Hey guys, I have some condos with pretty nice fitness centers that are close by my home. I would love to get in there and get some clients. My question is exactly how would i go about getting permission to train at a condo? Many times condos are owned by many people i think, so who would you talk to to get permission to use the fitness center, ect?
I dont know anyone in the condos as im new in town. I thought maybe you would approach it like a gym, go in and talk to the "owner" and see if you can strike a deal, like giving them a percentage of your fee or whatnot? Or maybe it would be an attraction for prospective buyers to have a trainer available in the condo?
I just would like to know exactly how, step by step, you guys would go about contacting and offering training to a condo. Any help truly appreciated!
Don't go in with money in your hand ready to spend. Look at yourself as a value added bonus to their facilities that other places don't have. You're willing to use their facilities without charging them. If you go in ready to give up a percentage of your profits they'll probably take it and you can never go back to the table to renegotiate.
Instead offer to be there for a hour or two a day just to "watch the floor" and help people if they need it. Incidentally, that is the best way to meet prospective clients. You will seal the deal nicely if you keep the place picked up. You want to be "low impact." The only evidence of your presence in that facility should be all the leaner people coming in. Never leave weights on the floor or sweaty equipment behind you.
Put a bio together with your photo, make several copies and go visit the condo association. Good luck!
Don't go in with money in your hand ready to spend. Look at yourself as a value added bonus to their facilities that other places don't have. You're willing to use their facilities without charging them. If you go in ready to give up a percentage of your profits they'll probably take it and you can never go back to the table to renegotiate.
Instead offer to be there for a hour or two a day just to "watch the floor" and help people if they need it. Incidentally, that is the best way to meet prospective clients. You will seal the deal nicely if you keep the place picked up. You want to be "low impact." The only evidence of your presence in that facility should be all the leaner people coming in. Never leave weights on the floor or sweaty equipment behind you.
Put a bio together with your photo, make several copies and go visit the condo association. Good luck!
Thank you JP. Its strange how we dont see things until someone explains them to us. Those are great ideas and i will use them, I will see my services as a bonus to them and go in with that attitude.
Yep, I emailed him so hopefully he can get back to me when he gets time. I think he'd have some good insight. About the associations, would i just look them up and call to set up an appointment? For some reason I always feel like i get better results talking to someone in person, but I guess you have to set up a meeting to do that. Maybe not go into detail on the phone, just try to set up a meeting?
Your physical presence must be a first. Forget the phone call. Whoever sees you first will take their impression to the rest of the group and lay the groundwork for you. Walk into the office with your bio in hand. Make sure you look good (professional... no muscle shirts. Biz casual), smell good, and disarm them with a sincere smile.
Every single nuance of your first impression is important to nail down before you even walk in the door. Have your "elevator speech" ready, which means, have a one minute or less explanation for why you are dropping in, but you are only scoping them out for now. Even if it's a non-board member who first meets you (like a receptionist or something), you have to realize that that person is the gate keeper, and his/her opinion of you will make or break the deal.
Make sure that you don't leave without some crucial intel too. Grab business cards or get names and emails of board members. Find out when they meet and how often. Mention that you would love to do a "free" 15 minute fitness segment in their next meeting so they can get an opportunity to learn about nutrition/fitness.
Don't get in a rush. You are the professional. After you knock them down with your first impressions from your initial contacts, follow up with a thank you via email, but don't pester them. Let them approach you. If they feel like it's their idea they will give you the keys to the kingdom. If they don't, they will want something from you if they even let you in at all.
Your physical presence must be a first. Forget the phone call. Whoever sees you first will take their impression to the rest of the group and lay the groundwork for you. Walk into the office with your bio in hand. Make sure you look good (professional... no muscle shirts. Biz casual), smell good, and disarm them with a sincere smile.
Every single nuance of your first impression is important to nail down before you even walk in the door. Have your "elevator speech" ready, which means, have a one minute or less explanation for why you are dropping in, but you are only scoping them out for now. Even if it's a non-board member who first meets you (like a receptionist or something), you have to realize that that person is the gate keeper, and his/her opinion of you will make or break the deal.
Make sure that you don't leave without some crucial intel too. Grab business cards or get names and emails of board members. Find out when they meet and how often. Mention that you would love to do a "free" 15 minute fitness segment in their next meeting so they can get an opportunity to learn about nutrition/fitness.
Don't get in a rush. You are the professional. After you knock them down with your first impressions from your initial contacts, follow up with a thank you via email, but don't pester them. Let them approach you. If they feel like it's their idea they will give you the keys to the kingdom. If they don't, they will want something from you if they even let you in at all.
Great advice that goes with my instincts, which is to say in person is better than the phone. I will make sure to dress and act professional and the speaking thing is a great idea, as that's one of my strong points. Great advice. Thanks JP! Anyone else can chime in as well if you have any more ideas!
Condos are a great way to go - You're right John, this is where I found my sweet spot - It was so good, I ended up moving in to the building - lol
You guys are on the right track in thinking about the marketing - Great advice from John Paul there in getting your bio and marketing materials ready to go -
Getting into Condos to train
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