In this issue, from FDC:

- Profit Centres to make the winter season successful - some work better at this time a year
- Invigorate your programming options and members with "the buddy system"
- Don't let the festive season slow you down, have a great outreach program
- Be ready for the upcoming season, could be a long winter if we are not

At this time of year, with the festive season starting, we often get ask at Fitness Depot Commercial (FDC), what to do to prepare for the "BIG" fitness season. You know, the one where everybody has a new year's resolution, where losing weight and getting into shape is the biggest goal you get as an industry expert.

It's also where most of our clients look for fun and innovating programming in order to decide where and with whom they will work out with in January. And what we have seen in the past few years are that those who are prepared and can provide proven programming get the bulk of the business.

Make no mistake, people already start shopping in December for their January needs. That's why the following are things I urge you to have in place for the upcoming rush, unless you don't want new members, new clients or more revenue.

1. Make sure you have a great nutritional program to offer your clients. one that is effective and also makes you money. There are a lot of them out there. As well, if you look into our articles for this month, a successful client is willing to share with you his results and template.

Nutrition, weight loss, balanced diets etc., are all big business for us in the health and fitness field, and no time is bigger than the one coming up. So if your program doesn't produce the results and revenues you need, take a look at the article attached called "Small Town Club Owner Hits The Profit Jackpot". This is just an example of some that are out there and produce revenues/results worth looking at. And please, which ever program you decide to implement, make sure it not only matches your goals, but those of your clients as well.

2. Programming is big these days and we at FDC have lots of different avenues to help you, depending on what are your and your client's expectations. For an inexpensive way to boost your programming, implement something new or just invigorate your clients, watch the latest you tube video on "the buddy system" by Lebert fitness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4ouHoKWJWY

It's easy to implement, fun and very cost effective. You can demo this with your client while they are touring your facility and see their reaction. Now you just need to make them part of your facility.

3. As somebody promoting health and wellness, this is the best and easiest time of year to get noticed by your community, your office employees and the public. So get out there. Take along with you a candy cane (or a more nutritional treat), put it in with your business card (offering a free pass to the facility, a free P.T. training at your studio, a free class etc), bundle it in packs of 5 or 10 with a nice bow, and now you have yourself an great outreach program.

And don't second guess yourself, these work. Once the individual is looking for a place to go after the holidays, they will go to a familiar friendly face, a place where they can try for free and a place close to their work or home. This is an inexpensive way to get yourself, your facility and your location out there. Plan it to match your clientele and they will come, either before or after the holidays. But start now, as the week before the holidays is too late. Be first to impress them, not last.

4. But none of these programs can be successful if you and your people are not ready and trained properly. So make sure the people you are putting in place to deal with these new possible members, classes and training opportunities are ready and informed. They need to know what is going on, how it works and how to present it.  If not, the winter season might be long.

For more ideas on what to do at this time of year, on how to prepare for our busiest season and to find ways to keep your clients happy and successful, don't hesitate to contact your local FDC Account Manager, either via e-mail (see www.fitnessdepotcommercial.com for your local representative) or call us at 888-245-7871 x22.

On behalf of FDC, we wish all our readers the Happiest, Healthiest and Safest Holiday Season. We will skip the December issue as you will be out in your community doing outreach anyway (hopefully), and write you back with some new ideas in January 2011.

Happy Holidays

Pierre Potrias