Network Magazine winter 2014 | Page 36

COMMUNITY Let’s make a real difference and raise industry standards Each quarter, as I contemplate what to write about in this column, I end up with a long list of interesting developments happening in and around our whole Network community. When looking through the list this time I couldn’t go past the upcoming launch of our first ever mentoring program, which will be brought to you under the banner of fitnessU. In mid-2013 we surveyed you, our members, on your perceptions of today’s fitness industry and, specifically, of Network – and boy did you respond! You told us you were worried about the quality of graduates that were coming out of the RTO’s. You told us that you were concerned about career development opportunities for fitness professionals. And you told us that you wanted to engage even further with us at Network. All of the above, in addition to the fact that Fitness Australia now allocates CECs for mentoring, led us to create a professional mentoring program for the fitness industry, which we believe will help not only improve the standard of graduates coming out of the RTO’s, but also give you an opportunity to further your career. Mentoring is a logical progression for a personal trainer or group exercise instructor who’s ready to step up and go for it. And as well as being a great opportunity to give something back to our industry, it also offers you an additional revenue stream – that’s right, we will pay you to do it! For more information on fitnessU, including the mentoring program, keep an eye out for Network’s upcoming communications. Another superb development for the Network community, which we announced at the recent FILEX convention, is the launch of the Fitness Network shop – a partnership with Spartan Sports that we are extremely proud of. Featuring a selection of equipment suited perfectly for a PT business small or large, all very reasonably priced and with a fantastic 10% off for Network Members, the Fitness Network shop is a fantastic development if you’re starting out your fitness industry journey, or for anyone looking to top up their selection of ‘toys’. To check out the catalogue visit fitnessnetworkshop.com.au For those of you based in WA, I look forward to catching up with you at the WAFIC event from 15 to 17 August at the Perth Convention centre – to check out the sessions and presenters and to register, visit waficperth.com.au Until next time, Ryan Hogan, CEO [email protected] 36 | NETWORK WINTER 2014