Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

Your marketing ideas are going to be based on your target audience. What is the demographic of the club? What are its most popular offerings and what would it like to see grow in popularity?

The basics typically promoted by a health club are its fitness and nutritional guidance, certified personal training and amenities. Consider the personal stories and helpful information surrounding those and market toward your target.

Unless you know the history of their marketing effort and their marketing strategy, you're going to be guessing. The key criteria for hiring shouldn't be good ideas - it should be the willingness to identify the business' need and implement them. It's their job to create the strategy, and your job to implement it (creatively).

Ask a TON of questions about what they're doing now. That way when you get hired, you'll hit the ground running. Don't be afraid to ask questions that might lead them to an idea. Just don't give it all away.

Michael

What everyone is saying is right on. To add to it, you can't come up with successful marketing techniques if you don't know what their goals and budget are. Not to split hairs but it sounds to me like they are really after some solid promotional ideas. Many business owners mistake promotions for marketing. Promotions is an important part of marketing but it is just a piece of it. Maybe call them back and ask them if they want marketing ideas or just promotional ideas. Of course, they might not be open tomorrow. If you know the answer to the promotion versus marketing question, repost and I will check back and let you know what I think. Any other information you have about the club would be helpful too. What does their primary customer look like? (age, sex, etc.). Is it a hardcore gym for bodybuilders? I am going to assume not since you used the term health club, but let me know.