Posted on: 9.27.2007 4:45:38 PM Posted by Mel Salada
I own a personal training studio that rents out space to independent contract trainers. As a trainer myself, I understand the need to maintain a full schedule of appointments. Being in business has taught me to even over-book in order to compensate for cancellations and slow seasons. For that reason, my business has successfully grown. I am quite astonished at the lack of drive in many young trainers. In an industry that is blooming and can give any good, qualified, motivated individual a chance to really take charge of their careers, I find so many content in “training on the side." By that I mean not diving in with the intent of learning more, training more and growing their own clientele. Minimalism is not a successful work ethic in any career. Has our industry become too laissez-faire?
Comments:
Thursday, December 27, 2007 3:58:52 PM by Anonymous
Yes, somewhat, because there is more money to be made by training the newer trainer, or "training on the side" trainer than to work hard, and train clients. I think as long as there is that laissez-faire mentality... there will be "trainers" out there waiting to make money from those individuals. The laissez-faire type of trainer wants the dream so bad (work 2-3 hours per day and make six figures), they're willing to pay hundreds of dollars, versus taking some business courses and simply working hard.
It could very well be a step in that person's plan to be training on the side at first. I know I just started as a trainer and I can't give up my day job of teaching right now. I bring home the biggest slab of bacon in the house, and we've grown accustomed to the niceties of life like food, shelter, and gas in the car. I've got a five year plan and it includes learning everything I can while working towards my goal of teaching half time and training half time. So some might look at me and say "How come she's okay with just doing _____?" Well, she's okay with that because it fits into her plan right now. Right now I can't train full time but what I can do is learn from every client I have and every mistake I make, and take one small step every day towards realizing my ultimate dream. And no, that isn't working 3 hours a day bringing in 6 figures. It's working full time doing what I love, combining teaching and fitness and helping others reach their personal goals and helping them stay at goal for a lifetime.
