The Time is Now to Improve your Resume
John Spencer Ellis, CEO
Although some trainers may be challenged by today's economic climate, after reading this article, you will know exactly what to do to get ahead - FAST! Many busy family-oriented people feel they need to put their fitness or athletic life on hold due to a perceived lack of time and energy. Are people that much busier? They are certainly more stressed. This down time with a smaller clientele creates an opportunity for you.
Your colleagues, other coaches, and fellow trainers are spending less time on business and education. Now is the time for you to close the gap. Imagine how far you could distance yourself from your competitors, and how much you could help your clients and athletes if you spent 60-120 minutes each day on your education.
Whether you are seeing a temporary decline in your business, or you just aren’t getting the level of income you want there is one thing you can do. Hit the “books”. Not just any books. What books can you read or programs can you take to improve your mind, your skills, and to increase the perceived benefits you offer others by having a “meatier” resume?
Utilize the winter months to do one or more of the following:
-
Go back to school to get a degree or advanced degree. Get your degree through distance learning online or in person at an accredited college or university. Expect this process to take you a minimum of one year and as many as three or more years depending on the program, your field of interest, and your level of commitment to the program.
-
Get certified as a personal fitness trainer. If you are already certified, and don’t want an additional certification, pursue one or more unique training specializations to separate you from the competition. Know the age, gender, occupation, goals, and personality types of the clients and athletes you wish to serve. Then pursue continuing education and specialization programs that serve these demographics.
-
Read books on business and training at least 60 minutes each day to know and be able to apply more than your clientele and your competitors (until you are as busy as you want to be you MUST read 50% or more of your time on sales & marketing and 50% or less of your time on training). As long as you don’t have enough clients, most of your time should be spent improving your business and communication skills. Once you have enough clients and want to improve your training expertise further, shift your learning more toward the training side. Most trainers spend 90% or more of their learning time on training and less than 10% on business. If this is you, don’t be surprised that you aren’t where you want to be.
In truth, you should pursue all three options. While there are certainly people who are very successful who have never had a formal education, successful people are constantly learning. You must do what is going to help you most in the coming months and years. Think long and short term. You don’t want to waste your money if you aren’t ready to get into a degree granting program, but you are wasting your time if you aren’t spending time improving your education and skills.
If you have further questions or would like professional advice in career direction, call 1-877-348-6692. Specials are available now. Get moving on your education. Other professionals are passing you by…
