Turning Setbacks into Opportunities in Your Fitness Center Business

Starting a business is tough but it can also be rewarding. Apart from the obvious benefits, such as working at your own pace and setting your own hours, running your own business also gives you a sense of satisfaction. At the same time, it requires you to be hardworking and persistent. No one is going to supervise you and tell you to do your work. You have to motivate yourself to get things done.

Taking Setbacks in Stride

Often, it can be difficult to keep going in the face of setbacks. But you have to remember that there are going to be setbacks in any business venture. Nothing ever goes 100% smoothly. You have to learn to take these setbacks in your stride and think of them as opportunities instead.

Creating a Budget

Most business owners go in with a certain financial plan. In your budget, you need to consider the rent on the space (unless you own it, in which case you are at a distinct advantage), the cost of equipment, the cost of hiring staff, the cost of marketing etc.

Turning Budget Setbacks into Opportunities

Most people find that they exceed their budget to some extent or the other. But this doesn't have to hold you up.

• Rent: If you can't afford the rent in the neighborhood of your choice, consider a different neighborhood. It may not have that many gyms but this could be to your advantage as it eliminates the competition.
• Equipment: If you don't have money for as much equipment as you would like to get, get what you can. And start conducting classes instead, like yoga, free weight and dance classes. Then when you can afford to get more equipment, go ahead and get it.
• Staff: If the trainer you wanted to hire decided to go somewhere that paid him more money, don't sweat it. Hire someone who's just starting out instead. Chances are they'll appreciate the opportunity and work even harder for you.

You can take any setback and turn it into an opportunity. Who knows? The setback may have appeared just to help you change your path and opt for a path which works out better for you.

Contact us for more great tips to start your fitness center business.

Jim Thomas is the founder and president of Fitness Management USA Inc., a management consulting, turnaround and brokerage firm specializing in the fitness and health club industry. With more than 25 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Thomas lectures and delivers seminars, webinars and workshops across the globe on the practical skills required to successfully to overcome obscurity, improve sales, build teamwork and market fitness programs and products. Visit his Web site at: www.fmconsulting.net or www.jimthomasondemand.com.