WNiF Magazine - Autumn 2013 Edition | Page 26

ON RETE NTI O N ! by Analee Matthews T he success of a health club relies on many factors; one of which is member retention. We consulted leading industry operators to identify the most successful strategies to help you smash your retention records. Paul Brown Paul Brown, aka ‘Mr Retention’ is the director of Face2Face Retention Systems (www.myf2f.com), which is a world-leading innovator in programs and systems that dramatically improve member retention, customer loyalty and referral based membership growth in health and fitness clubs, and leisure centres across five continents. Paul Brown’s Top Three Retention Tools: Paul has been focusing on his approach to retaining customers for 17 years. He says that sales and retention are inseparable. ‘Retention isn’t about providing distractions, bribery or restrictive contracts,’ he explains. ‘Nor will a bombardment of inconsequential contact or flashing gadgets impress. “Retention” is a word that describes a client who uses what we have often enough to justify the cost, recognises the benefits it brings, and doesn’t want to go elsewhere for it. In other words it 1. People: the right staff having quality contact with members at the right time. 2. Pathways: a clearly defined system for your staff and a step-by-step journey to help your members succeed. 3. Proof: make the invisible visible. From the guidance and support to the results, put it all on show so there can be no doubt that your business has the answers your members need. WHAT’S NEW IN FITNESS - AUTUMN 2013 27