How do you increase your business smarts in the fitness field?
I love my job of working out with clients in the pool (it really is a great gig) however, in the future I would love to really own a studio or work out with clients in my home or theirs. I call it my five year plan. I am NETA certified and studying for my Health Coach Certification as well, but now I am thinking I should take a course in buisness in order to really figure out how to market my services. Has anyone taken any buisness courses in order to enhance their fitness career? Any suggestions on how to become a studio owner or work for myself in five years? I really want to be smart going into it. What should I do now in order to get there in the future?
Another thing you could try is to find a mastermind group. I subscribed to a (paid) fitness mastermind group that gave me access to all the business and planning documents of a well-known and successful gym in our area, as the materials were created and sent. Since I wasn’t ready to go out on my own at the time, I found the materials overwhelming and ended up discontinuing my subscription after about 8 months. But it did teach me about their business cycle and how far ahead everything needs to be planned.
Take (non-competitors) business owners out to lunch. Take successful trainers out to lunch. Learn as much as you can from the people doing what you do in your area.
I think fitness success depends totally upon your business success.
It’s great to be an awesome trainer, but if you don’t have a business mind, you won’t make it
Yes to taking a basic business class and when you attend conferences, look for courses on business.
Also: check out the CEC offerings and go for business based ones.
Another thing that you can do now (free) is start listening to podcasts about small businesses and check out some books about starting your own business.
I have an MBA and a masters in tax. That book-learning has helped, and I’m glad I have that education. BUT, what I learned in school pales to what I learned while actually starting and running my own business. The devil is in the details sometimes – forms, permits, insurance, rent, etc.
No matter how prepared you think you are, some of it will be learning by doing. Talk to as many people as you can, and not just about the good, easy stuff.