Running a business is hard, especially when you’re self employed. Everything you do, or don’t do, affects your business so you’ve always got to be on top of your game if you want to see results.
Here are a few time saving tips to help you run and grow an efficient personal training business.
Have clients fill out forms before their first session
Filling in forms is boring. Watching someone else fill in a form is soul destroying. When a client fills in any pre-assessment forms, they’re telling you what they (think they) want to achieve. They’re giving you a cheat sheet so you can start providing them with the best tailored personal training service on Day 1.
So why are you waiting for them to walk through the door before you hand them their lifestyle assessment questions, PAR-Q and medical information forms?
Not only do you have to wait for them to fill it in, you’ve got to read it, understand it, and file it away in the office. Your first meeting with a new client is likely a consultation, maybe it’s even free, but wouldn’t it be nice to know what to focus on beforehand so you can deliver maximum value for the entire session?
Save yourself and your client some time by sending your assessment forms electronically. Clients can respond from the comfort of their own desk, on their own time.
You’ve already got the forms saved on your computer, so why wait for your client to turn up before they fill it in? Send your new client a welcome email, attach the forms you want them to fill in, and away you go. Better yet, set up a new client onboarding package using your favourite personal trainer software and you’ll receive a completed series of assessment forms well in advance and have a digital copy for your records.
Not only will you earn yourself a few extra days to plan that vital, deal-sealing first session, but your new client will love how pro-active and professional you are when it comes to their health, fitness and well-being.
Take payment as soon as your clients book a session
Have you ever had a client agree to a training session or class, but then doesn’t turn up? It sucks. You’ve put in the preparation time, planned a workout, went over your notes from the last session, and now you’re sitting there with no client, and no payment. You have other clients who would have loved that premium time slot, but no. Not allowed. Wasted time for everyone.
Maybe they called to cancel, which is better than just not turning up. But now they’re trying to reschedule, and you simply don’t have the time to deal with them right now. Well, you do. They cancelled. You’ve got loads of time, but now you’re wasting it on the phone reciting calendar dates trying to find a time that doesn’t clash with their busy social life and your busy business calendar.
Wouldn’t it be better if you took the payment when the session was booked? If your client is already financially committed to train, wouldn’t they be more inclined to turn up on time? Of course! Taking payments up front not only provides you with some financial security, but could help to reduce cancellations in the first place!
Using scheduling and payment software, your clients can take a look at your calendar, pick an empty time slot and, if it’s not part of an already paid for series of sessions, pay for your time then and there.
Store client records digitally – Save space, save time, save trees
Keeping records is an essential part of running a fitness business, but paperwork can start to pile up. It takes time and energy to keep it organised, and you didn’t become a personal trainer because you loved paperwork, right?
Cloud-based personal trainer software can help you stay on top of your admin and make your life easier. All of your clients’ records are accessible on your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer – whether you’re at home, on the gym floor, or in the park.