With the internet it’s feasible to run a start-up from your front room which may explain why most are now initiated by women aged
“With the internet, it’s feasible to run a start-up from your front room, which may explain why most are now initiated by women aged 35-plus.”
Typically, her partner would join in later, once they can afford the risk of losing a regular salary Antony Fernandez did it the other way around. In our personal life and professionally, I’m the right foot, he’s the left – and we share the same vision of where we’re heading.”
They are part of a growing trend of couples who aspire to set up a business together. “It’s that whole ‘walk away from civvy street, from the nine-to-five commuting’ thing”, says Stephen Alambritis of the Federation of Small Businesses. “Luckily, we can’t get enough of each other, because running a business is a full-on, massive amount of work, and we spend almost every hour of the day and night together as a result.
In her view, only truly compatible couples should contemplate such a venture. Suzy Thomas, mother of a three-year-old boy and one-year-old twins, runs Wicked Tickles, selling bedroom “accoutrements” online, with husband Greg She agrees wholeheartedly. Going into business with your partner is like having a baby – it will either cement the relationship, or finish it off.” That’s the warning that Sherridan Hughes, a psychologist with Career Analysts, gives to couples she sees that are looking for advice on starting up a business. Or you can get in your car and visit your clients for private lessons.As a freelance personal trainer, you can earn between £30 and £100 an hour. If you work as an instructor in a gym, salaries start at £13,000 to £16,000 per year, plus commission – although that depends on the gym and your level of experience..
You can work in a gym, teaching classes and giving personal training sessions. People are never satisfied with their bodies – often you have to tell them not to be too harsh on themselves.How’s the salary and career progression?Once you are qualified and registered as a fitness instructor or personal trainer with the Register of Exercise Professionals, you can start to build up a client base. Clients expect you to motivate them, and to work as hard as they do. You need to be a good listener who’s able to counsel people like a friend, giving them advice on nutrition and lifestyle as well as exercise. It’s more than just telling people to do push-ups – you need to explain why the exercise works, and be flexible in how you convey that message. People may understand better if you physically show them how to do something, instead of just telling them. You need to be able to spot and correct any muscle imbalances, to improve their technique.What sort of skills should a good personal trainer have?Personality counts for a lot.
I design an exercise programme tailored for them, taking injuries and special conditions into account. Sometimes people come in with an unrealistic image of what they want to look like. I try to meet them halfway, educating them so that they become more confident and aware of how amazing and capable the body is – not just its shape.Is there any advice you’d give someone with their eye on your job?You need to be properly qualified, with a diploma in first aid Being experienced and fit is not enough Clients expect you to have theoretical knowledge. Clients come in with their own fitness objectives for a consultation. Exercise is so important; it makes people feel good about themselves and releases happy hormones.
