A Tip for the Trainers
Becoming the Best...
I'm always amused by people who tells others how to make more money.
So by giving you money, you're going to tell me how to make more money?
It's intriguing, at the very least.
And that's not to say there aren't some great examples out there. I think Pat Rigsby is one of the most knowledgable business guys I've talked to. EVER. He really helped Bill and I solidify the mindset and operations behind I-FAST.
Some of the others out there, though, aren't nearly as adept at their craft.
I don't know about you, but I got into this industry because I had a genuine interest in helping people achieve their performance-related goals. Over the years, that interest has spread - it's not just about sports now, but also rehab, fat loss, etc. Basically, my goal is to learn as much about this industry as possible, and to be able to deliver consistent results time and again.
It doesn't always work out perfectly, but more times than not we're getting great results. Any trainer who tells you the get results 100% of the time is either delusional, a liar, or both.
So if you're a trainer, and you're reading this blog, take this post to heart. Are you serious about making more money? If so, there's one consistently sure-fire way to do it....
Are you ready for it?
Get really good.
Not just kind of good. Better than the average Schmuck trainer good. I'm talking really good.
People seek you out good.
People consistently refer their friends and family to you good.
If you can do this, you will never have a shortage of clients. You will never have to worry about making ends meet (unless you're just a total momo when it comes to running your business and spending money, which I can't really help you with).
I guess the thing that really irks me is that no one mentions this. Everyone wants to talk about making more money and all these great business ideas, which are absolutely fine. But where did we forget about putting people first?
When we put our clients and their needs first, we always win.
When we combine that with the skills necessary to deliver results, we have a truly lethal combination.
So there's my tip. It's not sexy. It doesn't occur overnight. But if you are serious about making more money, forget about making more money.
Get really good at your craft first. When you do, the money will follow.
Stay strong
MR
Comments on This Entry
Posted by Adam Toohey at 07:44AM on February 12, 2009
Mike,
You make a great point mate.
Throughout my life I have realised that whenever I am chasing the money, success is always elusive. Somehow it slips thropugh the fingers, and yet, when i focus on getting better and helping more hey presto... more money arrives.
Increase your value which is exactly the point you're making.
Thanks mate great post
Adam Toohey
Posted by Tom Sullivan at 07:51AM on February 12, 2009
Mike,
This is awesome. I get probably 30 newsletters every day from every fitness marketing expert in the world telling me that I could be printing money and hardly working. When I opened a facility, I didn't do it so that I could make millions. Do I want to be successful? Absolutely. Will I be successful? You bet. You know why I love heading to the facility ever single day? Because I want to help the kid who plays second string linebacker and has the heart of a lion be all-state next season. When I step back and really think about it, this is what matters most. Thanks for bringing this back to the forefront. Hopefully I will bump into you at Mike's seminar on Saturday.
Have a great squat day,
Tom
Posted by Patrick Gagnon at 08:20AM on February 12, 2009
hey Mike,
Great post. Seems like people are not fond of simple, basic common sense nowaday. They always look for the next "gig" to make big buck, but building yourself, physical-wise and knowledge-wise, never seems to cross their mind.
Keep on rocking and best of luck for Mike's seminar this weekend.
Posted by Ben at 09:55AM on February 12, 2009
Very true in all industries I think. It seems many parents spoil their kids these days and the kids expect immediate success. In general, they seem to forget or not see the hard work that comes before success and assume that successful people are "lucky" or just "caught a break."
“Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.” Thomas Alva Edison
Posted by Keith Scott at 10:19AM on February 12, 2009
Mike,
The problem is that the cart is becoming WAY before the horse these days. Young trainers (and old, I guess) are way more concerned about marketing and making themselves into "stars" before ever training anyone or learning to "be good" at what they do. It is kind of sad because people on the net can easily get swayed by crafty marketing, and buy into working with someone that really isnt very good at what they do. Money is spent by the time they figure it out. Worse yet, sometimes these people dont get any results other than injuries.
My 2 cents.
Keep up the good work Mike
-Keith Scott
Posted by Lance Goyke at 10:27AM on February 12, 2009
Awesome insight.
Posted by ruffolous at 12:38PM on February 12, 2009
You are such a geniuinely good person. It shows in everything you do. Thank you for being a constant reminder that nice guys who care and put people first can make a business flourish without becoming a manipulative sleazeball.
All the best to you and may your success continue to follow the positive energy you put out into the world.
Posted by JOhn Izzo at 06:13AM on February 13, 2009
Mike,
Its nice to see that alot of the experts are noting that "getting good at your craft" is priority #1. There was a time not so long ago, where it wasn't like that. Glad to see you and others are seeing the light.
Posted by Glenn Kemp at 12:14AM on February 14, 2009
Nice work Mike.
Your words ring very true. With that sort of down to earth attitude, you will fit in nicely down here in Australia. Some conditioning gurus, are going way over the top with their marketing and endorsement of everything that pays commission.
Look forward to meeting you at the Melbourne Seminar in a weeks time. I will wear a Colts cap to make you feel right at home!
Glenn Kemp
athletebody.com
Posted by Luka Hocevar at 01:30AM on February 16, 2009
Mike,
I'm glad I read this post as I was just writing an article on the same lines. Even I got pulled away for a while with all the marketing and business guru stuff in the fitness industry. As much as I know that it is necessary to be pay attention to business in the training industry, we should never stop getting better at our craft and trying our hardest to improve our knowledge so we can better help our athletes, clients reach their goals.
I'm glad that I found the right mentors when coming into the industry and following people such as yourself that do not lose sight of what it is really about.
Luka Hocevar
www.HocevarPerformance.com
Posted by Al in Vancouver at 03:46PM on February 17, 2009
How refreshing!
Posted by dewey nielsen at 04:36PM on February 17, 2009
BINGO!! Mike, that was awesome!!
Posted by Greg Peirce at 04:29PM on February 20, 2009
Mike, please don't take this the wrong way because I really like you and your work. I 100% have to disagree on Pat Rigsby. He is one of the worst ones out there, him and the Ryan Lee wannabee Jim (I don't lift) Labadee, and the rest of those PTU guys.
They are the one pimping out Jimmy Smith and tons of other trainers that don't have a clue what they are doing Mike. Seriously it bothers me. I have not investment in it but, how can they back material and people like that just for the sake of money. There is not care about who they support, just who networks better on twitter. It is pathetic.
Sorry, but I just had to get it off my chest. I am glad he helped, but two rights don't make up for a ton of wrongs.
Posted by Smitty at 12:04PM on February 22, 2009
Great post Mike!
http://www.dieselcrew.com
Posted by Mike T Nelson at 10:35AM on February 23, 2009
Preach on Mike! Investment in getting better will always pay off LONG term. Clients/athletes pay you for RESULTS.
Rock on
Mike T Nelson
Posted by Ben A at 09:05AM on June 28, 2009
Mike - Thank you for the simple and straightforward points. I, too, have always heard these business "gurus" talk about endless amounts of tricks and gimmicks to increase revenue, with no real regard for the client. The sad part is actually seeing how many business owners in our industry "drink the kool-aid." I manage a private training studio and am always preaching to my trainers to "perfect" their craft.
If you want to make more money, make yourself more valuable, plain and simple. If you make yourself better than anyone around you, and you can deliver your clients outstanding results, predictably and consistently, providing them with a great experience along the way, you will rarely ever need to "sell" yourself. Again, thanks for putting your knowledge and experience out there to help others in the field. I've just recently been introduced to your podcast, and have enjoyed it. Keep up the good work!