Everyone loves a bald knob

If you are coaching Olympians feel free to take yourself as seriously as you like. Although even Olympians like to have a bit of fun now and then.

Your clients aren't athletes

The reality is 99.9% of coaches and trainers are coaching every day people. You might aspire to coach Olympians which is awesome but it's an entirely different prospect to coaching every day people.

And if you want to keep your business earning revenue, it's the every day peeps that are the key.

• People with day jobs
• People with families
• People of all ages
• People of all abilities
• Weekend warriors

I'm not suggesting you don't act professionally when working with these clients but just bare in mind that their fitness and training is probably not their number one priority.

They are probably hiring you for enjoyment and to escape from their everyday lives for a few hours a day.

They know they're in for some hard work but they want to have fun and be entertained along the way.

Don't be afraid to poke fun at yourself every now and then

Tweet: Everyone loves a bald knob don't they? http://ctt.ec/3Df8W+

No-one will be motivated long term to be trained by someone who is all about the watts on the bike, the percentage body fat and skinless chicken if they can't relate to them or have a laugh together.

The best coaches and trainers I've met have the ability to motivate, entertain and relate on a personal level with their clients. They are authentic and their coaching businesses will stand the test of time.

As an amateur Ironman athlete myself it's so much easier to get out of bed for long day of training if you know you are going to have some fun with your coach and fellow athletes.

The no-fun training brigade

There is always that group of amateur athletes you see training together looking super serious with the coach out the front leading the serious patrol. Out for a long day of no-fun on the bike followed by even-less-fun on the run. Those athletes typically burn out and are out of the sport within a couple of years never to be seen again.

You know why? because they aren't actually athletes, they are people.

Conclusion

The goals and aspirations of your clients will differ but everyone likes a bit of fun and to be entertained.

And you know what? for long term enjoyment in endurance sport and in life you, your business and your clients will be better off.

Over at Training Tilt we have some cool social features like a forum, social groups and social chat that can help keep your clients entertained and make them feel like they are part of a community.