Learn some effective ways to network in the fitness industry and grow your functional training career. Discover how to set goals, build online presence, attend events, seek mentorship, collaborate, and be authentic.

Here are some lessons I've learned from building a 1.3 million audience in 3 years: 1. Start with one platform. Don't try to grow on multiple platforms at first. Focus on one then get enough traction so you can focus on another. 2. Have a specialization. If you're everything to everyone no one will listen. It pays to be a specialist on social media at least in the very beginning. It's saying yes to who you serve and no to who you don't. 3. The 3 step formula for success on building an online presence Step 1 is show up. Nothing happens if you don't show up. Do this every day. Step 2 is do the work. Nothing happens if you show up and do nothing. You need to hold yourself accountable. Step 3 is look for ways to improve. Have fun.

What are some ways to effectively network in the fitness industry?

Networking is a vital skill for any fitness professional, especially if you practice functional training. Functional training is a holistic approach to fitness that focuses on improving movement quality, performance, and health. It requires constant learning, adaptation, and collaboration with other experts. In this article, you will learn some ways to effectively network in the fitness industry and grow your functional training career.

1 Identify your goals

Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn new skills, find mentors, get referrals, or collaborate on projects? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your networking efforts and measure your progress. Write down your goals and review them regularly to stay on track.

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2 Build your online presence

One of the easiest ways to network in the fitness industry is to create and maintain a strong online presence. This means having a professional website, blog, social media accounts, and portfolio that showcase your functional training expertise and personality. You can also join online communities, forums, and groups related to functional training and contribute value by sharing your insights, tips, and feedback. Online networking can help you reach a wider audience, build your reputation, and attract potential clients and partners.

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Dan Go

Body transformation coach to entrepreneurs. On a mission to help 1 million people transform their bodies by 2027. Follow me for posts on high performance & health optimization.
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Here are some lessons I've learned from building a 1.3 million audience in 3 years: 1. Start with one platform. Don't try to grow on multiple platforms at first. Focus on one then get enough traction so you can focus on another. 2. Have a specialization. If you're everything to everyone no one will listen. It pays to be a specialist on social media at least in the very beginning. It's saying yes to who you serve and no to who you don't. 3. The 3 step formula for success on building an online presence Step 1 is show up. Nothing happens if you don't show up. Do this every day. Step 2 is do the work. Nothing happens if you show up and do nothing. You need to hold yourself accountable. Step 3 is look for ways to improve. Have fun.

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3 Attend events and workshops

Another way to network in the fitness industry is to attend events and workshops related to functional training. These can be local, national, or international, depending on your budget and availability. Events and workshops are great opportunities to meet and learn from other functional trainers, experts, and influencers. You can also showcase your skills, ask questions, and exchange ideas. Make sure you prepare your elevator pitch, business cards, and follow-up strategy before you go to any event or workshop.

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Alisa Maloney

{Actually, I can.} Marketing & Communications 🪡
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Networking should be a highlight of every event and workshop. I'm talking to you event promoters - make networking for attendees easy and advertise it! When you attend an event you are in the midst of like-minded professionals that have a wealth of knowledge that you can learn from - and it goes both ways! Share your insights and learn from others. Go to events with a daily goal of new contacts. Start with 5 and bump up that number to 15 or 20. Imagine going home from a 3-day event with 60 new contacts - now that really is the ultimate swag!

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4 Seek mentorship and feedback

Networking is not only about making new contacts, but also about nurturing existing ones. One of the best ways to do this is to seek mentorship and feedback from people who have more experience and knowledge than you in functional training. A mentor can guide you, challenge you, and support you in your professional development. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, clients, and colleagues to improve your functional training practice and performance. Be open-minded, respectful, and grateful when you seek mentorship and feedback.

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5 Collaborate and refer

Networking is also about giving back and creating value for others. One of the ways you can do this is to collaborate and refer with other functional trainers and fitness professionals. Collaboration can take many forms, such as co-creating content, co-hosting events, or co-delivering services. Referral can also be a powerful way to network, as it shows trust, appreciation, and generosity. By collaborating and referring, you can build stronger relationships, expand your network, and enhance your functional training skills.

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Caryn C.

Strategic Business Owner & Development Manager | Commercial Cleaning & Business Services | Forbes Next #100 | Forbes Business Council | Driving Revenue Growth & Customer Satisfaction
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Networking and collaboration are vital in the fitness industry. Building trust is crucial. Living a healthy and fit lifestyle requires dedication. Professionals need assurance that if they invest their time in following your guidance, they will achieve their goals. Having a trusted authority or peer confirm the effectiveness of your methods carries significant influence.

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6 Be consistent and authentic

The last but not the least way to network in the fitness industry is to be consistent and authentic. Networking is not a one-time thing, but a long-term process that requires commitment and effort. You need to follow up, stay in touch, and provide value to your network regularly. You also need to be yourself, and not pretend to be someone you are not. People can sense authenticity, and they will respect and like you more for it. By being consistent and authentic, you can network in the fitness industry effectively and grow your functional training career.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some ways to effectively network in the fitness industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Build your online presence

3 Attend events and workshops

4 Seek mentorship and feedback

5 Collaborate and refer

6 Be consistent and authentic

7 Here’s what else to consider

Functional Training

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What are some ways to effectively network in the fitness industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your goals

2 Build your online presence

3 Attend events and workshops

4 Seek mentorship and feedback

5 Collaborate and refer

6 Be consistent and authentic

7 Here’s what else to consider

Functional Training

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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