You Never Know Who’s Watching: The Impact of Professionalism and Connections for Personal Trainers
Introduction
Picture this scenario—a woman you trained in a group class five years ago reaches out, wanting to work with you again. Not only that, she recommends you to her sister and friend. Or imagine chatting with a stranger in a sauna, only for him to remember your coaching from years ago and hire you on the spot. These are just some of the experiences I’ve had as a personal trainer.
The lesson here is simple but profound: as a personal trainer, you never know who’s watching. Your professionalism, your dedication, and the connections you build today can shape your career in ways you might not foresee for years to come.
The Importance of Professionalism
Every interaction matters. Whether you’re training a client, talking to a fellow gym-goer, or simply working out yourself, people are taking note. Your demeanor, the quality of your service, and your commitment to your craft are all under scrutiny.
Here are a couple of personal anecdotes to illustrate this:
A Lasting Impact
Back in 2018, I worked at Goodlife. One of the women who took my group training class reached out to me in 2024 to work with her again. The impact I had made five years earlier was still significant enough for her to seek my guidance once more. She even recommended me to her sister and her friend.
A Sauna Encounter
In 2022, while working out at Goodlife, I went to the sauna and struck up a conversation with a random guy. He remembered me from when I worked there in 2018 and ended up hiring me as his coach after our chat. This casual interaction turned into a professional opportunity, simply because I had made a positive impression years before.
Building a Network That Lasts
Creating and maintaining a professional network is crucial for long-term success:
Personalized Service: Always ensure personalized and high-quality service to every client. Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your services to others.
Professional Development: Engage in professional development and networking events within the fitness community. Staying connected and meeting new potential clients or partners is invaluable.
Social Media Engagement: Utilize social media platforms to share valuable fitness advice and success stories. This showcases your expertise and helps build a community of followers.
Follow-Up: Regularly follow up with past clients to maintain positive relationships. Checking in on their fitness journeys can lead to new referrals or re-engagement.
Collaboration: Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other fitness professionals. Co-hosting workshops or training sessions can expand your reach and network.
Integrity and Professionalism: Always maintain integrity and professionalism in all interactions. Every connection you make can potentially impact your career.
Giving Value: Offer valuable content and services, such as free mobility classes, blogs, podcasts, and videos. Be helpful without worrying about making a quick buck.
Real-Life Networking Benefits
During my time at F45 from 2019 to 2024, I’ve experienced countless instances where people I interacted with years ago reached out for training. Whether they stopped working out due to COVID lockdowns, or wanted to focus on new goals, they remembered the value I provided and sought my help again.
In another instance, I met an F45 trainer in Ecuador who lived in Portugal. She reached out a year after we met for training. Even recently, an F45 trainer from a sister studio asked for my help with program design for her clients. These connections, some intentional and some serendipitous, have significantly impacted my career.
Call to Action
To all personal trainers, wake up and realize that everyone is watching how you interact with people and how you carry yourself. What you do matters, and you never know how these connections will pan out years later. Commit to always giving your best in your role.
Conclusion
Your professionalism and the connections you build today are seeds that can grow into fruitful opportunities in the future. Always work hard, have integrity, and genuinely care about the people you train and interact with. Keep learning and growing, and remember—you never know who’s watching.
Ready to take your career to the next level? Commit to always giving your best, and watch as the seeds you plant today flourish into future opportunities. 🌟