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Nicki Anderson

Nicki Anderson

Owner of Reality Fitness, Inc., an award-winning private training studio. She is the author of numerous books and articles, and is the health and fitness columnist for Chicago Suburban Newspapers and eDiets.




Sessions Presented by Nicki Anderson

109: Looking Forward: What's Next in Personal Training (P / Personal Training)
Presented By Justin Price, MA, Nicki Anderson and Todd Durkin, MA
time block B - Friday, 8:15-10:05am
Register now

IDEA's panel of experts will engage in a lively discussion on issues relevant to personal training programming. This session will report on the growth of personal training, discuss the challenge of retaining personal trainers, review successful personal training programs and identify future standards within the industry.


126: Women and Weight Loss (L / Special Populations / Weight Management)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block C - Friday, 10:20am-12:10pm
Join stand-by list

Women have a long history of dieting and weight loss issues. How do you help them get past diets, focus on their health and stay with you? Learn how to understand this challenging population by developing a weight management program that will teach them how to develop a healthy lifestyle, permanently!


InTensive - 1:00-4:50pm
251: InTensive: Women in Business: Getting Started (L / Business Management)
Presented By Mary Bratcher, MA and Nicki Anderson
This InTensive is available for $69.00   Purchase
InTensive - Saturday, 1:00-4:50pm
Register now

This dynamic, interactive business workshop has been specifically designed for women. It covers the A-Z of starting and running your own business in an easy, structured format, and prepares you for what to expect from a practical, psychological and emotional standpoint. Topics discussed include preparing a business plan, managing your time, marketing, customer service and work/life balance.


InTensive - 8:00am-12:00pm
429: InTensive: Women in Business—Getting Started (L/WS / Business Management)
Presented By Mary Bratcher, MA and Nicki Anderson
InTensive - Sunday, 8:00am-12:00pm

This dynamic, interactive business workshop has been specifically designed for women. It covers the A-Z of starting and running your own business in an easy, structured format and prepares you for what to expect from a practical, psychological and emotional standpoint. Some of the topics covered include preparing a business plan, managing your time, marketing, customer service and work/life balance.


624: Cancellations, Excuses and Unrealistic Expectations (L / Personal Training / Psychology)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block N - Monday, 9:50-11:40am

Tired of your clients canceling half way through their training package? Frustrated with their lack of motivation? Discover the real reasons clients don’t meet their goals and how you can turn it around. This lecture will cover the most common reasons clients cancel, fail and ultimately quit. Come learn how to create a successful partnership with your client that will ensure long-term success as well as secure a long-term client.


Preconference - 9:00am-5:20pm
013: Critical Skills for Personal Training and Group Exercise Directors—Inspirational Leadership and (L / Business Management)
Presented By Alex McMillan, Amy Boone Thompson, Linda Freeman, Mary Bratcher, MA, Nicki Anderson, Shannon (Griffiths) Fable, Sherri McMillan, MSc and Tony Tamules
This Preconference is available for $229   Purchase
Preconference - Thursday, 9:00am-5:20pm
Register now

Managing a team of group fitness instructors or personal trainers can be challenging, to say the least. This preconference offering will delve into the topics that are most common to managers of both groups, as well as provide individual breakout sessions in order for each manager to get information that is specific to the group he/she is currently leading. To enhance the experience, IDEA has arranged a special lunch hour that is designed for networking and just plain fun. You’ll walk away with great ideas to encourage team building and staff networking at home. We invite owners, managers and aspiring directors to take part in this special preconference offering. In addition, IDEA is happy to announce that each participant will receive a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION upon the conclusion of this special day. Note: Box lunch provided.


144: TOMA—Marketing Magic for Your Small Business! (L)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block E - Friday, 4:30-6:20pm
Register now

Quick! Name a dentist, chiropractor or hairstylist in your area. Imagine if your name is the first that comes to mind when someone is seeking a personal trainer. This can be done effectively through a mode of marketing called TOMA: Top of Mind Advertising. This workshop will take you through the steps needed to get your name and your business to the forefront of referrals. Top of Mind means being on top of your business!


224: Pricing Your Services (P)
Presented By Darren Jacobson, Nicki Anderson and Tony Tamules
time block H - Saturday, 12:00-1:00pm
Register now

What are you really worth, and how can you price your sessions for success? For most personal trainers, pricing is a challenge—but mastering the often overlooked art of pricing is critical to your business success. Listen to three unique perspectives on topics that include: package and partner session pricing, tiered pricing based on trainer experience, integrating preparation time and expenses (payroll, taxes, retirement, etc.) into fees, overcoming price opposition, and the role of client perception and the price/quality relationship. Find out what mistakes you may be making and how you can make pricing one of your strongest business assets.


305: Breaking Away…From Club Trainer to Entrepreneur (L/WS)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block K - Sunday, 8:00-10:50am
Register now

As the fitness industry evolves, more trainers are breaking away from the safety net of being employed and venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship. Making the decision to go out on your own is the easy part! From developing a solid business plan to creating a successful marketing strategy and brand, there is much to learn. If you are ready for the challenge, this workshop will introduce the nuts and bolts of running your own business.


118: Your Image, Your Success (L / Business Management)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block B - Friday, 8:15-10:05am
Register now

Every good business person knows that to attract clients it is necessary to project an image of professionalism and trust. However, your business image isn't just defined by your personal appearance. All aspects of your business, from marketing materials to customer service to accoutrements, reflect who you are. Learn what elements are critical to projecting a successful business image. CEC: ACE 0.2 NASM CGT 0.2 NASM CPT 0.2 AFAA 2.0 NSCA-CSCS 0 NSCA-CPT 0 AEA 1


229: Breaking Away-From Club Trainer to Entrepreneur (L / Business Management / Personal Training)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block G - Saturday, 9:35-11:25am
Register now

As the fitness industry evolves, more trainers are breaking away from the safety net of being employed and venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship. Making the decision to go out on your own is the easy part! From developing a solid business plan to creating a successful marketing strategy and brand, there is much to learn. If you are ready for the challenge, this workshop will introduce the nuts and bolts of running your own business. CEC: ACE 0.2 NASM CGT 0.2 NASM CPT 0.2 AFAA 2.0 NSCA-CSCS 0 NSCA-CPT 0 AEA 1


267: TOMA-Marketing Magic for Your Small Business (L / Business Management / Personal Training)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block I - Saturday, 3:15-4:45pm
Register now

Quick! Name a dentist, chiropractor or hairstylist in your area. Imagine if your name is the first that comes to mind when someone is seeking a personal trainer. This can be done effectively through a mode of marketing called TOMA-Top of Mind Awareness. This workshop will take you through the steps needed to get your name and your business to the forefront of referrals. Top of Mind means being on top of your business! CEC: ACE 0.1 NASM CGT 0.2 NASM CPT 0.2 AFAA 2.0 NSCA-CSCS 0 NSCA-CPT 0 AEA 1


012: IDEA’s Fitness Business Forum (Pre)
Presented By Mary Bratcher, MA, Nicki Anderson, Todd Durkin, MA and Tom Perkins
This Preconference is available for $   Purchase
- Wednesday,
Register now

This preconference session is for you if you are:- a new business owner (3 years or less in a fitness business)- starting a fitness business- entrepreneur The content will be applicable for personal training, yoga, Pilates and other fitness businesses.

Whether you're a new business owner or just beginning to plan your venture, this unique new all-day program is a must for avoiding costly mistakes and building a distinct "fast-track" competitive edge in your market. Discover many of the secrets that most fitness business owners miss, and find out how to balance the personal and professional aspects of your life as your business grows. Get tips for your specific business from the most successful experts in the fitness industry. You can't afford to miss this in-depth business development workshop.Welcome and General SessionThe Power of You! L Premiere8:30am-9:30amTodd Durkin, MAAre you ready to take the steps necessary to insure both personal and professional success? If so, this powerful, motivational and educational session will offer strategies to help you build your business brand, achieve record-breaking revenue, as well as share top time management techniques for greater financial growth and personal freedom. In addition, Todd will use this venue to unveil Secrets to Success, a business and life-changing program.

9:40am-11:10amThe Nuts and Bolts of Business Ownership L PremiereNicki AndersonThe idea of owning a business is alluring to many. Making your own schedule, handpicking your staff, and setting your own rules can be very appealing to the self-starter. It sounds easy to some, but the truth is, it is hard work! This session explains the steps you must take if you want to own and operate a thriving business. Learn how the importance of time management, excellent communication skills and developing an eye for detail are all integral components to the success of your business.

11:20am-12:40pmFitness Business Websites 101 LTom PerkinsLearn how to work with an inside (or outside) website development team to develop a website and an Internet presence that will attract and retain clients. This presentation will teach you what you need to know in working with a website designer or company. Get the inside scoop on what content works and doesn't work, search engine placement and more. Finally, learn how to take advantage of low-cost marketing strategies to get the word out and how to inexpensively maintain and update your website.

12:40pm-2:00pmLunch and Group Activitydescription tk

2:00pm-3:30pm Cost-Effective Marketing for Your Business L PremiereNicki AndersonMarketing your business successfully does not have to break the bank. In fact, there dozens of marketing strategies that will cost you nothing except your time. As a start-up business, when money is short but time is readily available, these tips will help you to take your business from ho-hum to cha-ching! In this session, you will learn more than 50 different marketing ideas for your business!

3:40pm-5:00pmCreate the Business You Desire! L PremiereTodd Durkin, MAWhere do you want to go, and how are you going to get there? This workshop will help you to crystallize a strategy so you can develop the business of your dreams. It will be a practical session with written exercises to give you "blue sky" time to work ON your business and not IN your business. Topics and exercises include: strategic planning, S.W.O.T. analysis to determine your business fortitude, developing mission and vision statements, creating your niche in a competitive market, and practical solutions to the individual challenges and/or obstacles you may be facing today.

5:00pm-5:45pmLife Happens-With or Without You! L PremiereMary Bratcher, MABeing your own boss brings a special kind of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that can't be found in any other job. It pushes you to be your best professionally, creatively, physically and mentally. However, your business isn't everything. This motivational wrap-up session will outline several proactive strategies for achieving ultimate success by helping you to maintain your professional obligations while living and enjoying YOUR LIFE to the fullest!

Lunch will be provided.

Earn up to 5 CEC hours. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.


141: Essential Business Tools: Networking (L / Business Management / Personal Training)
Presented By Mary Bratcher, MA and Nicki Anderson
time block C - Wednesday, 10:45am-12:35pm
Register now

The process of building effective and useful business relationships can be very difficult for fitness professionals. This active (and interactive!) session explains the fundamental concepts of networking and includes activities designed to stimulate and inspire success. Discover some ingenious and clever ways to create solid networks with other professionals that will bring opportunity, credibility and quality referrals to your business.


231: Your Image, Your Success! (L / Business Management / Personal Training)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block G - Thursday, 8:05-9:55am
Register now

Every good business person knows that to attract clients it is necessary to project an image of professionalism and trust. However, your business image isn't just defined by your personal appearance. All aspects of your business, from marketing materials to customer service to accoutrements, reflect who you are. Learn what elements are critical to projecting a successful business image.


280: Helping Clients Move Beyond Diets (L / Personal Training)
Presented By Nicki Anderson
time block I - Thursday, 2:45-4:35pm
Register now

It seems that 90% of clients coming through our doors want to lose weight. And if it doesn't happen fast enough, they quit! The most challenging job we have as trainers is educating our clients about the importance of exercise versus pant size. This lecture will help you understand the mindset of the serial dieter and provide you with the strategies to help them discover healthy living as a better alternative to chronic dieting.


Preconference - 8:30am-5:45pm
013: IDEA’s Fitness Business Forum (Pre / Business Management)
Presented By Mary Bratcher, MA, Nicki Anderson, Todd Durkin, MA and Tom Perkins
This Preconference is available for $249   Purchase
Preconference - Tuesday, 8:30am-5:45pm
Register now

This preconference session is for you if you are:• Starting a personal training or fitness business• A new business owner (3 years or less in a fitness business)• An entrepreneur

The content will be applicable for personal training, yoga, Pilates and other fitness businesses.Whether you’re an existing or new business owner or just beginning to plan your venture, this unique new all-day preconference program is a must for avoiding costly mistakes and building a distinct “fast-track” competitive edge in your market. Discover many of the secrets that most fitness business owners miss, and find out how to balance the personal and professional aspects of your life as your business grows. Get tips for your specific business from the most successful experts in the fitness industry. You can’t afford to miss this in-depth business development workshop.

Welcome and General Session: The Power of You! L PREMIERE8:30–9:30amTodd Durkin, MAAre you ready to take the steps necessary to insure both personal and professional success? If so, this powerful, motivational and educational session will offer strategies to help you build your business brand, achieve record-breaking revenue, as well as share top time management techniques for greater financial growth and personal freedom. In addition, Todd will use this venue to unveil Secrets to Success, a business and life-changing program.

The Nuts and Bolts of Business Ownership L PREMIERE9:40–11:10amNicki AndersonThe idea of owning a business is alluring to many. Making your own schedule, handpicking your staff, and setting your own rules can be very appealing to the self-starter. It sounds easy to some, but the truth is, it is hard work! This session explains the steps you must take if you want to own and operate a thriving business. Learn how the importance of time management, excellent communication skills and developing an eye for detail are all integral components to the success of your business.

Fitness Business Websites 101 L11:20am–12:40pmTom PerkinsLearn how to work with an inside (or outside) website development team to develop a website and an Internet presence that will attract and retain clients. This presentation will teach you what you need to know in working with a website designer or company. Get the inside scoop on what content works and doesn’t work, search engine placement and more. Finally, learn how to take advantage of low-cost marketing strategies to get the word out and how to inexpensively maintain and update your website.

Lunch (to be provided)12:40–2:00pmHere’s a great opportunity for you to connect with other fitness professionals that face the same business challenges as you. We’ve planned some fun group networking activities, so bring your business cards.Cost-Effective Marketing for Your Business L PREMIERE2:00–3:30pm Nicki AndersonMarketing your business successfully does not have to break the bank. In fact, there are dozens of marketing strategies that will cost you nothing except your time. As a start-up business, when money is short but time is readily available, these tips will help you to take your business from ho-hum to cha-ching! In this session, you will learn more than 50 different marketing ideas for your business!

Create the Business You Desire! L PREMIERE3:40–5:00pmTodd Durkin, MAWhere do you want to go, and how are you going to get there? This workshop will help you to crystallize a strategy so you can develop the business of your dreams. It will be a practical session with written exercises to give you “blue sky” time to work ON your business and not IN your business. Topics and exercises include: strategic planning, S.W.O.T. analysis to determine your business fortitude, developing mission and vision statements, creating your niche in a competitive market, and practical solutions to the individual challenges and/or obstacles you may be facing today.

Life Happens—With or Without You! L PREMIERE5:00–5:45pmMary Bratcher, MABeing your own boss brings a special kind of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that can’t be found in any other job. It pushes you to be your best professionally, creatively, physically and mentally. However, your business isn’t everything. This motivational wrap-up session will outline several proactive strategies for achieving ultimate success by helping you to maintain your professional obligations while living and enjoying YOUR LIFE to the fullest!

Lunch will be provided. Earn up to 5 CEC hours. Participants will receive a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION.