I recently finished listening to the audiobook version of Free: The Future of a Radical Price by Chris Anderson. It has some very interesting ideas on how and why things can and should be free.

Of course, most things free (other than information) have an associated product or service that is paid for. i.e. early Gillette razors were given away knowing that it would create a long-term razor blade customer. Apps and computer programs may offer a free version and charge for an upgraded, more expansive version.

Is there a “free” in the health clubs in the future? This came to mind as I was writing this. What if we offered free “off-peak” hours( say 1-3pm). It might get people to come in and try the club. They may then realize they want the availability of greater hours and services and upgrade to a full membership.

How else could free work? What are your thoughts?

I recently gave my first webinar. I’ve wanted to do a webinar for quite a while, but always found excuses for not getting around to it. (See… procrastination happens to all of us.) I gave this presentation to a select group of industry friends that wanted to know more about how to use social media to promote their business, organization, or cause.

The webinar site, gotowebinar.com allowed me to record it for future use. It’s this recording, with minor edits, that I now offer as a gift to help you and your businesses in 2010. Go to Social Media Marketing Basics and use the password: SMMBasics

I’d love to get your feedback on it to help me improve future webinars as I will be offering a 12 month “Business of Personal Training” webinar series.

May you and yours have a happy new year.

Mark