If you're eager to start your own fitness business, it's important that you not get hung-up on many of the details that may keep you from simply taking action. Too many aspiring fitness entrepreneurs focus too much time, energy and money on actions that can’t guarantee the return on investment they anticipate rather than simply taking actions that will. Here are four common myths of starting a new fitness business:
Myth #1: You need a professional website before you start your business.
I grew my business successfully the first five years without any web presence (and this was before the Facebook era). While you can create your own website fairly inexpensively to include your bio, contact info and basic details of your services using platforms like Wordpress, Facebook and other social media outlets can serve the same purpose and be just as effective in marketing and building your clientele.
Myth #2: You won't be able to get your first clients until you have client testimonials to prove your credibility.
Testimonials are incredibly powerful; but your personality and ability to gain trust is even more powerful. Focus on developing relationships with potential clients -- people buy from people they know, like and trust first and foremost.
Myth #3: You need a logo, business cards, brochures and other collateral before you can sell your services.
Too many focus on the "stuff" that brands you and your business; but investing time and money on collateral can end up being a waste as your business evolves. Look for simple solutions you can create on your own if you feel you need to be able to physically present information to a potential client. What you do need are simple client-trainer agreements, waiver of liability, client info sheets or a PAR-Q, and a simple invoice template.
Myth #4: You don't need to get liability insurance, claim your income or have clients sign waivers when you're first getting started.
There are aspects of starting your own business you absolutely need to consider seriously. You need to protect your business with sufficient liability insurance be sure you’re covered legally and financially. One of the first decisions you should make as a new business owner is to align yourself with an accountant and business attorney. Get referrals from people you trust and interview a few candidates before hiring them to bring on your professional team.
What will drive your new business, simply, is taking actions that will get you closer to closing new clients. While having an appealing logo or a polished website could help your business, don't fall into the trap of thinking you can't jumpstart a successful business without them.
Being a newly certified trainer doesn't have to mean there aren't opportunities available to you; but it does mean you may need to navigate a bit further and be open-minded with the initial direction you take. A strong passion and commitment to your new career path will go a long way with potential employers and clients; just stay the course!
Myth #1: You need a professional website before you start your business.
I grew my business successfully the first five years without any web presence (and this was before the Facebook era). While you can create your own website fairly inexpensively to include your bio, contact info and basic details of your services using platforms like Wordpress, Facebook and other social media outlets can serve the same purpose and be just as effective in marketing and building your clientele.
Myth #2: You won't be able to get your first clients until you have client testimonials to prove your credibility.
Testimonials are incredibly powerful; but your personality and ability to gain trust is even more powerful. Focus on developing relationships with potential clients -- people buy from people they know, like and trust first and foremost.
Myth #3: You need a logo, business cards, brochures and other collateral before you can sell your services.
Too many focus on the "stuff" that brands you and your business; but investing time and money on collateral can end up being a waste as your business evolves. Look for simple solutions you can create on your own if you feel you need to be able to physically present information to a potential client. What you do need are simple client-trainer agreements, waiver of liability, client info sheets or a PAR-Q, and a simple invoice template.
Myth #4: You don't need to get liability insurance, claim your income or have clients sign waivers when you're first getting started.
There are aspects of starting your own business you absolutely need to consider seriously. You need to protect your business with sufficient liability insurance be sure you’re covered legally and financially. One of the first decisions you should make as a new business owner is to align yourself with an accountant and business attorney. Get referrals from people you trust and interview a few candidates before hiring them to bring on your professional team.
What will drive your new business, simply, is taking actions that will get you closer to closing new clients. While having an appealing logo or a polished website could help your business, don't fall into the trap of thinking you can't jumpstart a successful business without them.
Being a newly certified trainer doesn't have to mean there aren't opportunities available to you; but it does mean you may need to navigate a bit further and be open-minded with the initial direction you take. A strong passion and commitment to your new career path will go a long way with potential employers and clients; just stay the course!
