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I have been in the industry for 7 years now & I have had to tackle all of the business challenges out there. It is by your choice if you take on board any of the following information;

Find a good accountant & bank!

First of all, when setting up your own business, consult with a good accountant (preferably a chartered); go for the best you can afford. Business & financial planning has been key to my success.

Ensure that you have a business bank account which doesn’t charge you for at least 12 months.  Ensure that you pay your national contributions on time & submit your self assessment forms on time (a good accountant can either do this for you or advise you on how to approach it). If you are reaching the VAT threshold of over £67,000 per annum, again speak to a good accountant on this.

Work out your marketing strategy, I’ve tried all of the following;

• Newspaper articles / local promotions
• Flier runs to local homes
• Online advertising /built a website
• Word of mouth
• Networking events, mornings
• Email & mail shots
• Monthly newsletters
• Blogs
• Radio
• BBC radio documentaries
• Free PR with working with charity fundraising events
• Car logo design
• & more

I’d love to share all of my secrets, but above are some of the few things I’ve either trialled or still continue to do.

Before you progress with your marketing strategy, I would suggest you would work out your target audience & what it is your going to specialise in. I personally prefer to work with weight loss, body sculpting, boxing & athletics as they are my main concentrations.

Personal trainers who are experts in every possible field need to rethink their career; you cannot be an expert at everything! If a client of mine has a severe knee issue that I cannot prescribe exercise for, I would put them in touch with the best knee specialist, or if they have a heart issue that I’m not familiar with then a Dr or a corony heart specialist would be more experienced to give me more advice.

 

Familiarise yourself with other personal trainers & don’t treat them like the enemy!

Treat other trainers like the enemy & you won’t receive possible referrals, just a poor local reputation! I receive many referrals from other personal trainers as I have referred clients to them for if I have been too busy or if I feel I’m not the right trainer for that particular client.

Build up a relationship with local gyms, other healthcare practitioners or practices.

My office is at the Grieg centre in Alcester (a charity run gym with state of the art equipment) there are over 700 members there.

I’ve referred injured clients to 2 local practioners, 1 a physiotherapy centre and another good massage therapist, both give me referrals in return.

I’ve helped in many marathons, sporting & charity events, all of which is great for personal satisfaction & good for my reputation!

Get out there!

Whether you decide to be a personal trainer from a gymnasium and pay them either a percentage or a flat floor rent, or you decide to be a mobile personal trainer or simply set yourself up from home, get out there and talk to people! No one would ever know you exist if you don’t market yourself, build friendships, relationships or speak to people!

Good luck with your career, it will be a difficult journey at some points, however it will be one of the most rewarding things you may ever choose to do.

Thank you for reading

Gavin Townsend

www.GTPT.co.uk

If you have any questions on the above topic or any other, please don’t hesitate to contact us; enquiries@gtpt.co.uk

 

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