As a new independent contractor in a small gym, how should I market myself to acquire new clients?
Hi again Tracy,
I recently got picked up as an independent contractor at a local gym, so we’re in the same boat! I don’t have any clients at the gym yet, and I can’t pick up anyone else in my county, but my other clients are “grandfathered in.” I can tell you that the first client I got, I did exactly what Karin has suggested. I offered free sessions so that I could get some experience. I spoiled my first client because my “trainer mentors” at the university have always told me, “your first client will be your biggest marketeer!” I can say that they weren’t wrong!
There is another independent contractor at this gym, and he has 9 clients. He has been there since August of last year. I think the biggest challenge for people like us is going to be “PATIENCE!” I would think it’s a lot easier when you are able to have other clients outside of the gym you work at because that takes some of the pressure off of “performing” for the staff at the gym.
I’m a type A personality. I’m the kind of guy that’s a “go-getter.” I’ve also had some HUGE lessons in patience over the last year or so. I’ve been working out in my gym for a long time. I’ve made a point to keep in touch most of the staff, but I haven’t been TOO in touch. I ask the trainers for advice every so often. All that communcation has paid off for me. So I’m expecting this to be slow-going, and I’m prepared for it. I’m giving myself plenty of breathing room to get used to new policies, become even more familiar with the equipment, know the services offered by my gym, and I’m giving myself enough opportunity in the gym to just sit back and watch people for a while before I start soliciting clients. I figure the best approach is to just be friendly and see where it takes you!
Karin, thanks so much for offering your view on all this. Your answer has opened my mind up to some different things that will be helpful on my way to securing my first client in a gym setting. I’m good friends with my gym owners’ son. Maybe I can get him in there and offer him some trial sessions! Great IDEAs! =)