Answers (7)
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Having only limited information and one side of the story, I will give you a lemons to lemonade answer.
I t sounds like you have been awesome. If you can, take a moment and a deep breath. We are not super human. While he phone call may have seemed like business as usual, what has happened over your client's last several years and maybe the last few weeks, might have just been a crack in the dam that let the whole thing collapse. I can't tell you a magical way to make it all better. But I can tell you that taking the high road is always the best option.
I would try to speak with the client and tell them that I respect their decision. And offer to do whatever I could to make their transition to their new trainer as smooth as possible. And then I would do exactly that as well as possible. Why they felt the need to move on is unimportant. You did your best and you can be the best professional you can be and keep it professional. I know it stings a little now. You had a lot of time and emotion invested in this client as well. But as far as the client is concerned, suck it up and play it cool and straight. Then I would put myself through a freaking killer workout, take a long shower, go home and give my wife a big hug, a kiss, and go out to dinner. Or something like that, sometimes the happy movie ending doesn't quite work out. But I would try to take comfort in the rest of what is important to me and not let this be a defining moment.
And I get. And it takes time to forget a tough situation. And you will have some days where you dwell on it. That is natural and it is all right. I wish you the best and hope you are well.
I t sounds like you have been awesome. If you can, take a moment and a deep breath. We are not super human. While he phone call may have seemed like business as usual, what has happened over your client's last several years and maybe the last few weeks, might have just been a crack in the dam that let the whole thing collapse. I can't tell you a magical way to make it all better. But I can tell you that taking the high road is always the best option.
I would try to speak with the client and tell them that I respect their decision. And offer to do whatever I could to make their transition to their new trainer as smooth as possible. And then I would do exactly that as well as possible. Why they felt the need to move on is unimportant. You did your best and you can be the best professional you can be and keep it professional. I know it stings a little now. You had a lot of time and emotion invested in this client as well. But as far as the client is concerned, suck it up and play it cool and straight. Then I would put myself through a freaking killer workout, take a long shower, go home and give my wife a big hug, a kiss, and go out to dinner. Or something like that, sometimes the happy movie ending doesn't quite work out. But I would try to take comfort in the rest of what is important to me and not let this be a defining moment.
And I get. And it takes time to forget a tough situation. And you will have some days where you dwell on it. That is natural and it is all right. I wish you the best and hope you are well.
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Hi Kimberly,
While I realize that the client may have already moved on since your boss gave the referral and we have limited information... But, have you reached out to discuss the situation with the client? I would at least make contact with the client if you have developed a relationship with her to discuss the situation. You may not get a straight answer, but at least you will have closure, can wish her luck and all the best, and move on yourself (it may put your mind at ease).
If that is not possible, then I would take it that it's for the best and move on--even though it may sting a bit. You are better off if it ended that abruptly with little reason. Something else may be going on with the client that is not your fault.
Best wishes,
Christine
While I realize that the client may have already moved on since your boss gave the referral and we have limited information... But, have you reached out to discuss the situation with the client? I would at least make contact with the client if you have developed a relationship with her to discuss the situation. You may not get a straight answer, but at least you will have closure, can wish her luck and all the best, and move on yourself (it may put your mind at ease).
If that is not possible, then I would take it that it's for the best and move on--even though it may sting a bit. You are better off if it ended that abruptly with little reason. Something else may be going on with the client that is not your fault.
Best wishes,
Christine
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Hello Kimberly Chase,
This type of situation is never easy; but, I would use it as a learning experience and chalk it up to the client needing to vent and take control of something. The client probably feels many frightening emotions, as if they are out of control with their health; you are a safe place to vent and take back some control. Tell them in your mind, not out loud, "you are welcome for the sounding board."
Not all business is good business.
Not all clients and trainers will click.
I am sure you did all you could for them.
You will probably find out later that something else happened to cause this and things ended up for the better in the long run.
I would speak kindly with them to officially end training sessions; while, reassuring them that I am still here when needed.
Now go learn from the disappointments and joyfully dwell on the accomplishments.
Best of health to you both,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
This type of situation is never easy; but, I would use it as a learning experience and chalk it up to the client needing to vent and take control of something. The client probably feels many frightening emotions, as if they are out of control with their health; you are a safe place to vent and take back some control. Tell them in your mind, not out loud, "you are welcome for the sounding board."
Not all business is good business.
Not all clients and trainers will click.
I am sure you did all you could for them.
You will probably find out later that something else happened to cause this and things ended up for the better in the long run.
I would speak kindly with them to officially end training sessions; while, reassuring them that I am still here when needed.
Now go learn from the disappointments and joyfully dwell on the accomplishments.
Best of health to you both,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
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You've received good advice so far. I particularly appreciate Martin's comment that the cell phone issue might have been the crack in the dam that let the whole thing collapse.
For you, personally, I think it best to say a quick, "I've handed all of my notes to your new trainer and I hope that the two of you work well together." That transitions without burned bridges or blame.
For your staff, since you said you're worried about your other trainers, a quick warning might be good, but I would frame it as positively as possible. Each trainer, at some point, has to deal with client dissatisfaction.
For you, personally, I think it best to say a quick, "I've handed all of my notes to your new trainer and I hope that the two of you work well together." That transitions without burned bridges or blame.
For your staff, since you said you're worried about your other trainers, a quick warning might be good, but I would frame it as positively as possible. Each trainer, at some point, has to deal with client dissatisfaction.
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Yes she probably will do the same to this new trainer. This sounds like a pattern
Personally I would not allow her into my studio, she's looking for blame everywhere she goes.
Bad Karma and her energy must only bring others in the studio down.
Personally I would not allow her into my studio, she's looking for blame everywhere she goes.
Bad Karma and her energy must only bring others in the studio down.
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Hi Kimberley,
I would also talk to your boss who gave the referral to the client for the other trainer.Hew or she should be made aware of what you communicated here. A client like that can potentially be very harmful to a facility.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
I would also talk to your boss who gave the referral to the client for the other trainer.Hew or she should be made aware of what you communicated here. A client like that can potentially be very harmful to a facility.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
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Completely agree with being a professional and taking the high road. Good answers already. I would help the transition so everyone is on the same page.
