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Greek, Turkish, Dutch, Russian, Hebrew and Arabic).

There was also quite a buzz about our two newest features:

1. Integrated online scheduling – allows club owners to set up an online schedule of classes, personal trainers, or anything else they want to schedule, and members can sign up for and pay for classes online through the scheduler.
2. Door/access facility access module. This allows clubs to set up 24 hour access that allows members to access the facility with their membership card. It can also be hooked up to a turnstile.

Joe Ochoa, owner of Family Gym in Coronado, CA and a long time customer of Go Figure, was the first to have the door access module installed. I had the chance to visit his club while at the convention – great facility and great equipment.

We also ran into the folks at Retention Management. Rich and Jack said for me to tell everyone they said “Hi!” For those who don’t know, we integrated their member retention service to the iGo Figure Software about a year ago, and many of our customers who have tried love it. If you have not signed up for it yet, you should. Check it out under the iGo Connect tab at igofigure.com.

The booth was so busy that we really did not have time to visit all the other booths, which was a little disappointing because I wanted to check out all the new products being showcased; oh well, maybe next time.

The show was a great success, and we’re looking forward to attending the 2009 Convention (in San Francisco). Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Matt Z

iGo Figure recently announced training and technical support is now available in French, Spanish and German. We also specialize in supporting and training Fitness clubs, Yoga Centers, Martial Arts Studios, Day Spas, Massage Centers, Chiropractic Offices, Cheer Gyms, Dance centers, Gymnastic Centers, and Child and Day care centers. For additional information about our customer support and training resources, Click Here

iGo Figure Software Home Page

Request Free Trial