Any advice? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Christina]

Okay, guys, I will be done with my program at UCLA on June 20th and will be testing for my ACSM cert in a few weeks. Expect me to start bugging y'all with all sorts of questions. :wink:

What is the best piece of advice you can give me? I plan to do in home training. Is there anything you wish others would have told you when you first started training?

Thanks for any and all input.

Christina

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

Hey christina,

It's a pain in the butt, but once you start working on it having a business plan developed is an asset. I'm still working on mine, but it really helps you crystalize what your business should be all about.

Also, if you can afford it, order Eric Ruth and Phil Kaplans stuff. Lots of good marketing ideas in their stuff.

(No, unfortunately I don't get a kickback for mentioning them, although I should I promote them enough! LOL )

Weren't you moving back to Houston? R U going to try and start a business in Cali before moving?

[Christina]

Hey Dave!

Yep, going back to TX at the end of June. I will not be doing any training in CA. I'm just focusing on my classes and working on various web projects at the moment.

Yeah, my husband was mentioning the business plan thing. I actually went to Barnes and Noble looking for a book yesterday. I know nothing about writing business plans!

I will check out the Phil K/Eric R products. Thanks for the tips!

Christina

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

Hey Christina,

the book I've been using is called "Hurdle: The book On Business Planning" by Tim Berry and it goes with Business Plan Pro software.

You can go to www.bplans.com to take a look at it (the book and software) before you buy.

Then I'd do some research on the area of Houston you'll be living in through www.census.gov or the local chamber of commerce website.

Good luck,

Dave

[Christina]

Dave,

That software looks fantastic -- thanks!

Which Phil K products have you purchased? I have not gone to Eric R's site. Did you find these products extremely helpful?

Christina

[Pat Rigsby]

Eric's stuff is really good. I also have gotten alot out of a couple of Ryan Lee's products and a couple of Jim Labadie's.

I have really enjoyed and think the following would be of benefit:

Eric Ruth:

Ultimate Program
Rapid Profit Program
Personal Training Money Machine (I'm biased...I'm the co-author )

Ryan Lee:

Sports Training Profits
Velvet Rope Marketing

Jim Labadie:

How to get more clients
How to generate referrals

I'm kind of an information junkie so I have most of what all 3 have to offer as well as Phil's stuff. Those are my favorites.

Good luck,

Pat Rigsby

[Christina]

Hi Pat,

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I will most definitely look into these products especially the book you co-wrote!

Christina

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Hey Christina

There are so many things I could say - that’s why I’m writing a personal training book LOL

One thing I always ask on my health history questionnaire is if the clients parents/siblings are still alive. if they passed away young, it could mean a genetic pre-disposition for early death. Don’t quote me but I think the ACSM rule is that if mom died before 65 or dad before 55 it may indicate increased risk of early death. Regardless, if it happens, get them checked out by a doctor first and get written permission from the doctor that its ok for them to exercise.

As always, email me if you have any other questions
Joe

[parks56]

What is the best piece of advice you can give me? I plan to do in home training. Is there anything you wish others would have told you when you first started training?

Christina - I mean this sincerely I wish I had read this before I went out on my own and started my own business. Check out www.hardearnedptsecrets.com

I know I'm biased because I am one of the authors along with a bunch of other fitness pros. Check it out I promise I'm not blowing smoke and it isn't a waste of time.

Oh yeah - I also highly suggest Ryan Lee's Velvet Rope Marketing.

Best of Luck!