insights for success

And more than just being “on the lookout,” it’s about having the right mindset and strategy to catch those golden moments when they come around. So, let’s get into some real, not-so-obvious tactics for seizing opportunities that most people miss. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill advice—you know I don’t do generic. Let’s get into some stuff that’ll actually make a difference.

CREATE A ‘DREAM 100’ LIST AND ACTIVELY ENGAGE

You’ve got to think bigger than just your immediate circle. Have you thought about creating a “Dream 100” list—this is a list of 100 people, brands, or businesses that could really benefit your business if you were able to build a relationship with them. Think about influencers in the fitness industry, potential partners, complementary businesses, local media personalities, and even potential high-value clients. But don’t just sit on that list—actively engage with them. Comment on their posts, share their content, send a personalised message. No, you’re not going to be annoying and start spamming people, but you do want to start building genuine connections that could lead to collaboration or opportunities down the line.

TURN CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES INTO MINI-MASTERCLASSES

Most people collect testimonials and maybe post them once or twice, then forget about them. Well, there’s opportunities there to be had. Have you thought about taking those client success stories and turn them into mini-masterclasses. Break down the journey of a client in a detailed, educational format—show people what worked, what didn’t, and the specific strategies you used to get results. Then promote these as free content—maybe even use them as a lead magnet to build your email list. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also provides value and builds trust with potential clients. And who knows? One of these mini-masterclasses could catch the eye of someone who’s ready to invest in your fitness programs.

TRY PLATFORMS THAT FALL UNDER THE RADAR

Everyone and their dog are on Instagram and Facebook, but not many fitness professionals are tapping into platforms like Quora, Reddit, or even LinkedIn in a strategic way. These platforms have communities that are hungry for expert advice. Jump into relevant threads and discussions, answer questions, provide insights, and subtly position yourself as the go-to expert. This isn’t about making a quick sale but building a presence in spaces where your competitors aren’t even showing up. And LinkedIn? It’s gold for positioning yourself as a professional in the industry—share case studies, write articles, and connect with decision-makers.

CREATE AN ‘OPPORTUNITY BOARD’

This is a cool activities that gets you thinking; try setting up an “Opportunity Board” where you and your team (or just you if you’re solo) can track potential opportunities. These could be anything from upcoming events, speaking gigs, guest blogging opportunities, partnerships, or even trends that you notice emerging in your industry. The point is to keep these opportunities visible, so they stay top of mind. Review this board weekly and actively decide which ones to pursue. This way, you’re not just waiting for opportunities to land in your lap—you’re actively hunting them down.

DEVELOP A ‘LAUNCH SQUAD’ FOR NEW OFFERINGS

Before you roll out any new program or service, assemble a small “launch squad” made up of your most loyal clients, some industry peers, and maybe even a couple of influencers. Offer them early access in exchange for feedback, testimonials, and buzz. Not only does this help you iron out any kinks before the big launch, but it also creates a sense of exclusivity and builds anticipation. Your launch squad can be your first wave of evangelists, hyping up your new offering before it even hits the market.

REVERSE-ENGINEER WHAT’S WORKING IN OTHER INDUSTRIES

Maybe take your eyes away from what other fitness professionals are doing for a bit and look at what’s working in other industries—tech, fashion, even food—and figure out how you can adapt those tactics to your business. Maybe it’s a subscription box model that a beauty brand is crushing it with, or a particular type of content that’s going viral in the travel space. Is there any ways you can find to creatively adapt these strategies for your fitness business. Innovation often comes from cross-pollination—taking an idea from one area and making it your own in another.

BUILD A ROLODEX OF ‘CONNECTORS’

We all know someone who knows everyone, right? These people are called “connectors,” and having them in your network is priceless. Make a conscious effort to build relationships with these types of people. They can introduce you to potential clients, collaborators, or even just people who can offer great advice. Don’t just connect with them when you need something—be genuinely interested in helping them as well. The more value you bring to a connector, the more likely they are to help you when the time is right.

HOST MICRO-EVENTS OR CHALLENGES

Big events are great, but they take a lot of time and resources. Instead, consider hosting smaller, more intimate “micro-events” or challenges. This could be a virtual group workout, a short 7-day fitness challenge, or a small mastermind session on a niche topic. These are easier to manage but can still create a lot of buzz and engagement. Plus, they give you a chance to show your skills and build a closer connection with your audience. Think of them as a gateway drug to your bigger programs.

TAP INTO MICRO-INFLUENCERS AND NICHES COMMUNITIES

Instead of going after the big fish influencers who are swamped with offers, focus on micro-influencers and niche communities. These are the folks who might not have huge followings, but they have high engagement and trust with their audience. Partnering with a few micro-influencers can often yield better results than trying to get the attention of a mega-influencer who’s juggling dozens of sponsorships.

CREATE A CONTENT SERIES AROUND PAIN POINTS

Identify the biggest pain points your potential clients face and create a content series around those issues. But here’s the twist: don’t just address the pain points—go deeper into the psychological and emotional aspects of them. Talk about the frustration of failing diets, the feeling of being stuck in a plateau, or the anxiety of starting a fitness journey. When people feel like you understand not just their problems, but their feelings around those problems, they’re more likely to trust you with the solution.
The key here is to always keep your eyes open and your mind ready to pivot and adapt. Opportunities are everywhere; you just have to be prepared to see them and bold enough to seize them.