Hi everybody,
I've been lurking on here for quite some time and I've been trying to be a personal trainer for the last year. I have a training background, but have really struggled with keeping a consistent client base. It seems like the amound of work I put into the business side of personal training, doesn't corespond with with amount of clients I'm training. It seems like one week I may have 20 to 30 paid sessions, and the next I'm struggling to get 10-15. How do trainers who have been around long term, psychologically deal with the ups and downs of basically owning your own business? Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can stay in the industry as a personal trainer.
Either way being one of the better trainers around is the best way to keep your business consistent. Establish a network through PTs, chiros, local businesses etc...
Or if at a gym make sure the management know your niches and have good relationships with the PTM. Whenever I need a client the PTM is quick to respond because he knows I'm better at dealing with injuries than know.
Stress to your clients the importance of training 2xwk minimum - they'll get results and be happy and so will you. We all know what happens when someone comes in 1xwk, unless they are motivated and do alot on their own.
__________________
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Hi everybody,
I've been lurking on here for quite some time and I've been trying to be a personal trainer for the last year. I have a training background, but have really struggled with keeping a consistent client base. It seems like the amound of work I put into the business side of personal training, doesn't corespond with with amount of clients I'm training. It seems like one week I may have 20 to 30 paid sessions, and the next I'm struggling to get 10-15. How do trainers who have been around long term, psychologically deal with the ups and downs of basically owning your own business? Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can stay in the industry as a personal trainer.
Heh... In reading this I question what drove me to do this for so damn long! 21 years of that constant up and down!
I just went through a pretty major career change, but the bus didn't just have to lose it's wheels for that to come about... It had to careen off the edge of the mountain down an impossibly high cliff.
Some years were better than others. Find a market that's not saturated with some decent population if you can.
Hi everybody,
I've been lurking on here for quite some time and I've been trying to be a personal trainer for the last year. I have a training background, but have really struggled with keeping a consistent client base. It seems like the amound of work I put into the business side of personal training, doesn't corespond with with amount of clients I'm training. It seems like one week I may have 20 to 30 paid sessions, and the next I'm struggling to get 10-15. How do trainers who have been around long term, psychologically deal with the ups and downs of basically owning your own business? Honestly, I don't know how much longer I can stay in the industry as a personal trainer.
I feel you there man - There's definitely something to be said about putting yourself out there and at risk in being on your own - But once you get it right, you'll never go back -
Keep your chin up, StrengthCoach! I know it can be easier said than done. The highs and lows can really suck...trust me, I know. I used to get really bummed about the "lows" but after a few years as a trainer I came to realize that that's one of the "rubs" we must deal with. I personally view the "tough times" as opportunities to step outside the box, so to speak, and challenge myself. I am an eternal procrastinator, and what i've realized is that when there's a fire under my ass, that's when I make things happen. Find ways to reach more people. Email a few clients I haven't talked to in a while. That kinda stuff.
It's about to be 2009. As much as I detest the "new years resolutions" stuff, use that as a selling point! Talk to your current clients and see if anyone's interested in purchasing a few sessions for one of their friends/relatives. See if there are any holiday gala-type-things that may have auctions...donate a few sessions to them. You can find opportunities if YOU seek them out!
__________________ "If you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life." Visit my blog:"Outside the Box" Training!
Just to let you know it is the same here across the pond. fficeffice" />
PT work will always have it's ups and downs, but with experience you get your network set up and you start to know the cycles. Once you know the cycles in your market you can start to prepare for the down times with special promotions. You always need to keep your eye on the market and make sure that you have the tools to give the clients of tomorrow exactly what they want.
Just keep going mate, it took me a good three years to get my business going to a point when it was what I would consider stable.
Good luck
TOM
Highs and Lows
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