How To Successfully Start Your PT Business
So it’s 2018 and everyone wants to be a trainer. The fitness space is getting crowded so what are you going to do to stand out and be the successful one? How are you going to go from beginner to expert? Because it doesn’t just happen on its own, of course. Obviously, you don’t want to just settle for the status quo for your personal training business either. You want to put the methods of success into practice, right from the beginning.
Below is a list of my top 10 tips to starting and running a successful PT Company :
1. Find Your WHY
The most important thing when it comes to working in the fitness industry, or any business for that matter, is finding your “Why?”. If you’re training people because you’ve seen a few people have success and just want to make a quick buck, you’re probably in it for the wrong reasons – which will not result in longevity. When you are passionate about why you do what you do, it will radiate to your clients causing them to stay more motivated throughout their time with you.
2. Get In Shape
You don’t need to be a professional bodybuilder to be a successful trainer, however you gotta practice what you preach. Seriously, ask yourself this: Would you take financial advice from someone who is broke? Of course not! Just like no one should take fitness advice from someone who isn’t in shape. If you are in great shape, you will be a walking billboard generating the hottest leads for your company. People who want to look like you will want to train with you. A great physique is more than aesthetic, it’s a symbol of consistent hard work that must be maintained.
3. Get Certified
Once you know you want to pursue a career as a personal trainer you should get certified. If you want to work at a corporate gym or want lower rates on personal trainer’s insurance you’ll have to have an active certification. Passing the test will also show others you’re dedicated and knowledgeable to get the job done. Being certified is great but looking certified is better.
4. Start Marketing Yourself
If you want to stay in business, there are only 2 things that will matter – setting appointments and enrolling. Appointments aren’t going to just show up, you’ve got to work for them by marketing. There are endless ways to market. I recommend education based content marketing on all major social media platforms before moving to paid methods.
5. Become Known for Something
Remember this: Regular trainers are interchangeable. Successful trainers are irreplaceable. Finding a way to set yourself apart. Whether that be through developing a unique selling proposition (USP), choosing a niche, or developing a really strong brand for yourself. You need to build top of mind awareness for your personal training business – be “known for something.” Using these ideas as a starting point to get you thinking, come up with some ways that you can set yourself apart, helping you stand out in a flooded sea of personal trainers.
6. Stay on Top of Industry Trends
Times are changing and you need to be able to adapt to new trends if you want to keep up. Marketing, training methods, and strategies are changing and you should be open minded. You may think you’re up-to-date on your training techniques, but new articles and case studies get published every day. It’s not only important to stay on top of the science, but also pop-culture and the trends that your clients are seeing on social media. When you’re a PT you’re information source for your clients, so it helps to stay informed. By answering their questions promptly and confidently, your clients will also notice that you’re always up-to-date on things, therefore establishing yourself as an authority and trusted guide.
7. Get Good at Networking
Regular personal trainers don’t make much of an effort outside their day to day encounters. Successful personal trainers are constantly looking at ways to expand their network for growth. One of the best things you can do for your career is to make friends with professionals in affiliate fields such as estheticians, massage therapists, entrepreneurs and physical therapists who can refer you clients. If you plant the bug in their ears about your services, they might just send business your way. And vice versa. It helps to make yourself known in your local community as well as the online fitness community. The more known you make yourself, the more likely you’ll be the first person people think of.
8. Get Phenomenal Results
Make sure your program is so solid you know that anyone who goes through it will see major changes. Having a system to track your clients progress will allow you to make the proper adjustments so that your results do the marketing for you. The whole reason people start training is to see and feel change. Make sure you have the program that ensure that every time. You should be proud of your program and not take any shortcuts when creating it.
9. Have a Mentor
Whatever it is that you want to accomplish in life, a mentor is going to kick start you on the path to achieve it. You can try to figure it out on your own, or you can avoid a lot of headaches and save a ton of time by learning from someone who has done it before you. Experience is an invaluable tool. Experience can’t be purchased, it can only be earned, or shared. A great mentor will share their experience with you to help you achieve your goal in the best possible way they know how.
10. Remember, You Have the Best Career in the World
Let’s be real, careers don’t get much better than personal training. You get to wear comfortable clothes, work in the gym, interact with motivated people who are happy to see you and make a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Now that you have the tools you need to be successful, it’s time to take a few of these strategies and take action! If you’re still having trouble figuring out what to do next, you can book a FREE coaching call with me and I’ll get you going in the right direction. To see if you Qualify for a Free Coaching Call with me CLICK HERE
