Thanks for chiming in Jimmy. If you take a look at the pics a few posts above, you can see that I converted my two stall garage into my studio. I have seen others who have done this, but they didn't take the time to complete the look with quality flooring, walls, lighting, and ceiling material. Also, they typically don't have very good heating and cooling, which I feel is a big mistake.
For around $5000, I was able to make it impossible for anyone to feel like they're in a garage, as you can see from the pics. The only way they can tell is through the garage door, but I also repainted that nice and white, so it's very clean and professional.
The advantage to the garage is that the client doesn't have to walk through your house to get there, so you don't have to worry about having your house clean and professional at all times. The disadvantage is that you lose your parking spot for your cars, but that doesn't bother me actually. To know that I park in my driveway, but saving money, making money, and saving commute time through a home studio outweigh that con.
Any other questions about the studio??
Ryan
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05-26-2015, 07:09 AM #31
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05-29-2015, 05:11 PM #32
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what are the main points for gaining clients while working at a residential big chain gym
Last edited by tpt; 05-29-2015 at 06:19 PM.
In the RED for fat girl nudes :)
CANNAADAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
THERE is NO such thing as a hard gainer, ONLY a light eater.
Arnold says "The one that goes the farthest is the one that doesn't care about failing."
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05-30-2015, 01:15 PM #33
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Thanks for contributing. This is a monster question though, and it's something that I could write an entire book on(which I may be doing in the near future). Are there any more specific aspects of 'client finding' that you need help with?
Without hearing something more specific as to where you need help, a few main points are:
1. Be present. Nobody wants to buy training from the manager. People are much more likely to buy training from the trainer.
2. Have an effective consult protocol. In other words, don't just show up and wing your consults. Know what you're going to do from start until you ask them the closing question, 'are you ready to get started?'
3. Be reliable to your existing clients. Don't call in sick if you don't have to, be 15 minutes early to your appointments to you're prepared, be the person that they know will be there for them. This increases your rate of client retention and allows you to be present more(back to point one) so other potential clients can see you working and they'll also see your clients being happy and satisfied with your service.
4. In the beginning, be available when your clients need you to be. You will not have a perfect schedule in the beginning. You'll likely be doing morning appointments, followed by an early afternoon break period, followed by some evening appointments. Basically, you're working when the people working normal hours aren't working.
For now, those some important points to consider for gaining clients at any membership-based gym.
Ryantrainingwithryan.substack.com
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05-31-2015, 02:47 PM #34
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2. Have an effective consult protocol. In other words, don't just show up and wing your consults. Know what you're going to do from start until you ask them the closing question, 'are you ready to get started?'
Highlighting this one because back when I worked at a big franchise gym, they obviously thought they had an effective protocol. They didn't. They taught us a very clear, effective way to close, which is all well and good, but at no point did they teach us to open. The consultation was geared around customer service as gym members, rather than having any indication that the member would be working with you again (much less paying for it). They even told us to not mention personal training at all until it was time for the close.
I was too stressed at the time to take a step back, think clearly about the situation and develop a better method. So I used their method and got fired for not selling sufficient sessions.
Obviously there's some room for individuality here, but what would you recommend as an effective consultation process?SQ 172.5kg. BP 105kg. DL 200kg. OHP 62.5kg @ 67.3kg
Greg Everett says: "You take someone who's totally sedentary and you can get 'em stronger by making them pick their nose vigorously for an hour a day."
Sometimes I write things about training: modernstrengthtraining.wordpress.com
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06-01-2015, 05:00 AM #35
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06-01-2015, 10:39 AM #36
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Thanks. I'm going to use them for my interview at a large chain. They asked me for 5 ways that I'm going to use to build my business.
In the RED for fat girl nudes :)
CANNAADAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
THERE is NO such thing as a hard gainer, ONLY a light eater.
Arnold says "The one that goes the farthest is the one that doesn't care about failing."
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06-01-2015, 11:53 AM #37
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06-02-2015, 01:26 PM #38
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06-02-2015, 11:17 PM #39
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06-03-2015, 04:51 AM #40
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06-03-2015, 05:41 AM #41
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Mmm, about the time that I left that place, I started seeing the significance of making people actually feel good right from the start. I've since made it a priority that in our first workout together, the client gets a sense of success and achievement, not of failure. I don't do physical fitness tests when we start, and ideally I want them to walk out the door having done something that they didn't think they were able to do when they walked in.
Used care salesman sounds about right. It wasn't done with every single member that signed up, but only because 1) not all members actually showed up to their fitness consultations, and 2) the smarter trainers ditched the system ASAP for better consultations methods. That shady system was intended to be used on everyone, though. Nowadays, since I'm in a PT studio and people only contact me because they're interested in PT, I never have anywhere near the anxiety that I had back then. People come in interested in buying PT, so it's really figuring out if we're a good match rather than trying to trick someone into working with me.SQ 172.5kg. BP 105kg. DL 200kg. OHP 62.5kg @ 67.3kg
Greg Everett says: "You take someone who's totally sedentary and you can get 'em stronger by making them pick their nose vigorously for an hour a day."
Sometimes I write things about training: modernstrengthtraining.wordpress.com
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06-04-2015, 03:12 PM #42
Things are coming along nicely, got a few clients starting this month (one interestingly came from IG) and finished up my PT qual+degree and starting work in the gym tomorrow. 10 days out from my shoot as well and everything is on target for this. This thread couldn't have come at a more perfect time tbh! Got a couple of questions below.
Once I get the final product from the shoot I'm going to convert the landing page of my site from an about me to a shoot gallery with a shorter bit about my services and use them for marketing on social media. Is there anything else you can think of that I can use these for (ideally without coming across as narcissistic in the eyes of any potential clients)?.
Another thing I've been thinking about is ways to add value and differentiate myself from other PTs. A degree in sport sci is obviously a big thing here but is there anything in particular that you've found to be effective in this area?
Also are there any books/resources you'd recommend reading that would be useful for the business side of things?Personal Trainer/Online Coach - sebgale.com
DJ/Music Producer - soundcloud.com/sebgale - mixcloud.com/sebgale
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06-04-2015, 04:23 PM #43
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06-12-2015, 05:25 AM #44
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06-12-2015, 08:58 AM #45
Got a few quick ones! Really helpful thread so far in shaping my business ^_^.
Done a few shifts on the gym floor now and the thing that I'm not sure on is how to cold approach people and start conversation. This'll probably mostly come with time but I'm not sure where the line is of making light conversation so people recognise you vs interrupting and annoying people. I've been at the gym as a member for a few years so people do know who I am (from the times I train) but it's a completely different crowd at peak times.
The advice on this I've been given is to just offer people spots/ask how it's going and just make light talk rather than sell, which I agree with as I want to help the right kind of people not be a salesperson. But at the same time I feel sales are very much my weak point, 1on1 I'm good but moving things in that direction is something I really don't feel too comfortable with (although again, time will help here).
Anything you'd add to the above or any advice on this aspect of the job when starting out?
Going to try the fishbowl method from a few posts ago when I get back from holiday and leave business cards that can be exchanged for a free 30 min taster session around the gym too, is there anything else similar to this you've found useful to bring in initial clients for free taster sessions in the hope of converting them to full time clients?
In response to the above - really focussing on providing good service and a quick response time atm for the few online clients I do have and they seem quite happy so far with how things are going.Personal Trainer/Online Coach - sebgale.com
DJ/Music Producer - soundcloud.com/sebgale - mixcloud.com/sebgale
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06-12-2015, 12:03 PM #46
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06-13-2015, 03:02 AM #47
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First off, thanks for this thread.
At the gym i start at monday [Anytime Fitness] they require each pt to take 5 classes a week, these classes are free to member and range from beginner barbell tuition to insanity/yoga etc. i can see these classes as a good way to build rapport with potential clients but again i'm not sure whether to mention about personal training during the class, just wear a shirt hoping they get the idea, or just be proffesional and hope they come to me? any advice or thoughts on this?
Second what do you think to the idea of free body fat testing/measurements? the same way you would get people to give their details but offering this is return, my thoughts are if they have it done once they will want to return to compare progress made, plus again will give you that time with the prospective client to talk ask about their goals. thoughts?
thanks in advance for the answers, appreciate it alot.Current 1rm's
Deadlift - 170kg
Squat - 130kg
Bench - 90kg
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06-13-2015, 07:36 AM #48
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06-13-2015, 08:27 AM #49
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they will be requiring me to teach the classes.
i was planning to use a nice set of handheld calipers that i own but duly noted about what you said about consultations and will be scraping that idea.
no offence taken and shoot down as much as you like if it leads to successCurrent 1rm's
Deadlift - 170kg
Squat - 130kg
Bench - 90kg
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06-13-2015, 01:03 PM #50
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06-14-2015, 09:39 AM #51
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Back with another question!
going into a gym for the first time with zero clients, would be it be worth offering a friend free sessions just so people can see you in there training someone? or would you just stick to the consultation route and go from there?
thanks againCurrent 1rm's
Deadlift - 170kg
Squat - 130kg
Bench - 90kg
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06-15-2015, 04:40 AM #52
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Since the visual of you training is important for members and potential clients to see, I don't see anything but positives coming from that idea. You would want to make sure the gym will allow it, as you don't want them thinking you're doing some 'under the table' training right off the bat, lol.
I think that's a solid idea though, yes.
Ryantrainingwithryan.substack.com
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06-15-2015, 06:08 PM #53
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Hey Ryan, I saw your thread today and I thought it was awesome and I read every bit of information. I even wrote down a whole page in my notebook of the pt tips you gave. I think it's awesome how you want to be a mentor and help out. I am in a weird place right now where I am unsure what I should do. As you can see I am not in the best shape. But the weird thing is I am into learning everything there is to know about fitness and I have a notebook where I write down tips, tricks, training plans, and even business tips from gurus of both fitness and business all over the internet. I really want a career in fitness and I know the first thing I should do is get in shape first.
But I was wondering should I get my degree or a cert? And should I train while getting them?
Or getting to where I want to be body wise then go after it?
I didn't know if this should go in the thread or not because it's not exactly what your offering to help with. But I was hoping you could help out because I'm lost and I don't know anyone in the position you are in. Thanks a lot. Dylan.
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06-17-2015, 07:52 AM #54
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06-20-2015, 06:04 AM #55
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Here in the US, we're officially in the 'slow season' for gym training. People are on vacation, working out outdoors more, and gym memberships are getting put on hold.
Now is a great time to work on new business promotions with your extra available hours! Any questions about the summer time slow down?trainingwithryan.substack.com
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06-30-2015, 02:47 PM #56
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07-01-2015, 11:48 AM #57
First off, thank you for this thread and all the info!
My buddy and I are both finishing up our PT certifications soon and are ready to hustle hard. We are in a college town. We have plans for targeting certain demographics ( 2nd years that want to get rid of the freshmen 15, sororities/frats that want to keep good looks up, etc ) - what is your experience with this?
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07-01-2015, 01:44 PM #58
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I'll tell you that it is possible to get clients in that age range. I have had 16 year old clients using their own money to pay for weekly training sessions, as well as college-aged clients doing the same. This is something that can be accomplished.
The challenge is centered around the money. It's no secret that the demographic you're after is typically broke. That brings the inherent challenge of setting up pricing that allows you to make the money you need and also allows the market to be able to purchase.
Do you mind sharing some of the pricing/agreement lengths you have planned right now?
Also, where are you training your clients? In a gym near campus? Outdoors in a park? Your own facility?
As well, just because you're in a college town, it doesn't mean you should only be going after college students. The demographic that will take their appointments seriously(most of the time), have the money for training, and need to get back into shape, is typically the middle-aged demographic. Don't forget about that! This is your people in the 25-45 years old range.
Why don't you answer my questions to you and we'll go from there.
Thanks for posting,
Ryantrainingwithryan.substack.com
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07-01-2015, 02:01 PM #59
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07-01-2015, 07:10 PM #60
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