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Bodybuilding
Program Basics
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Bodybuilding Attitudes
7
Marketing Lessons I Learned From the Muscleheads at
Gold's Gym by
Alexandria K. Brown
Can I share a secret with you?
I love working out. So much that several years ago
I considered a career in fitness. I modeled for Reebok
and Ironman magazine, made it to the final round for
hosting a fitness TV show, and I moonlit as an aerobics
instructor and personal trainer for several years while
I figured out how to get out of my day job in publishing.
Now that I make a great living online as The E-zine
Queen, I still make time for my health. And I'm lucky
to live close to the most famous gym in the world: Gold's
Gym at Venice Beach, California. On a daily basis, I'm
surrounded by bodybuilding legends like Lou Ferrigno
and various men named "Gunther," athletes
like Kobe Bryant and Jennifer Capriati, and celebs like
"The Rock". The place is an absolute circus,
and I enjoy the entertainment factor.
When I first joined Gold's two years ago, I didn't
pay much attention to the "muscleheads" -
the professional bodybuilders. But I've come to realize
they can teach us a lot about marketing and business
success. Here are 7 lessons we can all learn from.
1. Hang around people whom you want to be like.
Bodybuilders and aspiring bodybuilders from all over
the area come to the Venice Gold's because it's the
home of bodybuilding. I know a few bodybuilders who
drive almost an hour just to work out there. Sure, they
could exercise at their neighborhood Ballys, but instead
they make the trip to their Mecca every day through
the arduous Los Angeles traffic.
Why? They know that when you hang around people who
are doing what you want to do, you automatically have
a much greater chance of success. The furious energy
at Gold's is undeniable as soon as you walk in the door.
You're surrounded by world-class competitors, gold medalists,
and celebrities. It's not only motivating and inspiring,
but there's a wealth of knowledge surrounding you as
well.
Who are YOU hanging around? (Think about it.)
2. Consistency is the key for long-term success.
Bodybuilders know that a body is built over a long term.
And even if they take some time off, they'll bounce
back quickly because of all the training they've done
over the years. It's called "muscle memory"
- your body remembers your shape and snaps back into
place.
In the same way, our clients and customers have "marketing
memory." That is, as long as we're in front of
them on a regular basis, they'll remember who we are
- even if we take a break. (And there's no better way
to stay in front of them than publishing an e-zine!)
3. Ups and downs are a part of the process.
Bodybuilders know that success comes in cycles. It's
physically damaging for them to try to be on "full
force" more than a few times every year. They know
their limits, and they push them, but they don't break
them.
Marketing has cycles as well. You can hit it hard for
a while, then ease back for a bit. Don't worry when
there's a "down." Just make sure to immediately
follow it with an "up". Get back on your marketing
schedule or mix it up and do something different.
4. Hard work is part of the game.
Bodybuilders don't wake up and say, "I don't feel
like working out today." They just do it. It becomes
part of their schedule, part of their life. And that
ensures their success.
How many of us secretly wish our success would be handed
to us on a silver platter? I'm all about attracting
success on whatever level we can, but hey, let's realize
there is work involved. The solution is to make the
hard work FUN by doing what you love to do and delegating
what you don't.
5. Model others who are already doing what you want
to do.
Bodybuilders don't try to invent their own training
programs from scratch. They look at what the top competitors
are doing, and they do the same thing. From weightlifting
to cardio to diet, they've got it down to a precise
formula.
Don't reinvent the wheel when there are others who
are already racing along. Find other business owners
who are doing what you want to do, and model them. Important:
Don't model ones who are doing it half-assed. Model
the best, the ones who are experiencing the immense
success that you dream of!
6. Find a mentor or coach for faster results.
I don't know of any champion who got to where he/she
did alone. Every bodybuilding competitor hires a trainer
or a coach who has been there before and can walk them
through every step of the way. Does this cost them a
lot of money? You bet. But they don't look at what it
costs. They look at what it's WORTH. They're fast forwarding
their success, and that is priceless.
I know many entrepreneurs who have wasted thousands
or even tens of thousands of dollars on websites, programs,
and training that got them nowhere or pointed them in
the wrong direction. Don't make that mistake - I've
been there. Stop struggling and invest in someone to
show you the way - the right way - the first time.
7. Show off what you've got!
You can be sure the bodybuilding gurus at Gold's aren't
meek about their successes. They show off their hard
work with outfits that emphasize their assets. (Oh,
the stories I could tell you about some of the costumes
there! Lace catsuit, anyone?)
Even if you don't have it all (yet), show off what
you DO have. Strut your best stuff and toot your own
horn. You're doing the world a disservice if you don't
let us all know what you and your business can offer.
About the Author
Alexandria K. Brown, "The E-zine Queen,"
is author of the award-winning manual, "Boost Business
With Your Own E-zine." To learn more about her
book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit
her site at http://EzineQueenTutorial.com/
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