Using biometrics

The use of biometrics is getting to be a more common way to ensure privacy and preserve identity and it is finding its way to College campuses.




In order to gain entry into a rec facility or campus gym students use a biometric device that identifies them, cross references them to an approved user of the facility and grants them access. The upside to this is that it is easy to use, the chances of sharing ID cards or pretending to be a student are eliminated and the safety of the facility increases. The downside is the cost, since it can be prohibitive, the reliability of the system and storing the information.




Since biometrics has been gaining traction as a way to preserve privacy with locking smart phones we can expect to see more and more use of this in the future. It may also expand to include access not just to the fitness centers, but classroom, sporting events and vehicles. Since there is no need to carry a card with you, this allows the institution the ability to track attendance, monitor use and even potentially identify those that are misusing the facilities.




If strength equipment gets to the point that they will automatically adjust to a biomarker, then whole workouts can be tracked and accessed just by scanning your hand. This will cut down on paper storage and thought involved with the workout, as the machine will automatically adjust to the user.


As time goes on it will be interesting to see where else biometric measurements will be used.




http://www.athleticbusiness.com/rec-center/biometrics-gaining-steam-in-college-rec.html?topic=1,400&eid=277204494&bid=1062662

Porter's 5 factors

I recently read Michael Porter’s 1979 HBR article on Competitive forces. It serves a great reminder of all the factors that can affect the business, and that a strong business takes into account the relationship of all those factors.

 

In quick summary the 5 factor model encompasses threat of new entrants, bargaining power of customers, threat of substitute products or services, bargaining power of suppliers and the current state of the industry including competitors. A pull or push from any of these directions can throw the business out of alignment. In order to hedge against the uncertain future, the business needs to constantly monitor to their environment.

 

Ongoing success lies in understanding the current state and planning for the future. This can be done in any number of ways. As Porter points out this can be done by creating strong relationships with buyers, entering a new technology partnership and differentiating the product through marketing. However, these are just possibilities, any number of areas can be effective for increasing or sustaining market share. Each possibility means that the current and future landscape needs to be assessed and understood when formulating the specific strategy.

 

A failure to accurate assess the landscape in any of the factors can lead to a loss of business or position. In the current business climate with so many niche companies not taking the time to survey the competition in close fields can lead to a deterioration of the existing customer base. A lack of attention to suppliers and buyers can mean that costs creep up and profits erode, or that the product is not in line with current trends.

 

The interactions on a company are many and understanding each of these factors can lead to ongoing business success.

Ivory tower marketing

If you are having trouble with your marketing plan it may be that you are not in touch with your target audience. If you do not engage in ongoing communication with your customer base, how can you meet their needs?

 

Running your marketing plan without getting to know your customers is not the most effective way to reach them. Sure, it may work in the short term, but it will not generate the interest and ongoing loyalty that is vital to growth and success. You may be one of the best in your fields, but if you lack the relationships with your customers then they will not purchase from you. Getting out and interacting with target audience where they are can help you gain a deeper understanding of their habits. What are the similarities in their purchases? Do they shop at similar places? Do they move in similar social circles? Where can you engage with them?

 

The best way to get to know your customers is to talk with them. If you show an interest in them they will respond in kind. They will know that you care about them as a person and do not look at them as a customer and just a source of income.

 

If you run your marketing from an office and rely on your perceptions of what your target audience wants, it can be seen as fake. People know when they are being talked at rather than being talked with. Marketing should be a conversation with your audience based on listening to what they want and need and offering solutions. If you are telling your potential customers what you think they want you could be missing the boat completely.

 

Take the time to interact with your base and really get to know them. Taking the time to nurture relationships will pay dividends in the long run through effective marketing, brand loyalty and referrals of new customers.

Negotiating

Global Finance issued a chapter on 'Negotiating, Valuing and Structuring Winning Deals' through its partner, Merrill DataSite.


The chapter was written from the perspective of experts in the field of negotiating Merger and Acquisitions deals and discusses their key insights into making the process successful.


The main takeaways are perform due diligence, listen, maintain open communication and keep the end in sight.


Prior to negotiating, it is important to research the issues, understand positions and have an idea of who you're dealing with. Getting to know the other side prior to the meeting can give you an idea of their history and motives. This knowledge can give you an advantage in knowing what is important to them. You also need to know what is important to you; what will you compromise on, what won't you? Knowing this beforehand can set the framework for the ongoing conversations.


The key to a successful, mutually beneficial, negotiation is rapport and building a relationship. Take the time to know the other side and listen to them when they talk. You may learn what they are really after, what they are concerned about and what their vision for the end result is. Align your motives with yours and the chance for hard ball decreases.


Maintaining an open line of communication is vital in negotiating. It is not beneficial to shut the other side out and try to our maneuver them. While this may work in the short term, it will damage the long term relationships of those involved. If you don't know the answer to something, or the topic is outside your specialty, look at asking others and form an honest opinion of the information.


The main goal of negotiating is to reach a conclusion. Each side may have a different end goal in mind, but negotiating is a way for both parties to be happy. understanding that both sides want to resolve the issues at hand and reach a deal can keep things in perspective.


The next time you are negotiating try these tactics. Try to remain calm and present your case and listen to the other party before making any final decisions. Working together often leads to greater solutions.

Current campus fitness trends

Considering the obesity epidemic in North America, it is nice to see such high demand for fitness centers. The new idea of fitness is not really that new: the greatest demand for equipment is cardio, followed by strength training.

As any gym rat will tell you, they always want more free weight space. Cardio junkies are no different. No one likes to go to the gym and have to wait for equipment in order to complete their workout. Enthusiasts want to come in, get their workout it, maybe socialize with some friends and leave. That could be propelling the desire to have larger fitness centers in order to maximize space and equipment.

The request for a multi-purpose room is also not new, but the types of activities are. Instead of places that can be used for cycling and group fitness classes, the newer rooms have climbing walls, barre classes and attachments for TRX devices. The demand is for more versatility and flexibility in the rooms so that a large number of classes can be accommodated.

Keeping up to date on what the current fitness trends are is no small task. While the basics remain the same, the ever changing trends make building a facility for the ages a feat indeed.

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/rec-center/trends-in-campus-fitness-and-recreation-center-programming.html?eid=277204494&bid=1044343

Growing a customer base

The ability of a business to develop a strong customer base will determine the value. The businesses that have more accessible, readily engaged customers were more likely to perform well in mergers and acquisitions. Now, this is considering those businesses that were bought by others, but the lessons can be transferred to others.

The brand recognition and brand value has been less important in the past few years than the ability of that business to have a strong customer base. The more these customers and potential customers can be converted into sales leads to the growth of the business.

In order to be a successful company, identify the customer you want to reach and determine what their needs/wants are. Then create a product that meets their needs, communicate with that customer and engage with them by demonstrating your desire to meet those needs. The customer will reward with the basics of business: sales. Business comes back to relationships. The better you establish and grow a relationship over time will result in a strong, stable customer base.

https://hbr.org/2015/04/why-strong-customer-relationships-trump-powerful-brands

Return to play post hip surgery

The British Medical Journal just published some new findings on return to play following hip arthroscopy for FAI.

Out of the studies that were reviewed, 87% of patients went on to return to sport. 82% returned to their previous level of activity after surgery. There is some speculation that the presence of articular damage (OA) in the joint can prevent return to play. The level of participation can also be a limiting factor: those that are returning to high level competitive sports may have a harder time than those participating at a lower level.

It would be interesting to see what sports the athletes were participating in and whether there are similarities among positions that make it easier or harder to return to activity. The increase of FAI is often from sports that require a lot of abduction and flexion like soccer and hockey. If the return to play for those sports is lower, then more information will be needed to develop preventative programming or alternative methods of treatment.

It is very encouraging that some many individuals are able to maintain their level of activity post-surgery.

http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2015/04/03/bjsports-2014-094414.short?q=w_bjsm_education_sidetab

Treating low back pain

Complaints of low back pain continue to be prevalent and a major source of time off of work. While it might seem that taking time to rest and stay in bed will improve your pain, the truth is that continuing to be active is the best treatment.

The use of Tylenol for the treatment of low back has recently been called into question, which means that the standby is exercise. Exercise has been shown to be the most effective treatment in modulating low back pain and dysfunction. Physical therapy, functional therapy and strength training actively recruit the core muscles that stabilize the back. Working to improve the strength of the supporting muscles and relearning proper movement mechanics can help with carrying loads. These exercise techniques will help you decrease your pain and maintain your activity.

The next time your low back is acting up remember to stay active.

http://www.sportsmedres.org/2015/04/low-back-pain-work-it-out.html

Hiring the right personal trainer

If you're thinking of hiring a personal trainer, make sure to properly vet who you choose. Unfortunately, the industry is filled with trainers with no formal education. Even some highly respected companies have developed their own training program without requiring a more in depth understanding of anatomy and physiology. While these programs are good, they are definitely not perfect. While I am a big believer in experience for learning, I also believe it needs to be guided and grounded in theory.


When hiring a personal trainer ascertain where they got their certification and their training. Do they have a degree in fitness or exercise? Do they understand how to work with your special needs?


Companies that hire their exercise staff who have degrees are more costly to join, but the quality of the programming is much higher. Don't let what happened to this woman happen to you.


http://www.athleticbusiness.com/civil-actions/woman-wins-980k-in-fitness-center-injury-suit.html?topic=3,100&eid=277204494&bid=1045545


Certifications that require a degree:
NSCA CSCS
NASM PES/CES unless they completed the NASM CPT
ACSM Exercise Physiologist


Certifications that are respected but do not have a degree:
NASM CPT
NSCA CPT
ACE


Really look into those certifications that are not overseen by NSCA, NASM, ACSM or ACE

Leadership Styles

There have been many, many theories on leadership and the various styles that leaders utilize given their personality, environment, followers and other variables. In an HBR article, Dan Goleman assess six that are connected to emotional intelligence:
1. Coercive-demanding compliance
2. Authoritative-mobilize toward a vision (more transformational than transactional)
3. Affiliative-building bonds, empathy
4. Democratic-consensus through participation
5. Pacesetting-setting high standards for performance
6. Coaching-develops people for the future


Of the 6, 2 are negatively viewed by employees and are not beneficial in most situations, those are coercive and pacesetting.


Effective leaders will improve their emotional intelligence and choose a style dependent on the situation. They have learned how to utilize the various styles effectively to lead others and generate results.


Research has demonstrated that leaders with strong emotional intelligence perform better than those with limited EI. Those that possess it are better able to communicate with individuals and a team, create a feeling of shared responsibility for success and motivate each individual in the team to contribute with what they do best. Since every person and every situation is different, the more tools that a leader has at their disposal, the more effective they will be. If you struggle with any of these styles, seek out a trusted colleague, mentor or coach who can help you identify where you need improvement and work with you to improve. As you continue to learn more about how you respond to situations and how your employees respond to you, your leadership ability will continue to grow and thrive. As a result, your team will function at a high level with a shared purpose.


To learn more about the styles and how to best utilize them, visit the HBR website:
https://hbr.org/2000/03/leadership-that-gets-results

Treating lateral epicondylitis

When spring is here and athletes get outside and increase their volume, some may develop a nagging, relentless pain in their lateral elbow that doesn’t seem to recover. After a few months of trying to deal with it they come seeking treatment and then they get the diagnosis of ‘tennis elbow’, the very mention of which will make anyone who has had it before cringe.

Like other tendonopathies, tennis elbow is characterized by a breakdown in the tendon tissue and not an inflammatory process. This means that the typical recommendation of ice and NSAID’s are unhelpful in resolving it. Unfortunately, so are other treatments. A lot of research has gone into the treatment of tendon injuries without much success. Exercise is better than no exercise, but doesn’t always work. Eccentric exercise is theorized to realign the collagen fibers and increase strength, but once again not always with success. Cortisone injections help alleviate pain in the short term, but there is not benefit long term and PRP or prolo therapy has had inconsistent results. At the end of the day, the pain usually self resolves regardless of what treatment has been tried.

There is not good data that discusses prevention, so if your elbow is starting to bother you; back down the intensity of your training. Use a strap for support if you need it and ice 10 min for pain relief. Keep exercising, but loosen your grip. If it continues to negatively affect your life it may be time to discuss a cortisone injection.

Business planning

If you are interested in starting a company, congratulations! Owning a business is a dream of many, but unfortunately a lot of business do not succeed. Turn the odds in your favor by taking the time to read this, and many other, articles on planning for your business.


It takes a lot of thought, research, hard work and relying on others to get your business started. When we started my wife's business, we did not realize how many little things have to be taken care of. Take the time to really analyze your idea and whether or not it can be successful in the area you are thinking of. If not, what will make it more successful? If you take a step back and look objectively at your idea, it can reveal new opportunities and morph into something that you hadn't thought of before.


The more you plan and prepare beforehand, the better positioned you will be to be successful. The next step is the ongoing evaluation of your business. This is another part that takes a lot of time to think about, but is critical to your success. You have to review your books to understand what your revenue and expenses are. You probably have a website and a marketing plan so you need to know how effective they are in achieving their goals (engagement, likes, shares, purchases, appointments, etc). You also have to deal with taxes and what is the best way of handling them.


All of these tedious behind the scenes details do not seem glamorous, but are crucial if you want to succeed. The more you understand the better you'll be.


http://www.athleticbusiness.com/fitness-training/optimism-meets-reality-when-opening-a-health-club.html?topic=3,300&eid=277204494&bid=1043599

MLB valuations

If you have ever wondered how professional franchises are valued; this article will give you some insight. There are a number of factors that are reflected in valuations, but the main one is broadcast rights. As this article points out, baseball is very lucrative at the local television level and can draw viewer interest and sponsorship dollars.

Of interesting note, is the fact that baseball franchises have been increasing in price above the stock market. Sports have been considered recession proof, and it would appear that there is some truth to that.

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/audience-aging-shrinking-baseball-more-valuable-ever-n336496

 

Gallup State of the American Manager report

Gallup released its State of the American Manager report and the results are pretty disheartening: there continues to be very low engagement among workers and management accounts for a high percentage of that disengagement. Talent for management lies in only 10% of the people, while another 20% possess the foundations to be successful managers. The result of this is that only 18% of managers have the high talent necessary to excel as managers. According to Gallup, this is a problem since talent is the most powerful predictor of performance.


There is good news, however. Taking the time to find, cultivate and hire the right manager will have long ranging ramifications for the company; increased employee engagement, increased productivity and sales and decreased employee turnover. Good managers not only improve employee and company performance, but they engage their employees.


So, what separates good managers from the not-so-good? Good managers have the following talents in common: they motivate their employees, they are assertive, they make decisions based on productivity, they create a culture of accountability, and they build relationships. Managers that possess these talents are more likely to have engaged and productive teams. Looking for these traits in employees can also help to identify potential future management material. By learning how to pick out talented employees, companies can pave the way for current, and future success.


In order to improve employee engagement, managers can focus on being more open and accessible, consistently discuss employee performance and goal attainment and focus on strengths. By communicating frequently with employees about their work and their life leads to a better relationship, trust and satisfaction at work. There has been a lot of talk about ongoing performance evaluations, but waiting until the end of the year them is poor management. Performance should be ongoing with adjustments made as necessary. This will really show your employees that you care about their growth and that you are ready to help them succeed. interestingly, employees perform better when their strengths are highlighted. They are significantly more engaged when they get to use their strengths and their weaknesses are not constantly highlighted. That does not mean that weaknesses are ignored, but that the focus is on making their strengths stronger.


Learning about what employees want will help any manager improve. Also, the only way to improve leadership is through self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and from the looks of this report; we could all use it.


Here is the link to the full report:
http://www.gallup.com/services/182138/state-american-manager.aspx

Exercise is medicine

This article provides more evidence that exercise is medicine! For individuals suffering from Osteoarthritis, Tylenol may be able to do decrease pain, but for those suffering from low back pain it will probably not help.

 

For either condition, exercise is the mainstay of treatment. Exercise helps improve the stability of joints by contracting the muscles that surround it. It can help act as a pump to move joint fluid around and it can decrease the pain response.

 

Whenever possible, move more. Movement is not only the key to staying young and feeling healthy, but it is also great for pain control.

 

http://www.today.com/health/safe-inadequate-tylenol-flunks-back-pain-test-2D80580642

 

Never stop learning

If you want to continue to grow and thrive, you have to learn and experience new things. We improve by adapting, whether it is fitness, sports or business, the only way to get better is to push beyond where you currently are.

In the case of your career, that means to try new things. There are some good suggestions in the article, but the thing to remember is to yearn for more. If you never feel like you know it all, you will be excited about all that there is to learn.

This kind of enthusiasm and passion for learning can help bring new life to your career through a new perspective. Never be content with where you are. Always want more.

https://hbr.org/2014/09/the-best-leaders-are-insatiable-learners/? utm_campaign=Socialflow&utm_source=Socialflow&utm_medium=Tweet