Get That Competitive Edge

Have you ever heard anyone say: What do they have that I don’t? This thinking is precisely what makes some trainers highly successful and others not so much. In order to become a successful personal trainer, not only do you need to establish good rapport with your client base, you also need to offer something that is missing from other personal trainer services.

When people recognize the added value you bring to the table, they start heading in your direction. In turn, they start suggesting your services as a personal trainer to their close acquaintances and friends. The way to add value is to get to know your market. What is it that your customers expect? What motivated them to call you in the first place? For example, many clients take on the services of a personal trainer when they find they need to lose weight and really don’t know where to begin. The best way to assess your market is when you do take on a new client, you ask him or her pointblank what was the primary reason for their call.

Devise some sort of questionnaire in order to get many of your marketing questions answered. It is also advisable to up some sort of database where you can enter your respondent’s answers in order to evaluate the information at a later date. This information will become highly useful when you need to make decisions about proper marketing strategies.

Where you shine above the competition is referred to as: the direct selling feature. What is it that you can offer your client that is lacking within other personal trainer venues? Examples might include: Are you available on short notice? Do you customize a plan guaranteed to bring results? Are you willing to work with your client’s other health practitioners? You can keep your income viable and healthy by assessing your client’s needs and by essentially putting your best foot forward in motivating and showing your client how to get fit.

Lastly, if your market requires a trainer skilled within a specific niche area and you believe you’re qualified or may be easily trained in the area, you may wish to address it. For example, if you believe you are a good fit to show athletes and customers how to properly weight train then certainly market yourself as a personal trainer whose specialty is weight-training. Naturally you’ll want to attain the knowledge first in order to be effective in this area.