Answers (11)
2
Here is my candidate for most important advice: Learn about the BUSINESS SIDE of fitness with as much enthusiasm as you studied to learn anatomy and exercise science.
Before making any financial commitments, it is important to get as much advice on running a business as possible. Many states have official agencies which will help with small business to make sure that you have met all the required business paperwork. Make a business plan and have a knowledgeable person look at it. Do not let your desire over-write your better sense.
If you plan to get into business with others, make sure they have their share of the financial responsibility. Managing a studio often involves managing people. It is important to ask yourself whether you have all the people management skills necessary. It is very easy to pat somebody on the back for a job well done. It is a lot more difficult to find the right words if things did not go as you expected.
Before making any financial commitments, it is important to get as much advice on running a business as possible. Many states have official agencies which will help with small business to make sure that you have met all the required business paperwork. Make a business plan and have a knowledgeable person look at it. Do not let your desire over-write your better sense.
If you plan to get into business with others, make sure they have their share of the financial responsibility. Managing a studio often involves managing people. It is important to ask yourself whether you have all the people management skills necessary. It is very easy to pat somebody on the back for a job well done. It is a lot more difficult to find the right words if things did not go as you expected.
2
Once you create a business plan and assess your ability to run a business and manage people, your next important step is to analyze your marketing and network abilities. Signage, business cards, fliers, brochures, and advertising in newspapers/magazines are just the basics tools to marketing/networking your business in today's world of commerce. There are many questions you will want to ask yourself and answer before you proceed. Some of them may be: Who is my target market? What "brand" of studio am I creating? What is a successful and cost effective way to communicate my message and reach my pre-determined audience? Will I network with out professionals? If yes, how will I network. If no, why not? Do I have personal contacts that could be a source of referrals? Your answers need to be examined as you consider the idea of opening and running a successful studio.
2
Best advice I can provide: Get help from other business professionals for some of the business aspects of running your own studio like an attorney, bookkeeper, and CPA. Never "guess" whether you are doing something right when it comes to licensing, taxes, or business expenses and if you don't know how to do something or can't find an answer to a question about how to run your business, find someone who does. The money you spend seeking out this help will pay off ten-fold. And the help you get will allow you to do what you love - train clients.
1
Be sure to learn about the business side of things BEFORE you settle on a place to set up shop.
1
Personally I wouldn't own my own studio. I managed a studio for 25 years, so I have the expertise but didn't want to legal responsibility and or ramifications.
It seems glorious to be a studio owner but you have to do the numbers and make sure you can financially make it first. There are many things that go on behind the scenes to make a studio run well, offering classes is only a fraction of what is required.
I think renting with others is a good option so that the burden is not all on you!
I agree with the other answers, go in prepared, if you really want to own a studio and it's always been your dream and you are passonate about it, then do all of the research ahead of time so that you won't get any unexpected surprises thrown at you.
Remember, if something goes right at the studio you get credit, if something goes wrong, you get credit!
It seems glorious to be a studio owner but you have to do the numbers and make sure you can financially make it first. There are many things that go on behind the scenes to make a studio run well, offering classes is only a fraction of what is required.
I think renting with others is a good option so that the burden is not all on you!
I agree with the other answers, go in prepared, if you really want to own a studio and it's always been your dream and you are passonate about it, then do all of the research ahead of time so that you won't get any unexpected surprises thrown at you.
Remember, if something goes right at the studio you get credit, if something goes wrong, you get credit!
0
Make sure you open your studio in a good location where there is a demand for PT and people can afford it. Offer unique programs, and give good value for people's money.
0
I would say start small with room to expand. Only buy what you absolutely need to get started and spend money slowly and conservatively. Determine your "niche" and focus on that--don't try to be everything for everybody. Stay open and flexible--if something is not working, be ready to change strategies. Same thing with employees--don't waste resources on someone who is not helping your business. Research and learn as much as you can about fitness, business and managing people before you start and then keep learning. Attend free or low cost seminars/webinars. Read books to stay motivated. It's not an easy business but the rewards are endless!
0
If you are planning to open your own studio congrats, but before you do know where your clients are coming from. if you think you have a good client following before investing in expensive studio equipment and rent try out virtual training.
At www.FriendsBfit.com we will let you rent out a virtual studio room. You will teach your clients right in their homes by connecting using technology like Skype. The investment is low and you can test out if you can attract clients.Email me if you are interested in this info@friendsbfit.com
At www.FriendsBfit.com we will let you rent out a virtual studio room. You will teach your clients right in their homes by connecting using technology like Skype. The investment is low and you can test out if you can attract clients.Email me if you are interested in this info@friendsbfit.com
