I just had one of my coaching clients ask me what I did to set myself apart in my boot camps…
What was the “it” factor that took my fitness business to the next level?
So I sent an email blast out to all my old boot camp clients and put the question to them.
I have to admit, it put a big smile on my face to hear all the cool things they had to say
… And the little things I did that made such a BIG difference.
So I made a list of 21 things I’ve done to let clients know that I care
1. NEVER take your clients for granted… Being a Fitness Professional is the best business in the world… And I never forgot that.
2. Shower your clients with genuine appreciation. They are not a PASSIONATE about fitness as you, and have to overcome many obstacles to make it to their training appointment. So pour on the appreciation. (But make sure it’s real)
3. Keep your problems out of the gym… When your clients come to see you, it’s all about them.
4. Text your clients after every workout… Tell them how great they did, how proud you are of them, and how much you look forward to seeing them next workout.
5. Give every single one of your clients a “pump up” call every Sunday night. Tell them why THIS week is gonna be the best ever and that you can’t wait to see them! Never miss that call)
6. Send your clients a Birthday card and a birthday call or text. It only takes a few seconds. There are even companies that hand write and mail them for you.
7. Call or text your clients when they don’t show up… This is HUGE.
8. Give them random “appreciation” gifts. I used to go to Costco and by 100 movie tickets at a bulk discount… When a client had a great workout, I would say, “you had a break through today. I’m so proud of you. Go to the movies on me… you earned it.”
9. Notice the “little victories”. When your client pushes through a sticking point, or almost gives up but doesn’t, give them praise.
10. Thank your clients after every workout… EVERY TIME… Really thank them…
11. Send a video email. One of my coaching clients, Troy Blankenship, did an AWESOME guest post about how to go the extra mile 
with your clients. In this post he talked about sending an email with a link to a youtube video with you thanking them for coming in and signing up… It’s such a cool thing to do… Talk about first impressions!
12. When your clients say they have something coming up like a big meeting they are stressed about or a vacation, take notes and when you’re done training, put it on your calendar… When you call or text your client the day of the BIG MEETING and say, “Hey Jane, your gonna kick butt at your meeting today 
” It REALLY let’s them know you CARE.
13. Have a BBQ… A great place is at your house or the beach… Get a volleyball, basketball or softball game going… When you hang out with your clients outside of the gym, it really brings you close together.
14. Send unexpected gifts by mail. Make a DVD… Maybe of you going through your kitchen and showing how to be “healthy” stocked and organized. When you send an unexpected gift in the mail, you skyrocket in the care dept…
15. Stop by their work… Tell them you would really like to see where they work… You imagine it and want to see if it’s close… Plus you want to see what they do. Taking an interest in your clients work gives them the warm fuzzies (Plus, you’ll probably pick up a few clients while you’re there)
16. Take some pictures of your clients working out. Use a sharpie and write on the pic something like, “Jim is a total ANIMAL!”
Then mail it to them. I’m telling ya, these thing are so easy but go so FAR.
17. Video your clients working out, when they walk away and they cant see, say something really cool into the camera like, “Jane is my favorite client because her ENERGY is hoof the hook”… Email them the video… Costs nothing but sets you apart as the most caring trainer ever.
18. If your clients have kids, find out their birthday too, and send a little something in the mail.
19. Don’t get lazy and lean or sit down when your training a client… That does not communicate the message of I care.
20. (I know you don’t do this) I’m sure you’ve seen some trainers walk into the gym with their hair matted, sleepies in their eyes and their eyes barely open… Show you care by showing up PUMPED and READY to go! It really means a lot an it’s also the right thing to do.
21. RAISE YOUR ENERGY… Care enough to have high energy and put on a show EVERY workout NO MATTER WHAT.
What are the top things YOU do to show your clients that you care.
I gave them all an audio cd with 14 tracks that reminded them
of everything they need to do and know about getting in shape.
And i told them to play it in their car while going and coming and running errands.
They loved it.
I will show it to you in Orlando
Comment by alberto — September 10, 2009 @ 3:57 am
I’m trying to implement more and more of these things everyday Steve, but sometimes I lose focus when consentrating on marketing ect…
So thanx for getting me back on track!
P.S I’ve just text everyone of my clients telling them that they kick ass.
-Rob
Comment by Rob — September 10, 2009 @ 4:01 am
Hey Steve
Couldn’t agree more with you. Your clients will love ya when you show care. I think the worst thing to do is sit down while you tell your clients to do those tough workout. Look really bad. Seen it so many times in the gym. It’s hilarious! Can’t believe people are paying them money.
Comment by TC — September 10, 2009 @ 4:50 am
Steve
once again you suprise me.
Great stuff here.
Keep it coming Dude
G man
Comment by graham — September 10, 2009 @ 5:16 am
STeve. I am printing these and putting them on my wall. It IS the “little things” that count BIG time.
Comment by Nii Wilson — September 10, 2009 @ 6:59 am
Great post Steve! I do quite a few of these but not all of them so I need to step it up!
I had two clients do their first half marathon at Disneyland last weekend (we are in Phx) and I texted them that morning to wish them luck…the week before I sent them some info on visualization and getting prepared mentally for the race. They were so appreciative!
I do a lot of stuff outside of “working” with clients…we do 5Ks together, we had a field trip to see the movie Food, Inc..
Lisa ;o)
Comment by Lisa Pozzoni — September 10, 2009 @ 7:02 am
Awesome Article Steve!!! Its always the little things that count!!
Comment by Jose — September 10, 2009 @ 7:57 am
Read this again! These simple tips are going to go a long way!!! Thank you again.
Comment by Jose — September 10, 2009 @ 7:59 am
Great post Steve.
I try to do everything that you listed for my clients.
Stuff like that really works.
My clients know very well how much I care.
Comment by Paul F. Sweatt — September 10, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Great tips! I do some of those but can be doing more so thanks for the reminder. I’m also going to print them out right now!
Comment by Becky Fox — September 10, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Steve some of these I was aready doing. However learn some new one’s as well. Thats for the info see you in Orlando!!!
Comment by Rod Calloway — September 10, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Absolutely dude, its all about giving back. I’d say another big caring thing is to go to their events that you are invited- birthday parties, etc and raise the roof in their praise. I got two clients this way and it was honest appreciation. On top of that facebook messages are CRUCIAL just to show your love.
Comment by Omar Isuf — September 10, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
Awesome Steve! These are great, I need to start doing more of these with my clients. Thank you I really appreciate it.
Comment by Israel — September 10, 2009 @ 4:13 pm
Thanks so much Steve.
You are an inspiration. And that’s really what it’s all about – getting people inspired to be an awesome trainer or to push it a little harder during a boot camp workout. You mentioned it once before in one of your boot camp dominator videos on McCombs’ site, that for some participants who come to a boot camp, the appreciation you give them may be the only appreciation they receive all day, from anyone. I haven’t forgotten that comment. I keep that as a reminder to always be in the state of appreciation. Keep doing what you do. -Sara
Comment by Sara Hutniak — September 10, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
I tell them every class that they make my job so much fun and I appreciate them for that. I’m also giving everyone the opportunity to either come in 5-10 min early or stay late and sit down 1-on-1 with me to ask questions or just check in/check out. I figure I’ll do this every few months. U are there anyways.
I should however just bring in grandmas matzoh ball soup. That’ll keep em hooked for life.
Great post my friend. I appreciate YOU!
Comment by Leanne Ellington — September 11, 2009 @ 4:02 am
Dude Steve!!!!
No wonder you are the king of boot camp marketing and more important retention. Once again you over delivered.
Sam
Comment by Sam — September 11, 2009 @ 11:09 am
Dam Steve – More great stuff to add to me systems. Thanks dude
Comment by Michael Bach — September 12, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Awesome tips Steve – I already do a couple of them but can definitely crank it up a notch.
Alberto – awesome tip on the audio cd – thanks champ!
Comment by Daniel Munday — September 14, 2009 @ 5:40 pm
MASTERFUL! I love it. I’m going to do like Nii and stick these on my wall as a constant reminder to bring the APE!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Steve
Comment by Josh — September 14, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
Steve, Great list. I’m not doing nearly as many of these as I should. Thanks.
Comment by Temecula Personal Trainer — September 27, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Another excellent post. Will print out and give to all our trainers! Outstanding customer service is a must in our industry!
Ron Holland, Tucson Personal Trainer
SWAT fitness
Comment by Tucson Personal Trainer — October 9, 2009 @ 9:55 pm