My Advice For People Starting Gym Franchises
If there is one place I've spent a good part of my adult life in, it's the gym. I'm a very health minded individual who sees the benefit of exercise. I was very active in athletics when I was in high school and college, so exercise is a way of life for me. Exercising a few times per week gives me confidence, drives me to eat better, helps me sleep better and makes my clothes fit better!
In addition to having a very health and fitness driven mind, I am also very interested in business. I have a degree in business administration and marketing. Because of these two interests, I am always critical of how a gym franchise is run. I've frequented at least a dozen gym franchise in my life, so I know a thing or two about them. Although many gyms do a better than average job of giving the gym goer what they want, I do have some general advice for gym franchise owners.
First off, know how much your establishment is worth. I am not going to pay a $200 start up fee and $50/month for a basic gym with few amenities. If your gym has a good amount of weight lifting and cardio equipment in addition to racquetball courts, basketball courts, a pool, jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms and other amenities then you can charge a premium. There are many gym franchise owners that thing they can charge people whatever they want. The fact of the matter is that your customer is going to immediately know if your gym is worth the price or not. The more people that say "no" means the more money you will lose.
Secondly, make your gym condusive to several kinds of people. Gyms are generally known as a "weightlifting gym" or a "cardio gym". One rule of thumb to constantly go by is thinking to yourself "would "insert a type of person" feel comfortable in here?". Try to make everyone comfortable, make everyone feel like they belong. If there are weightlifters grunting and screaming and making others uncomfortable, say something to them. Conversely, if there is a college girl walking on a treadmill for an hour while reading a magazine, let her know that she is making others wait.
Lastly, franchising is all about establishing an identity. If there are more than 1 gym with the same name, make sure that they have an identity. You want people to immediately know what your gym is all about by reputation before they even walk in the door. Doing proper advertising will bring people through the door. This can be easy if you own a gym franchise, because you will already have marketing and advertising. However, you should advertise in every way possible to promote your facility. Use the internet as an advertising tool, and make sure everyone knows who you are.
3 Ways To Justify Buying Expensive Computer Software
One thing I have worked pretty hard on throughout my life is becoming as computer savvy as possible. I realized at a young age that computers and the internet was going to be the wave of the future and have been learning about the electronic world ever since. What can I say...I'm a proud computer nerd! One thing that always surprised me in my quest to be computer-knowledgeable was how much computer software can cost! If you are buying photo editing software like PhotoShop, video editing software, web design programs or music editors, they can cost you a solid chunk of money. However, don't immediately rule out these incredibly useful programs because of sticker shock. Here are 3 ways to justify spending money on expensive computer software.
1. Computer software can make you money.
Whenever you buy computer software, think of it as an investment with the potential for return. Having a thorough knowledge of different computer programs can definitely make you money, whether you have your own site or work freelance. I know graphic designers, video editors and web designers who make a good amount of money working freelance. Although the newest PhotoShop bundle may cost a few hundred dollars, you have the potential to make a couple thousand through various design projects. This, along with the fact that you can make money working from home, makes these programs look that more attractive!
2. Computer software can make you better at your job.
Mastering relevant computer software programs can be a huge point of attention on a resume. If you buy PC software that is popular in internet and computer based companies and become very good at it, your resume will be at the top of every pile. Someone who knows code and can work their way around PhotoShop and Dreamweaver will be in a very good spot at their current web design job. This goes for a wide variety of internet based careers. Spending $600 on a computer program is definitely worth a $2,000 raise!
3. Computer software can facilitate a fun hobby.
Don't think of computers as all work and no play! Some computer applications can be very interesting, fulfilling hobbies. I, personally, love playing around with photo editors and music editing software. This is something that I frequently do in my spare time because it gives me enjoyment. Whether you like art, music, video games...whatever, computer software that brings you happiness is always worth it!
Which Type Of Perfume Buyer Are You?
If there is one thing I am hopelessly addicted to, it is perfume. I have so many bottles of perfume that most people would think I was crazy. I've always loved things that smelled good. I have a very keen sense of smell, and I truly appreciate scents that please my sense of smell.
I was wearing perfume at a very early age. I remember wearing my mothers fragrances and feeling like a grown up! Now that I am older, I have developed my own personal tastes in perfumes and fragrances. I have also notices other peoples' fragrance buying habits.
I am very interested in others' shopping patterns, especially when it comes to perfumes, colognes and fragrances. Why do people buy a certain perfume? What leads them to that decision? In my analysis, I found that there are 4 types of female perfume buyers. Here is my analysis.
1. “I'll buy whatever is popular.”
I was definitely this type of perfume buyer when I was in middle school and high school. Everyone wants to fit in at that age, so I was spending the money on designer perfumes and fragrances. I did find a lot of scents that was a fan of through this process, but for a while I wouldn't even smell a fragrance before I bought it. Wearing a popular scent can definitely illustrate your personality and “complete the look”. If you are someone who always wears Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger, it only makes sense to complete the wardrobe with the fragrance.
2. “I'll buy a perfume as long as it is unique.”
It seems like once you graduate high school and go on to college, this is a natural progression. While high school is all about fitting in, college is all about standing out and carving your own spot in this world. Your clothing changes from mall retail stores to small boutiques and rare vintage garb. Your taste in fragrances also change. These people usually look to smaller shops, internet stores or discount perfumes for something that nobody else has.
3. “I'll buy whatever I personally think smells good.”
It sounds like common sense, but not everyone fits this mold. There are always people who march to the beat of their own drummer. These people truly don't care what other people thing and will buy whatever they like. If they feel like buying yellow jeans and a leather cowboy hat, they will. This type of perfume buyer will buy whatever scent they like. Whether it is $10 or $100...if they like it they will buy it. Their individuality is kind of admirable!
4. “I'll buy what someone else tells me smells good.”
This is usually the “relationship&rdquo ; segment of the perfume buying crowd. These gals either receive fragrances for birthday, Valentines Day or Christmas presents. If they don't get perfume bought for them, their boyfriend/husband/signifi cant other suggests a scent he likes. There is nothing wrong with this, as someone's perfume should be self pleasing and pleasant to others.