Become a “resource” for your personal training clients

by Noel Lyons
(London, UK)

As personal trainers we are in an enviable position to offer educational and practical information to our clients. Clients make purchases based on our suggestions, which are based upon years of experience, education and research.

Affiliate sales can be a very lucrative way for personal trainers to increase profitability by aligning yourself to gain financial rewards from the products and services that you are already recommending. Be sure though to only promote a product or service that you have thoroughly investigated and tried yourself.

The monthly checks may start out small, but the passive income continues to grow – even while you are not “working”.

Being "the" source for fitness needs will help to build your credibility with your clients and your community. Conversely consider for a moment how it looks when your client asks you about a multi vitamin, who you recommend for a massage, or where to go for a treadmill and you have no idea? Your customers will appreciate one stop shopping for their fitness needs. Your clients trust you and will purchase based on your recommendations. Often you don't have to inventory or ship anything. Clients simply go to your web site or mention your name when they are ready to make a purchase.

Here are some possible revenue sources:
• In-home water coolers or filtration systems
• Heart rate monitors
• Nutrition plans
• Massagers
• Multivitamins
• Home gym equipment
• Fitness accessories (gloves, balls, bands, etc.)
• Spa products
• Body composition scale
• Fitness journals
• Exercise videos
• Aromatherapy

The following services are also worth creating referral reward systems with:
• Massage therapists
• Osteopaths/Chiropractors
• Spas / Hairdressing Salons
• Nutritionists
• Chefs

Have the products and services you recommend available for purchase during enrollment; they are most likely to purchase at the point of sale when they are excited and in the action taking mode. Try too having an enrollment offer available for that day only.

Communicate the consequences of going without the product to your client, which is always a greater motivator than the potential to save money. It helps to list all of your recommendations in one place so clients have a quick reference.

Use your offerings as a sales tool. For example, when someone signs up for PT sessions with you, they receive £50 in coupons for selected products and services.