The Obvious Choice

How To Turn Your Clients Into Raving Fans (Who Promote Your Business For You) (Online Trainer Show #33) Before you listen to this exciting new episode of the Online Trainer Show, remember this: North Carolina is “thiccuh”. In addition to this captivating fact, the gang discusses the steps to fostering an effective support system for your business. Picking a particular sound effect for your podcast might be tricky, but finding the right people to broadcast your service is uncannily easy, and all three of our hosts share stories that illuminate how taking a few simple steps can make a world of difference. In This Episode: The importance of whom you choose to help develop and showcase your product [16:47] A great story about how a rising tide lifts all ships [20:03] The secret to how Jonathan grew his website to millions of visits [24:46] Something Carolina does to keep her peers empowered [27:22] Ren’s rules for engagement [32:10] Jonathan’s illuminating fast-food story [33:50] “There is something to be said for being involved and having ownership, or perceived ownership, in a product or service that makes people want to talk about it.” - Jonathan Goodman   A Win-Win Strategy With social media, you can get someone else personally involved simply by tagging them. This strategy is beautiful because it exposes both audiences to each other, which could foster a community bigger than you ever imagined!   Just Be Nice! This seems unsettlingly easy, but this is a critical piece of advice: Say something nice. Yeah, that’s it. If you want to expose your business to a wider audience, be kind to someone else, and they’ll be more willing to spread your message. Then, you’ll have a wider audience. Kindness works.   Hire Attitude, Not Aptitude Instead of trying to “fix” employees, establish a work culture of positivity and only hire people who emulate that every day. Period.   Ready to scale up your online fitness business?  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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

How Gym Owner Jesus Acuna Made $4600 In A Single Day With Online Training (Online Trainer Show #32) Fitness gyms were hit hard by COVID, sending many of them into debt or even bankruptcy. However, with the online market booming, others were able to transition to an online infrastructure that kept them afloat. In this episode, Jonathan Goodman talks with Jesus Acuna, a gym owner who has made record profits by fundamentally shifting his business model. Even as gyms reopen, our economy has been forever changed, but because Jesus pushed through skepticism to adapt to the world around him, his fitness business has never been better. In This Episode: The steps Jesus took to transition from a brick and mortar to an online business infrastructure [3:28] How Jesus now structures his online business [4:45]  Jesus’s new pricing model [9:36] Individual versus group coaching [13:09] The freedom that this new model allows in Jesus’s life [17:18] Jesus’ take-home message to those wanting to try this new model [26:08]   "When you figure out what people want, that’s when they’re gonna work hard.” - Jesus Acuna   Old Vs. New If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Even if a model has worked for decades, something like COVID can abruptly upend our idea of “normal” and leave us lost. However, if you can push through skepticism and adapt to the ever-changing world, your business could become more successful and impactful than you ever thought possible!   Cash Is King Jesus talks about how much of his clientele began preferring upfront payments instead of installment plans, a shift that he and Jonathan agree is better. Recurring income is great, but more upfront cash means more immediate resources for the owner to invest back into his business and people.   Pressure Meets Opportunity It can be easy to assume that work ethic is innate—you either want to work hard or you don’t, across the board. However, Jesus dismisses this theory, noting how anyone will work hard for something that they care deeply about. Change can be terrifying and disarming, but if you cultivate a system of supportive people, comprehensive resources, and accountability, your business, and its clientele will succeed not only despite the change but because of it.   Ready to scale up your online fitness business? 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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

The Importance of Putting Your Fitness First As An Online Trainer (Online Trainer Show #31) They say to put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else, and it rings true even in the fitness coaching industry. After the gang discusses surviving camping trips and photoshop jobs, they explore the nuances of putting your own fitness first. Life has a tendency to shift your focus toward other people, and while that may be important, your number one priority should be on yourself, fitness trainer or not. Like building a strong core, everything starts from its foundation, so to make others stronger, you have to make yourself stronger first. In This Episode: How Jonathan schedules his workouts [13:53] Do trainers need to look a certain way?  [15:33] Ren and Carolina discuss how women’s fitness goals differ from men’s  [19:41] How Jonathan's training style has changed [26:37] The key things to remember so your body ages well with you [29:27] How to schedule your life to maximize fitness and productivity [34:50] Why you should always invest in yourself first [37:20]   “If you want to look better, and think better - you need to take care of yourself. Your fitness needs to come first.” - Jonathan Goodman One Size Does Not Fit All Many people feel that their body doesn’t “look” like a trainer’s, so they feel dissuaded from pursuing the field altogether. Everyone’s fitness journey is different, so someone who doesn’t sport an Instagrammable six-pack may have tons of knowledge and experience that could change lives. Do it anyway.   Fitness First Time Crunch Quantity time is not necessarily quality time, and nowhere is that more evident than productivity. Life gets in the way and fitness is often put on the back burner, but if you schedule your workout time first and craft your day around that, your brain will squeeze more productivity out of less time. Your mind and body will thank you.   Invest In You The business of training may be inherently about helping others, but so many miss a critical part—themself. Before you can coach others to become their best selves, you have to do the same for you. If your clients deserve to be their best selves, so do you, and once you establish that precedent, you’ll never think twice. 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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   https://www.theptdc.com/online-trainer-coaching-full    Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Using Strategic Partnerships To Fast Track Business Growth (Online Trainer Show #30) There are right and wrong ways to begin a podcast, and the gang has it down to a science: Overpriced Starbucks drinks, social media stalking, and Googling yourself. Today, they discuss what to look for in a partnership, the biggest mistake to avoid at all costs, and stories that illustrate how to utilize true engagement to generate business. So many people are too afraid to make that first call, but if they push through those trepidations, they could forge partnerships that transform their business. Don’t sell yourself for less than a mango dragon fruit drink —make that first call. In This Episode: Why it’s important that you’re not too similar to your partner [16:24] Why you shouldn’t work with someone just because you like them [18:39] The value of training influencers for free to get your foot in the door [28:08] How to utilize true influencers and succeed in an influencer’s economy [30:07] The difference between engagement and following [32:43] How essential it is to narrow down your choices before you deep dive [35:47] Why you should focus on a specific demographic [36:33] Carolina emphasizes not selling yourself short [40:16] You could be the first person to connect with someone, so always take that first step [42:11]   “We’re so fixated on followers but engagement is where the money is.”- Ren Jones   I’m Your Partner, Not Your Friend A pivotal mistake that so many fall into is partnering with someone only because they like them. Sure, you need to have great chemistry with someone, but if you two are too similar, you won’t complement each other and ultimately fall into the same habits. Instead, create a partnership where the one fills in for the other’s weaknesses, and you will reach a mutual goal together.   Engagement Vs. Followers Working with influencers is critical to expanding your business, but so many “influencers” are focused solely on follower count and do little except sell products or a personality. If you work with people who are experts in their field and wish to spread information, your business’s engagement will multiply and impact so many more people in a significant way.   Make That First Call Taking the first step is the hardest—that leap of faith that puts the pressure on high. Too many entrepreneurs hesitate to reach out because of their own insecurities or reluctance to try something new. Putting yourself out there is undeniably frightening, but if you can stop selling yourself short and make that first call, you could bridge a connection that changes your life.   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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

How Online Trainers MUST Manage Their Money (Online Trainer Show #29) To properly kick off this episode, the crew briefly gushes over how awesome Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon Levitt are, as they should. Once the gushing concluded, Ren began the episode by recounting his financial journey, from living in a basement to five streams of income. Carolina followed up with her own quest, emphasizing the importance of getting creative with how you provide services and, consequently, build your income streams. Finally, Jonathan delves into four essential steps for coaches to manage their finances effectively, plus bonus tips that will push you away from basements and toward financial freedom. In This Episode: Money and wealth are not the same, and finance education is not taught in school [15:02] Why most fitness trainers have ZERO financial training [16:29] How to organize your documents to streamline taxes [23:48] Jonathan shares what can be written off during tax time, ultimately saving you money [24:33] What holds you back from bringing more people in is a lack of diverse knowledge, not fitness certifications or gym equipment [30:35] Jonathan shares a story that illustrates how not watching your finances can cost you thousands per year [32:34]   “Just as important, if not more important, than learning how to make money is learning how to keep and grow money.” - Jonathan Goodman   Hire An Accountant If you strive to make your money work for you, hiring an accountant is critical. It may cost more upfront, but the money you’ll save through avoiding ripoffs, catching phantom charges, and maximizing your tax refund is worth the investment—YOU are worth the investment.   Educate Yourself So many coaches find their money running away from them because they lack knowledge in money, not gym equipment or fitness certifications. Dedicating the time to learning the foundations of money management is crucial toward expanding your business and living life on your terms.   Take A Good, Hard Look Even if someone has the best intentions about money, if they don’t keep a close eye on things, money will inevitably slip away from them. Take an earnest, potentially painful, look at your finances to figure out where you can trim the fat, and your money won’t think twice.   Jamie Foxx's "I Want To Be Your Tennis Ball”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Fr4aM-utk   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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC  

Building Your Support Systems (Online Trainer Show #28) After the gang debates which episode number this is, they dive into the nuances of building your online support systems to bring maximum value to your clients and yourself. COVID has profoundly changed the coaching landscape, which makes effective support all the more essential. We grow through teaching and learning, and we deserve to continue growing no matter the circumstances. In this episode, Jonathan discusses the common pitfalls of coaching, how to identify red flags, and how to employ a well-rounded approach so that both your clients and your cups are filled to the brim. In This Episode: Jonathan discusses the impact of COVID and how to move forward [7:33] Biggest pitfall: Offering too much and not being responsive [25:25] Two ways to offer support: Group and individual [25:37] Importance of automated check-in messages [28:48] How being a helicopter trainer was less effective and more taxing [32:38] How establishing work boundaries upfront is critical for your mental health, career, and client relationships [33:28] How boundaries and time limits help hone your focus [40:08]   “The worst thing is to set a precedent that you're always going to be available and omnipresent for your clients.” - Jonathan Goodman   Precedents and Boundaries Easily one of the biggest pitfalls coaches fall into is not setting reasonable precedents and boundaries for yourself. Many coaches believe that constant availability is the key to great coaching, but Jonathan explains how quality always trumps quantity.   Automated Messages An amazing way to keep your clients engaged is to utilize automated check-in messages, which will help you save time, give encouragement to clients killing it already, and open a dialogue for any clients who need in-depth support.   Vulnerability  You are the company you keep, so surrounding yourself with people who are in your court is critical to success. Insecurities can often manifest in boastfulness, so seek out those with whom you can be vulnerable and your humility will keep you hungry for more.   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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

How to Know Who to Believe on the Internet (Spoiler: The Answer Is Nobody) (Online Trainer Show #27) This is an episode full of firsts and big news! Ren isn’t wearing a hat! There’s something about cupcakes! Carolina made a major life decision! Jonathan found a golden throne! But it’s not all good news for the gang today; Jonathan shares the story that brought him to today’s topic: who to trust on the internet. They’ll share some of the measures of seriousness they each look for when finding what they need online. In a shocking revelation, Jonathan has real-life examples of how easy it is to lie on the internet and the hilarious way someone got “outed” in their lie. What’s important to you when you are looking for someone to trust online? Listen now for tips on how to avoid being scammed online. In This Episode: Ren talks about the earthquake in North Carolina; it gets graphic [04:45] Jonathan and his wife ate salads that were 100% from their garden [07:40] What are Jonathan’s criteria for weeding people out online? [17:23] Why you should whittle down your options before you go deeper [21:34] Be willing to do the work, so you’ll be less likely to be caught in scams [31:55] Do you know the person approaching you? Do they know you? [33:00] Interact with people who have provided you with value [34:53] How long has this “expert” been in the business? [37:37]   “I would value a trusted recommendation. When you see recommendations from folks who have built up a reputation, and they're someone who you jive with, that you deeply respect - I would value that.” - Jonathan Goodman   Look for Indications of Seriousness What does this person have to lose by offering bad business? Jonathan has a story about how he knew which barber to trust in a new town. There are nonsense lists out there that people can pay to be on; here’s how to separate non-merit-based lists of the so-called “best” in their business.   It’s Shockingly Easy to Lie Online Everything is for sale, including before and after photos. Fake profiles are quick and easy to make. Anyone can buy an appearance, buy their way onto a list, even buy testimonials. Learn how to be discerning.   Trust People You Know What’s important to you? What are your personal relationships with people you know you can trust? Look at how long this so-called “expert” has been in the business…and who can vouch for them.   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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

How To Be More Efficient By Knowing What to Automate and Delegate (Online Trainer Show #26) The gang’s “mama bird” – Amber – isn’t on the podcast today. Speaking of birds, Ren has a story about a baby bird he saw in a Disney+ nature documentary. Carolina needs to see a doctor about her toe, and Jonathan is hogging all the multicultural family members for himself. However, what are some common errors that personal trainers make? In this episode, the gang talks about automation and delegation. This process necessarily means setting your ego aside to make your program more efficient. Making assumptions about what clients want from you can lead to constraining yourself when you should be delegating. Listen now to find out how to free yourself by starting the process of automating and delegating! In This Episode: Ren’s Disney character voices [00:52] Jonathan’s big news from the Personal Trainer Development Center company camp [08:44] It’s a hard lesson to learn, but you may not be as important as you think you are [20:40] Are you putting an unnecessary constraint on yourself? [22:00] Other ways to be involved with your program…without the constraints [27:14] The messaging, tone, and voice can continue with the right people [29:50] What to do before you delegate [31:49]   “That’s number one: disconnect from your ego for a minute when you’re talking about delegation and automation. Do people actually need to talk to you? With a good structure, they don’t.” – Jonathan Goodman   You’re Not as Important as You Think You Are (…sorry) Your ego will tell you that everyone needs to have direct contact with you, but that’s just not true. You can still be involved with your program, but to scale. Jonathan has ways to step back and let your program run without you being there.   Keep Your Essential Message, Voice, and Tone Everyone will have their own way of sharing your message. Before you start delegating, find your own standard operating procedure, your own guidelines. How do you talk about the things you want to tell people?   It’s All About Communication When you delegate to others, they need to know exactly what you expect from them. For that, you need to know what you’re all about. In this episode, you’ll learn how and what to prepare before you even get started automating and delegating your program to get the best results.   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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

The Secret to Scaling Your Online Business Beyond 10 clients (Online Trainer Show #25) Is Ren at the point where he has more confidence than skill in podcasting? What happened on Carolina’s camping trip that felt like a National Geographic special? And has Jonathan ever seen a moose pee? After sharing their favorite nature stories, the gang discusses how to keep up your momentum when scaling up your online trainer business. One big key: getting a prospect’s payment on the phone versus sending a link to pay online. Carolina shares how she stops hearing the “no”s and gets more “yes”s. Are you digging deep into your conversations with your clients? Does that feel uncomfortable for you? Listen now to hear the secrets to gaining confidence so that you can become a more successful online trainer. In This Episode: Ren has lighting problems, which he blames on a new camera [00:20] Catching up with Carolina, who survived her camping trip [6:09] What’s in the box??? [11:20] Why 5 is the magic number for getting clients on your platform [18:58] How the Online Trainer Academy platform system is different (and better) [20:15] Jonathan’s 1 key to scaling beyond 5-10 clients [25:29] Ren’s key to building your confidence…in terms trainers can understand [26:43] The importance of radical honesty in conversations with your clients [31:53] Carolina shares why everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to honesty in conversations [33:02] “The golden rule of online training is, you get that payment on the phone right away.” – Jonathan Goodman   Build Your Conversion Process Keep up your momentum by having the confidence to ask for your prospect’s payment on the phone. This one step can help you keep up your momentum without losing clients to a million other distractions. Have the confidence to take money from people who want to pay you for the things you are good at!   Step Into Your Power As a Trainer Lack of confidence leads too many trainers to be underpaid and overworked. Don’t let that happen to you!     Have Those Uncomfortable Conversations Don’t be afraid to dig deep into conversations with your clients. Why haven’t they been successful with trainers and programs in the past? Learn to develop the confidence to ask the hard questions, and you’ll find yourself creating a deeper connection with your clients—and greater success as a trainer.   REN’S GIFT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IpBpz1VtW6COVF9AhSBmlYC3V32YpNyS/view?usp=sharing   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: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

How Firefighter Alex Harriman Made $6,578 Online Training Between Shifts (Online Trainer Show #24) Is it time to level up your online trainer skills? If you want to make more money, then the answer is yes! Alex Harriman started online training as a side gig between shifts as a fulltime firefighter. After the birth of his son in 2017, his priorities changed—which meant his online training business had to change, as well. In this episode, Jonathan talks with Alex about how the Online Trainer Academy Level 2 helped him learn how to focus his energy and prioritize his time. How did this small shift lead to major results and more money for Alex? Learn why Alex recommends OTA Level 2, and how it can help you, too, make more money while freeing up more of your time!   In This Episode How Alex uses the Online Trainer Academy tactics to make more money [1:05] The biggest mistake Alex made when starting as an online trainer [6:46] What Alex learned about time management skills from OTA Level 2 [10:50] The most important thing you have to do as an online trainer [14:34] The 4 weekly goals Alex creates each month [18:46] How to focus on the things that are getting you results [23:10] One of the biggest points Alex took away from OTA Level 2 [27:50]   “When you sit down, you should know what you want to accomplish. The better you can plan for that, the more efficient you are.” - Jonathan Goodman   You Can Still Love Training While Shifting Your Priorities Major life events—such as having a baby—don’t have to mean the end of doing what you love. Learn how to shift your focus and pivot your business in order to maximize your skillset and free time. Time Management is a Skill It’s all about planning. The OTA Level 2 program can help you figure out a schedule that works for you, including setting aside blocks of time to focus on specific areas of your business. Focus better, work smarter, and you’ll make more money in less time. Maximize Pockets of Time When you do have free time, how are you spending it? Are you focused and ready to work? In this episode, Jonathan and Alex talk about what they do to prepare for those moments that require them to do the work that they may not want to do.   SPONSORS Ready to scale up your online fitness business? Apply for Online Trainer Academy Level 2 here - https://www.theptdc.com/online-trainer-academy-certification-level-2 Get started TODAY with the world-leading certification and business development program for personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and gym owners – The Online Trainer Academy: https://onlinetrainer.com/academy   Enjoy this special offer of 60 days FREE on PT Distinction from The Online Trainer Show! - https://onlinetrainer.com/ptd   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC