Answers (9)
1
Hello Rachel,
Here are some answers to a question posted here similar to yours:
http://www.ideafit.com/answers/how-to-transition-from-corporate-america-...
Wishing You Great Success!
Michael
Here are some answers to a question posted here similar to yours:
http://www.ideafit.com/answers/how-to-transition-from-corporate-america-...
Wishing You Great Success!
Michael
0
Congratulations on jumping into the wonderful world of independently contracted work and betting on your biggest asset: yourself! I feel that you’re definitely on the right track by prioritizing market research and putting together a business plan.
Check out this link for some additional tasks that would be valuable for you take care of initially: http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/tips-independent-contractors
Below you'll find a few questions to consider if you don’t already know the answers to them:
-Will you be able to take any of your current clients with you when you leave the corporate gym? If so, could you create a referral program for them that would help your independent business grow at a faster pace?
-Do you plan to target a niche market or will you try to appeal to a more broad range of people?
If you’re interested in working with the ever-growing Baby Boomer market, you might find this article useful: http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/employment-opportunities-in-senio...
I can tell you that making regular appearances at networking events is rarely a waste of time. Check out your local newspaper to see if it lists some upcoming events. Also, http://www.meetup.com has tons of free and paid local “meetups” that might be of interest to you. Whether they’re focused on networking specifically is usually inconsequential. You’ll be starting a business that virtually ANYONE could be a consumer of...assuming you create value for the individual based on the individual. Does that make sense?
The last few resources I’ll send your way come from Chris Guillebeau’s website for his book, “The $100 Startup.”
-Here’s a link for information regarding the creation of an “Instant Consulting Business:” http://www.100startup.com/resources/instant-consulting.pdf
-And here’s a link for creating a quick and easy “One-Page Business Plan” to get that ball rolling: http://www.100startup.com/resources/business-plan.pdf
Let me know if there are any specific questions you still have and I’d be happy to help the best I can. Best of luck to you regardless!
Check out this link for some additional tasks that would be valuable for you take care of initially: http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/tips-independent-contractors
Below you'll find a few questions to consider if you don’t already know the answers to them:
-Will you be able to take any of your current clients with you when you leave the corporate gym? If so, could you create a referral program for them that would help your independent business grow at a faster pace?
-Do you plan to target a niche market or will you try to appeal to a more broad range of people?
If you’re interested in working with the ever-growing Baby Boomer market, you might find this article useful: http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/employment-opportunities-in-senio...
I can tell you that making regular appearances at networking events is rarely a waste of time. Check out your local newspaper to see if it lists some upcoming events. Also, http://www.meetup.com has tons of free and paid local “meetups” that might be of interest to you. Whether they’re focused on networking specifically is usually inconsequential. You’ll be starting a business that virtually ANYONE could be a consumer of...assuming you create value for the individual based on the individual. Does that make sense?
The last few resources I’ll send your way come from Chris Guillebeau’s website for his book, “The $100 Startup.”
-Here’s a link for information regarding the creation of an “Instant Consulting Business:” http://www.100startup.com/resources/instant-consulting.pdf
-And here’s a link for creating a quick and easy “One-Page Business Plan” to get that ball rolling: http://www.100startup.com/resources/business-plan.pdf
Let me know if there are any specific questions you still have and I’d be happy to help the best I can. Best of luck to you regardless!
0
Hello & kudos to ya for investing in self. That is what you will need to do if you expect anyone else to and pay you.
1. FREEDOM - to explore, to expand and to position self
2. EXPERIENCE - I worked in corp gym's and studios until fairly recently as a trainer and mgt. I took all of what I learned with me, the good, the bad, the outrageous from all. (they are tools used correctly in perspective)
3. DO YOU - never wanted to be like "mike," I learned from success', failures and everything in between. How will you differentiate self? Gimmick ads & puffery? Offering "just" the latest equipment like your a rep for them(the compny.) not an independent willing to commit to your people 100%.
FIND YOUR STYLE, YOUR MARKET and make sure people feel secure w/u as their instructor, not just a rep counter or chick to chat w/@ the gym.
4. PATHFINDER - How your package is presented & what it offers...
do the same, you get the same... build your confidence, energy and support systems now, don't BS self you will need this.
I think I do well w/o certification because I can demonstrate variety with what I offer. I can train with if I choose, so they know I am capable of holding my own...I also always offer people w/any kind of medical complication the opportunity to check my advice/consult with their physician(offering my contact info) before they ever ring my phone again. Basically you can tell I'm in it to win & that infectious feeling is what I offer to "MY" people.
5. USE THAT MUSCLE BETWEEN THE EARS ( no disrespect intended)
If your good @ what you do "show it off" people like to be amazed. Show creativity in everything you do with your new venture. The big gym is just that, a big box, I never cared who watched me, but I found out that was one of my biggest draws & separators from the other trainers.
* 1st hand knowledge - u dont need all the systems and gadgets, you do need a foundation in this, you do need to be seen as a professional, you do need to be viewed as knowledgeable or what do will you really offer different?
6. KAHONEES (?) - BIG ONES, believe in self even if the doors dont swing back & forth. My opinion: I cater to the few who will, rather than the mass that won't. Seen it, done it, they can have it...
I build an attitude of elitism in my folks, not detrimentally, but reinforcing what they do, all the sweat they drip, and emotion put into what we do... if it sounds foreign to most GOOD!
I'm doing my thing thing & u may never experience this but, u can create your own...
*very motivating when you get regular accolades on how you look, or how that something fits you... 95% of my clientele is and always has been female
(2000 - 2013 "Charley's ANGELS"), that said cause u ladies are awesome, not bullheaded like...
Research your area, don't be afraid to compete if you can. Smash em & create your own pack of "SUPER FRIENDS," if that's your thing... it's dam sure mine and I enjoy the reception I receive from old acquaintances from the "big box gym days" and my current stable of BADDAZZ fit representatives round here NOW!
OFFER MORE VALUE, SERVICE & "REALITY BASED TRAINING," not another's vision...
CONGRATS girl, take your town by STORM!!
1. FREEDOM - to explore, to expand and to position self
2. EXPERIENCE - I worked in corp gym's and studios until fairly recently as a trainer and mgt. I took all of what I learned with me, the good, the bad, the outrageous from all. (they are tools used correctly in perspective)
3. DO YOU - never wanted to be like "mike," I learned from success', failures and everything in between. How will you differentiate self? Gimmick ads & puffery? Offering "just" the latest equipment like your a rep for them(the compny.) not an independent willing to commit to your people 100%.
FIND YOUR STYLE, YOUR MARKET and make sure people feel secure w/u as their instructor, not just a rep counter or chick to chat w/@ the gym.
4. PATHFINDER - How your package is presented & what it offers...
do the same, you get the same... build your confidence, energy and support systems now, don't BS self you will need this.
I think I do well w/o certification because I can demonstrate variety with what I offer. I can train with if I choose, so they know I am capable of holding my own...I also always offer people w/any kind of medical complication the opportunity to check my advice/consult with their physician(offering my contact info) before they ever ring my phone again. Basically you can tell I'm in it to win & that infectious feeling is what I offer to "MY" people.
5. USE THAT MUSCLE BETWEEN THE EARS ( no disrespect intended)
If your good @ what you do "show it off" people like to be amazed. Show creativity in everything you do with your new venture. The big gym is just that, a big box, I never cared who watched me, but I found out that was one of my biggest draws & separators from the other trainers.
* 1st hand knowledge - u dont need all the systems and gadgets, you do need a foundation in this, you do need to be seen as a professional, you do need to be viewed as knowledgeable or what do will you really offer different?
6. KAHONEES (?) - BIG ONES, believe in self even if the doors dont swing back & forth. My opinion: I cater to the few who will, rather than the mass that won't. Seen it, done it, they can have it...
I build an attitude of elitism in my folks, not detrimentally, but reinforcing what they do, all the sweat they drip, and emotion put into what we do... if it sounds foreign to most GOOD!
I'm doing my thing thing & u may never experience this but, u can create your own...
*very motivating when you get regular accolades on how you look, or how that something fits you... 95% of my clientele is and always has been female
(2000 - 2013 "Charley's ANGELS"), that said cause u ladies are awesome, not bullheaded like...
Research your area, don't be afraid to compete if you can. Smash em & create your own pack of "SUPER FRIENDS," if that's your thing... it's dam sure mine and I enjoy the reception I receive from old acquaintances from the "big box gym days" and my current stable of BADDAZZ fit representatives round here NOW!
OFFER MORE VALUE, SERVICE & "REALITY BASED TRAINING," not another's vision...
CONGRATS girl, take your town by STORM!!
0
One thing you have to do now is to market yourself. Join networking groups consisted from small business owners to moms groups. Build a good web site that represents your philosophy, services and experience very clear. Add as many testimonials you can because they always help. Know the type of clients you want and feel comfortable training. If you do a great job, they will refer you more clients. Be professional and dependable or you will have hard time making it. One more thing you can do is to run a deal thru one of the daily sites, such as Groupon or Living Social or a similar one. I know many other professionals here will disagree with this option, but when you starting a new business it might not be such a bad idea. This will expose you to a large number of potential clients and even though not all of them will stay with you, some will and it might be enough to get your business going. Be patient and consistent with your business plan because it takes time to start from the bottom and then build it up. There are many great answers in this forum that you can also refer too for more ideas. Best of luck to you!
0
Hello Rachel Tolsma,
Congratulations and good luck to you.
You can also check out your local retired entrepreneurs meetings.
Free Small Business Advice | How-to Resources | Tools | Templates ...www.score.org/
Take care.
Congratulations and good luck to you.
You can also check out your local retired entrepreneurs meetings.
Free Small Business Advice | How-to Resources | Tools | Templates ...www.score.org/
Take care.
0
Hi Rachel,
you posted this question already 6 weeks ago but I looked at your profile and did not see any changes.
It is certainly possible to make a gradual transition from one to the other. You can stay in the current employment while you are setting up your business. Your biggest investment is probably your liability insurance but you can do anything else on a shoestring budget and start promoting yourself. Michael has provided a lot of information.
I would suggest, though, that you start utilizing this forum here. Completing your profile and sending out a newsletter through IDEA won't cost you anything but can give you valuable exposure.
I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
you posted this question already 6 weeks ago but I looked at your profile and did not see any changes.
It is certainly possible to make a gradual transition from one to the other. You can stay in the current employment while you are setting up your business. Your biggest investment is probably your liability insurance but you can do anything else on a shoestring budget and start promoting yourself. Michael has provided a lot of information.
I would suggest, though, that you start utilizing this forum here. Completing your profile and sending out a newsletter through IDEA won't cost you anything but can give you valuable exposure.
I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
0
Great answers and suggestions. I would only add that perhaps the first most important step is to develop a comprehensive, detailed business plan. How are you going to market yourself? What equipment will you need? What client base will you initially target? These are just a few of the issues you'll need to address.
The second critical issue is to consult with a qualified attorney to be certain that your liability and waiver coverage is adequate. There are a number of resources that will provide you with template forms, but I'd still strongly recommend consulting with an attorney to be certain they are appropriate and adequate.
Congratulations on your new venture! Good luck. Daniel
The second critical issue is to consult with a qualified attorney to be certain that your liability and waiver coverage is adequate. There are a number of resources that will provide you with template forms, but I'd still strongly recommend consulting with an attorney to be certain they are appropriate and adequate.
Congratulations on your new venture! Good luck. Daniel
0
These are all great answers with great points. Here's what you need to think about:
Where is your current client base coming from? Are you hijacking them from your current job? What does that say about you to these current clients?
Where are new clients coming from beyond your initial group?
Where will you train them, and how much does that cost?
These are important questions.
Not everyone is cut out to be self-employed. Being a successful independent personal trainer is hard, have no illusions. You have to be dependable, organized and professional at all times. You will never have paid vacations, sick days, health insurance provided for you, or a 401k.
What's more important is to be in control of your own destiny and not to let anyone stop you.
Where is your current client base coming from? Are you hijacking them from your current job? What does that say about you to these current clients?
Where are new clients coming from beyond your initial group?
Where will you train them, and how much does that cost?
These are important questions.
Not everyone is cut out to be self-employed. Being a successful independent personal trainer is hard, have no illusions. You have to be dependable, organized and professional at all times. You will never have paid vacations, sick days, health insurance provided for you, or a 401k.
What's more important is to be in control of your own destiny and not to let anyone stop you.
