Five Huge Training Business Mistakes
By
Joe Hashey
Running a personal training facility isn’t easy, but it’s not rocket science
either. Since starting Synergy Athletics, I’ve learned a lot through trial and
error (emphasis on a lot of error). Despite all that, the business has grown,
and I’ve learned a thing or two. Hopefully, these tips will prevent you from
making the same mistakes that I did and get you started filling your time slots
instead.
- Having poor referral systems
You need to decide what motivates your clients. I train athletes from
ages 13–22 years old, and they are not motivated by free sessions.
Most of the time, they aren’t the ones who pay the bills.
I decided to motivate them with either a free iPod or flip camera if they
got two, hard working friends to sign up. I received four new clients in the
first week. Now, when they are talking to their buddies, they’re keeping
their eyes out for me as well.
I also give my clients a free week in order to encourage the parents to
refer friends. However, if you’re a good trainer for their children, they’ll
be referring you anyway.
- Not spending dimes to make dollars
The referral system is a great example of this. You will make that money
back in a few weeks with the new clients, so make sure you’re providing
people with good incentives!
There are many programs out there to help you set up your business as well
as provide forms, insurance, advice, and more. If you spend hours
researching these topics online, you aren’t working on building your client
base. Invest in some help whether it’s an online program, a part-time
worker, or a friend to help file things. (My wife has been essential in
keeping records, which saves a lot of time!) If you aren’t willing to invest
in yourself and your business, what are you willing to invest in?
- Getting flashy over results
Have you ever been to a training facility, looked around, and thought to
yourself, “What the heck is that equipment for?” Make sure you don’t get
swallowed up in the newest trend. Personal trainers, especially those who
are running the facility, need to ensure that the equipment is effective
with space considerations. If you train a hybrid of Strongman and
powerlifting athletes, don’t go out there and buy some flashy elliptical
machine. The equipment should fit your niche.
- Specializing in everything
Last month, I met a trainer who does rehabilitation for the elderly, athlete
training, fat loss programs, and yoga. That’s just not good for
business. Be really good at whatever you enjoy the most.
Having strong skills in one area will help spread your name much faster.
Also, this will get you quality before and after results that people in your
niche care about. That doesn’t mean that you should turn away a hard worker
who insists on being one of you clients. Just make sure you’re upfront about
what you do.
- Training everyone with a pulse
Nearly every new trainer makes this mistake—me included. It’s so
tempting to schedule someone who is willing to pay you. But here’s the
deal—that person will be a walking billboard for your business. Please ask
yourself, “Does this person reflect what I’m trying to accomplish?”
During my first summer running Synergy Athletics, I just wanted to get
bodies in the door. I took on one person who was a terrible client. He would
take weeks off, lie about the number of sets and reps he performed, and
bring down the atmosphere. It was affecting everyone in the gym and driving
me crazy. I found him a different local trainer who fit him better and was
able to make a clean break.
Here’s the gray area. Don’t confuse an out of shape client with someone who
is lazy or unmotivated. The particular athlete above didn’t make the cut,
but I’ve had plenty of guys come in who are out of shape yet work extremely
hard and get great results.
Protect your training atmosphere! I’m proud to have these young men and
women represent my training system.
Lastly, results speak for themselves. All the business advice in the world
won’t help a trainer who doesn’t care about his or her job. If you’re reading
EliteFTS.com, obviously you do care about training. Good luck in your business
and in your workouts.
Joe Hashey, CSCS is the owner of Synergy Athletics. Joe and his training
partner train 25 clients, with a waiting list, out of his garage in Endicott,
NY. Joe also runs the Garage Gym Empire Program that helps trainers get their
businesses thriving –
http://www.garagegymempire.com. Check it out for a FREE DVD packed with tips
to run a successful training business!
Elite Fitness Systems strives to be a recognized leader in the strength
training industry by providing the highest quality strength training products
and services while providing the highest level of customer service in the
industry. For the best training equipment, information, and accessories, visit
us at www.EliteFTS.com.
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