Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of The Obvious Choice podcast, where today we're diving into a challenge that hits close to home for many fitness business owners - the struggle to scale beyond trading time for money. 

We're sitting down with Katherine, who runs a successful personal training studio outside Ottawa and is wrestling with the classic dilemma of how to grow her business while reducing her crazy 4 AM client schedule and creating more freedom in her life.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him. 

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Katherine introduction 

1:48 Trying to transition to a semi-private training model.

2:52 Details about her online program offerings including nutrition coaching and habit coaching

4:35 Discussion of current client load

10:28 Advice about hiring for small businesses and identifying key skills

12:17 Exercise to identify what made past trainer "Chris" successful

In this episode, I discuss my unexpected bout of depression following the successful launch of my book "The Obvious Choice," revealing how the completion of a major project left me feeling empty despite its commercial success. 

Through this experience, I explore the paradox of achievement and purpose, arguing that the real reward lies not in completing projects but in the transformative journey of working on them.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him. 

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

My co-hosts:

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Timestamps

0:00 Jonathan Goodman introduction

0:33 Personal Reflection on Post-Book Depression

1:06 The Portuguese Fisherman Parable

5:18 The Paradox of Process vs Outcome

6:20 Reflection on Ghost-Written Books vs Personal Writing

7:52 The Obvious Choice Book Release Experience

9:35 Dealing with Unexpected Depression

11:14 Learning from the Experience & Getting Back to Work

15:53 Story About the Wealthy Oil Businessman

17:35 Retirement & Finding Purpose

19:55 "Boring Not Vacant" Concept

21:18 Critique of Living Without Projects

23:20 Story About Friend's Movie Podcast

24:34 Reflections on High School Friends' Reunion & Closing

In this episode, I talk Julian through his plans of scaling his business. We discuss the fundamental questions to ask yourself, productizing your business, going all in on your business, and more. 

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

Not sure if you want to get my book, “The Obvious Choice”? Here’s a free sample to check out: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him. 

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Julian Introduction

1:38 Where do you feel the biggest pull? 

7:15 Why do you want to make 7 figures?

8:14 The fundamental question to ask

12:21 Productitizing your business

18:44 My favorite exercise to do

In this conversation, I reveal the pivotal $10,000 decision that shaped my career path and eye-opening insights from launching my new book "The Obvious Choice." 

From social media's false promises to the counter-intuitive truths of building lasting success, this episode challenges conventional wisdom about what it really takes to build a sustainable business in today's digital age.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

(Not sure if you want to get the book yet, that's okay, you can get a free sample of "The Obvious Choice: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter)

My co-hosts:

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him. 

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Episode Introduction

2:47 Jonathan has to pause for his son Jaden bringing lunch

3:30 Story about Ignite the Fire and early publishing decision

14:04 Modern social media marketing

22:25 Gym sales conversion rates discussion

26:23 Social media influencers vs thought leaders discussion

34:00 Balancing short-term vs long-term projects

45:04 Book launch results and reception

51:52 Lessons learned from book launch

59:47 Final thoughts on being self-reliant

This week on the podcast I spoke with Jason about him writing his new book, how to recreate his marketing, and much more. Enjoy!

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

(Not sure if you want to get the book yet, that's okay, you can get a free sample of "The Obvious Choice: https://www.theptdc.com/the-obvious-choice-free-chapter)

Who Am I?

Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Jon’s been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men’s Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Robb Report, Inc., and many more. Over 200,000 coaches and small business owners in more than 120 countries have purchased business development materials from him. 

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "5 Reps Friday" read by 73,000+ each week: https://www.theptdc.com/newsletter-subscribe

Get my FREE "Jacked Nerds Reading List" here: https://www.theptdc.com/11-best-books-for-jacked-nerds

Join my Online Trainer Mentorship program: https://onlinetrainermentorship.com/mentorship/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=OTMEvergreen

Follow me on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

X: https://x.com/itscoachgoodman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goodman/

Timestamps

0:00 Jason Introduction

0:28 Book Publishing Details

1:33 - Audiobook Production Discussion

3:01 - Marketing Strategy Discussion

5:19 - Digital Strategy Development

6:38 - Marketing Implementation Plan

8:18 - Landing Page Strategy

11:04 - Email Marketing Strategy

14:29 - Implementation and Scale

15:37 - Technical Implementation

16:33 - Workflow Integration

Today we're diving into something I've wanted to talk about for a long time: adult friendship.

This is probably one of the most important and least understood topics that can massively impact your quality of life. And I've got some pretty strong opinions on it – opinions that might seem a bit counterintuitive at first.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps

0:00 Friendship introduction

1:00 Audiobook narration and author readings

2:31 Adult friendship topic

6:06 Aristotle's three types of friendship

8:46 The importance of true friendship and time management

13:30 "Cameo friends" and guilt in relationships

15:24 Kindergarten friendships lasting through life

20:15 Parasocial relationships

24:43 Converting online friendship to real connection

28:12 Building community in different locations

33:13 The value of acquaintances and casual connections

41:10 Work-life balance and friendship priorities

47:19 Maintaining friendships

In today's episode, we're diving deep with Kim, a women's empowerment coach who's mastered the art of balancing a high-powered NASA career with a thriving coaching practice. What fascinates me about Kim's business is that it's what I call an 'avocado business' - where timing is everything - and today we're going to unpack exactly what that means and how to market it effectively.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Host: Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps

0:00 Introductions and background

0:38 Kim's coaching journey and niche evolution

1:17 Target audience and coaching approach

2:30 Building an engaged following over time

3:30 Balancing NASA career with coaching

4:48 Challenges with scaling and time management

5:29 The "Avocado Business" concept

7:24 Speaking to moments vs. ideas

9:12 Discussion of business models and group coaching

11:42 Strategies for group programs

13:42 Creating targeted content and wait lists

16:39 Integrating different program offerings

18:17 Final advice on starting small

Email isn't really a task - it's where tasks go to accumulate, and your phone isn't really a tool anymore - it's become an appendage that's designed to hack your primal brain. I don't believe discipline alone can work when it comes to controlling these devices, and that's why we need a set of clear rules and structures to keep them from controlling us. 

Today on The Obvious Choice podcast, we're diving into some practical rules for taking back control of your phone and email usage, because if you're going to show up somewhere - whether it's for dinner with friends or time with your kids - you better actually be there.

Episodes referenced in this episode:

Episode 187: "Boosting Productivity with Well-being" featuring Dr. Gloria Mark https://youtu.be/_kHLi2zUSTQ?si=xOuVlQJShZOC6azb

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit

Timestamps

0:00 The Obvious Choice Intro

0:45 Discussion about why discipline alone can't work with phones

2:25 The "leave your phone at the door" rule and its importance

3:18 Discussion about puzzles and coloring books as alternatives

4:23 Personal story about art class and coloring with his son

5:15 Conversation about adult vs. children's coloring books

7:24 Discussion about being authentically yourself

8:10 Tangent about food preferences and dining habits

9:45 Humorous discussion about Black Friday posts

10:14 Tangent about "Black Jeep Owners" group

12:25 Return to phone rules: saying "I love you" before checking phone

13:29 Discussion about phones at dinner tables and restaurant solutions

14:36 Tangent about credit card roulette and wealthy people's habits

15:52 Rule about not holding phone during conversations

17:47 Story about acknowledging children immediately when they speak

19:58 Rule about setting phone to black and white

22:33 Alternative solutions for managing social media usage

25:45 Discussion about social media strategy and audience building

26:22 Tips for organizing phone home screen

29:25 Email organization strategies and folder system

31:58 Discussion about email management and inbox organization

34:05 Rule about new subject lines for new email threads

35:39 The "touch it once" rule for email management

In today's episode, I sit down with Lance, a 21-year-old online fitness trainer who recently made the bold move to leave his in-person training business behind to focus entirely on his online practice. Lance and I dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities of building a fitness business with a young audience, exploring how to grow alongside your client base as they transition from college students to young professionals.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Host: Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

0:00 - Introduction & book launch discussion

1:08 - Lance's background as an online trainer

2:15 - Business metrics discussion 

2:45 - Current audience challenges

3:56 - Target niche description

4:32 - New content project: Fitness "Hot Ones" spin-off

5:39 - Main challenge: Client affordability

7:51 - Discussion on backup plans and risk-taking

9:27 - Strategy: Growing with a maturing audience

12:51 - Marketing to life transition moments

14:04 - Building muscle in your 20s

17:19 - Different types of college clients

Today, we're diving deep into part two of my book launch strategy - and let me tell you, launching a book is a whole different beast than writing one. In this episode, I'm walking you through everything from our content testing approach and social media strategy to how we're handling those crucial final days before launch. I'll share why I switched from pushing pre-orders to offering a free chapter, break down our podcast strategy (and why I had to completely change course on that), and get into the nitty-gritty details of our VIP boxes - which, by the way, are absolutely beautiful. But here's the thing: I'm exhausted as I'm recording this on January 8th, about a week out from launch. 

All the months of preparation, networking, and planning are coming to a head, and it feels like I'm at that final steep climb before reaching the summit. This episode pulls back the curtain on the whole process for anyone thinking about launching a book or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes.

Order my book "The Obvious Choice" here: https://amzn.to/4ghBzce

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]

Hosts:

Jonathan Goodman https://www.instagram.com/itscoachgoodman/

Ren Jones https://www.instagram.com/fitnessjonestraining/

Amber Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/amberreynolds.me/

Every Friday, over 75,000 jacked nerds (just like you) read 5-Reps Friday, my newsletter with actionable tips on marketing, health, books, and earning more www.5repsfriday.com 

The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 41,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction and continuation from part one about marketing "The Obvious Choice" book

0:29 - Discussion of content strategy and testing social media posts before launch

0:57 - Shifting focus from pre-orders to free chapter promotion, podcast touring strategy

1:27 - Overview of workload and personal reflections on launch preparation

2:02 - Discussion of launch fatigue and viewing the launch as beginning of a 10-year flywheel

4:11 - Content testing strategy and data-driven iteration of social media posts

7:00 - Shift in marketing strategy from pre-orders to sample chapter distribution

9:34 - Many Chat automation setup for book promotion and launch day notifications

11:49 - Reflections on the challenges of book marketing versus writing

13:23 - Discussion of podcast strategy and limitations

15:53 - Focus on niche podcasts and content creation from podcast appearances

17:34 - Creation of media page and promotional assets for podcasters

19:06 - Launch team coordination and calendar invite strategy

21:10 - "Jacked Nerds" lead magnet strategy and audience building

22:55 - VIP box strategy and design details

28:46 - Discussion of Casio watch inclusion in VIP boxes

31:37 - Personal letter and customization strategy for VIP recipients

34:19 - Logistics of VIP box assembly and distribution

37:43 - Philosophy behind "unscalable" personal touches in marketing

39:04 - Strategic bulk buy strategy, particularly in the CrossFit industry

43:00 - Video and meme marketing strategy for launch

49:19 - Book opt-in strategy and future automation plans

51:14 - Discussion of future book plans and long-term strategy