The Economics Of Aging

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You've probably heard the news: Many of the nations of Europe are literally shrinking in population. In fact in Italy today 60% of children do not have a sibling, aunt, cousin or uncle: only parents, grand parents and or great grand parents. Birth rates are inadequate to sustain these populations, which are getting much older. This will pose great challenges for businesses and organizations that have traditionally relied on households of families as the largest group of customers. There is no doubt that the percentage of these are declining and further more that India and Africa will be the biggest contributors to world population growth in the coming decades. What are the implications ? They are significant. Check out the Nieslen research deck "The Aging Globe" below and think about it. Are you preparing for a future customer base that is older than the one you have now ? What are the implications to the health club business and to wellness in general ? I think they are significant. Contact me, Bryan O'Rourke, and share your views on The Aging Globe.

The Aging Globe

 

Bobby Cappuccio Interview - Key Fitness Trends In 2011 - One Is Group Fitness

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While attending IHRSA 2011 last week, by the way thanks to all who attended my two presentations, I got to interview Robert Cappuccio, one of the founders of PTA Global and collaborator with PT on the Net, Fitpro and others. I asked Bobby, what does he see as 2 key fitness trends for the future of the industry. Guess what, group fitness is one of them. Watch for his answers and share with me, Bryan O'Rourke, what do you think are the key trends in the fitness industry to keep an eye on ?

Using Technology To Improve Membership Sales & Retention

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As promised here is my IHRSA 2011 presentation on Using Technology To Improve Membership Sales & Retention. What a great crowd and thank you for attending if you did. Special thanks to Nigel Champion fouder of the Australian Fintess Network for introducing me and of course to my colleagues @RoberjDyer, @Kellihatton, and Cary Wing for attending. As promised, I will be posting follow ups from questions I received. Remember, if you donate to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami victims, I will donate an hour of my personal time consulting with you on your specific needs. So, what did you think of the presentation ? Contact me Bryan O'Rourke, and share your views on technology, consumer trends and key challenges for improving membership sales and retention in health clubs.

 

Using Technology To Improve Membership Sales & Retention
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IHRSA 2011 - Social Media - I Hate The Term But You Better Learn About It

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The fitness industry has great promise - if its leaders and participants embrace the revolution that is going on in business and organizations that promise will be MUCH greater.

At IHRSA 2011, its 30th anniversary, a lot of professionals are going to be talking about "social media" (I hate that term but don't have a better one yet) and the revolution of business. If you'd like to learn more about what I am talking about watch my video above and check out Gary Vaynerchuk's new book - The Thank You Economy.

Thanks to my friend Robert for sharing the book with me and for admitting I've been right for the past 4-5 years. If you are at IHRSA please check out my presentations on Wednesday and Saturday and share with me, Bryan O'Rourke your view: is there a better term than "Social Media"? Connect with me at IHRSA !

 

IHRSA 2011 - My First Report And First Meeting With Les Mills International

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Its going to be a long week, but I'm not complaining I live for this stuff ! Having arrived late last night in San Francisco, I got a 6 mile run in before meeting up with my friend and partner Robert Dyer for breakfast (fun as always). It is rare we get to spend time alone uninterrupted . Our first meeting of the IHRSA 2011 show was with our strategic partner, Les Mills International (if you don't know by now fitmarc distributes Les Mills in 12 U.S. states to over 600 customers).

Arriving without his luggage that was misplaced by the airline and after visiting his son in Los Angeles, Les Mills founder Phillip Mills and I sat down for a chat about Les Mills, its future and our business relationship. He recently has a new 3 month old grand son, and is trying to recoup from the terrible earthquake in New Zealand, where he lives, which destroyed two of his Les Mills gyms.

My partner and fitmarc CEO Robert Dyer was, as always, animated and positive and the rest of the group including LMI's CFO, General Counsel and Marketing Brand Guru (see picture on left and yes I was the guy holding the camera) exchanged pleasant and frank views about how we could continue our great relationship and potentially expand our relationship. This, the beginning of a full week of discussions and meetings about the future of the fitness industry and where we might possibly have a role. There was considerable interest among Les Mills executives about the recent strategic advisory alliance our companies Fitmarc , Integerus and I have with Star Trac and its owner Michael Bruno. All was positive as our business is broadening its influence and relevance in the industry. I know Robert and I both, as well as our customers, partners, employees and stakeholders are delighted at the prospects. I'll be sharing more each day as the IHRSA 2011 30th anniversary unfolds.