Martinez, CA

Being I'm 57 years old this is a somewhat long story.
  I had a good steady job in a famous restaurant that I hated so I tried 1984 selling cars (sucked at it),'85 police depts. (back xray disqualified),'86 paramedic state licenced (not willing to move),'89-'93 scenic photography gallery and gift shop (great learning experience short profits).
After completing all of Dr. Abbott's courses and getting certifications in NSCA and ACSM in 1996, I thought I was ready for the fitness buisness. After listening to The Phil Kaplan Fitness Hour I looked Phil up and he gave me a shot by placing me at a Gold's gym and introduced me to his "busy" trainer who showed me parts of the tools that I now use every day. At the time I felt that my "big" certifications should supply me with a steady stream of clients and decided that I wasn't cut out to be in sales. I continued to educate myself in fitness, helped study groups pass Dr. Abbotts classes and converted my garage to a personal training studio. And of course I kept my hater job.
   The change in mindset came with help. I met a lovely woman from California, and knew after our first few days of knowing each-other that we could never be apart. The first time she visited me and we went downstairs to my gym she says that she saw me change into who I was so dramatically that she knew this is what I should be doing. We also got engaged that weekend and decided that I would be moving to California. After finishing my job I attended my second Buismess Forum and made the long drive out here.
  After a month and a half of not working I was ready to apply for a waiter job but my wife wouldn't let me. She said that I had to do what I was good at and would love. I found a 65,000 ft. facility that had a good deal for independant trainers and started using the techniques that I learned at the forum and from the profits book. I branded myself with a logo and uniform, wrote newsletters, met people on the floor and admit that I volunteered for several club "free sessions" (I still have several of them as clients now.)I was doing OK for awhile then then it fell off enough to make me realize that I needed to get back in gear. So here comes the mindset change.
  It was about two years ago in October and I set up a body-fat table to promote a paid seminar. Two trainers were doing them for free. (still are) In the process of promoting the seminar I picked up three new clients, plus one from the seminar and since then it has been prosperous with most of the buisness now coming from referrals and being approached by gym members who see me always working with others. My monthly average is 120 to 140 paid sessions per month. I will occasionally give qualified people a valuable gift certificate for a consultation during outreach times. I have about a 90% close rate on them.  I used one in order to introduce myself to the San Francisco area 5 PM News anchor who has been training with me for over a year. I have been very careful to not take advantage of him and he now is coming up with suggestions on his own to help me.
  The reason I joined this group is because now that I accomplished the succes of getting clients I had begun to get a little comfortable. When I read Phil's email about his experience with his club I recognized my own situation being similar on a smaller scale and knew it was time for a new boost in mindset.
  In January I made the goal to be on TV by June. I was a little late (July 21) but it was a major network talk show and they have invited me back for a fall show. Being aware that Phil would probably give us homework I started looking for a guinae pig candidate and found a great one who pays half price for training twice a week. I plan to have several products to sell, and have been fortunate to have several contacts who will help me get them going. What I expect from "Be Better": products that help people understand fitness, some suppliments, and a full group class ona regular basis that brings in six premium hours per week. I have also been made aware that the owner is going to open a smaller personal training facility next year and is looking at me to run it. 
  I miss my home in Florida but things have blossomed for me here and I've decided to make my careere here.

I think that my experiences of what didn't work can help younger trainers realize that you don't have to let mistakes make you quit.

Here's What Terry Would Most Like the Members of the Group to Do To Help Him

They can keep me from getting too comfortable with moderate success. I'm sure that some can give me some pointers on promoting my group "Muscles in Motion" class, and the buisness owners can give me some insight as how I should approach an offer to become a management employee should the opportunity be presented.