Mid way through Level 3

[rlewis]

Hi all!

Just a quick introduction, i am studying for my level 3 with focus training and should have completed all of the modules by September, really enjoying it and am excited to be joining the fitness industry!

I would be interested to hear about how personal trainers on here have started themselves off. I work full time in a hospital so the fitness industry as a career will be new to me, although i have the experience in fitness for leisure & enjoyment etc.
Ideally i would love to be freelance but i appreciate that it would be hard to set up initially. Do people think it would be possible to maybe start with a few clients alongside my current job and go PT full time once i have a client base established or would it be better to start in a gym? Although the rent of gyms frightens me ever so slightly!

Any advice would be great, thank you
Rhiannon

[MattBrinkley.InspiringFit]

Hello and welcome!

I think it is a good idea to initially run your PT business alongside your current commitments if you go freelance. The old 'don't throw all your eggs in one basket'.

The key things that assisted me to build my business was ongoing support in all areas such as marketing, nutrition and training.

[rlewis]

Hi Matt,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I know what you mean and i wouldn't quit my job until i was completely happy that i could make a living.

What would you advise with regards to business and marketing skills as these are not part of my level 3 course. I think i could have a look for marketing ideas but the business and financial records etc is something which i would need to research a lot more.

I'm finding it tricky to decide which route might be best to start off with and weather working in a gym might be a good way of obtaining experience although it would be very tough financially.

Cheers
Rhiannon

[MattBrinkley.InspiringFit]

Hi Rhiannon,

Business and marketing skills are important for the freelance trainer. Most unsuccessful PT businesses fall due to a lack of knowledge or commitment in these key areas.

For business and marketing skills I would advise that you organise your business right through. From session plans to sales receipts. Set your business goals, do your market research, find your unique selling point and services to offer along with location, advertising and promoting.

You can keep track of financial records easily by downloading the appropriate template from microsoft for your excel software.

I started in a gym and gained valuable experience however I found my ideas and goals really opened up once I was mobile training.

Good Luck and enjoy your experiences!

[BreakingBoundariesPT]

Hi -

- Have a exit strategy e.g. once I get 10 regular clients a week, I'll jack my job in

- Know sales and marketing just as well as you know fitness. Self employment is pretty cut throat, I've seen PTs go out of business in the gym I PT at, mobile can work but you've got fuel, travelling time, etc. In a gym, if you are good at marketing and have a solid sales and consultation process and a USP, then negotitiate a good deal with the gym, I've found this to be the most financially rewarding way to do PT, don't get tied in to paying a stupid amount of rent in a gym with 16 estalished PTs. Although you should do what makes you happy

Rich