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