I need some advice on starting a personal training business, any words of wisdom?

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Becoming a Personal Trainer for Dummies by Melyssa St. Michael, Linda Formichelli
* Certified Fitness Trainer Career Starter by Lauren Starkey
* Start Your Own Personal Training Business by Entrepreneur Press
* It's More Than Just Making Them Sweat: A Career Training Guide for Personal Fitness Trainers by Ed Thornton
* The Personal Trainer Business Handbook by Ed Gaut

I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck.

Some things you need to consider:
- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?"
- "What are my abilities?"
- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?"
- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?"

Also ask yourself the following questions:

- Think of why a customer would want to hire you instead of them going to the gym? Convenience may be the best reason, but what about equipment?

- What will the client get from signing up with your classes? What is the VALUE or that extra something that they can get from you and not from a typical gym?

- Will you be the trainer who trains everybody (housewives, CEO, etc.) or will you specialize in one niche?

- What will your training focus be? Will you be training Pilates, or doing kickboxing?

- What will your hours be? Are you willing to train someone at 6 am, or another at 10 pm? Or will you stick to a conventional 9-5 schedule?

- What is your experience? How well known are you in the field of fitness in your area? It is easier to get clients if gym-loving customers already know you as one of the best gym instructors in town

If your market is big, you define your business carefully, pick your USP Unique Selling Proposition, and take good care of clients, I think you stand a great chance at succeeding.

You may also consider getting certified from these organizations:

- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) http://www.afaa.com
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) http://www.nasm.org
- National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) http://www.nbfe.org

For some great tips on customer service, see the article 'Personal Training: 6 Secrets of Award Winning Customer Service' at the following URL: http://www.completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com/article2.html

You may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:

1. Provide a benefit.
2. Determine the fit with your market.
3. Right timing is everything
4. Be ready to support your business
5. Develop a blueprint for success
6. Market, market, market

To give you ideas on what exactly do you need to start your own business, here are ten things you need to know before launching your own business “10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Home Business” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm .

I recommend that you read the following books:

- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs
- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money
- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More
- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur
- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed

Answer 3

good luck