The Obvious Choice

The team discusses how to avoid the dogma that is so pervasive in the fitness industry.   The Episode: Avoiding Damaging Dogma In Order To Become A More Complete Professional   As with many industries, the fitness world is filled with sub-sectors, echo chambers, and dogma. The problem is that falling into a specific lane and never leaving it can result in a weaker service to your clients, and a less-rounded practice around training. There are a few strategies that can minimize the negative effects of this human tendency, and keep you and your knowledge base challenged and growing. Tune in to hear our suggestions and thoughts on how to keep an open mind and embrace different perspectives.   In This Episode Pitfalls of the fitness industry around dogma and bias [0:13:53] Dealing with dogmatic clients [0:19:10] Embracing disagreement and learning from other perspectives [0:21:36] Drawing the line between being dogmatic and polarizing [0:28:23] Signs and signals of dogma within your philosophy [0:31:37] The tension between nuance, transparency, and building a platform [0:35:01]    “The best solution is almost never the solution you used last week.” — Jonathan Goodman   The Pervasiveness of Dogma There are so many solutions out there, and applying the same solution to many different situations is usually not the best idea. In order to provide a great service to clients, you need a range of wisdom and how to deal with specific people and circumstances. We all fall into schools of thought and need to be aware of that tendency, while a certain level of bias is unavoidable, it is necessary to at least try to avoid rampant dogma. The other side of this coin is that you will encounter clients who have their own dogma too!   Learning and an Open Mind We should all be going out of our way to learn from intelligent people with opposing views. We can all miss parts of the picture, so seek out situations and people that challenge you! Aiming to develop particular solutions to particular cases is a great way to balance the need for systems with an individual philosophy to different clients. This means balancing your best methods with an open-minded attitude to gaining new ones.   Ways to Combat Your Own Bias  Strong reactive feelings are often a sign of dogma, so we recommend noticing these and taking a pause to consider where these feelings may stem from. The world of health and fitness is fundamentally science-based, and the scientific approach is inquisitive above all else. Embody that in your own journey and fight against the tendency to avoid nuance and transparency!   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Our team of trainers talk about how to overcome the issues of boredom that arise when running your own business.   The Episode: Overcoming Boredom In Your Business   As entrepreneurs and business owners, we have to endure the peaks and valleys of running the show. One of the challenges that most of us have to deal with is the boredom around repeating certain parts of what we do, and the things that are not necessarily our favorite parts of training. So with that said, we wanted to share some thoughts on how you can overcome these hurdles and keep your business going through the less exciting times! No matter your interest and excitement levels, you need to maintain your relationships and programs with existing clients, you also need to be communicating about the work that you are doing. Staying at least somewhat present on social media is equally important, and a great way to stay on track with this is to switch up your content to other interests you might have. The last thing to say about boredom is that it can drive inspiration and innovation, so it does not always have to be a bad thing!   In This Episode The business landscape and the rise of localized markets [0:12:10] Getting away from the negative results of the repetitive nature of running a business [0:20:08] Maintaining interest levels through enjoyment [0:23:46] Manifesting higher energy levels [0:27:36] Non-negotiables for the keeping things going [0:29:20] Staying present and showing up to stay in the public eye [0:33:38] Recapping the basics of making it through trying times [0:36:36]   “Don't feel bad, don't beat yourself up if you disappear for a while, it's totally fine, just get back on it!” — Carolina Belmares   The Reality of Business and Repetition The truth about running a business is that it is repetitive. There are certain things that you will need to do over and over, and setting up good systems and templates is a part of achieving success. You also want to create a business that you enjoy running, that has tasks that do not drain all the life from you. These are things to keep in mind while building a business, and while adjusting it along the way.   Techniques for Staying Interested and Engaged If you can keep your business fun, you will find yourself bored less often. One way to do this is to track your own behaviors around tasks and try and minimize the activities that seem to result in feeling disengaged and bored. There will always be work to be done that is not your favorite, but the less of this, the easier it will be to face. Another great resource to draw on when you are struggling to stay motivated is your network. Communicate with your friends and mentors because conversations can always help you out of a tight spot.    Energy Levels and Excitement We recommend looking for any methods that can give you a boost. What gets you going? Find that out and make use of that knowledge! There are foundational factors that will keep your business running, and as long as you have those bases covered, it does not matter if you abandon some optional stuff in the meantime. Make sure your clients are happy, that you are showing up, and that people are hearing about you, the rest is gravy.   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS   Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today our panel of expert trainers talk about the secret to creating irresistible online training programs to sell to clients.   The Episode: The Secret to Irresistible Online Training Sales   One of the most important steps in the process of a functioning training business is the initial interactions with clients around selling and intake. So if you can get this element of your business down, you may just be able to set yourself up for better results further along the road. Engaging new clients with quantifiable and specific goals, and then delivering on these is what will solidify your value to them. By creating a structure that you can achieve with your new clients, you can make sure that they buy in fully to your systems and rewards, and keep coming back!     In This Episode Why trainers fail to achieve results with clients early on [0:10:48] The cycles of business and times for evolution [0:16:19] Basic structures for a great offer [0:19:10] Putting enough energy and attention into a launch [0:27:47] The specifics that set you and your clients up for success [0:33:01]   “Trainers are often really, really bad at showcasing process and identifying when goals are met.” — Jonathan Goodman   Installing and Communicating a Process It is an unfortunate reality that many trainers are not proficient at communicating their processes with clients. We need to be able to lay out a plan and then show when goals are met. This is an area that can always be improved upon, so do not shy away from evolving these parts of your business. In order for clients to get excited about what you are offering you need to share the transformation that they can identify with.   The Components of a Great Offer Our recommendation is to create a high-ticket front-end offer as a start. Coupling this with a quantifiable goal and continuity in your program can get people to sign on and buy in, which will, in turn, manifest credibility and belief in what you are doing together. This also includes timelines, so that when a goal is reached on schedule, you can set new goals and get clients to carry on their work with you!   The Importance of the Launch We think it is key to be very invested in the launch period of your program. Prioritizing the intake process will set you up for future success, and can set the tone of the specificity and intentionality of your regimen. A big part of this connection is to learn about your clients and how to support them, because when they feel that, they will find it easy to commit and work with your expertise. Do not forget, there are many different types of quantifiable goals, so just find the ones that work for you and your people.   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today, we talk about what Disney World and online training have in common. These two things might sound worlds apart, but they have way more similarities than we think!   The Episode: What Disney World and Online Training Have In Common   You might be confused about why we would be talking about Disney World on the show today, but, as trainers, there is actually so much for us to learn from Disney. Ren, Carolina, who is celebrating her birthday, and Amber, sit down to talk about some of the valuable lessons we can all take away from the iconic brand. From niching down to expert onboarding and creating memorable experiences, Disney offers it all, and there’s no reason why you can’t either. You are capable of providing your clients with truly great programs that will stay with them forever. Tune in to hear it all!   In This Episode Hear what Carol did to celebrate her 39th birthday. [0:05:45] What Ren learned about business from his time at Walt Disney World. [0:13:19] How Disney’s approach to niching down applies to trainers. [0:19:00] What Disney teaches us about onboarding your clients. [0:21:07] People buy with emotion and rationalize with logic afterwards. [0:27:40] Create an experience that matches the price you are charging for your program. [0:36:04]   “What happens in Disney rides, as well as in our business, is that when you start giving people things that are engaging, now they are really sold on your process.” — Carolina Belmares   The Power of Niching Down  Wherever Ren goes, he is always thinking about Amber, Johnny, and Carol, and going to Walt Disney World was no different. The whole time he was there, he was thinking about the business lessons he could share. Disney is a big umbrella brand, and underneath it, there are so many niches that appeal to a wide range of people. These parks are niched down so that everyone feels included. Despite how wide they have cast the net, it is all still very congruent, and you can clearly tell it is under the Disney brand.     How to Onboard Like a Boss  What stood out to Ren most was the park’s onboarding process and ability to sell. Even though there was a two-and-a-half-hour wait, each part of the onboarding process had a different stage, giving you a new experience. Just like how we have to keep our clients busy, Disney also kept Ren entertained and engaged, even though he was still waiting. The change of scenery while he was waiting made him feel like he had graduated and was one step closer to where he needed to be. Disney has done what all great businesses should do; just when you feel like your customer is getting annoyed with waiting, you give them something new so they will continue the journey with you. Similarly, in the world of training, when you have signed a client to a program, there is a time before they start when they are in limbo. During this stage, it is key to keep them engaged and remind them of the adventure that is to come. If you do it right, your clients shouldn’t even know the difference between being on the program and onboarding.     Create Experiences that Stand Out  So, after you have gotten off a ride at Disney World, guess where you end up? In the gift shop. This makes perfect sense because you have just had this incredible experience, and your emotions are naturally heightened, making you a perfect sales target. Just like Disney does not think about how much money people might have, this should not be a concern of yours either. When your clients have finished a program, present them with the next option; it is up to them to decide whether or not they can afford it. Like with Disney, if you have generated enough emotional attachment to the experience, the next step will be a natural graduation. If you are struggling with your price point, focus on creating an experience that matches how much you are charging. It is not your place to judge people and how they spend their money. All you can do is make sure they get what they are paying for. Work on all of your touch-points so that your client feels they are getting the best.    Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today Alex and Amber talk about making new hires and how to make sure that the new member on a team is as good a fit as possible.   The Episode: The A-Team Delivers   Hiring the right staff is one of the most important parts of scaling a business and many things need to be considered when it is time to engage in this process. With this in mind, we dedicated this episode to the subject of hiring new coaches and other team members. Joining us for this discussion is our very own Alex Cartmill who has a lot of experience in this area as he is the former head coach for OTA level 1 and is currently running our OTC program. We get into the whole process of making a new hire, covering how to know when you need somebody new, what skills to look for, the qualities they should inherently display, the application process, training, and more.   In This Episode  How to know when it is time to start looking for new team members [0:07:14] Different types of new hires and when to hire which [0:13:00] How to find the right person for a position you are hiring for [0:18:15] Qualities that are tough to teach new hires through training [0:21:09] The best way to set up an application process [0:24:32] Keeping a new coach in check versus giving them freedom [0:30:51] Final tips for hiring and managing coaching staff [0:30:51]   “I will take someone with a good attitude and the right mindset and have to teach them the skills any day of the week before someone who happens to have all the skills.” — Amber Reynolds   How to Know When It is Time to Hire A New Coach  Even before you start looking for employees you should understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie. This way, when you look for new people, you know what to hire for. As far as knowing when to hire somebody new, the time will be right when one of two things happens: you either want help with scaling or with handling the business you already have. When it is time to make a new hire it is important to understand which roles you can afford to fill with new talent and which ones you need to keep doing yourself. By all means, hire people that allow you to focus on your zone of genius, but do not just outsource for roles you can’t stand doing even though you should be the one doing them.   What Qualities to Look For In New Candidates When it comes to hiring new coaches, you will find that candidates will fall into two main categories, complementary and supplementary. Supplementary coaches will have a similar approach as your own and can be hired to fill roles you used to occupy yourself. Complimentary coaches on the other hand think differently than you and these types of candidates can be used to help grow the business by expanding the range of services you offer. Knowing which of these two types is right for your business at any particular phase goes back to self-awareness. If you understand where your strengths and weaknesses lie it will make it easier to know which type you need. That being said, often the first hire people will make is a supplementary one. Regardless of which type of coach you need, we recommend looking for people who are empathetic, curious, and display naturally good interpersonal skills because it is hard to teach these qualities.   How to Find the Right Person and How to Train Them Once you know who you are looking for the next step is finding them. Here at the OTS, we often don’t need to look much further than our preexisting network. Once you have a team that you can trust the chances are they will know somebody right for the position and you can build a shortlist in this way. If you are still in the beginning phases, the question you need to ask is how can you make the application posting appealing enough to grab the attention of the talent you are looking for. Posting the salary you aim to offer is one good way to do it. On the topic of salary, you need to be willing to reimburse a person for the value they will be adding to your team. You can assess how much to pay based on how replaceable a new hire will be. Once you have made your hire and are in the process of training them there is a fine line that needs to be towed between giving them the freedom to be their authentic selves and keeping them in check with the branding of your company. Giving them freedom is important but it means they will make mistakes, and it is important to have systems in place to handle this.   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today Carolina and Amber discuss the power of women and share some of the role models that most inspire them.   The Episode: The Women Have Taken Over   Today on the show, Ren and Jonathan are both away which gives Amber and Carolina a chance to take the slot for themselves, and they use it to talk about their role models. If you are a man and your first thought is that this episode will be worthless because it is hosted by women, then this is an opportunity for you to check yourself. As Carolina and Amber get into the women who impress them most, they also talk about why, and we get to hear the many different qualities that make women like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dr. Jen Gunter, and Sonya Renee Taylor great. In this way the conversation covers themes like authenticity, challenging stereotypes, handling conflict with grace, and a whole lot more!   In This Episode Carolina and Amber’s woman role models growing up [0:08:12] The types of influencers that women gravitate towards [0:13:00] Tips for coming up with content for social media [0:15:03] The woman influencers who Carolina and Amber follow [0:18:06] Issues with the value proposition of coaches who offer ‘empowerment’ [0:18:06] Sharing content that comes from sources other than you with clients [0:25:14] Respect for women who can handle confrontation with grace [0:26:41] Following accounts that challenge your beliefs [0:28:23] Equipping ourselves with the vocabulary to help clients with body issues [0:31:05]   “We are not trying to indoctrinate you into anything. We are trying to open your world into understanding that women are super complex.” — Carolina Belmares   Amber and Carolina’s Role Models Part 1 Carolina and Amber kick the show off by talking about the woman role models they had as children. From there, they weigh in on the influential women who have made the biggest impressions on them and talk about why. Megan Calloway shares a ton of workout content in a way that is to the point and easy to understand, and she is known for designing some great pandemic workout workarounds. Tori Dunlap does an amazing job of making the topic of how to build wealth as a woman relatable and easy. Amie Tollefsrud is fantastic at teaching people everything they need to know about how to work Instagram for their business. One of the best things about Kristina Kuzmič is her authenticity and her ability to call things out in ways that give us space to reassess ourselves.   Amber and Carolina’s Role Models Part 2 The conversation continues and our hosts share even more of the superwomen who inspire them. Dr. Jen Gunter is the author of The Vagina Bible and is also known for the smackdowns she delivers to men who say stupid things. Likewise, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is an utter powerhouse with a razor-sharp mind who displays an amazing ability to handle conflict in a graceful way. Our hosts love Sonalee AKA the @fatsextherapist because of their advocacy and skill at challenging heteronormativity. Claire Diaz-Ortiz is an author who is enjoyable to learn from as far as social media and productivity. Lastly, Sonya Renee Taylor is the New York Times bestselling author of The Body is Not an Apology and her content can help coaches work with women who struggle to accept their bodies.   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today the team discusses the importance of sleep and finding routines and boundaries for getting the best sleep possible, in order to be operating optimally.   The Episode: Sleep Training For Busy Folks   There are plenty of dangerous myths about entrepreneurship, running a business, and getting enough sleep. We believe getting a good night's sleep as often as possible should be one of your highest priorities if you want to make progress in your life and coaching! In today's conversation, we talk about some different approaches to winding down at the end of the day, avoiding things that detract from your rest, and some basic rules and boundaries that can aid your efforts to be on top of your game!   In This Episode Sleep, preparedness, and increased productivity and efficiency [0:15:52] The impact of life events such as parenthood [0:20:10] Removing the things that detract from sleep [0:21:04] Creating boundaries that can improve sleep patterns [0:23:41] Finding the unique conditions that suit your needs [0:28:12] Avoiding mixed-use of sleeping spaces and items [0:31:23]   “A lot of entrepreneurs suffer because they do work in bed, or they do work in the bedroom.” — Ren Jones   Better Sleep Habits There is a popular myth that if you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you need to sacrifice your sleep. This may be the route that some individuals take but it is definitely not a rule you should follow. All the evidence shows that good sleep is part of optimal health and performance. Now, sleep may look different for different people, at certain stages of life, as there are other factors to balance such as parenthood, and of course work responsibilities. This means it is necessary to have realistic expectations with regards to your sleep goals but does not mean it is impossible to always be well-rested!   Proactive Approaches to Sleep Simple, practical strategies can make a big difference to the quality of your sleep, and while these differ from person to person, there are some good general rules to consider. Avoiding electronics before going to bed, and even in the bedroom at all, is becoming more and more widely accepted as a sleep-enhancing habit. The more you can turn your bedroom into a sanctuary, the more tightly your mind will associate that space with rest. Another good measure is to set boundaries for yourself and those you live with, around what you need in order to sleep well. These might be bedtimes or considerations in the evening and early morning. Routines and limitations can have a huge impact and are a reasonable request to make of those around you.   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC  

Today's discussion focuses on some recommendations of the best books to read as an online trainer.   The Episode: The Best Books That Every Online Trainer Should Read   There are many avenues to explore to learn and improve your online training business, and one of the most fruitful is the books you can read to up your game. Impactful books are not limited to a specific field, and today we speak about a selection of recommendations from different genres that can help push the needle in your life and business. Learning and improving is what will take you from average to highly successful and profitable, so adopting this kind of mindset is a must!    In This Episode  The range of books that can help you and your business [0:16:02] How Ignite the Fire can provide a great foundation for a coaching business [0:17:41] Dan John's Never Let Go and the philosophy of training [0:19:41] The importance of the lessons in The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel  [0:20:55] Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic and how to follow your curiosity [0:25:47] Applying the lesson from How To Talk So Kids Will Listen [0:28:35] Frameworks for coaches from The Simple Path to Wealth [0:29:36] The profound wisdom of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten [0:34:14]   “You don't listen to financial advice from somebody who has different financial goals and risk appetites. Good advice could be good advice for somebody else, and not you.” — Jonathan Goodman   Mindset and Money There are so many different types of books that can help you, so do not restrict yourself to a certain area or genre. We recommend figuring out your goals (something that books can help with too!) and then seeking out experts on the subjects related to those goals. A great starting point for the basics of mindset comes from our very own Jonathan Goodman and is called Ignite the Fire. From there you can dive into the philosophy of training and commitment in the amazing Never Let Go by Dan John, an older book but one with so much relevance and wisdom. On the financial side of things, The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel can set you on a path to better management and building the life that you truly want. While The Simple Path to Wealth by J L Collins is a great addition to your explorations into money and securing your future.   Curiosity and Life Lessons There are some amazing lessons about passion and curiosity in Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic, another must-read for any creative person or business owner. The application of small lessons to bigger areas of your life is exemplified by the applicability of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, as we believe that these ideas can be used beyond parenting! The last recommendation we have for you today is the fun yet profound All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, which is a series of essays about how to keep your life simple and healthy.   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   Books Mentioned Today: Ignite the Fire — https://www.amazon.com/Ignite-Fire-Building-Successful-Personal/dp/1505787610   Never Let Go — https://www.amazon.com/Never-Let-Go-Philosophy-Learning/dp/1931046387   The Psychology of Money — https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681/   Big Magic — https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726/   How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen — https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889   The Simple Path to Wealth — https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Path-Wealth-financial-independence/dp/1533667926   All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten — https://www.amazon.com/Really-Need-Know-Learned-Kindergarten/dp/034546639X/   Mr. Money Mustache Blog — https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today we have a discussion about the unique nature of programming and how to find the best way to do it for your online coaching business.   The Episode: What's Your Programming Recipe?   It is quite common for newer trainers to struggle with confidence around their programming. In fact, most of us feel like we can always learn more, and want to constantly improve our programs no matter how far along we are. The reality is that all trainers do this part of their work slightly differently, and that is not a bad thing! Think of your program as containing your own unique flavor, a recipe using common ingredients that all trainers have, that is tailored to your skills and your clients' needs. So lean into your strengths and style and deliver something worthwhile and helpful to the world!   In This Episode  The unique recipe that each trainer uses to create a program [0:17:39] Common hurdles on the way to confident programming [0:21:35] What our trainers do in their own workouts [0:25:24]  No two programs will be the same [0:35:29]   “Understand that people are going to come to you for your flavor of programming. Thrive on that. ” — Jonathan Goodman   Different and Unique Programs It may be useful to think of trainers as chefs, creating different recipes and flavors with the same ingredients. Clients and trainers alike, need different things, and there is also a huge variation in terminology, combinations, and approach within the world of coaching. If you can continue to learn and adjust your unique 'flavor', adding ingredients and strategies as you go, you can both become more specialized, while also broadening your reach and impact!   Doubts About Programming We often witness trainers dealing with feelings of inadequacy around their programming and that they are doing it wrong. This imposter syndrome shows more about the insecurities that creating programs elicits than anything else. The chances are that if you are available and helping your clients to move and exercise, the program is working to a certain extent. Another way to combat these fears is to have conversations and share information with other trainers. This way you can contextualize what you are doing while adding appropriately to your programs.   Adaptation and Formulation In-person coaches generally have approaches that include more on-the-fly adaptation, whereas the online route leads to more strictly planned programs. There are so many unique recipes out there, with so much valuable variation, how you adapt and formulate your schedules is solely up to you. But the message here is to have some confidence in your own style, the dish that you are cooking, and bring that to the table so that people can enjoy it!   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today we hear about the power of permission marketing and why you should be adopting this approach as soon as possible!   The Episode: The Marketing Approach You Should Start Doing   The message remains clear: whatever program you are creating or perfecting, do not build it in a cave! We want to remind you of the importance of speaking to people and collecting useful feedback on your offers. This all comes under the umbrella of the idea of permission marketing, an approach championed most famously by Seth Godin, in which you use past clients, peers, and colleagues, to develop a more impactful business. The basics of the process are speaking to people who will be interested in what you offering and using the feedback about your offer to direct your decisions and testing. The system also allows you to create a network of invested individuals who feel a real connection to what you are doing, which is a great foundation for any venture.   In This Episode  Reaching out to colleagues in a different way [0:04:02] The conversations that can help you find out what is important [0:22:20] Building your programs based on conversations with experts [0:27:41] Scheduling a time and having an impactful first call [0:30:41] Creating buy-in and bringing people along on your journey [0:35:41] The process of iteration and going live with an offer [0:37:35]   “If you start marketing something when that something is ready, you are four to six months too late.” — Jonathan Goodman   The Initial Outreach Once you have identified people that you can speak to, you can reach out as early as possible, before you even have a request to make. If they seem interested, then when the time comes you can ask them to share and spread the word about what you are doing. The first steps are just about gathering information and getting some feedback from different levels of expertise. Speaking to people enables you to learn about your offer in a way that is not possible on your own.   Narrowing Down Your Offer These conversation can be quick and to the point. You are refining your idea, and getting specific about the most powerful parts of what you are offering. By adopting an accommodating and forthright attitude you can lead the communications in way that is inclusive and mutually beneficial. This is all part of a more general approach to networking, and you can utilize whatever platforms that you have at your disposal. The important thing is to get out of the 'cave' and connect with others to keep learning and iterating!   Following Up and Moving Forward It can be very diligent to mention how things will move forward from the start. Including your network in the process allows you to set out a roadmap for the growth of your program. You can also consider offering early or trial versions of the service in order to really test your work. This will all lead to more talk and knowledge of what you are doing in the lead-up to any official launch. You are creating a real investment and community, something that can be built organically and slowly, and continually improved upon!   Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?   Apply for OTA 2 here: www.thePTDC.com/OTA2   SPONSORS Get started TODAY with the world leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota   Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055 Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC