How to Build a Health and Fitness Network

Building your health and fitness network – 7 steps to success

1. Establish the structure, function and objectives of your network.
2. Invite allied businesses to join your network.
3. Welcome new members to reinforce the value of the system, structure and function of the network.
4. Grow and develop the network through the quality system and ‘power of many’.
5. Create a culture of abundance where ‘everyone wins’ – all ships rise with the incoming tide!
6. The power of the collective – none of us can do what all of us can do. Create a system of referral and recommendations based on relationships.
7. Create events of value – launch, monthly gatherings, special events that have quality value that trickles back to the business to deliver a return on investment.

Step 1: Establish the Structure, Function and Objectives

To build a health and fitness business network, firstly you must ask a few questions to establish the structure, function, and objectives of your health and fitness business network.

Answer these questions to establish the framework of your network.

• What is the philosophy that is mutually understood and practiced by the business network?
• What other businesses compliment your health, fitness and leisure services or products?
• Is there an expectation of giving, learning or investment in the network?
• Which businesses have you identified as like-minded and client-centric?
• What level of commitment is required of the network members?
• Do you want a system of referral and appreciation in place?
• What is the brand, message or culture of the network?
• Do you want a systematic approach for an endorsement?
• How are your business networks mutually beneficial?
• Do these businesses deliver holistic health services?
• When and how do you want to do business?
• Who is in your business network already?
• Who do you want to do business with?
• Who is in your sphere of influence?
• What return on investment (ROI) is expected of members?

Step 2: Invite the Allied Business Services to Join Your Network

Create an exclusive group

Planning your networking

• Make networking a regular part of running your business
• Plan activities using a targeted approach.

Prioritising your time

• Devote time to the plan for networking activities
• Think about what you hope to achieve
• Consider who you want to meet and why, and think about what you have to offer
• This way you can prioritise events to attend, making your networking more effective.

Sell your business

• Prepare a pitch for your business
• What does your business offer – do you have a niche market?
• Know who you are networking with – who else is attending
• Keep in mind that while you want to tell people about your business, they will also want to tell you about theirs
• Make sure you ask them what they do when you finish speaking

Business cards

• Have some business cards made that you can give to people when you are talking about your business
• Make sure they reflect your business accurately and include all the relevant contact details, including your email and website address
• Giving your business cards to people you’ve connected with and described your business to will have a greater impact than giving them to as many people as possible with limited personal interaction

Following up

• It’s important to follow up with people soon after you meet them so that you are still fresh in their mind
• Make sure you deliver on any promises you make, whether it’s a phone call or a special offer
• Keep in regular contact with people you meet to build your networks.

Develop a business system

• Consider creating a database of contacts, including details of where you met them and what they do.

Following up online

• If you decide to follow-up by adding a new contact to your online network, such as LinkedIn, try to include a personal message that mentions where you met the person and what you talked about
• An email newsletter can help you communicate information about your business to your contacts
• If you decide to add new contacts to your mailing list, make sure you are not breaching spam laws.

Consider

• ]22 Benefits of Social Media for Business] (https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-for-business)
• Learn more about developing your business brand
• Find out how to create a strong business vision.

Step 3: Welcome New Members

Welcome new members to reinforce the value systems, structures and functions of your health and fitness business network.

Use your social media tools or business networking events to welcome your new members!