What do you think is the most important aspect to keep retention high?

Hi Ron,

I recently wrote an article about the top 5 things I think fitness professionals can do to ensure their clients stay happy and loyal. I'll summarize the headings (to save space) but you can check out the details here: http://www.danaauriemma.com/1/post/2013/04/client-retention-together-for.... Enjoy!

1. Start with a continuing education refresh.
2. Offer a fun new type of class or workshop.
3. Show a special gesture of appreciation.
4. Remind clients why they come (in a specific way).
5. Get feedback!

Thanks,
Dana Auriemma
www.danaauriemma.com

Successful clients is NUMBER ONE!! I don't care what you offer or send for birthdays if you don't get results you aren't going to keep a client around. I even have a client that moved to the other side of the country but asked me to train her via email. Once you show a client what they are capable of nothing else matters.

1. Give more than you and/or your business promised.
2. Always be on time and ready to start.

Open communication with members/feedback/
Intelligent caring concerned staff members
Cleanliness
EDUCATED trainers
Safety current/updated
Top of the line equipment

4 Things:

1. Meeting goals

2. Consistent Follow-up so they know I care about them as individuals

3. Listening to their needs, wants and personalizing their workouts to them, their assessment and their needs

4. Doing what I promised.

In no particular order:

1. Deliver what you have promised.
2. Always get feedback from your clients/customers.
3. Keep an open mind.
4. If you own a gym make sure it stays clean and safe.
5. Find ways to stay ahead of your competition.
6. Great customer service and loyalty keeps your clients/customers around.
7. Getting the results they wanted will make them stick around longer.

Hello Ron Benamor,

Keeping it FRESH:
Fun
Results
Energizing empathy
Sincerity
Honesty

Take care,
Natalie.

Thank you all for such amazing answers. I will assuredly use some of these ideas in our upcoming blogs.

Feel free to check it out, a new entry is posted every thursday.
www.motionsoft.net/the-circuit

-Ron Benamor

www.motionsoft.net

Final Answer: Overwhelm your clients with value - constantly!
1.) Sign them up to a great fitness newsletter
2.) Relate awesome 2-3 step healthy recipes they can make
3.) Text them assignments to do on the days you're not training - they'll do it! Which leads to the next point -
4.) Get HUGE results. Reiterating the last point, if they only train 2x a week with you, inspire them to do a 3rd day to augment your regimen by texting them instruction
5.) Make it FUN! If you're not having fun, chances are, they aren't either
6.) Give them positive feedback and be a master cheerleader. My best client is 64 w/major guns that I helped to build. I marvel at his results and make sure he knows it. That fuels his fire - and mine, too!!! :D

Over deliver, RESULTS, be professional, and continuing education.

1. Get results
2. Care about clients deeply
3. Create professional business friendships
4. Stay educated and read
5. Learn from the best
6. Be kind but tough
7. Improve your training and staff
8. Be professional yet not to corporate like
9. Serve a niche not everyone
10. Work your butt off.

Treating each individual client as an INDIVIDUAL! Hands down I think that by showing each client that they are important, that you hear and understand their specific needs and are willing to address them (after all, it is called PERSONAL training), and that you care about them beyond the 30-minute or 1-hour training session, is key!

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com