It’s no secret that networking is beneficial for fitness business owners. It’s the free, fun, and social way to make friends, create connections and grow your personal training business.
First, let’s define networking. Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
There is a saying that still makes sense, “Your network is your net worth”.
Although it isn’t always 100% true, it is most often. You could even say, “as a personal trainer… your network is your net worth.”
It’s difficult to operate a highly successful fitness business in your community if nobody knows you. And it’s even more difficult to succeed as a fitness pro if people know you, but don’t like you. Because of this, you need to learn to network effectively, tactfully, and in a likable way.
Networking Do’s For Personal Trainers and Fitness Pros
Let’s discuss how you can become a happier and even more successful personal trainer or fit pro by implementing these simple and easy-to-follow strategies for networking.
You can participate in a local community event
This is an easy one to accomplish. Many local events are held throughout the year. You can donate to a charity or school in exchange for space to promote your business. Ask about other ways to volunteer, too. Consider these local community events like a trade show. You will want to have something fun and intriguing to pull people to your booth or table, such as a giveaway. Have plenty of collateral materials to display and hand out to visitors to educate people about what you do, and how you can solve their challenges (weight loss, strength, wellness, diet, nutrition, etc.).
Be very creative in getting the contact information from everyone who comes to your booth. Obviously, the most important is the cell number and email. You can have a drawing for a prize. Whatever you decide, be sure it is compelling enough for you to be able to collect prospects’ contact information. The more you offer, the more likely they are to give their info. Also, while you are at the event, remember to network with other local business owners. You never know who your next customer will be, so talk to as many people as possible. Always smile. Always be approachable.
Hold your own fundraiser for a local charity
Holding your own fundraiser can take a lot of work, but the publicity you may receive will more than makeup for the time and effort spent planning. In addition, you can feel good knowing that you are helping to raise money for a local charity of your choice. As an example, if many of your ideal prospects are local moms, you can choose to donate to the local schools or library. Also, holding a fundraiser is a great way to draw a crowd of people, which means you will have plenty of people with whom to network. Share your message of health, happiness, and well-being. Be sincere.
Focus on networking quality over quantity
If your goal is to get as many business cards as possible, you may be wasting your limited time. Instead, focus on letting others know how you can help them with your unique training or coaching program. That way, people will remember you and your service (solution), and you will be building a “business” relationship. People are likely to forget you if you spend 30 seconds talking to them only to rush off to the next prospect.
Remember to be an excellent listener.
Volunteer and make a difference for others
Holding a volunteer position in an organization based in your community is a great way to meet people and build your local network. Many organizations need help from people who are willing to volunteer their time for a good cause.
Follow up with everyone
Always take the time to follow up with any prospects that you meet through your networking. Have a plan. If you let too much time go by, you may lose the opportunity to gain a new customer, client, or member. And even if the prospect does not buy from you (or join), it is always good to have a network of quality and helpful business contacts. Following up is an important part of building business relationships and should not be neglected. You will stand out just because most people don’t follow up. It’s the easiest way to show you are different.
You will learn even more business, marketing, and networking strategies for your personal training business inside the FREE Personal Trainer Magazine. Get your copy now.
Attend a local happy hour mixer, meetup, and networking event.
If you get uneasy about networking, happy hour is a proven tradition in the networking world. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it works. It allows for more of a relaxed atmosphere. It really does make small talk and approaching strangers much easier, and it’s in a casual environment. No stress. All fun.
During the happy hour (or “hours” if it keeps going), you can expect things to be informal and lighthearted. Don’t do a big pitch. Relax. Smile. Drinks and appetizers are usually served while guests mingle from group to group for shorter discussions until the host (maybe) gives a short speech to welcome people and say a few words about the goal of the event.
BONUS TIPS: DO NOT drink too much. DO NOT eat too much. Wipe your mouth. Keep your breath fresh.
Check out your local chamber of commerce events.
If you’re looking to make strong connections with local professionals, try attending chamber of commerce events. These people are connected and are also more likely to have the resources to be your client or member. Also, this group is more likely to know people in the community who can fix a broken window, make a sign, clean up after a pipe breaks, or even recover equipment.
From fundraising for local schools or charities to workshops, chamber of commerce events can differ a lot in format. No matter the type of event, chamber of commerce events can help you find helpful business opportunities by connecting you with prospective clients, employers, business partners, service providers, and more.
More likely than not, you’ll see the same faces in most of your local chamber of commerce events. Those people are even more connected. So, connect with them. For all these reasons, regularly attending such networking events allows you to build long-lasting business connections.
Always be kind, considerate, and thoughtful.
Also, chamber of commerce events give you an opportunity to promote your health and fitness business. When the opportunity and timing are right, consider holding a workshop or delivering a presentation for the group. This way, you can save time and reach more people by engaging with a larger audience at once instead of having multiple one-on-one conversations. And, this makes you the authority with the permission of the group.
Networking Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting. Many people start networking only after they’ve lost their jobs. Always be networking. It has no end.
Being Clueless. As a personal trainer, your time is money. If you’re heading to a networking event, make sure you know why you’re going. Have a plan. Know the needed outcomes.
Being Unprepared. This is important. Your time is valuable.
Forgetting Business Cards. We know things are different now. People exchange social media info or contact info from their phones. However, a really well-designed business card can still leave a powerful impact.
Using a Silly-Sounding Email Name. Yes, your email needs to be professional. Something crass, silly, derogatory, or just plain ol’ dumb won’t work. How you do anything is how you do everything. People pay attention.
Being Pompous. Yes, you need to say how you can help people. Share how you can add value. However, don’t be a know-it-all, arrogant and snotty pain. Kindness wins every time. Be thoughtful.
Monopolizing Someone’s Time. Don’t create a vortex. Take a breath. Pay attention to body language. Are they interested? Are you driving them nuts? Are you building rapport? Pay attention to the signs of engagement and frustration.
Dressing Down. Nobody will fault you for looking nice. But, you will stand out if you look like a slob. If in doubt, dress a little nicer than you think is needed. As a fitness trainer, you may feel compelled to wear something “fitnessy”. You don’t need to do that. People can tell you are fit. They know you work out. Be professional.
Taking before you give. It will always work in your favor to be in the service of others first. Also, don’t keep score. It’s not always equal. It’s not always 1:1. It doesn’t need to be. Just the fact that you provided help for someone else in the group is reason enough for them to be grateful and sing your praises to others. This can be all that is needed for you to grow your business.
Talking badly of others. We have all been wronged at some point in the past. We all have people that annoy us. We all have had a bad relationship. However, this is not the time or place to whine, complain, gripe, or otherwise speak poorly of ANYONE. It’s not professional, and you never know who knows the person (or business) you are speaking about. Take the high road.
What do you do now?
- Search for personal training specific and general networking opportunities in your area
- Decide which are best for you
- Develop a plan on how to serve the group and benefit
- Attend your first event
- Add value, smile, be kind, use the lessons above, and say thank you
- Follow up and build the relationships
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