In our December 2023 virtual event—also known as TZ Collective powered by ABC Fitness—we took an in-depth look at the some of the most popular growth strategies being used in the fitness industry today. With the help of a roster of esteemed industry experts and some ABC Trainerize team members, the event helped fitness professional prepare to scale their businesses in 2024!
Some of the many topics discussed include using artificial intelligence to streamline operations, rewarding and retaining existing clients, getting a full grip on your financials, and marketing your brand on social media. Really impactful stuff that can elevate your business in 2024!
In case you missed it live, this recap will walk you through our list of amazing speakers, highlight some of the powerful knowledge they shared, and lead you to watch the full conversations whenever you see fit!
Trust us, whether you’re a seasoned fitness expert or just starting your journey, the knowledge shared in this virtual event is bound to inspire and elevate your strategies.
Session 1: How AI is Changing the Personal Training Game
Speakers:
Timothy Jones, CEO of Precision Nutrition
Daniel Stott, CEO and Co-founder of Fortis
Key takeaways:
- If there was one thing trainers could take away from Timothy and Daniel’s discussion, it’s that AI is an enhancement, not a replacement.
- AI can free up trainers to spend more time being human and being creative — and less time managing tedious administrative tasks.
“It’s the automation of tasks that are very, very manual and tedious and don’t add value to the client’s world. The more efficient a coach can get…the more time they have to be human with their clients.” – Daniel Stott
- AI is a tool to take your time back and focus on human connection, so why not write down what gives you energy and what zaps your energy, and then use AI to streamline process and outsource what you hate doing?
- Learn more about streamlining your business with the power of AI!
📺 Watch “How AI is Changing the Personal Training Game” now
Session 2: Retain, Engage, Thrive: Unveiling the Secrets to Client Motivation, Churn Prevention, and Exceptional Experiences
Speaker:
Cale Owen, CEO of Gym Launch, Prestige Labs, and GymOwners.com
Key takeaways:
- Perhaps the main learning from this part of the latest TZ collective was the importance of authenticity. It’s vital to be human, to meet your clients where they are and to show them that you care for them. When you combine authenticity with effective coaching, it can have a huge trickle down to the success of your business.
- Perhaps the most straightforward way to retain clients is to reward them for their commitment. This provides a great opportunity to be your most authentic self and to build stronger relationships. Take notes of the things you learn about your clients. The more you know, the easier you can reward them with meaningful gestures, such as gift cards for their favourite places.
“The more that you can understand clients as humans and connect with them on a human level and show that you recognize them and that you get them… it goes such a long way to create that connection.” – Cale Owen
- Learn how to keep your clients coming back for more with Cale’s powerful advice.
Session 3: Unlocking Additional Income Streams for PTs: Referral Marketing, Word-of-mouth, and Recommendations
Speaker:
Curtis Christopherson, Founder and CEO of WRKOUT and Owner of Innovative Fitness
Key takeaways:
- Before you dig into building your business, it’s vital you truly know your target audience. Know where the money is, know where they want to engage, and then be there!
“My general rule is the 3 F Rule. Fund, follow, frequent. The easiest way to find more of your target audience is to identify who they fund, who they follow and where they frequent.” – Curtis Christopherson
- Once you’ve done that hard work, then, it’s time to focus on more hard work—delivering a phenomenal experience for your clients! Delivering the ultimate client experience is the best and most effective way to generate word of mouth referrals.
- Learn how to diversify your business and retain clients by providing an awesome experience.
Session 4: How to Create a Life of Financial Freedom as a PT Business Owner
Speakers:
Michelle Riley, Founder and Owner of Fierce and Fit
Amanda Campbell, Senior Vice President of Wealthspire Advisors
Key takeaways:
- For any business owner, income isn’t just a number—it’s the lifeblood that fuels growth and sustainability.
- A healthy income stream provides the resources needed to invest in innovation, expand operations, and attract top talent. It serves as a buffer during challenging times, offering resilience against unforeseen hurdles. This is why having a rainy-day fund can be a powerful tool in being more secure.
“I tell my clients, save about 4 to 6 months of your income and expenses to a rainy-day fund.” – Amanda Campbell
- As you already know, there’s a natural ebb and flow of income as an entrepreneur. There are good weeks and there’s bad ones, so it’s important to always have a clear picture of your finances; it shouldn’t be a once-a-month thing, it should be more frequent!
- Learn more about diversifying your income streams, planning for retirement and much more from Michelle and Amanda.
📺 Watch “How to Create a Life of Financial Freedom as a PT Business Owner” now
Check out:
Elevate Your Fitness Business: A Complete Pricing Guide for Personal Trainers
Session 5: Sweat, Strategies, and Success: Mastering Fitness Coaching and Business Administration
Speaker:
Maxime Sigouin, Founder of Fit Vegan Coaching
Key takeaways:
- For personal trainers, nailing business admin isn’t just paperwork—it’s the key to unlocking success. Efficient admin ensures smooth operations, from scheduling clients to managing finances, it creates a foundation for professionalism.
- But it’s harder than it sounds. What can be delegated? Do you have standard operating procedures in place? Can you afford to do some outsourcing?
- Then there’s other procedures that may need revisiting, such as customer onboarding. How do you drill down into your customer persona to get the right people? How do you fire clients that aren’t giving you the effort you’re giving them?
“I’m the shit. I’m gonna change your life. If you don’t want to work with me, it’s your loss. Don’t be afraid to fire clients. Be selective, your time is valuable!” – Maxime Sigouin
- Learn more about mastering your admin and retaining your dream customers.
📺 Watch “Sweat, Strategies, and Success: Mastering Fitness Coaching and Business Administration” now
Session 6: Monetize Your Marketing: Social Media Strategies that Sell
Speakers:
Reuben Brooks, Creator of The Fit Boss Blueprint
Harry King Holmes III, Speaker, Corporate Trainer, and Performance Coach
Key takeaways:
- The main lesson from this conversation is this; social media is powerful, but it can hinder you from success, so think strategically about who you want to be.
- Are you a fitness influencer, or a fitness professional? While in both instances you’re selling trust, your objectives are different.
- Consider your goal with social: do you want to build a following or do you want to make money? The strategy for making $6000 is different than the strategy for getting followers.
“If your goal for social media is to make money, then you’ve got to have the business principles in place to make money, and know how to execute that flawlessly.” – Harry King Holmes III
No matter what type of content you want to make, or what your end goal from building your brand on social media is, you can learn a lot from this conversation. From lessons on blogs and video content to data and editing, these guys have got you covered.
📺 Watch “Monetize Your Marketing: Social Media Strategies that Sell” now
Got FOMO? Catch the full event
Perhaps you’re interested in all of the above topics? We can’t blame you, there was a world of knowledge dropped by some incredible industry leaders!
Over the course of 3 hours, we delved deep into so many ways you can transform how you do business. Plus, we awarded the ABC Trainerize Best Trainer Awards 2023! Here’s a quick summary of what you can learn if you decide to watch it all back:
- How AI is changing the personal training game
- How to create a life of financial freedom as a PT business owner (from business processes and systems to growth strategies and everything in between)
- How to monetize your marketing and social media
- Best practices for client attraction, motivation, churn prevention, and, on top of everything – exceptional client experiences
All while living your #BestLife as a coach and business owner!
So go ahead, immerse yourself with free knowledge and wisdom shared by industry leaders, coaches, and fitpreneurs who have embraced the wave of transformation. All you have to do is follow the link below!