Starting a career in personal training is both exciting and a little scary. You have the skills and the certification, but you still need clients. The good news? Your first five clients are closer than you think. They’re people you already know, like friends and family, and they can help you kickstart your business.
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to get new clients. People trust recommendations from people they know.
Before you start reaching out, sit down and make a list of everyone you know. There are more people than you think!
Divide the list into groups: people who might want personal training, people who won’t but could introduce you to others, and people who can spread the word about your new business. Some people are really good at connecting others. Identify them on your list; they could bring you a lot of business.
Next, you’ll need to create a quick and clear message about what you do. This is called a pitch. In this pitch, tell people what kind of training you offer, who can benefit from it, and what makes you different from other trainers. For example, your pitch could go like this: “I help busy people get fit without spending hours at the gym. Want to join in?”
There are several ways to tell people about your new business. You can update your social media status to let everyone know you’re offering personal training services. You can also send messages or emails to people on your list. And don’t forget to bring it up in regular conversations with friends and family. You could say something like, “I’m starting a new chapter as a personal trainer. I have some great starter packages. Know anyone who might be interested?”
One good way to attract clients is to offer a special deal for new customers. This could be a discounted package that includes a couple of training sessions and a diet plan. Offering a deal makes it easier for people to try out your services.
After you’ve had a session with a new client, don’t forget to follow up. Thank them for their business and ask what they thought of the session. If they liked it, ask if you can use their positive feedback on your website or social media. Also, ask if they know anyone else who might be interested in personal training. Make it easy by asking directly, “Who do you know who might benefit from getting fit?”
Getting your first few clients doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. You already have a network of potential clients and supporters; you just need to reach out to them. Once you get started, remember to offer good deals, ask for feedback, and keep in touch for referrals. With some effort and smart networking, you can turn your skill into a thriving business.
