Start Your Own Personal Training Business : Your Step-by-Step Guide to Success

by Entrepreneur Press

• ISBN13: 9781599181486
• ISBN10: 1599181487
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-11-02
• Publisher: Entrepreneur Pr

Summary

Earn a Healthy Living Helping Others Win the Battle of the BulgePersonal trainers aren't just for athletes and the rich and famous anymore. As people become more aware of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, personal trainers are in high demand. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of starting a personal training business, including everything from establishing a business plan to getting certified to finding a profitable niche. Tips from successful trainers provide inspiration and advice along the way. They offer insights about: Requirements and startup costs What to expect during day-to-day operations Making yourself stand out from the competition Marketing strategies Building solid relationships with clients How to track and manage finances The most popular services trainers are offeringYou'll also find out about the latest trends in health and wellness so you can keep your business at the cutting edge in this rapidly expanding market. Whether you want to run a solo-operation or an exercise studio employing other trainers - you'll have the tools to succeed.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Introduction to Personal Training	p. 1
What Do Personal Trainers Do?	p. 2
Who Is Your Market?	p. 5
Is This Business for You?	p. 5
Credibility and Credentials	p. 6
Continuing Education	p. 9
Designing Your Business	p. 11
Business Plan Elements	p. 12
To Market, to Market	p. 13
The Competitor You Can't See	p. 15
The Industry's Showcase	p. 16
Selling Related Products	p. 16
Establishing Policies and Procedures	p. 17
Cancellation Policy	p. 17
Late Policy	p. 18
Think About the Unthinkable	p. 19
Are You Liable?	p. 21
Are You on a Mission?	p. 22
Structuring Your Business	p. 27
Legal Structure	p. 28
Business Insurance	p. 30
Licenses and Permits	p. 31
Professional Advisors	p. 33
What's In a Name?	p. 35
Locating and Setting Up Your Business	p. 39
Working from the Home	p. 40
Commercial Facilities	p. 40
Going Mobile	p. 43
Operating in Cyberspace	p. 45
Setting Up Your Web Site	p. 46
Getting Outside Help	p. 47
Computer-Based Training Tools	p. 48
E-Mail Dos and Don'ts	p. 49
Boosting Traffic	p. 50
Web Site Disclaimer	p. 51
Setting Yourself Apart	p. 53
Wellness Coaching	p. 54
Playing a Different Role	p. 54
Making the Connection	p. 55
A Business for Anywhere	p. 56
The Coaching Session	p. 56
The Challenges of Coaching	p. 56
What You'll Need to Do	p. 57
Functional Training	p. 57
At the Core	p. 58
Choosing a Niche	p. 60
Consider Your Strengths and Likes	p. 60
Start-Up Expenses and Financing	p. 63
Sources of Start-Up Funds	p. 64
Equipping Your Business	p. 66
Telecommunications	p. 70
Office Supplies	p. 72
Exercise Equipment	p. 72
Vehicle	p. 74
Adding It All Up	p. 75
Staffing: Maximizing Your Human Resources	p. 79
Where to Look	p. 80
Evaluating Applicants	p. 81
Once They're on Board	p. 84
Paying Your Employees	p. 86
Employee Benefits	p. 86
Employees or Independent Contractors?	p. 87
Noncompete and Confidentiality Agreements	p. 88
Building Client Relationships	p. 91
The Initial Consultation	p. 92
As the Boss	p. 93
Critical Documents	p. 94
Informed Consent, Release, and Assumption of the Risk	p. 94
Physician Consent/Clearance	p. 96
Fitness Assessment	p. 96
Client Records	p. 96
Keeping Your Clients Motivated	p. 97
Can Clients Reach You?	p. 98
Advertising and Marketing	p. 113
Marketing 101	p. 114
Getting the Word Out	p. 115
Direct Mail	p. 116
Collateral Materials	p. 118
The Real Gold Mine	p. 118
Medical Referral Programs	p. 119
Ideas for Promoting Your Business	p. 120
Is It Newsworthy?	p. 121
Give It Away	p. 122
Selling Your Business	p. 123
Be Prepared	p. 123
Assessing Your Results	p. 124
Fiscal Fitness	p. 127
Pricing Your Services	p. 128
Payment Methods	p. 130
Accepting Credit and Debit Cards	p. 130
Setting Credit Policies	p. 131
Billing	p. 131
Keeping Records	p. 133
Ask Before You Need	p. 134
Tales from the Trenches	p. 157
Know What Your Clients Know	p. 138
Stay Flexible	p. 138
Assign Homework	p. 138
Pick Up After Your Clients	p. 138
Invest in Education	p. 139
You Are Not Your Client	p. 139
Maintain a Client Base	p. 140
Don't Throw It Away	p. 141
Decide How Much You're Willing to Work	p. 141
Be Your Own Advertisement	p. 142
Give Gifts that Come Back to You	p. 143
Personal Training Resources	p. 145
Consultants and Other Experts	p. 145
Credit Card and Other Payment Processing Services	p. 146
Equipment, Supplies, and Services	p. 146
Fitness Organizations	p. 146
Health-Related Associations and Government Agencies	p. 147
Magazines, Books, and Other Publications	p. 148
Miscellaneous Resources	p. 149
Performing Rights Organizations	p. 149
Software and Web-Based Tools and Services	p. 150
Successful Personal Trainers	p. 151
Useful Web Sites	p. 151
Glossary	p. 153
Index	p. 157
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.