freedom or fugitive

which one are you planning for?

The statement is 'failing to plan is planning to fail' and I have heard it so much I initially struggled to use it here due to its extensive usage. However its relevance to today's fitness professional is high as the need to plan your business dealings is becoming more and more important.

Unfortunately you probably don't know any better as the traditional PT model is one of swapping time for money. It is only because I have been through the process and also didn't plan properly that I can confidently tell you that the traditional way isn't suitable, especially if lifestyle, freedom and fulfillment are high on your agenda.

Getting caught up in the, 'what am I going to do' and 'how am I going to achieve it' is great but there needs to be some order to your business. Prioritizing your duties is a great way to ensure you get the most important and valuable jobs done in the right order. You can't do it all so don't waste valuable time and energy trying. Initially planning to fill your diary with a certain number of sessions at a set rate will ensure a certain level of income. Once this has been achieved you can definitely start looking at outsourcing and handing off the tasks that aren't high on your favourites list.

Sticking with the failing to plan planning to fail theme; is part one of the process. To get your business to the stage where you have a solid foundation. Here are three simple steps to allow you to start this very important process. This is especially relevant to you now if you aren't currently earning $60,000 per annum.

1. Construct a very basic business plan that defines how you are are going to make your money. Be realistic here and set challenging yet achievable targets.
2. Put some tactics or strategies around how you are going to make this business plan work and generate that amount of money. These are your priority tasks and must be done before anything else.
3. Be accountable and check you have achieved these tactics every week. All the best laid plans are worthless unless action follows. If you want to increase your chances of achieving the revenue you want get a specialized coach to keep you accountable, limit your mistakes, minimize your risk and has an interest in your success.

It isn't rocket science but here is the catch. If you won't take these steps or get someone to help you take these steps you will struggle to find freedom, sustainability, fulfillment and long term business success. Remember the words 'failing to plan is planning to fail'. Fitnesspreneurs plan to succeed so if you want to join the fitnesspreneurs club it's time to start making plans.

David Virgo