what questions to ask potential client on initial phone call?
There’s a lot of good advice here. My first question to a potential client is usually about scheduling – times they need, days they’re available to train, etc. I ask this first because I don’t want to waste my (or their) time talking when our schedules are not close to matching. In the past, I’ve gotten into some very long conversations on the phone only to find out that they needed training days and times that didn’t work for me. But if there is a potential scheduling match, I’ll ask about their exercise history, goals, whether or not they ever had a trainer before – keeping it casual. I then try to arrange a “no obligation” consultation (I go to homes) so we can meet & talk in greater detail. Most people are very receptive to that. You want to meet as soon as you can – strike while the iron is hot!
I hope that helps,
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
Their personal fitness goals, why they have hard time achieving them on their own and why they think it is me who can help them. Also, personally, I have all these intake forms, so I’d suggest they e-mail me, so I can e-mail the forms their way, so they can see them, complete them and discuss them during our evaluation meeting. These help a lot while deciding about the training strategy for the given trainer! Hoping this helps! M.
Hi Bryan,
You have some really good answers from the others already. In addition to goals and medical history, I would like to add that it is important to ask the client 1. How much time do they have to devote to their workouts? (1/2 hour, one hour, etc). And 2. Where will he or she be doing the majority of their workouts when on their own? (gym, in their home, outside, travel for work, etc.).
This will help you prepare and design a program for them to use on their own. While getting and retaining clients is great, I feel it is also important to educate and empower that client to do the work on their own. I also do a free consult session, and have always had luck with that.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Christine
I ask them what their goals, medical history, past experience with exercise or diet if they are calling for health coaching.
I ask them if they have tried to reach these goals on their own? if so , what happened.
I ask them about their schedule and how much time they have to commit to their training.
I don’t give out my price right away. I want to build on my services first.
I offer a free consultation. I have had 100% success with it.
Remember you are being hired for a service, a service that has to be valued and appreciated.
Cost is only one factor.
I also charge all clients up front for 10 sessions with an expiration date and strict cancellation policy. (this shows they are serious)