As a Pilates teacher or Studio Owner do you feel like you are alone? Like you are doing all the things are your own! And, even though there are probably other Pilates studios nearby instead of feeling like you can team up with them it feels like they are the competition? Or, maybe you have a team of teacher you work with but everytime you hear of another Pilates studio open or a new fitness business coming on the block you worry you may lose clients to them?

I get it!

When I used to run a Pilates studio I not only worried that the other studios could entice my clients away but that they could also entice my teachers away. When I heard of a new fitness studio I worried that my clients who came three times a week would drop to two times a week because they were adding in a new workout!

All that worry was trying to consume me and I discovered it was keeping me from growing my own Pilates business. In fact, it made me feel like there was never enough clients or teachers. It wasn’t until I did a reach out to the other studios that I realized just how wrong I was.

About three months into taking over a Pilates studio I had an opportunity to go to a wellness event and while I was there I found myself talking to the other Pilates managers in my area. And, you know what? They were not evil, nasty or the enemy. In fact, we had so much to share, to talk about and to learn from each other. We took the time to talk about what each of their spaces was focused on. Whom were they for? What did they offer? When did they offer it and how were we each different.

What happened was not an in-person battle but instead a collaboration of efforts. As you know, you cannot teach every person in your community and nor do you want too! So, knowing how you are unique from the other teachers, studios and fitness facilities is key to rocking exactly what you want!

And, your unique abilities, your niche teaching skills is what helps you become known as the regional Pilates rockstar that you are.

Networking with other Fitness professionals helps you create a community and even a mastermind.

Communities and Masterminds are essential for growth and feeling supported. In the last ten years, I have a couple different masterminds. Some no longer meet and others continue to meet. And, there are so many ways these days to create communities, network and join masterminds.

In fact, I believe being part of a few communities is essential. As we know there isn’t just one right way to do anything. You may create a community with all the fitness professionals in your zip code, you may introduce yourself to all the business owners in your neck of the woods and you might also have an internet tribe where you get on the phone once a week or month and are there to celebrate, rant and support each other.

The key to feeling like you are part of something is not waiting for the invitation. Go out, introduce yourself to those who are in the same biz as you, create an event where you invite business owners, doctors or neighbors whose clients are your niche market. Or, if you are too shy to invite strangers over to your space or go up and introduce yourself go, volunteer! Pick a charity in your neighborhood that lights your fire and/or is aligned with your niche and show up. You will meet others who are just like you and while they may not be Pilates teachers they are in your niche and so you will have lots to talk about.

If you are tired of feeling like the only one on your island, the only one who has to do all the things it’s time to find a community, build a network and create a mastermind. It’s the key to becoming known.

xx~LL