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How do you get your clients to show up like clockwork?

I've been training for over a year now and I've noticed an exact similarity between every single unfit client. They don't show up for sessions. In the fit clients mind, or a serious athlete, nothing can get in their way. But, for the rest it seems that EVERYTHING gets in their way of training. The single biggest enemy to fitness is missing your workout. As a trainer, I find this pattern extremely annoying, and personally, I am not a pushy person. I have learned to implement the "24 hour call ahead or the sessions paid" rule. However, the only thing that seemed to change is that now they call in 24 hours sooner to tell me that their dog died and they can't workout. They stick with me, they just don't show up half the time.

I was wondering what strategies you guys have employed as a deterrent for cancellations or for extra motivation for making a session.

Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Keith (Founder of Trainer Village) on April 27, 2009 at 10:41am: are you following a "pay as you go" model or are you collecting up front for a package of sessions?

Thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Jerry Pitman on April 27, 2009 at 1:13pm: Hi Keith,

How are you? I collect up front. I try to work with them, so I will allow payment in 2 week increments or 1 month. However, I usually train at the hospital. They have packages of 4, 8 and more sessions. But, they have NO 24 hour call notice rule or any penalty for missed sessions. Not to mention, I've only had my first client in my own company. So, I am using a 24 hour call ahead rule and that's it. Hoping that will suffice, but most of my experience is with the hospital, so I am not sure. I am looking for as many way possible to solidify things. Thanks Keith.

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Permalink Reply by Keith (Founder of Trainer Village) on April 28, 2009 at 9:56am: it sounds like you are doing the right things. One thing I might suggest, is some sort of incentive for completing all the sessions without missing any. Kind of like a perfect attendance award:)

Obviously, if they complete the sessions without missing any it is more likely that they get great results and sign up for an addl package. You can come up with something creative or something as simple as a discount on their next package...

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Pitman on April 28, 2009 at 1:34pm: Right. Thanks for the input Keith. I like that idea. Like a smiley face sticker or something. :D Kidding. Maybe give a free session though, per 12 sessions of perfect attendance.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Keith (Founder of Trainer Village) on April 29, 2009 at 9:36am: no problem. We live in a society where we have to go above and beyond for our customers. I dont follow the "customer is always right" philosophy but I do feel that a little something extra goes a long way....

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Permalink Reply by Jerry Pitman on April 29, 2009 at 8:12pm: "I do feel that a little something extra goes a long way...."

That sounds like wisdom. Makes a lot of sense to me.; ▶ Reply to This

How do you get your clients to show up like clockwork?

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