Are You In A Slump?

I'm not referring to your posture - which of course I know is ideal! I am talking about your business well being.

It's a good idea to take a look at your business every once in a while, the beginning of a new year seems to be an obvious time to re-evaluate your situation. When the time is coming close to returning to your normal schedule after a holiday break - how did you feel?

• Raring to go. Full of excitement
• Daunted - because your felt a little stale
• Worried your clients may not return

All of these concerns are pretty normal - especially "will they come back after a long break". If you are bursting to return to your regular routine - how wonderful. However if you feel a little less than enthusiastic take the time to consider why. Even if you feel great
it's not a bad idea.

Are You On Automatic Pilot?

When you have been teaching a long time - it can sometimes seem to be a repetitive format. We all have those movements and combination series that we enjoy. Seeing several clients regularly whether in group or on a personal training basis can be a challenge. I suggested ways to keep your client motivated in last month's article; however it is also necessary to look inward to see how you are doing.

Here are a few points to consider if you feel the need to shape up your business muscles.

Take A Class

Take the time to explore the other teachers in your area to experience what they are offering? It can be very beneficial to network with other teachers, you never know when
you might need help or cover.

As a courtesy always introduce yourself, let them know you teach too, invite them to your class. Seeing how another person interprets the Pilates technique can get your mind working to feed your creativity.

What Are You Offering?

Do you have a clear picture of exactly what you are offering your clients? Try to pinpoint exactly what that is. Are you offering very specific Pilates sessions that do not deviate from the technique. Perhaps you teach some, or all "Pilates based" sessions. When your clients leave are they clear about what they have just done? Are they happy just to workout, not really too bothered about the style? Its important to keep the relationship between you and clients active.

Having a clear idea about what you offer is a very good way to target new clients.

Who Is Your Client?

Look around your client base - are there similarities? Are your clients mostly:

• The same age?
• The same fitness level?
• Do they all attend the same style of class?
• Are they from a specific catchment area?
• Do they have similar interests?
• Do the have similar life styles?
• Do you have good retention or lots of casual attendees?

The list is potentially endless if you wanted to really drill down into their personality types, likes and dislikes. By understanding clearly what type of client you naturally attract, it will be possible to segment that section of the market so you can speak to them directly.

On the other hand you may want to target a specific segment of the market that you are not attracting - this exercise might help you reach them.

This is particularly important when you are thinking about leaflet drops or any kind of advertising.

Are You Happy?

Now there's a loaded question. What I really mean is are you still happy with what you are teaching, or has it become a means to an end? How long is it since you did something for yourself?

• Attended a class or had some personal training
• Attended a workshop or convention
• Experienced something new
• Fed your curiosity

Just taking some time to surf the internet can give you insight into what's available for continued education in the wellness field.

It's important that we remain current as well as open to new things. By that I don't mean you have to join the never ending list of new trends. I firmly believe that it is important to understand who we are as individuals, what we bring to our presentation of the Pilates technique, or whatever we teach.

This personal insight only comes with time and experience; constantly attending workshops, reading endless books, exploring every new shiny object will not
allow you to do this unless you give yourself time to let your growing knowledge bed in so it becomes a natural part of your teaching style.

Having said all that - we all need an injection of something new from time to time.

Perhaps you have something you want to explore. You may want to change direction, gain a new skill or just enhance the one you have. Either way it wont happen unless you do something. Start by just taking the time to make a few lists and think it through. Taking this time will encourage you to decide on a new direction or confirm that you are happy as you are.

Nuala

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