If you’ve decided to strike out on an entrepreneurial venture and start your own personal training business—Congratulations!

It’s not going to be easy but it will certainly be worth it. At Fitness Pro Income Booster, we are dedicated to helping fitness professionals makes a successful and profitable living out of their talents and skills.

This goes without saying; there are tons of things to consider before starting a business as a personal trainer. Knowing what you require and condensing it down to a handy list can help you perform all the necessary tasks smoothly.

Here is a checklist of all the things you need before you start your business.

Personal Training Certification

Getting certified should be your first step. There are a many options for certification out there and many that you will find online. Don’t stress over which ones to choose, but make sure that the company who provides it to you is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA).

Print Forms

Invest time in creating a health screening process before you sign on a client and have them fill out their health history form and agree to liability waiver before they start working with you. These formalities will give you legal coverage in case of mishaps and make you seem more professional.

Tax License

Maintaining a spreadsheet and keeping your finances in check is an integral part of ensuring you don’t run into trouble with the law.

Filing a 1099 form while working at a gym (if you’ve opted to contract one), means you do your own taxes and need to have a license. To find out where you can get one, search “business tax license + your state” online.

Business Plan

Every business owner worth his salt knows the important of creating a comprehensive business plan. This plan will be your guide for all your business operations so make sure you invest significant time and energy while writing it. A few points to consider while planning include:

Research: Thoroughly research your target audience, their income status, the demographics in your chosen location and the rent (if you are opting to lease a facility). This will not only help you choose your location wisely, decide who you clients are and what they want but it will also make you aware of the competition in your locality and give you an idea of you can do to stand out.

Mission Statement: Evaluate your entire business model and condense it down to a clear mission statement that defines who you are and what you stand for. This will set the tone of your business and make prospective clients know you are an experienced professional and not just any run-of-the-mill start up.

Timeline: Setting a timeline to achieve specific goals helps you stay on track and makes sure you don’t deviate from the milestones you’ve set for yourself.

Marketing Strategies

For advertising purposes, get your name and contact information printed on business cards. Similarly, create flyers and have them distributed around the locals in your area.

Develop accounts on social media websites and brainstorm ideas for kick starting marketing campaigns to create brand awareness and attracting new clients. Also, invest in a professional looking fitness outfit for making a great impression.

Starting any business is risky but if you are ambitious, smart and hardworking, success is guaranteed.

For more information on setting up a gym, expanding your streams of revenue and building and maintaining a solid clientele, visit Fitness Pro Income Booster—your ultimate source of forging a successful career in the fitness industry.