Fitness Marketing Tips From Pat Rigsby
I just got back from a few days in Dallas at the Dan Kennedy Super Conference where I got to pick up a few ideas on everything from copywriting, fitness marketing to franchising. I also got to spend some time with fitness industry colleagues Curtis Mock, Chris Bachelor, Craig Ballantyne and Scott Colby.
But some of my most enjoyable time in Dallas was Saturday morning when I got to spend some time with King Hoover.
King is a long time customer and friend that has been part of our original Trainer’s Inner Circle program and is currently a Bootcamp Blueprint & IYCA member. He’s also one of the most humble and kind gentlemen I’ve met.
King started off our conversation almost apologetically, saying that he was a little upset with himself for not implementing all the great fitness marketing strategies we’ve provided in the Blueprint.
I had to laugh a little.
King’s built a great business in Fort Worth, Texas and he’s had his own syndicated radio show, he’s on TV and he’s about as media friendly as anyone I’ve met.
And he’s probably the best networker I know.
By the time I sat down with King for breakfast he’d already befriended the guy at the next table and knew all about his business and treated our server like she was a Head of State.
King treats EVERYONE that way.
No hidden agenda.
No ‘what can this person do for me attitude.’
He just treats everyone like we all want to be treated –and like we all should treat people.
In every interaction – without exception.
And that’s his go to marketing strategy…being and outgoing, friendly good person.
In fact, a while back King helped a gentleman lose some weight.
This man happened to be a security guard. Not a CEO or the President of a big company.
As with everyone King interacts with – this man saw how genuine King was and how much he cared about his clients.
Over the years they’ve stayed in touch – and recently King received a call from this now former security guard.
The man is now over some community based programs with the Texas Rangers baseball team and has invited King to run fitness camps and programs for kids (as I mentioned, King’s an IYCA member), families and adults.
King gets to use the Rangers stadium, gets his signage around the park and is essentially partnering with a Major League Baseball team (that draws 2 million fans a year) to be their preferred fitness provider.
And it all started with King just building a relationship.
I’m not suggesting that you should drop everything you’re doing and just focus on networking since that’s the foundation of King’s marketing efforts.
That’s his strong suit.
If it’s yours too – maybe you should ramp your efforts there up a bit.
But if not – pick 1 or 2 things that can be your go to fitness marketing strategies and work them to no end.
Ben Warstler got over 100 campers with Transformation Contests.
Steve Krebs got over 100 with fundraisers.
King’s build his business with networking…Donovan Owens too.
It’s better to be great at a couple fitness marketing strategies than mediocre at a bunch.
And King’s living proof that you never know what doors might open if you just keep knocking.
Dedicated to your success,
Pat Rigsby
Pat Rigsby is a Co-Owner of the International Youth Conditioning Association & the youth fitness franchise Athletic Revolution as well as a fitness industry consultant serving thousands of personal trainers and fitness entrepreneurs. Sign up for his fitness business free newsletter to discover proven marketing, sales and business strategies, along with blog updates, news, and more! While you’re at it, follow him on Twitter.
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What a glowing testimonial, Pat. King is to be admired for his great networking skill which comes from a genuine desire to give of himself, and to share his knowledge and experience with others. By the way, you’re doing great yourself.
Rick Kaselj
http://www.ExercisesForInjuries.com
What a glowing testimonial, Pat. I agree that King is to be admired for his great networking skill which comes from a genuine desire to give of himself, and to share his knowledge and experience with others. By the way, you’re doing great yourself.
Rick Kaselj
of ExercisesForInjuries.com
I’ve met King once and I have to say that this post can only do so much justice for him. King really is one of the most genuine people that I’ve ever met in my life and it all comes natural.
Great post for a great man.
Donovan Owens
I love King…he was one of the first people I corresponded with via email a few years ago…..very genuine….a really trustworthy guy!
Sounds a lot like Brian Grasso! Another great guy who treats everyone with kindness and compassion!
King, great work! I hope to meet you soon.
I agree with Donovan, “King is one of the most genuine people that I’ve ever met in my life and it all comes natural.”
I’ve only met King one time in person too, but I’ve communicated with him on several occassions via email. It’s always like talking with a long time friend and I value his opinions.
He’s a true asset to our industry.
Would love to meet King!
Thank you all for your kind regards, what you may not know is that I am simply reflecting the company the IYCA, Pat, Nick and Jim, BJ, et al have allowed me to keep. At last years IYCA, I was not the ‘standout’ character, instead, I knew I was in the presence of greatness and the success of your businesses is evidence of that.
Rick’s willingness to correspond endlessly until the one he is blessing has exactly the info they need.
Donovan’s radiant Service attitude is a model for anyone, no wonder he vaulted over many others to be one of the first Mentors Pat allowed to serve BCBP’ers- to all our delight and blessing.
Greg Justice and his vast experience in our industry is ‘bringing it’ every month doing new things in a business that has affected many with tunnel vision. When most with that kind of longevity quit ‘playing’ and began to ‘think’ they could consult, Greg earns the right to guide others to high achievement every day.
Georgette’s persistence and creativity had her out in front in her niche long ago, her newer endeavors demonstrate her ability to embrace the ‘new’ and grow even after many years in our field.
I could go on for days about all the talent that has grown out of the FMG/TIC/BCBP Laboratory, their gatherings are filled with literally the Best of the Best. Thank Brian Grasso, BJ, Dave Schmitz, Patrick Beith, Lee Taft, Zach, Chris and everyone. We offered only a little Time and a little Green and you gave us all Gold.
Show up there, listen,take notes and put into practice what these guys tell you and Success will be simple, Growth is gauranteed and your Impact will be inevitable.
It has taken a week to respond to this post because your praise is overwhelming and the dedication of a post to me and the blessings proveded me is a great honor. Thank you all, I am at your service.
p.s. spelling is normally a strong suit…