Starting a business

[Maverick1]

I am looking at this from the other side . 22 or so years ago I trained dogs on the side for friends and family for free while working full time. One day my wife told me I should charge people for training. I laughed and assured her that nobody would pay me to train their dog. Her sister’s boss had one he wanted trained and she had told him
I would do it for a fee. When he showed up to get his dog and asked what I wanted
I said $200. I stared at that money in my hand and a lightbulb came on….
A few months passed and I trained another one . My wife agreed to keep a dog for someone while I trained another. A year later we probably averaged 4-5 dogs a day.

As the business grew we built infrastructure one piece at a time. We never took on debt and both worked full time. Eventually we took the plunge and did the kennel business full time. Just prior to Covid I was training over 300 dogs a year ( mostly obedience)
We have kenneled thousands. As we speak there are about 40 out there with a bunch coming in this weekend.

The advice you have gotten in this thread is excellent. I never met anyone who has a successful small business who hasn’t worked like a trojan to get there. Reputation is everything and if people are happy they will tell others. Nobody will work as hard or care for your business as you will.

The positive side is enormous. We make 7-8 times what I did when we started.
We call the shots and make the rules. There is great satisfaction in knowing you created something successful. As others have said , in your particular case you can pursue your dream without too much risk. I say go for it!

Yes. Some people take better care of their pets, and spend more money doing so, than on their own health.

 

[displacedtexan]

Haha yeah I get the AI argument- but if it’s free and so easy, why are so many people still overweight and unhealthy? They have it at their fingertips. That’s why I believe AI could never replace an actual coach. In every job I’ve had, I’ve excelled and quickly became the top performer, so I have that work ethic on my side.

I’m heavily Christian, and try to live my life the best I can to follow Christ and use my talents. Coaching wasn’t a “how can I get rich easily” thought, it was more of a “how can I use my talents to help me, my family, others, and the world”? And that helps me listen to the small hunches I get. The hard part is sacking up and doing it, but reading the sermon on the mount gives me comfort a lot.

Just found out I’m a first time dad at 25, and I want to take of my family living in small town ID haha.

They're still fat and out of shape because they're lazy, and unhappy.

If they're not motivated to do it with readily available free info, or even the common sense of "go for a walk instead of watching TV" or "drink a little water instead of 12 cokes", why would they pay you?

I get wanting to help, I spend a lot of time and money to help people... But helping is not a great motivation for a business.

I know a number of people who who have started businesses with the goal of helping people, they're all out of business.

The Bible is not a business guide, especially in modern capitalist society.

And I say all that as a Christian, and business owner.

 

[Aussie Dan]

Thanks for the input! I like the ideas a lot, helps me think outside the box. So far I LOVE working with beginners, but I haven’t coached enough to find my niche.

Happy to help, i'm no expert by any means so please dont make any life altering decisions based on what I say .
but food for thought is always good and who knows when and where inspiration will strike.

 

[grfox92]

I would look into lead generation companies who push your content for you on Facebook. You have to do due diligence on this as they are tons of rip off companies.

Have them generate leads nationwide and offer a service that is Zoom meeting based.

 

[4phw]

They're still fat and out of shape because they're lazy, and unhappy.

If they're not motivated to do it with readily available free info, or even the common sense of "go for a walk instead of watching TV" or "drink a little water instead of 12 cokes", why would they pay you?

I get wanting to help, I spend a lot of time and money to help people... But helping is not a great motivation for a business.

I know a number of people who who have started businesses with the goal of helping people, they're all out of business.

The Bible is not a business guide, especially in modern capitalist society.

And I say all that as a Christian, and business owner.

I agree with the first part- but I’m saying if AI can replace a coach, why don’t people do it? Not sure people are paying for the info (what AI can give) but more how to take that info and make lasting changes for their health.(coach part).

I believe wanting to share talents is a great reason to start a business. I’m not necessarily taking the Bible as a “business guide” but if I’m honest, hard working, and not in it to get rich quick, my intentions are there.

I’ve worked hauling hay, bus boy, home remodels, landscaping, commercial real estate, sales, and in person coaching. I’ve done so much that it’s help me realize what I like and don’t. If I was in it for money, I would’ve stayed in commercial real estate.

 

[displacedtexan]

I agree with the first part- but I’m saying if AI can replace a coach, why don’t people do it? Not sure people are paying for the info (what AI can give) but more how to take that info and make lasting changes for their health.(coach part).

I believe wanting to share talents is a great reason to start a business. I’m not necessarily taking the Bible as a “business guide” but if I’m honest, hard working, and not in it to get rich quick, my intentions are there.

I’ve worked hauling hay, bus boy, home remodels, landscaping, commercial real estate, sales, and in person coaching. I’ve done so much that it’s help me realize what I like and don’t. If I was in it for money, I would’ve stayed in commercial real estate.

They don't do it because the motivation isn't there.

Anyone obviously overweight KNOWS what they need to do to get in better shape. A 300# person doesn't need a coach to get started. They need motivation.

 

[4phw]

They don't do it because the motivation isn't there.

Anyone obviously overweight KNOWS what they need to do to get in better shape. A 300# person doesn't need a coach to get started. They need motivation.

And when the motivation runs out? Not saying everyone needs a coach- but I think it could save a lot of time and headache.

 

[displacedtexan]

And when the motivation runs out? Not saying everyone needs a coach- but I think it could save a lot of time and headache.

If the motivation to start for free isn't there, you really think they're going to pay to start?

Maybe the third time will be the charm for understanding.

And I'm not saying there's no market. I'm saying REALISTICALLY assess it.

 

[Jimmy]

There's tons of fat people everywhere you look, so if you're starting a business either exercise or food seems to be a smart bet.

 

[4phw]

If the motivation to start for free isn't there, you really think they're going to pay to start?

Maybe the third time will be the charm for understanding.

And I'm not saying there's no market. I'm saying REALISTICALLY assess it.

Maybe I need it a 4th?

Some people want a coach for accountability, maximizing hypertrophy, maximizing fatloss, just knowing how to start it the gym. Many reasons to have a coach. Done my dues to assess it.

 

[Maverick1]

Maybe I need it a 4th?

Some people want a coach for accountability, maximizing hypertrophy, maximizing fatloss, just knowing how to start it the gym. Many reasons to have a coach. Done my dues to assess it.

Maybe ol' Bessie just wants you to spot her from behind on squats while her extra couple hundred pounds of sweaty lard sways back and forth! Worth that $50 per hour fee for her - and an especially good day at the office for you, no?

 

[4phw]

Maybe ol' Bessie just wants you to spot her from behind on squats while her extra couple hundred pounds of sweaty lard sways back and forth! Worth that $50 per hour fee for her - and an especially good day at the office for you, no?

$150 an hour was my in person going rate

 

[Maverick1]

$150 an hour was my in person going rate

Wow, you are a high-priced gigolo! Atta-boy!!!!

 

[displacedtexan]

Maybe I need it a 4th?

Some people want a coach for accountability, maximizing hypertrophy, maximizing fatloss, just knowing how to start it the gym. Many reasons to have a coach. Done my dues to assess it.

Some.

I'd bet a small minority of the overweight people you're seeing as clients.

 

[def90]

Do you realistically think that you can make enough money from fitness coaching in your area to improve your lifestyle and savings?

Depends . There are guys and gals that make big money doing this but like anything you have to develop your name and reputation. It's not going to come easy. I wouldn't poo-poo it.

 

[displacedtexan]

Depends . There are guys and gals that make big money doing this but like anything you have to develop your name and reputation. It's not going to come easy. I wouldn't poo-poo it.

Do you own a business?

If the idea won't stand up to some criticism it won't work.

 

[Deeker]

I am approximately 5 years into staring my first buisness, 2 years into my second buisness. I work nearly twice as many hours now per week than I ever did before. The mental load is exhausting….. but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I know there are a lot of people who are buisness minded that will over think and over complicate starting a buisness, but I have found one rule to be true every single time Out work everyone around you, grind, grind harder, and then grind again.

 

[JustABritCrazy]

I retired from my regular job and got bored. Started a consulting company out of pocket. Just basically needed a few tools and a computer. Work out of a spare room. I’m basically targeting a niche the other consultants don’t want to bother with. Doing pretty well have been grossing in the mid five figures. Key is I’m not trying to pay my bills with the business. It’s more about keeping my fingers in the industry and acquiring extra spending money for things I want without impacting the family budget. Entirely different scenario from others who have posted here.

 

[Rich M]

They're still fat and out of shape because they're lazy, and unhappy.

If they're not motivated to do it with readily available free info, or even the common sense of "go for a walk instead of watching TV" or "drink a little water instead of 12 cokes", why would they pay you?

I get wanting to help, I spend a lot of time and money to help people... But helping is not a great motivation for a business.

I know a number of people who who have started businesses with the goal of helping people, they're all out of business.

The Bible is not a business guide, especially in modern capitalist society.

And I say all that as a Christian, and business owner.

What is funny is folks who like "health" deciding what & how everyone else should do. If the other folks don't diet & work out all the time, folks are fat, lazy, unhappy, etc.

There are a lot of reasons why folks don't pursue "health" and OP will find that out as he ages and grows. I was in great shape until a car accident some years before the OP was born. Injuries often do that to folks, change life. I'm out of shape but not lazy or unhappy by any stretch.

Will OP's business venture work? It could. It could also help a couple people and be over, just "for a time". It could also be a lesson he carries over into the future. Business is a lot of work and focus, think he said they have a baby on the way - that will be a real litmus test. I wish him well and hope that he finds his niche in life.

 

[4phw]

What is funny is folks who like "health" deciding what & how everyone else should do. If the other folks don't diet & work out all the time, folks are fat, lazy, unhappy, etc.

There are a lot of reasons why folks don't pursue "health" and OP will find that out as he ages and grows. I was in great shape until a car accident some years before the OP was born. Injuries often do that to folks, change life. I'm out of shape but not lazy or unhappy by any stretch.

Will OP's business venture work? It could. It could also help a couple people and be over, just "for a time". It could also be a lesson he carries over into the future. Business is a lot of work and focus, think he said they have a baby on the way - that will be a real litmus test. I wish him well and hope that he finds his niche in life.

Wish you well as well.

Although health will be the number 1 priority for most people when they experience bad health. Not saying how anyone else should live- but health can be quite simple (diet, exercise, sleep, movement). Not supplements 24/7 working out etc.

If someone eats right, moves a little, and sleeps decent- that’s literally health. Normal human function. Not a fad.