insights for success

You’ve got to be willing to go out of your way, put in the effort, and keep pushing until you break through. It’s not always easy, but when you do it right, it can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

The first thing you’ve got to do is get out there and start hunting—seriously, look for events, companies, and people in your industry that are making moves. Don’t just sit around waiting for something to pop up in your inbox. You need to be proactive. This means keeping an eye on everything they’re putting together, especially in-person events.

Yeah, it might mean going out of your way, maybe even traveling a bit or rearranging your schedule, but trust me, this is the kind of thing that’s worth the effort. When you’re there, don’t just stand in the corner—get involved. Start conversations. Be curious. Be kind. Be open and transparent about who you are and what you do. Don’t be afraid to let people know what you’re all about. Collect their details, and don’t be shy about following up. Even a simple “Hey, great to meet you at the event!” can go a long way. It’s about staying on their radar.

USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Here’s a little tip: Invest in a V1CE card, and it’s like a digital business card on steroids. You can tap this physical card on someone’s phone, and boom—your details are immediately saved into their contacts. It’s a super slick way to make sure people remember you. Plus, you can create customised landing pages with it, depending on who you’re talking to. If it’s a potential client, you can have one set of info ready. If it’s a potential collaborator, another set. You can even set up forms to easily collect their details or offer free gifts like an eBook or a cool workout video. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it makes you look tech-savvy. Seriously, all fitness pros should have one of these in their toolkit.

VOLUNTEER AND OFFERR TO COLLABORATE

One surefire way to get in front of key players is to volunteer at events. Whether it’s helping set up, managing a booth, or even just being on hand to assist, volunteering can get you face time with people who matter. You’re not just another attendee; you’re someone who’s contributing. And why not reach out to industry leaders or influencers and suggest collaborating on a piece of content. This could be a blog post, a video, or even a podcast episode. It’s a great way to build a relationship, create valuable content, and tap into each other’s audiences.

TIMING AND PERSISTENCE

People might not notice you the first time you show up. They might not remember you the second time, either. But if you keep showing up, keep engaging, and keep putting yourself out there, they’ll start to see you as someone who’s serious, someone who’s in it for the long haul. It’s like being in the right place at the right time—but making sure you’re in the right place often enough that the right time actually happens. And who knows? This could lead to speaking opportunities, collaborations, partnerships, or just a strong network of supportive peers who can help you grow.

KEY ANNUAL EVENTS (UK Focused)

Now, if you’re based in the UK, here are a few key events you should keep an eye on:

• BodyPower Expo – One of the biggest fitness expos in the UK. A great place to meet both fitness enthusiasts and industry leaders.

• FitPro LIVE – A conference focused on fitness professionals looking to expand their knowledge and network.

• Elevate – A trade show for physical activity, health, and performance. It’s a great place for networking and discovering the latest trends in fitness.

• UK Active Events – UK Active hosts various events throughout the year focused on physical activity and public health.

• Active IQ Conferences – Offers great opportunities for personal trainers and fitness instructors to meet, learn, and connect.

And remember, always stay up-to-date with their newsletters and social media feeds so you don’t miss out on any opportunities to connect.