Is there anyone who is a self-employed personal trainer? I was wondering how that is and how you get clients
Hi Joseph,
Another possibility would be to market the public you will have right at your finger tips which is other community and civil service employees and co-workers. The personal insurance, benefits, sick time, etc, lack of overhead, possibly using the gym available to you are important considerations and ones I wouldn’t quickly discount. These are sorely lacking if you are a single personal trainer with a sole supported business as your only source of income.
I am a pt, aquatic pt, and also teach group fitness. Like Karen much of my business over the past 15 years has come from meeting people in groups or referrals. People I’ve met in groups hired me to teach other groups. Mostly fitness is word of mouth and I’ve recently found in my area (since now more competitive) even a bit clicky…so doors previously open have closed. That’s new and requires more work. Then, of course, there’s attrition.
Other good resources are things like the rotary club, any women’s or men’s groups in your area, holistic physicians, client’s physicians. These are all great people to get your name to. Also look for local events where you can do free demo’s like “10 minute strength” or whatever~something different/interesting and ask for other people’s contact numbers.
Handing out cards results in less contact.
It’s a great biz~wish you the best.
I have had my own business as a personal trainer for over 10 years. I absolutely love what I am doing; it does not even feel like work. At this point, I am well-established. Getting started is another story. It’s not easy to get your first few clients. You may need to start training friends for free or for a small fee just to be visible. Working at a gym was part of my start as it gives exposure. I used to work in a large gym before I decided to go off on my own.
Overall, I really enjoy being off on my own.
Darlene
Hi Joseph. I too have been in my own training practice for over 19 years (wow how time flies when you’re having FUN!!!). I agree with the others. For me, word of mouth is one way to get clients. I also do a fair amount of writing for publication and this has given me exposure far beyond that I could do in person or even pay for – a truly great way to get your name out there. Also, I work with a number of medical professionals (primarily physical therapists) in helping their post-rehab patients continue on their road to recovery. I also conduct a regular fitness/exercise clinic at a large local physical therapy complex in my area.
You are limited only by your imagination in terms of how to meet people, let them know what you do and getting new clients. Good luck!
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
Hello Joseph Geraci,
Congratulations becoming a sheriff.
I would not worry too much about getting clients; because, you will be tapping a different demographic as sheriff which will yield more exposure.
Try to play it by ear, for now, and let your healthy lifestyle set the example, while you concentrate on the all important career of sheriff.
When you are comfortable in the new position, you may be able to join a local business group or attend SCORE workshops for small entrepreneurs.
Are you able to personal train in a neighborhood gym?
I love my career, as my clients motivate and inspire me for the rest of the day.
Take care,
Natalie
NAPS 2 B Fit