An opportunity to grow my business, but have some concerns and questions. Advice?
I work with only women between ages 21-40 and do 1/1 and partner training. It’s going well. I train outdoors and inside my home
In indoor soccer and sports center has a very large space for me to rent for 45 an hour and they want to promote me and my business. I have no experience yet with groups of more than four girls. It’s an an opportunity to leverage business. There are tons of moms and young women that I can offer services to. I have to rent the space, but they will promote me and only me.
Here are concerns:
Do I start bootcamp style classes
Do I stick with just small group and work as groups and partners
I am 5 months pregnant, should I consider hiring someone to help
Price structure
I have to provide equipment
I really want this opportunity, just struggling on what direction I should take, especially with a toddler and one on their way.
The first thing I would consider is your overall financial bottom line. How much do you need to make per hour after expenses to make this feasible? How much per class do you need to charge to make it worth your time/rent.equipment cost and how many classes would you need to teach per month?
If they say they are only going to promote you, get this in writing:but consider the possibility that you may want to get out if it doesn’t work, I would put a clause in stating your needs
Do you have a place to store the equipment? Lugging equipment around being 5 months pregnant will get old real fast.
I would attempt to negotiate their price: $45 seems high to me. Talk to them about starting at a lower price per hour then as you build your numbers you can pay accordingly or, if they are going to promote you possibly work out a percentage basis with them, say a 60 40 split of income?
I would start with a sign up sheet and see who can come, at what times:
I would have a monthy fee/class card policy with a 30 day expiration date.
Since you are pregnant I would be looking for an assistant yes!
Good Luck!
Only you know if this is the right opportunity for you. You have a lot of transferable skills from personal training that would translate over to training groups. A few questions come to mind, both from a personal and a professional perspective.
Professionally:
What type of classes was the sports center thinking you would offer?
Who’s insurance is covering what? Will you need additional coverage?
Will you need additional equipment?
Is this something you need to take on right now to grow your business?
What additional forms & fee structure will you need?
Is this something your current clientele is interested in or are you looking to get into another revenue stream?
Personally:
Is this the right time? Sure it may be the right opportunity, but with another child on the way, is this the right time for you, for your family and for your business to take advantage of this opportunity
What type of additional childcare, if any, would you need to take on these additional hours?
What will you do about maternity leave and how does the sports center feel about that? Have you already discussed having someone fill in for you? What type of contract will you have with that person and the sports center to ensure the security of your business (ie: so they don’t steal your business, your idea, etc)?
Like I said, only you can answer these questions, but there are soo many directions you can take this in. The decision is all yours!
I agree with Jocelyn that you need to take an honest and critical view of what this opportunity will mean for you both professionally and personally. In my opinion, with the information that you’ve given here, I can see this as a plus, as an opportunity for you to leverage your time and actually give yourself MORE personal time if you manage this opportunity well. Larger classes (assuming you’re comfortable with that) will translate to more money for less time – a definite win-win for you.
Good luck in your decision.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
[email protected]
