Is running an in-home fitness business different from running a club-type business?

The in-home personal training business is different from the membership-driven gyms and athletic clubs.

Or is it?

The "club industry" is definitely different to manage. Gyms have a lot bigger overhead cost--unless you own a studio, and most of us personal training entrepreneurs don't have many (or any) employees. Even our targeted market is different from the gym's target market.

And maybe that's the beauty of our business. It is different.

But we've found that business strategies are very similar. What works for the club also works for the in-home trainer. The practical business advice being given to club owners for 2010 shouldn't be dismissed by non-club, non-studio trainers.

So, what are the 2010 business strategies for survival?

1.) (If you haven't already...) Keep a budget and be very conservative, predicting projected sales similar to last year. This is not the year to be overly optimistic.

2.) Watch for "small, everyday" expenses and slash what is unneccessary or unproductive. If you're a traveling in-home trainer, think about the gas you spend. Make sure you're making the most of your gas money and try to schedule clients and appointments geographically. (It's a small savings, but it adds up.)

3.) Don't take away a good thing, but do compare prices and shop around. You might find that that great personal training software program you use has a much more affordable competitor. Remember, more important than ever are the client you do have. Keep your clients engaged, and keep the things that bring exposure to you, yourself and your business.

4.) Think outside the box of your normal personal training services. What can you offer that would appeal to a larger group? (Think affordable, economical and worth your time.)

5.) Implement a solid referral system. Does your website have a refer-a-friend button? No? Add one and don't forget a valuable incentive. (But one that won't skew your budget.)

6.) Save 10% of your income. Unexpected things happen. If you can become a saver--bother personally and professionally, the rain that falls won't fall on your head. You'll have a financial umbrella.

7.) You'll hate me for this, but... Get a side job--for now. If you can't meet the income needed to stay afloat, don't give up, but do find a job where you can trust a weekly or biweekly payment. The economy will likely turn, and there are thousands and thousands of unfit training prospects. Your co-worker or new acquaintences are also perspective clients!

8.) Do what makes you money. You might find that outsourcing work costs you less stress and time when you pay someone else to do it. Then, by doing so, you can have more time spent doing something that pays--whether it's a fitness training or even that side job you wish you didn't need.

9.) Bigger is not always better! Don't let those sweet talking salemen and women sell you a billboard without having any money to pay for it. Trust us. We never tried a billboard, but we tried huge, beautiful ads in the yellow pages... Nothing against the yellow page ad--they're good, just don't think that bigger is always better. Go for an advertisement you can afford. Keep marketing expenses out of the red.

10.) Communicate with your clients. See what they really get from your services. You may be paying for a service to provide additional support to your clients--but noone really uses it! Or they get it free elsewhere. Get rid of anything that is costing you money and not valuable.

If you struggled in 2009, prepare again to fight another battle of expense and revenue. Hunker down and you will survive--maybe even thrive!

As for shopping around and keep marketing costs low, try us--personaltrainermatch.com. Can you afford $9.99 a month when we do the SEO marketing for you?

We do "work for you", trainers!!! Check out our good grades report here!