This weeks question is answered by Doug Holt, Fitness Professional Online Founder and one of the worlds foremost fitness experts, with almost 20 years of experience in the industry.
When you first enter the personal training industry, it can be tough to know where to start. You have no clients, no reputation, and no experience, so how should you go about promoting yourself? Here is what I have learned from my many years in the business.
When your new to personal training the first thing you will want to do is contact all your friends and relatives and let them know about your exciting new business. You entered personal training to help people, so this is a great time to ask them how you can help them or their friends. Remember that personal training is all about people and adding value to their lives, so find out how you can add value to the lives of your friends and family as a trainer.
Once you have made sure all your friends and family know about your new career, you can start visiting local social and civic organizations such as the rotary club, chamber of commerce, and similar business networking clubs in your area. In addition you may want to reach out to local charities to see if you can offer free personal training sessions as an item at auction. This is a great way to get yourself exposure to those individuals who can afford your services. When someone bids on your services this also indicates they are interested in personal training, so you will want to make sure you follow up with the non-profit to get the names and contact info of all those who bid.
In addition you also want to begin by using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. Remember social media is there to be just that, social. You will want to share others fitness related posts or online articles you enjoyed from fitness websites and experts, Fitness Professional Online being one of many good examples. You also may want to start by microblogging, which is simply sharing your own written work on social media. For example, you may you may want to share diet and weight loss tips if that’s an interest to you, or if your speciality is sports, you may want to show someone how to improve their speed and agility.
All of these tips and techniques will help you acquire initial clients, build a reputation, and establish your new business. Once you have acquired your first clients, the first and foremost focus should always be adding value for them. Remember, nothing builds your business better than offering a high quality, life changing service!
As always, this is a real question from a real reader. If you would like to have your own question answered on Ask an Expert, please email us at ask@fitnessprofessionalonline.com
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Doug Holt
Doug Holt is the managing owner of the Conditioning Specialists in Santa Barbara, running the day to day business operations as well as providing fitness services to clientele. Doug is able to draw upon his experience as the former Assistant Director for the International Sports Sciences Association’s Education Department, Director of Information Services for the National Board of Fitness Examiners, and his years in the exercise equipment industry to give clients a well rounded offering of services. Doug Holt is also the publisher of Santa Barbara Fitness Magazine.
Doug is currently working on developing certification courses for health and fitness professionals. He is a regular contributor to many publications and has been featured as an expert in the field of fitness.
Mr. Holt has over 18 different degrees and certifications in the health and fitness field. Click here to read more about Doug's fitness background.
Latest posts by Doug Holt
- Compression Sock Review – Product Review - March 3, 2016
- CrossFit Wrist Wraps – Product Review - February 17, 2016
- Jump Rope Crossfit Set By Shadibody – Product Review for Personal Trainers - February 9, 2016
