Technique Magazine

USA Gymnastics President's Message

Robert Colarossi Bob Colarossi
March, 2000

"Get Ready, Get Set, GROW"

Now that we have experienced the passing into the new year and new millennium, it is time to make good on our goals that we set for the new year. It is easy to set strategic goals for our business, competitive programs, and clubs in general, but it is much harder to rise above the day-to-day challenges and execute what is necessary to achieve them. We must remember that to improve, we must work on our businesses, not just in them. Take time to step back and evaluate where you are and where you want to be.

The advent of this summer's Olympic Games presents an unparalleled opportunity for growth of our sport. In order to fully maximize this opportunity, we need to start now to prepare. Do you have a written strategic plan that you can share with your employees to make sure everyone is on the same page? What are you going to do to take advantage of this opportunity? Have you developed a marketing calendar? Are you going to introduce new programs? What about your brochure and other collateral marketing materials? This is an excellent time to review everything that you present to the public-from your materials to what potential clients experience when they walk into your gym. When I was an active club owner, once a year I would invite a fellow owner over to review my gym. I would then reciprocate and do the same for him. Knowing what either adds or detracts from an initial impression can make all the difference in the world for signing up new members.

Start New Programs: Tumbling & Trampoline Rhythmic Gymnastics!!

For USA Gymnastics Member Clubs, the new web-sites and secure business advice site will be up and running during the second quarter of 2000. Debut of the Member Club Website Network will include training materials and workshops for club "webmasters" in conjunction with the John Hancock U.S. Championships and Congress 2000.

We are proactively working with our sponsors to develop new programs that will help leverage the position of Member Clubs in the marketplace.

Aussie Haircare will be placing a national ad for free trial classes at participating gymnastics clubs. The promotion will run from July through November. Look for details in the mail soon.

National Gymnastics Day is also an excellent opportunity to leverage your club's profile in the local marketplace and reinforce the link between your competitive members and the National Team members that will ultimately go on to compete in Sydney in the Olympic Games. Mark your calendar for this year's National Gymnastics Day, August 12.

Our broadcast schedule with more than 20 hours featuring the Visa American Cup Series, the John Hancock National Championships, the Olympic Team Trials, the Olympic Games, and finally the Reese's Gymnastics Cup and the Pontiac Team Championships, present untold opportunities for growth.

The Olympic year is here, full of countless opportunities for you to build your business. The old adage, "the early bird catches the worm," once again rings true. Get together with your business advisors and develop a strategic plan to maximize your chances for success. Also, join us for our first annual business conference on Thursday, August 17, from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. which is an add-on session to National Congress 2000.

Good luck, USA Gymnastics will be there every step of the way to assist you in any way we can.


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