My business partner (Neil, also a forumite) and I have finally decided on a plan and are moving forward. We're going to target 25-64 yearolds who make over $64K and who are strapped for time. There's over 2 million people in the KC metro area, and just looking at a few of the affluent suburbs, we've got a potential market of over 150,000 that fit our criteria.
We're offering in-home training, specializing in plans that can be done in 30 minutes or less. We'll borrow from (read: steal) Ross's stuff, EDT, Crossfit, Afterburn, Tabata, TT and even some Westside stuff. We'll also offer 'conventional' workouts that last between 45 and 60 minutes, but our niche will be the 30 minute folks.
In addition to training, we're also planning on doing some nutritional coaching. In Missouri, one doesn't need to be an RD to offer nutritional advice or create nutrition plans. We're a bit undecided on what our scope of practice would be in this area, but I digress.
We're also working with a web developer to hook us up with a kickass website. Articles, video examples of exercises, MP3, forums, e-coaching, etc.
We've already put a lot of time and effort into our venture, but in actuality we're just getting started. We've both been training for a few years part time, as we both currently live in corporate hell. We're looking to transition to training full time within a year, after we get enough $$ saved up to live off of for at least 6 months. Once we get to that point, it's full steam ahead.
Initially, it'll just be us. But as we become profitable, we plan on opening our own private studio where we can train, and hire other trainers to continue the in-home training side of the business.
I haven't gone into a ton of detail here... there's several other things we've got in the works to compliment our niche, but I didn't want to write a novel.
I guess what I'm looking for from you guys and gals would be:
Do you see any pitfalls?
Anyone else made the jump from corporate strife to independent bliss?
How did/do you market to your niche?
Any advice?
Some of the posts here and in the Roundtable forum have me a bit scared, but I think that will only serve to drive us more than a sure thing would.
Thanks!
