Straight talk for challenging times
by Gregory Florez
Like many of us, you are probably tired of hearing and reading about our current economic crisis. The fact is that the crisis is real and that the odds are that, for the majority of Americans, there is genuine concern with keeping their livelihoods intact. I also want to remind you that all of the anxiety and fear that this situation has created has also increased the need for services like ours. Amidst this downturn, the majority of Amercians are experiencing the physical and mental effects related to the societal issues at hand and this brings added attention to the need of staying fit. Our government is also treating our health with a seriousness of purpose the likes of which we’ve never experienced.
None of this, of course, provides a great deal of assuredness particularly if you are facing the threat of unemployment or feeling the effects of a client base that is cutting back on many non-essential services in their lives. The worst thing, however, is to do nothing. If you are reading this, you most assuredly are still passionate about the line of work you’ve chosen as a fitness professional, so it’s important you do everything you can to maintain that momentum and be prepared for any situation.
- Keep your resume current at all times. Many people that have faced a layoff can tell you that you don’t always get advance notice, so be prepared to act quickly. As soon as you acquire new duties, complete a project or take on a promotion, update your resume. Plus, you have a better opportunity at capturing everything on your resume if you frequently modify it. Post your resume to many employment websites including ACE’s own GymJob.com. Also remember social media sites like LinkedIn.
- Network every time, everywhere. Attend networking events, professional association meetings and remember to keep in touch with coworkers, family and friends. You never know when you’ll need to turn to someone for a referral.
- Maintain an updated list of references. Be sure your list of references is updated so they can be provided at anytime. It’s best you don’t use current coworkers or supervisors unless you know you are leaving your position.
- Know your value in the marketplace. Check salary sites like Salary.com and CBSalary.com, or reference ACE’s salary survey to get a better feel of what you can make in different positions across the country, especially if you are considering a move to a new geographic location.
- Check in with alumni groups. Contact the college or university you attended to see if they have an alumni group that can help with networking, referrals and job postings. The more resources you have identified in advance for job opportunities, the better.
- Advance your skill set and credentials. Deepening your skill set through continuing education and advanced certification can increase your marketability and also give you the proficiency to work with special clients who are the most likely to need and use your services even during lean times. A few of these include those with pre/post rehabilitation needs; certain segments of older adults; and government, educational and even military personnel. In general, we’re also finding individuals in highly stressful positions are using personal training services to help them continue to stay on top of their physical and mental health.
- Reach beyond your job description. If you are still in your position, broaden your abilities to be an asset to your employer beyond personal training. Learning to sell memberships, additional services, providing specialized group instruction (e.g., Yoga or Pilates) and acquiring other skills that are specific to your employer’s needs will make you more valuable.
- Relook how you are positioning your services. One only needs to watch the daily news to understand that with all of the negativity surrounding us, there is more attention given to stress and stress-related diseases and the need for better health, relaxation and sleep. Review whom you are marketing to, and how you are marketing to them. It may well be time to provide perspective to current clients with the message of how you can help them meet these challenges during troubled times.
- Consider part-time work. Don’t feel badly about taking a part time job that helps pay the bills, even if it is outside of your chosen love for fitness. History is filled with great leaders and successful people who have worked in service industries to help ride out tough times with the long-term goal of staying true to their avocation. If you are a sole practitioner or business owner, consider taking on part-time work within the field of healthcare, even if it might only be for a period of time. This economy is showing us that healthcare is one industry that has continued to thrive, and it can help complement your fitness services.
- Be bold. Use times of crisis as an opportunity for something new as one door closes and another one opens. If you’ve contemplated a new field that compliments your passion or a different career in fitness where your experience and certification are still valuable, now may be the perfect time to begin your exploration.
- Most importantly, don’t give up hope and keep the faith. Believe in yourself, the industry, and the fact that those that preceded us have been through this before. Those who remained hopeful and kept moving forward every day learned great lessons and came out stronger.