Becoming a Personal Trainer and completing your Master Trainer ProgramTM is one thing, but being a successful training out in the the industry in another. We see too many ambitious, motivated and AMAZING PTs leave the industry within their first year due to the lack of business skills, so we are addressing FIVE key obstacles and tips that trainers may face to help you prepare and be as successful as possible;
When you first enter the fitness industry, regardless of whether you are working in a gym, or self employed, setting your goals and creating a business plan is the NUMBER ONE task. Once you define your goals you are then able to plan, and delegate (where applicable) who will do what tasks and by when. Chances are when you first start your new career you will be the one actioning all of ther the tasks and responsibilities to reach your goals, so set yourself realistic deadlines and hold yourself accountable. TIP: Allocate time each week to work ON your business, not just IN your business.
To keep yourself, and your team focused and motivated, have a method or system in place to track your goals. This could be as simple as a calendar reminder on your phone, or holding monthly team meetings within your gym where you can all come together and share what you have achieved over the month, and what you aim to achieve in this up and coming month.
When entering the fitness industry, it is easy to spend all your time chasing new clients, and not spend enough time working on bettering your business systems and nurturing your current clients. This is where it is essential to plan your weeks, allocate time on specific projects and keep yourself accountable. Establishing key systems from the start will help your business in the long term.
Long are days gone of walking the streets delivering flyers into your local areas mail boxes, sure you can still do this, however digital marketing is the way to go! Set up your business up a Facebook and Instagram page and share the great work you are doing with your clients, and start to grow your own online community. The best thing about social media is that it is FREE!
Having passion to help others reach their goals is what makes a great PT, however so many trainers undervalue themselves and don’t charge their worth. The average PT charges $45 for a 45 minute one on one session. With this in mind, you can start to set yourself a budget and workout how many PT sessions you need to do to pay your rent, get your groceries, pay your bills etc. Without a financial plan in place, unless you have a side income, you are setting you and your business up to fail. TIP: As a PT you also have to pay your own TAX so make sure you are putting money aside for this each pay as well.
Disclaimer: Where Certificate III in Fitness, Cert III/Cert 3, or Fitness Coach is mentioned, it refers to SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness. Where Certificate IV in Fitness, Cert IV/Cert 4, or Personal Trainer is mentioned, it refers to SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Where Master Trainer Program™ is mentioned, it refers to Fitness Essentials and SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Where Master Trainer Plus+ Program™ is mentioned, it refers to SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness and SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Where Certificate IV in Massage or Cert IV/Cert 4 is mentioned, it refers to HLT42021 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy. Where Diploma of Remedial Massage is mentioned, it refers to HLT52021 Diploma of Remedial Massage.