How to deal with peer competion ?
So I’ll try to keep this clear as beat I can
How would you handle the situation described below?
Long term client A refers you another client (b)
Client b forgets your name to the person with whom they are greeted at your training facility
Client b offers the name of client a as a referrence in hopes of find the recommended trainer(you)
Greeter does not persue clarification but instead signs client b up with their training services.
You mention to greeter that you had been expecting client b to be stopping by and ask if they had seen any people looking for you. ? Client b’s name is offered to greeter incase they do come in … Greeter admits they are training client b but was a “mistake”.
Greeter promises their next new client to you as a apology
Greeter then receives a referred client (c) from b and their is no offer to hand them off to you. Or any client for that matter.
Both client b and c train 3x per week
What if any action would you take?
Client satisfaction is the number one priority. Also, keep in mind that your professionalism is always being evaluated, ESPECIALLY when you don’t realize it.
If I’m getting this right, client b was referred to you, but the “greeter” which I’m assuming is a fellow trainer, did not hand that client off to you. If the client did not request you, then let it go. If the client did request you and the other trainer quote “”stole”” the client from you, and then did one better by offering you the next client (c), but didn’t come through, let it go. =)
The work place is no place to hold a grudge. If client c wanted to go with this particular trainer, then you should respect that. We all need business. I understand how difficult and frustrating it gets. The other trainer at my gym is a great guy, but I never see him soliciting clients and he gets a big contract at least once a month that’s probably equivalent to my contract totals at this time. That’s not to say he’s not in there working hard when I’m not in there, and that’s not saying he isn’t a great trainer! He’s got a year’s experience on me as well!
Do I let this stuff bother me? Absolutely not! =) I’m happy to have a job! The best way to do well in a gym with multiple trainers, in my honest opinion, is to BE THERE AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN until you get a comfortable-size client base! You never know when someone might come into the gym and just decide to sign up for some sessions after joining the very same day. Happened to me just this week! Be patient, it takes a while to build a client base. That being said, I don’t think any trainer should have more than 12 clients at any one time. That’s just my personal opinion. The amount of work that I put into notes, program design and progression, etc. etc. outside of the gym for one client multiplied by 12 would be a comfortable full time job, and I wouldn’t want to sacrifice session quality for larger numbers in my bank account. That’s just me.
The best you can do about this is to roll with it. Respect the trainer and the clients’ choices. Be humble and polite and don’t hold a grudge because everyone else you meet will pick up on that instead of how you can help them as their personal trainer. If you’re worth your weight as a trainer, I don’t think that this particular situation will matter in the long run anyway. =) Know what I mean?
Thank you for your response. I’ve been training about 13 years and have a solid client base.
There is no grudge or petty in fighting here. I have the up most respect for everyone I work with and my clients well being ALWAYS comes first or as the case is here OTHER’S clients.
I’ve referred long term clients to other trainers I work with in the past for the benefit of the client. No problem with peer respect but with out going into much more detail than I have provided I need to find a solution that is more than roll with it
Thank you for taking the time to reply and I totally embrace the mind set you are offering to me. Know that I do hear what you are saying.
There are just extenuating circumstances that make it necessary for me to address this issue with the fellow trainer.
Thanks again for your in put
I am curious have you requested a one to one with this person to allow for mutual resolution? A location that is convenient and comfortable to both of you.
Think of disagreements or conflicts as opportunities to grow connection, understanding, and at the least, grow our own ability to communicate. Have a framework for your disscussion. Your session, might be prefaced with ground rules, such as: each person speaks without interruption, each person listens with compassion, each person will have an opprtunity to explain their view.
Think of this process as an adventure in discovery
Consider these concerns
Do you feel your thoughts, feelings and actions are devalued, or are they acknowledged as having merit?
Are you treated as an adversary or a colleague?
Has your freedom to make decisions been impinged on, or are you respected for your decisions?
Is your standing treated as inferior or are you recognized as deserving your standing?
Are you feeling unfulfilled in your present role or are you fulfilled?
Address these concerns in your dicussion.
This is an opportunity to come to some satisfactory resolution, ignoring it just escalates the problem.
It is good you are reaching out for a solution,
Stay well,
Danielle