#1 Train Friends and Family for free or by donation. Many trainers build their business with this one task. Make sure you’re certified, have business insurance and a business tax license. It’s also smart to have a liability waiver and health history form, so you can keep good records.
If you treat your hobby like a hobby it will be just that. Treat your hobby like a business and it can blossom into a career. Your friends and family will see how serious you are 
when you act like a professional. Then, they can convey that to the people around them.
Do an excellent job and others will start showing up to get your help too.
#2 Ask For Referrals. If your clients like working with you, they assume you’re schedule is busy. Let them know you want more business, without seeming desperate.
You can say something like this:
“Hey Matt, are you finding benefit in what we do during our work outs?” PAUSE
“I have a few spots open in my schedule that I’m looking to fill. Do you know anyone who might like a free consult with me?”
Referrals are the best source of business. When you get a group of friends or family members training with you, they naturally hold each other accountable. If somebody stops working out, the others get them back on track. This makes your job easier and keeps your schedule full.
#3 Practice what you preach. Take care of your own health and set a good example. People can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice when you’ve put in the hard work that you’re expecting of them.
If you tell a client that energy drinks aren’t good for them, then you shouldn’t be drinking them either. If you want someone to do cardio 3-4 times per week, you should be doing that too.
It’s harder for clients to have excuses when you’re setting the pace for them.
#4 Know Your Style and Promote It. Go beyond pleasing people. Know what you’re good at and what you enjoy about your job. Being passionate about fitness is the first step into this field, but eventually it’s time to dig deeper and specialize.
Think about what you enjoy most, which clients and what type of training. Get more education in those areas and head in that direction. It will fuel your energy and shine through in your work.
What sports do you like? What type of people are your favorite clients? What success stories do you have? What are you really good at? What makes you different?
Take out a piece of paper and answer these questions, it’s worth your time to clarify your direction.
Getting to know yourself and growing your business in a way that aligns with you will provide abundance in more ways than just money.
Find a balance between what you WANT TO DO and WHAT YOU SHOULD DO.
Best of Luck to You!
Which step resonated the most with you? What will you do now? Take action!
Comment below. We’d love to know!
Beverly Hosford, MA teaches anatomy and body awareness using a skeleton named Andy, balloons, play-doh, ribbons, guided visualizations, and corrective exercises. She is an instructor, author, and a business coach for fitness professionals. Learn how to help your clients sleep better with in Bev's NFPT Sleep Coach Program and dive deeper into anatomy in her NFPT Fundamentals of Anatomy Course.
