Good morning and Happy Saint Paddies Day!
Yesterday I had a personal training session with a client whom I have been working with for a few weeks now. Toward the end of the workout he asked me a few questions and they were a bit challenging. My responses were not thought out, but they were honest and genuine. Later I thought about his questions again and I was still happy with my responses. I will share the questions and better edited responses.
Client: Are you trying to build a large business with numbers or stay small and personal?
A truly tricky question. No doubt I want NFLF to grow and I certainly do not want to limit the size. However, I do not want sacrifice personal experience for our clients or balance in my life, for my ego or financial gain. Once upon a time there was a goal of a partnership and that did not come to be, so much of the services NFLF provides fall on my shoulders. My goal is to grow the client base without sacrificing the personalized coaching or sacrificing what I believe should be my priorities in life (my faith and family).
Client: Why have your own business when you could just hangout at the YMCA and not deal with the headaches of managing a business?
Yikes! As I mentioned, there was once an idea of a partnership in owning a fitness business and it was to be based on wellness and coffee. Life changed a bit, so at times I have considered moving away from NFLF and going the easier (and less stressful) route of working at a gym. I guess I still believe in those original ideas and am trying to do them, but on a smaller scale. Working at someone else’s gym takes away from the liberties I enjoy in my own facility, like equipment, philosophy, creativity and even fun. While working at the Y is fun, while hanging out at the NFLF Fitness Center is an opportunity to create and grow in ways I enjoy.
Client: You have mentioned wanting to be back in the South; what does that mean for this (his spread out)?
Another tough question!
Life brought me back to New Hampshire and thankfully it enabled me to take advantage of some family needs and opportunities. As much as I enjoy the blessings of NFLF and the fitness profession, my priorities are God and family. For now, I am in New Hampshire and trying to be a supportive father and brother. For the most part I enjoy the challenges of building NFLF and I will continue. My heart is definitely in the south and my feet enjoy flipflops over boots everyday of the week. God (yes him again) will lead whatever my future entails, but till then I will serve people through NFLF right here in Dover New Hampshire.
His last question was one I really enjoyed…
Do all your client sessions exceed the allotted time?
I laughed and said, “I guess I would like business to be just busy enough to have to maintain a schedule, yet not so busy that I can’t take the time to give more than expected and also enjoy our clients.
This client’s questions led to a session nearly 45 minutes longer than he paid for, but I enjoyed being challenged by his questions. As I said, after having a little more time to reflect on the questions, I was able to refine my responses, but in general my answers to him were as I expressed this morning.
His final thoughts were very telling for me: “Your passion is obvious, as are your values.” If all NFLF clients can see what this gentleman sees, I feel like I am succeeding.
Have an amazing week and God Bless!
Mike
