Getting Professional

I recently qualified as a personal trainer after a long stint of part time study at college. It was a hard slog, balancing my existing and rather un-inspirational day job with motherly duties and then studying in the evening. Yyou can imagine the relief when I finally qualified and I could start doing what I really loved for a job. It would have all been worth it right?

And yet for months I struggled, unable to find clients on a private basis and facing many letters of rejection from gyms all claiming to need personal trainers, but just not me. I kept getting the same feedback, that perhaps they wanted someone with a bit more experience. I was infuriated, how could I get experience if no one would hire me? I felt like all of my hard work had been for nothing and was beginning to give it all up as a bad job.

Then, a friend of mine visited from the USA, where she has her own private gym and runs a rather successful personal training programme with her regular clients. I asked if I could pick her brains and she gave me the most solid advice that I genuinely believe turned my life around and put me in the position I am in today. Act professional. That was it, just those two little words. But wow oh wow, what a difference it makes to act like a pro.

First she helped rearrange my CV so that my recent training was the highlight and that my other jobs were seen as supporting factors to that end goal of being a personal trainer. She also suggested boosting my CV with a little work experience and offered her gym as a base if I ever fancied some international experience, now we were talking!

Next came the bits and pieces that make someone look like they are in business. I designed and printed business cards to hand out to gyms and potential clients along with matching personalised gym wear from Brookes. I set up a simple yet effective website and registered a linked email account in the same company name. Just a few weeks later the offers came rolling in, to the point where I had to turn gyms down as I had too many contracts and not enough hours in the day.

Take a look at your business, could you be more professional? Perhaps the potential is there and you just didn't know. Get professional today and reap the rewards tomorrow.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Getting professional in any field is a journey that involves continuous learning, skill development, and a commitment to excellence. It begins with a foundational education or training that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to enter a specific profession. However, true professionalism extends far beyond the initial qualifications. It encompasses a set of values, behaviors, and attitudes that reflect a high standard of conduct and performance. Professionals are expected to maintain a high level of integrity, reliability, and accountability in their work, which often requires adhering to a code of ethics specific to their industry.

Moreover, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices is crucial in maintaining a professional edge. This often involves ongoing education and certification, attending workshops and conferences, and networking with peers to exchange ideas and insights. The ability to adapt to changes and challenges in the industry is also a hallmark of a professional, as it demonstrates a commitment to growth and improvement.

Professionalism is not just about individual performance; it also involves contributing to the broader community and industry. This can be through mentorship, volunteering, or participating in industry associations. By giving back, professionals help to elevate the standards of their field and create a supportive network that benefits everyone involved. Ultimately, getting professional is a lifelong commitment to excellence, learning, and service, which not only enhances one's career but also contributes to the betterment of the profession as a whole.