Most fitness professionals begin their career as freelancers. Here’s how to get started as a freelancer and be successful at it.
While jobs exist in the wellness industry, unlike other industries, there are many who work as freelancers in the wellness industry.
In this industry, a lot of people complete their education/course from reputed training classes, then they do internship at few places, and some eventually find good find job at some five-star hotel (in India or abroad).
However, there are many who turn freelancers and start offering their own service. And it works out pretty well for them.
Everybody assumes that the life of a freelancer is cool. You can work from home in casuals; you can choose your working hours and so on. The truth however is totally different!
Though you can definitely work flexible hours (and work in casuals mostly), it’s definitely hard work!
While you can definitely do well as a freelancer, the reality is that you’re not going to successful overnight; there’s a steep learning curve, lot of elbow work, and you are going to earn less (initially).
Finding freelance work opportunities has easier because of the proliferation of the Internet.
People are spending more time online than ever before and they do buy products/services online, if they trust the source.
Although the Internet offers no guarantees of acceptance, it does make things a bit more equal for the freelancer.
You really don’t need to be an ace salesman with boundless energy and who is fine with being told “face to face” or over the phone.
However, when looking for clients online, your chances are better even with limited selling skills. Besides, you tend to get better once you start getting more clients.
Also, it is important to have clarity as to what services you are going to offer. There are so many things that you can do in the wellness industry, so its important to evaluate your own skills and then find something that matches those skills.
There are several other opportunities you can explore, especially online.
- Offer your services/product as a trainer, nutritionist, coach, equipment seller.
- Build an online store that sells products or earns affiliate commissions
- Build a site that gets direct traffic and then recommending products and services
What should be your plan of action?
Here’s what you need to do (this applies to personal trainers, physical therapists, nutritionists, and other professions within the wellness industry).
Step 1: Create your website (or a FB page and Instagram account). You can start with the FB page and Instagram account initially. If things go well for you, at some stage, consider building your own website too.
Step 2: Post regularly on your social media pages/accounts. Offer workout, health and nutrition tips. Share pictures of your workouts and food that you eat. Talk about major events incidents in your industry.
Step 3: Reach put to all your family, friends, and acquaintances. Even if you’re an introvert, you need to do this; if you’re uncomfortable making a group announcement, talk to them individually, but you have to inform as many people as possible.
Step 4: There are several freelancing opportunities that are listed on job sites as well. Although, the earlier steps should help you start getting clients, you can devote some time on job sites as well as it could provide you with some opportunities.
It’s very likely that some of your initial clients will be from your own circle, so do let them know.
Once you have a few clients, it becomes easier to find more new clients. The existing clients will recommend you to others, and you will also get more content to promote your business.
To sum it up, if you want to make money by doing what you know, it is not that difficult if you know where to look. Whether you are unemployed or underemployed, you can become a freelancer and kick start your career. The Internet is a monumental research tool that require a bit of extra skills on how to use it effectively, but it can be a great launch pad to set your career in motion.
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