The Obvious Choice

Our panel sit down to talk about what they wish they had known when starting out in the online training space. 

The Episode: What We Wish We Would Have Known

No matter where you start out with your training business, things will change and grow over time. This means that you should not get hung up on what you know and don't know at this point. We all begin this journey with a lot to learn, and this process will mirror the type of business you end up building, so allow that to happen in its own time and enjoy the developments as they happen. Instead of focussing on having it all figured out, rather pour your energy into taking action and learning, this is a much better pathway to lasting success, and with this attitude, you can build a much more genuine and sustainable business.

In This Episode

• Wasting time on choosing a name for your business [0:11:16]
• The pressure of feeling like you have to have it all figured out [0:12:19]
• It's fine to be a little clueless in the beginning! [0:16:51]
• Avoiding procrastination and the benefits of urgency [0:23:49]
• Taking action will lead to results of some kind [0:26:29]
• Potential damage done by an overactive ego [0:28:29]
• Learning as you go and building slowly towards success [0:35:17]

“I knew nothing when I started. I literally started a blog and did not know what the word 'blog' meant.” — Jonathan Goodman

Figuring Things Out As You Go

It is quite easy to get preoccupied with small things in the beginning, like fretting over the exact name you choose for your business. There is also a looming pressure that we often experience about feeling like we have to know everything, but we are here to tell you that it is okay to learn as you go! Don't beat yourself up about your blindspots. You can use the process of trying things out to figure out what you like and where you fit in. What you want to focus on is realizing how you can create an impact!

Avoiding Stagnation and Overthinking

When starting out, we all know very little and that is fine because you will learn as you go. In fact, having the space to be inventive and creative is a real benefit. When you know more, you can actually get into a space of overthinking and finding reasons not to do something, whereas early on, when you are more fresh to the space, this is not an issue. We have seen experienced coaches trick themselves into thinking they are moving forward, when they are stuck in a comfortable place, not making any progress.

Evolving at a Natural Pace

As we often say, taking action will lead to progress! Stagnation and indecision will not serve you and your business, so you need to allow space for evolution through the time you spend on your business. Having a sense of urgency, or some sort of impetus that means you need to succeed, can be a real gift, so do not shy away from making things count! The last thing to avoid is getting too tied up in the ego, as it can result in us being both overconfident and insecure, all leading to less action!

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today the team looks at how to approach the inevitable failures and hurdles that coaches encounter, in order to set yourself up for long-term success.  

The Episode: How To Successfully Fail

Failure and disappointment are part of life and part of business. Here at the OTA we often encounter students and coaches expressing feelings of failure and inadequacy based on certain events. This is to be expected and in some ways can be out of our control. What you do have control over, however, is how you address these situations and bounce back from them. Challenges have a way of weeding out those who are not up for them, so who do you want to be with your online training business?

In This Episode

• Feelings of failure that are common to aspiring coaches [0:13:13]
• The time and failure that are inherent to starting a business [0:17:00]
• Sticking with it and collecting feedback to reap the rewards [0:20:13]
• Using your strengths as a way to overcome hurdles [0:23:57]
• The importance of this kind of resilience [0:29:49]

“Just because we fail, doesn't mean we are a failure. That can help us move forward.” — Amber Reynolds

A Better Approach to Failure

At certain points in your journey, you will fail in some way or another, and you have to expect this. If you can incorporate this into a stronger mindset around failure, it will take the sting out of losses. We are not defined by our failures but rather by how we respond to them! Most things will not come out perfectly or occur in a perfect setting, so see if you can switch your perspective on these failures, to learning experiences.

Responding and Improving

By sticking things out, you can improve the ratio of success to failures, hopefully learning along the way. It is fine to be disappointed when things do not work out, but it is all about your reaction to these scenarios. If you let a failure lead to giving up, then you will truly never succeed. We believe the key to keeping going is to gather feedback, and if you can collect and accept this in the right way it will give you more clarity and the fuel for improvement.

How to Stay Committed 

It is important to have a progressive outlook, searching for ways around the inevitable obstacles. Think about your strengths and goals, and build strategies that can get you through the more difficult times. The process of encountering challenges will separate the truly committed from those who are not cut out for it, so you can decide which camp you fall into. Focussing on the day-to-day processes, and the joy that is available in those, instead of the variable results, can also help to build a stronger mentality and a more resilient attitude.

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

The OTA panel of experts talk about getting past the tricky hurdles of pricing your online training packages.

The Episode: How To Price Online Training

When thinking about pricing for your online training business there are a few very important things to consider and ways to make this somewhat difficult process a little easier. First of all, there are big differences between a badly planned, cheap package, crammed with unnecessary filler features, and something more high-end that offers and delivers the kind of value that clients actually want. The other important part of this conversation revolves around the process of scaling your pricing model in a secure way, in order to build the right kind of foundation to move upwards. In the end, you have to be the one that shows clients what you have to offer and the value of that, so tune in to hear more!

In This Episode

• Confusion, misunderstanding, and misinformation around pricing [0:09:05]
• The cheap pricing model versus the high end-model [0:18:20]
• Selling the benefits and transformation instead of features [0:21:58]
• The value of collecting client testimonies and feedback [0:28:54]
• Mapping out your plan, the time involved, and then the price [0:30:46]
• Understanding where you are in your pricing journey [0:38:37]

“What will your client become as a result of doing the program? That's what matters.” — Jonathan Goodman

The Hurdles of Pricing Your Package

Pricing can be a very confusing subject at times and has only been muddied by the work of marketers. If we look at the two ends of the spectrum, with the very high-end packages on one side, and the more underpriced and entry-level stuff on the other, we can begin to see where the problem lies. As we often say, we need to be selling benefits instead of features. You want to drill down on the emotional elements of what you provide. And this comes back to good communication with your clients!

Giving Clients What They Need

Promising extra features can actually drive clients away if they are not services that they want! It is also important to remember that clients often do not know what they want, and it is up to you to show that to them. Early steps in this process as a trainer include collecting feedback and testimonials to start to gauge where your real value lies. Once you have this figured out you can begin to work out the monetary value of that and create packages based on what you need for a viable business.

Price Adjustments and Increases

Once you have an initial pricing scheme laid out and have sold a few packages, you can begin to bump up the price accordingly, but wait until you have sold successfully at the lower level before doing this! This is the systematic way to increase your income until you are at the level you believe you are truly worth. Conversations with clients, again, form an important piece of this, so get good at asking them questions and collecting their responses.

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

This episode sees the panel look at how collaboration can help you in addition to others you work with.

The Episode: The Importance of Collaboration

There is a certain narrative in the online world around the scarcity of business and the need to look after oneself at the expense of others. We are here to tell you just how false this is and how reaching out, collaborating, and helping others can be one of the best things you can do for your business and its success. With the never-ending pool of potential clients and the multitude of other professionals doing great work, why not link in to what is happening and join the party?

In This Episode

• Finding the right people to connect and work with [0:15:05]
• Providing value to others and offering help where possible [0:20:42]
• The reality around the size of your potential market [0:25:28]
• A rising tide and the benefits of sharing ideas [0:28:02]
• Actionable steps for kickstarting collaboration [0:32:15]
• Reaching and out complimenting good work [0:38:41]

“Ten times out of ten, if you are able to communicate with peers in your industry you're going to get opportunities that you don't have otherwise.” — Ren Jones

Building a Network of Relationships

A good first step in collaboration is to find people who produce content that you like. There are too many clients out there for you to work with by yourself, but you can serve more people by connecting and sharing ideas with other trainers. Through a simple practice of reaching out, you can easily build meaningful relationships over time, and these connections will push your boundaries and expand your opportunities. 

Generosity and Its Benefits

There is a lot to be said about how far you can get through serving and offering help to others. A generous attitude is always possible, so when you find your people it can be very easy to create a nurturing and supportive environment. We also recommend continuously thinking about how you can further extend these branches and broaden your horizons even more. So don't be afraid to reach out to those people you have identified that you like and respect.

Celebrating Others and Getting in on the Action

If you want a booming business, you want to be close to the action, and where the people in your field are located. This means getting involved in groups, networks, and events. By pooling ideas with others you also improve your chances and output, and there are loads of ways to do this in real life and on social media. Don't forget to celebrate your colleagues, tell someone they are awesome today!

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today the discussion focuses on the misconception that the value you offer through your service is equal to the effort you exert while providing it.

The Episode: Value is Not Measured in Effort

Sometimes we can begin to think that in order to truly provide value to clients we have to put in the most effort possible. Here at the OTA we believe this is fundamentally untrue, and that almost always, the best possible outcome is for things to just work. That means that less is often more, and the true measure of your expertise commonly lies in how simple and easy you are able to make things for the people you work with. This inner dialogue that we have with ourselves about our ability to help and provide value can be harmful and so we are here to remind you of what your clients are actually coming to you for!

In This Episode

• The OTA community question that sparked today's discussion [0:16:37]
• Glorification of 'difficult' and why it's okay to not have a problem [0:19:26]
• Valuing your own work and expertise first [0:26:09]
• Working less for higher returns [0:30:02]
• Examining your own feelings about your worth [0:33:39]

“Your job is to give a client what they need, when they need it. It is to optimize for the client.” — Jonathan Goodman

Giving Clients the Right Amount

Simply put, online training involves more upfront effort, and less as time passes. Coaches and clients can make assumptions about the value that is on offer, but on examination, it is clear that value is not directly correlated effort. If you imagine things from your client's perspective, there is a point where giving them more, can make your service worse. You do not have to add on extra unnecessary challenges and components to their plan!

Shifting Perceptions of Expertise

The online world often leads us to too much emphasis on difficulty, but it is also completely fine to not have a problem. Although part of the modern, social media-influenced psychology, this is a long-standing human tendency, where if something appears easy or quick, we possibly value it less. When paying for services, it is useful to remember that you are not only paying for the actual labor or advice, but also the expertise that has been acquired over time in order to carry out the work. 

Working Less for Better Results

The common experience of imposter syndrome also plays into this, and when we feel unsure of ourselves we can often feel as if we need to do more. But true expertise is being able to do things more successfully with less effort! We see that this issue is mostly about our own feelings and that if we remain focused on client outcomes and feedback, we can allay many of these doubts.

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

The panel breaks down how you can make your coaching business a little more fun, and how this can benefit you and your clients on multiple levels!

The Episode: Online Training Should Be Fun

Any business will have challenges and entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. When you can bring some joy and fun into your work, whether it is the process of answering emails or the time you spend with clients, you can alleviate and mitigate much of the fatigue and stress that is to be expected. This can mean making things more in alignment with your unique personality, learning ways to lighten the mood with clients that are struggling, or just leaning into your expertise in order to feel more relaxed. Whichever ways suit you, we highly recommend making fun a priority for yourself and your clients. 

In This Episode

• Injecting some joy into the stresses of online coaching [0:15:33]
• Creating an outlet to boost your energy and productivity [0:21:32]
• Insisting on enjoyment in your life and business [0:24:49]
• Reframing difficult client conversations [0:30:00]
• Bringing humor into your content and lightening the mood [0:34:01]
• Execution is everything [0:39:03]
• Enjoying the journey of building a business [0:42:17]

“Having the ability to interject humor when you're communicating with a client, wherever you can, is really a great way to better enjoy what you do.” — Ren Jones

The Difference that Fun Can Make

Adding some levity to your work can make a big difference and make the tough times much more tolerable. Most of us know that entrepreneurship can sometimes be a lonely and tricky road to walk, so adding in some adjacent outlets and elements to your workflow can boost your energy and excitement. Remember, fun is physical and allowing space for that type of energy in your coaching can impact the results of your clients too, which should be your priority. Professionalism and fun are not mutually exclusive, you want to love the process of building a successful business!

Business Does not Have to Be So Serious

There is no reason to suffer through your work, because running things as a coach can be such a creative pursuit. The idea of gamification has grown in the popular imagination in recent times, and this method for bringing the fun back into potentially arduous parts of work can be really powerful. This entails knowing yourself and what gets you going and how you can inject your personality into your work. All of these little strategies will be appreciated by those you work with, and have lasting effects on your success.

The Relationship Between Humor and Confidence

Another important thing to keep in mind is that your content does not have to be completely serious. Sometimes we get confused about this, but in actual fact, usually, more expertise and confidence lead to more fun-filled content. When we present materials we have created, we should be free and easy with it, that is a good sign of the level to which you are in control of what you know. When you know your message well, you are free to adapt it and play with it, so go out and do something fun and remember, execution is everything!

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

In this episode, the team break down the importance of consistency, and how to bring more of it into your online training business.

The Episode: How To Be Consistent

This episode is all about how to experience success that can be relied upon in the future, and refocussing your vision away from quick wins. There is a strong relationship between simplicity and consistency, especially in the beginning, so we recommend avoiding aiming for extremes, and unrealistic goals. What you really want to do is make it possible to keep doing what you are doing! The first step in laying the foundations is staying consistent, and then using the resultant success to build.

In This Episode 

• The superpower of consistency [0:13:10]
• Focusing on the work instead of the results [0:19:41]
• Creating a business that allows you to succeed [0:25:22]
• The majority of people give up at some point [0:27:01]
• Setting and then hitting the right goals [0:32:25]

“You've got to take pleasure in the work, not necessarily in the results of the work. Because the results are going to come as a result of doing the work consistently, relentlessly, while ignoring the day to day highs that happen.” — Jonathan Goodman

The Advantage of Consistency

It pays to remember that consistency is actually a superpower for whatever business or project you might be working on. It is the thing that will take you to the next level, and it does not even require any talent! If you really want to separate yourself from your peers or competition, work consistently. The other thing that will happen when you work on the same things over an extended period is that you will slowly become really good at them, and can experience that success that takes time to accumulate.

Work Over Results

Struggling with the day-to-day work of a business after the excitement of starting out forces many business owners to give up or drop the ball. It can get boring having to put in that time so tirelessly, so you have to find a way to stick with it through these valleys. Appreciating small wins and the people around you are two good examples of how to do this and will help you stay on track with your plans. This plan also needs to help you get away from the feeling that you are a slave to your business, and prepare you for the hiccups that are to be expected.

Simplicity and Consistency

You need to be able to match what is realistic, with what you set out to do. Find a way to set realistic daily goals that can facilitate success over an extended period. The fact is that so many people give up at some point before they really reap the rewards of the early work they do. If you can just show up every day and do that realistic amount, this can be so different for you! Some days will just be about surviving, and that's okay, because if you can survive those days, some days will be about big wins!

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

This episode focuses on how to manage feelings of being stuck and what to do when we find ourselves in a rut in life and business.

The Episode: What To Do When You're In A Rut

The inevitability of better and worse times in your career does not have to be an unnecessarily big problem. Through a little persistence and patience, we can ride out the tough times and will slowly experience the temporary nature of the valley we might fall into. These are lessons that are learned over time and through life, but we are here to affirm you, that some self-awareness, kindness, and faith, can make everything more manageable, even when it does not feel that way! As we have often said on the show, comparisons are almost always the enemy, and the more you can hold that thought in your mind, the easier the tricky periods will be. A slump can be kept in context if we do not spiral into a negative way that exacerbates the issue. Simple and patient action will get you through and prepare you for your next great success!

In This Episode

• Seeing through the plateaus and difficult periods between successes [0:16:23]
• Staying away from unnecessary comparisons [0:24:41]
• Getting accustomed to the tough times [0:30:59]
• The questions and doubts that can creep into the mind [0:33:21]
• A process to follow to break a negative cycle [0:35:48]
• Following your own needs with regards to routines and rest [0:38:03]

“Success comes, not in short, incremental gains, but quantum leaps.” — Jonathan Good

The Hills and Valley of Business

It is a common experience to level up in life and business, and then for things to slow down. In order to keep going, we have to learn how to endure these periods, as they can trick you into feeling like a failure! One of the most foundational aspects of this is considering and examining your beliefs about success and money-making, and laying out a plan of unique goals and how to work backward from these.

Playing Your Own Game

Each of us, to a certain extent, is playing a different game, and we should not be making comparisons between these sports with different goals and different rules! Ask yourself, what you really want from your life and your business, this will allow more space for your own success, and even celebrating others'. Unhealthy comparisons seem to almost be a part of human nature, but that does not mean we cannot learn better habits!

Negative Cycles and Thought Patterns

The first time we go through a dip or a tough time with our business, it can be very hard and overwhelming. There is no easy answer, as we have to just stick it out, identify what is happening, and catch your thought patterns. These cycles can lead to questioning and doubts, and there are definite trigger points for this, often when we are less productive or inspired. The issue here is that the doubts and comparisons are mostly based on assumptions rather than reality, so as soon as we start making choices from a place of more awareness we can take action against any feelings of despair!

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today we get into a discussion on the hard work and dedication that goes in before the needle can move in a big way for you and your business.

The Episode: How The Needle Actually Moves

This episode takes a more philosophical approach than usual as we get into the important themes of growth and success. The biggest message we want to deliver while addressing getting the needle to move is staying the course, and trying to keep some focus on the macro picture, instead of paying too much attention to the micro. It is all about doing the right thing in your business, day in and day out, essentially playing the odds in the right way. The needle does not move slowly and steadily, and you never know when you are about to strike gold, the trick to success is staying committed so that you don't quit just before you find the treasure you have been digging for! 

In This Episode

• The lesson we should be learning from surprises [0:13:20]
• Putting your head down and sticking to the work [0:18:32]
• Harnessing a nothing-to-lose mindset [0:21:40]
• Your story might be different to everyone else's [0:30:29]
• Bearing the fruit of consistent effort and work [0:34:18]

“It's easy to zoom out on somebody else's life, and hard to zoom out on your own.” — Jonathan Goodman

Winning Through Consistent Work

The events of life and business can be surprising! The truth is that we do not often experience slow and steady growth, but rather we have periods of intense growth and leveling up. It might even feel like a lot of stagnation, interspersed with a few lucky breaks. So what we really need to do is keep enough space open, by staying focused, for the five percent of the time that things go right, and make up for the other harder times. 

Making the Most of Your Advantages

There is a certain freedom that comes with feeling like you have nothing to lose, so that is a good energy to embody when working towards a big goal! It can come as a big surprise when your ship comes in, and the less you can focus on external stories and comparisons the more you will be able to enjoy it when it does. We recommend trying to zoom out on your life and path, even though this can be quite tough sometimes!

You Can't Predict When the Needle Will Move

No one can know how and when the rewards for hard work will arrive, and it can feel daunting pouring yourself into something so unknown. But at the same time, things can change really quickly, and this is why sometimes it seems that someone comes out of nowhere and is an overnight sensation. In reality, this is almost always the result of years of work and the eventual success that comes from that!

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC

Today the discussion focuses on how online coaching assessments can be conducted in the most effective way.

The Episode: How To Assess Clients Online

We have seen, time and again, how newer coaches give too much attention to assessments with their clients. That is not to say that assessments have no utility, rather that, too much emphasis is placed on this part of a coaching plan. You do need a way to measure progress, as well as maintain an understanding and excitement around your program though, so how should you go about approaching assessments? As usual, the simplest solution seems to win: keep the assessments basic and safe, while tailored to a particular person's needs. That way, you get away from redundancy and any pitfalls around motivation and injury. If you can find suitable ways to show the progress a client is making, you will keep them interested, committed, and engaged!

In This Episode 

• The potential usefulness of simple assessments [0:16:51]
• Finding reliable ways to measure and assess online [0:22:49]
• Basic steps for beginners and assuming the need for this [0:26:20]
• Real-world assessments based on applicable measures [0:29:58]

“You really do have to favor reliability over validity.” — Jonathan Goodman

Keeping Assessments Simple and Effective

The reality is that assessments do have their uses, but are not quite as important as they are sometimes made out to be. The trend also appears to be that as trainers gain more experience, they rely less and less on assessment protocols. This might be because stock processes can lead to improper conclusions, or just the lessons you learn make them less necessary. You may want to do a basic assessment around pain and discomfort when starting out with a new client, but the number one thing to keep in mind is to favor reliability while you are trying to track progress.

Parts of Assessments to Avoid

When beginning a client journey, with an individual and a group, it can be quite powerful to start with the very basics, which makes the needs for assessments less pressing. Newer trainers seem to feel the need to do more assessment, which is somewhat unsurprising as they feel more compelled to exhibit so-called value. Unfortunately, this justification is not well-founded, and we recommend matching your assessment and plan more closely to a particular client's needs. You want to avoid the kinds of processes that might bring them down and stall their momentum! 

The Focus of Your Client Assessments

A great place to start if you are looking for assessments to do is with real-world applicability. This can be around clothes that a person wears, or an activity they do consistently, through which they may notice some progress. Your priorities should be to keep them safe, and measure progress. Avoid thinking in terms of impressing peers and even your clients, keep your eyes on the goal of serving your client before all else.

Already at $1,000/month online and want to scale?

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:http://onlinetrainer.com/ota

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed/id1468193055

Stitcher - https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/jon-goodman/its-possible-conversations-with-successful-online-trainers

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/20veRnzFOvUn6fTy9ud8jm?si=zMWTLmtISMm1XrU-4Q8oxA

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JonGoodmanPTDC