Getting your PT qualification is a huge achievement and the first step to becoming a successful personal trainer. However, you might have realised that a course alone isn’t enough to prepare you for the business side of personal training. Whether you’re starting out or have been in the industry for a while, understanding the bigger picture of running your fitness business is crucial.
In this article, we shed more light on seven critical aspects of running a business. We’ll help you understand how to enrich your knowledge and skills so that you can thrive in the gym with your clients and in business.
So here are 7 things your PT qualification didn’t teach you… and how to get started.
1. How to build effective client relationships
Building effective relationships with your clients is far more than simply designing and delivering great workouts. It’s about mastering the art of communication, staying professional at all times, and, most importantly, earning the trust and respect of the people you train.
Successful relationships aren’t just about happy customers; you’re working towards a bond that means they stick with you for the long haul – and recommend you to others. Understanding effective communication will transform all your daily interactions and make every client feel valued and understood, no matter their circumstances and personal goals.
Listen as much as you instruct, and create a two-way dialogue that provides trust and respect. If you focus on this, first and foremost, they will value you as a trusted advisor on their fitness journeys. You will both enjoy your workouts more, and the positive energy you instil will keep them coming back.
2. How to market your PT business and get clients
Your PT qualification probably hasn’t covered marketing and snagging new clients in great depth. But it’s a huge part of running a successful business in the highly competitive fitness industry! Developing a strong personal brand and using the right digital tools to your advantage is very important. Always remember:
- Be memorable
- Talk to your ideal audience
By this, I don’t mean find your demographic, show off your skills, and business will come rolling in. You must work to create an emotional connection with potential clients that resonates on a personal level. In our recent blog, Easy, free ways to market your fitness business, we covered how to do this in more detail. Check it out as a valuable resource for personal training digital marketing.
3. How to run a profitable business
Running a profitable personal training business is also about being smart in your financial management and strategic in your service offerings. Did your personal training business marketing course equip you with skills to be financially savvy? If not, it’s time to learn.
To be sustainable, you must understand your overheads, from rent to equipment costs, and how they will impact your bottom line. A great idea is to diversify your service—for example, offer bespoke group sessions as well as individual training. This way, you will be able to meet a broader range of client needs and significantly raise your profits.
Navigating the financial aspects of your business can be daunting, but with a smart, considered approach, it’s how to drive your growth. Consider your pricing strategy, manage your expenses, and innovate your services – if you do this well, you will create a strong business model to sustain your company and help it flourish.
4. How to have a success mindset
Adopting the right mindset is a transformative strategy for growing your business. We’re talking about a ‘success mindset’ here! This goes beyond just ‘thinking positively’; what you’re looking to do is forge an attitude that sees opportunities in challenges and resilience in the face of setbacks.
We looked at this in detail in Mindset tips for growing your personal training business. Adopting this type of success-orientated mindset is the key to navigating the inevitable ups and downs of any business, but especially one as taxing on a physical and emotional level as personal training. If you can nail this, you will push through barriers, innovate your services, and smash your business goals.
A great mindset comes from making a commitment to continuous learning, being adaptable, and having the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Set clear, actionable goals and pursue them relentlessly with grit. This powerful approach turns any potential hurdle into a stepping stone and propels you towards your goals in business and life.
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5. How to leverage systems and processes
New technology is appearing all the time to help you in your personal training business. Embracing it is a huge part of growing a successful personal training business these days. Use it to streamline operations and make your everyday life more cost-efficient, and this will help you grow your business faster.
From software platforms that will build and manage online courses to automation for your diary and more, these clever tools can free up your time to focus on what you do best: training clients and growing your business.
Research the best technological solutions to work smarter, not harder. Remember, if you aren’t already using the best tools, you can be sure your competitors are! Automation and online information will also enhance your client’s experience and improve your service delivery – meaning more customers and bigger profits!
6. How to retain your PT clients
Keeping clients coming back session after session is all about their experience working with you. Client retention is a vital aspect of any personal training business, as it's far more cost effective to keep existing clients than to seek new ones constantly. Maintaining high levels of client engagement and satisfaction ensures they're loyal to you and likely to recommend your business.
The key to client retention is creating a personal connection, understanding individual goals and challenges, building that relationship, and continuously providing value beyond the gym floor.
If you make every single client feel valued and seen and you tailor your approach to fit their needs and preferences, you will turn satisfied clients into a powerful referral network.
7. How to cover yourself legally
A solid business that’s legally covered establishes trust and allows you to maintain your professionalism at all times. Make sure you’re adequately covered with the right insurance, have contracts in place, and always adhere to ethical practices. This way, you protect yourself, your business, and your clients. Legal safeguards contribute to a healthy, professional relationship with your customers.
Comprehensive insurance covers you in case of accidents or injuries and signals to your clients that safety and well-being are your top priorities. Contracts set and clarify expectations and responsibilities and provide a framework for professional relationships.
The line between personal and professional can be tricky, but it's essential for your long-term success. Take care of ethics from the start and you will protect your business against risks, making sure you’re set up for a prosperous, professional practice.
Grow your personal training business with Strong Collective
By bringing these jigsaw pieces together – relationships, marketing, financial management, a success mindset, the right technology, client retention, plus legal and ethical considerations, you will set an extremely solid foundation for running a personal training business and watching it grow and thrive.
At Strong Collective Mentoring, we’re here to support you as you integrate these essential elements into your business. We firmly believe in the power of community and support for new personal trainers, and we're committed to helping you achieve your dreams. Book a call with us and find out more about how we can help you build an incredible fitness business!
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