There is a master plan brewing right now. There have been some changes and more are coming. The plan will cover competition plans, nutrition and training. I am just not ready to talk about it just yet until everything is plugged in and ready to go.
Yesterday, an article of mine was published. You should check it out, it's time to start a dialogue of some accepted practices that parents are afraid to start questioning. If you missed it, you can catch the article here:
Business owners are constantly seeking low cost but effective ways to market. Naturally, many business owners in this field have a knee jerk reaction and think that school age children are the simple solution. Better yet, target school age children and reach out to them in SCHOOLS. It's ok. we all have thought about it from time to time. Before you make a move in that arena, I have some very strong feelings about this for you to consider.
But first, let's talk training.
3/6 - 30 min treadmill
3/7 Bench/OHP
Rolling & Mobility
High Knee Walks
High Knee Cradles
Frankenstein Walks
Walking Hamstring
Active Quad
Miniband Rehab
Planks - 4x30 sec
Bench
135, 2x8
Close Grip Bench
125, 2x5
Bench With Pause
120, 3x10
12" Log
90, 1x3
110, 5x3
Fat Block One Hand Pinch
Worked up to 42 lbs
Yeow. That all put the hurting on when I woke up on Tuesday. That pain is my cue that I am doing something worthwhile and starting to build towards the next phase of programming. I still have a few weeks to go until then.
So back to the article....
Anytime kids are involved, integrity and transparency are critical no matter the arena. One key point in my article was, "If an athletic coach also works, coaches, or has direct financial gain from the required/encouraged training facility, that is a red flag."
From the day we opened our doors at Competitive Edge Athletic Performance Center, we resolved that in no way, shape or form would we market within the schools, work in conjunction with coaches, teams, etc. This list also includes free demo training sessions in classes or practices, sponsor a team (even our own children's), promotional materials, flyers where kids are the target audience. You get the point.
The athletic world is extremely political and parents are very competitive. What is lost in the middle is the kids that play the sports. Our loyalty as business owners will always be to the members and families we serve. Clients are referred to us strictly based on reputation and results. Our results speak for themselves and we do not market. That's a powerful place to be.
When an athlete walks through our doors, there is a mutual understanding of the relationship and services provided. There are no hidden agendas, desires to win political points for being at the "right" program that a coach might also work at, playing a political game for a starting position, etc. Clients come to us because they are serious athletes, they have been around the block with other training options and understand that the services we provide are not for everyone. That's what makes up special. That's why people make long term commitments AND end up bringing their friends along with them.
Every school district out there has policies and procedures related to use of facilities, business entities and marketing to students. Some district policies are very clear on this issue and others have more latitude on issues. That latitude often creates ginormous gray areas that inevitably lead to pushing boundaries nearly to the breaking point. Most districts have their entire policy manual on line and available for public review. (hint...educate yourself)
So my advice to any business owner who thinks they want to branch out and start working with school teams with the hope of gaining new clients, DON'T! RUN! Once you cross boundaries in business, you can never get a "redo". Focus on the things you can control, which fundamentally is YOUR program. Continue to develop those things that work for you and yield the best results. Run your business on your terms and find more effective ways to reach the population you want to. Don't be that business that has a flyer sent home to families in a stack of papers in Friday Folders. You know those papers go right in the trash. You're worth so much more than that!
Disclaimer: We have been invited to provide in-services to coaches by some schools/teams. We do not accept money for the presentations. Decisions to move forward with the in services were made strictly because of the educational values we have within our company. In addition, we have an open door for any coach, team or league. Typically we provide information or support for their programs at their request. Ultimately the end result of this meetings is the trickle down of improved information and practices. It is what is best for kids. While not every student athlete should be a member with us, we feel great responsibility to ensure that where ever any child athlete is training, their training is not only safe, but a constructive use of their time.
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