About to begin self employed Personal Training

[mlc82]

Working with people mainly in their homes, doing everything from one on one workout sessions and nutritional guidance to personalized workout and nutrition plans over the internet (I've done in home training off and on for a few years, and have been doing plans over email for free for awhile, will likely keep it for free because I like giving out info that helps people without charging them and it doesn't take up much time/money of my own). I'm a really horrible marketer though, and just looking for suggestions on building my business up- my current goal is to gain 5 new clients by this Decemeber, which should be a challenge but not impossible.

So far I'm putting some ads in local papers, and also putting out business cards, but am kind of at a loss on what to do otherwise. I'm pretty new at the marketing side as I've really done this mainly on the side before, but would like to make it my main source of income soon and I believe that's possible, as I've made enough to live off of it before doing it in a "part time" manner. Any ideas/suggestions from those of you who have struck out on your own, or who are about to would be greatly appreciated!

[cdn2wheeler]

Specialize, specialize, specialize.

Trying to be all things to all people doesn't work anymore.

A dear friend of mine is a Yoga teacher, and she started marketing herself to the sports community; specifically, hockey players and golfers (so to cover both seasons). Since she started doing that, her business has increased so much that she's now hiring other yoga instructors just to handle the overload.

[Rose of Cairo]

Can't help you, since marketing is one of my greatest weaknesses But I'd like to wish you good luck! You'll make it

[Lucas]

Originally Posted by Rose of Cairo

Can't help you, since marketing is one of my greatest weaknesses But I'd like to wish you good luck! You'll make it

What do you do? Marketing is one of the best things you can do for your business, especially if you niche it down like cdn just said. In my opinion, marketing is the most important thing after creating the product.

[eblight]

Have you considered joining BNI - Business Networking International. There are what are called chapters in different cities around the world. You can go along usually early in the morning for breakfast and meeting to see if that is for you. In the past I found BNI a very good way of networking with other self employed people. Check the web for info.
Best Wishes to you.

[Happiness]

Originally Posted by eblight

Have you considered joining BNI - Business Networking International. There are what are called chapters in different cities around the world. You can go along usually early in the morning for breakfast and meeting to see if that is for you. In the past I found BNI a very good way of networking with other self employed people. Check the web for info.
Best Wishes to you.

Hi,

I just join BNI. I am there adm ass. for now. I am from Canada. And it is true, BNI will help new business owners get lots of new business. I am going to join myself (as an event planner) in about 2 months.

I really recommend BNI!!!


Happiness.

[4Mind4Life]

Suggestions:

1) Make a company / personal business website.

2) Advertise on your vehicle. (put ads on the side)

3) Keep putting out ads in the newspaper as well as the business cards. If you can, some FULL articles in the paper.

4) Ask clients if they know anyone interested in training / who they could recommend.

5) Specializing -- I think specializing in a certain area of training is key. Be clear in the type of training you are doing! I also think that either building up credentials through schooling / stating your credentials (if you already have them) is key as well.

Good Luck & Best Wishes!

[mlc82]

Originally Posted by cdn2wheeler

Specialize, specialize, specialize.

Trying to be all things to all people doesn't work anymore.

A dear friend of mine is a Yoga teacher, and she started marketing herself to the sports community; specifically, hockey players and golfers (so to cover both seasons). Since she started doing that, her business has increased so much that she's now hiring other yoga instructors just to handle the overload.

Thanks for the info! If I had to really specialize I'd say I do the most of my work with people who are mainly trying to lose extra weight and get in healthier shape, the majority of clients I've worked with both on my own and at gyms have been women 35-45 yrs old trying to do the above, with the occasionally skinny young guy looking to gain some muscle mass (This is how I got started as well!). I'm not really sure how to specifically target that demographic (women looking to get into healthier shape) though...

[mlc82]

Eblight and Happiness- Thanks for the BNI suggestion, I've checked into it and plan to attend one of their meetings next Wednesday. Can either of you give me an idea of what the cost of joining would be? This definitely sounds interesting and I'm the only "health service" worker in the group that I'm looking into.

[mlc82]

Originally Posted by 4Mind4Life

Suggestions:

1) Make a company / personal business website.

2) Advertise on your vehicle. (put ads on the side)

3) Keep putting out ads in the newspaper as well as the business cards. If you can, some FULL articles in the paper.

4) Ask clients if they know anyone interested in training / who they could recommend.

5) Specializing -- I think specializing in a certain area of training is key. Be clear in the type of training you are doing! I also think that either building up credentials through schooling / stating your credentials (if you already have them) is key as well.

Good Luck & Best Wishes!

I do have the ads on my vehicle already, and have some ads about to go out in a few local papers- hadn't thought of the full article idea though, that's a good one!