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Personal training is like any other *service* business. You get paid for your time! This is one of the big downfalls in these professions. If you don*t get, keep and retain clients you don*t make money. This is a very common scenario for many young personal training professionals.

Set Up A Game Plan

Without a plan you don*t know where you*re going or what you want. You first must decide on what demographic you want to go out. The more you specialize the better the perception is from a consumer standpoint.

What is your passion? What gives you a feeling of accomplishment? Is it working with the seniors market? Maybe pregnant women. Or, how about golfers? This is a very good market.

Find A Hungry Market

In any business, a hungry market is the best for optimal income. You can have the best fitness service in your area, but if no one is interested you very well could be *dead in the water*.

Finding a hungry, even desperate market will give you a steady stream of clients that will send you ongoing referrals and position you as the expert in your field. Just think about how emotional it is to make any purchase. Hiring a trainer is no different. Most people feel like they need a trainer when some specific event is coming up.

So what markets could that be? How about *brides to be?* Or maybe 20 year reunions? Or, people getting into their later years, but want to still enjoy their recreation like golf, tennis, or any other sport?

Your locale will partly determine your hungry markets. If you*re in the southern states, you may want to go after the semi to retired golfer, tennis player or recent baby boomer.

Look for people in *desperate* situations like the ones I mentioned above. Brides to be or reunions are excellent for solid clients. They feel they have to get in shape no matter what and your services will help them achieve it. At that point, your price will be a secondary issue, below their desperation to get in shape.

Become A Celebrity

People are obsessed with celebrities! Become one in your area. All you have to do is get out their and position yourself as the *specialty* trainer in your chosen sub-niche. Once you do, you will get in your local papers, local news channels, and in special events in your area.

Once you gain this *celebrity* trainer status you can raise your rates against your competitors and book your schedule as full as you want. It's amazing how easy it is to become a celebrity trainer in your area.

Just remember in all of your marketing you are branding YOU! You must position yourself in all of your marketing as THE EXPERT in your specialty. Picture how Donald Trump has his name everywhere. Or Richard Branson! Do you think they are successful? Or, how about Oprah? She is the epitome of a self-branded celebrity! Here picture graces the cover of her magazine EVERY month. Do you think there's a reason why? Absolutely! You must do the same in your area. Brand YOU!

Take Action Consistently

The ONLY way to be a successful personal trainer is to take action on a daily basis. Make those phone calls. Get out and pound the pavement. Ask for referrals from your existing clients. Give talks at your local toasters chapter, or in organizations that fit your demographic.

I can tell you most trainers will not work that hard, so it is very easy for you to elevate yourself above all of your competitors. All you have to do is work just a little harder than the next trainer and you'll be busier than you want to be.

Stay Positive

Last but not least, stay POSITIVE! I know how hard and emotional it is to keep grinding, but it's worth it. If you wake up with a negative attitude it will transfer into your thoughts and then your actions (or lack of).

When you wake up, rev yourself up and make the most of the day. Try to do at least one new thing everyday to get more clients. It could be as little as telling someone you don*t know what you do when you*re on an elevator or in the coffee shop. You never know what can come of it.