How Plus by ASB can add to your business: PichPT

Tell us about your business and how you got started.

I’m a qualified and certified personal health and fitness coach. My career started as a group fitness instructor. I went to classes as a member and was recruited by the gym. That was 10 years ago and resulted in my passion for health and fitness being revved up a few notches. I’ve never looked back.

I want to show and help people do things with their bodies they never thought they could do, to help someone realise their full potential as a moving being. My greatest satisfaction is seeing their progress and their own amazement in themselves and their achievements.

My clients come from a huge cross section of people; from young mothers getting back into shape; women and men looking to gain some muscle, increase strength and lose body fat; those getting "fit" for health reasons; right through to hard-core bodybuilders preparing for competition. I also have a very cool group of 50+ year old clients who are among the most motivated people you will ever find in achieving their goals.

What attracted you to the industry?

I’ve always been fascinated by what the human body is capable of. Through my own journey to health, fitness and wellbeing, I went from interested amateur to international bodybuilding competitor, and wanted to learn more. I think the science is pretty conclusive regardless of what genes we are born with, we have a huge choice on our own health outcomes by applying appropriate lifestyle decisions. I wanted to see this work, and now see it every day!

What is the best thing about owning your own business?

Apart for the obvious flexibility to work my own hours and being my own boss, it allows me the freedom to be adaptable to my clients ever changing needs and not having to stick to pre-prescribed formulas and "off the shelf" packages and solutions.

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered operating a small business in NZ? 

In my industry, there are many, many “rogues and cowboys” who have left people with bad experiences and give Personal Training a bad name. I’ve worked hard at building my brand and maintaining a reputable name and business.

What online business tools do you use?

I currently use Xero as my accounting tool, albeit through my accountant. It has great features which make everything easy to understand.

Google calendar has made managing session bookings easy for both me and my clients. Skype and other online video services have also allowed me to further my reach as a personal trainer.

Social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram help me with my online presence. So far, I have not used an e-commerce platform or app, so I am very excited to be able to start using Shopify soon.

Why did Plus interest you?

I’m always open to trying new tools that will help me run my small business more easily and effectively, so when I heard about Plus I definitely wanted to give it a go. So far this has been a really good decision! I am looking to expand my business so having Plus is like having a little advisor in my pocket.

How has Plus supported you to run your business?

I check Plus every couple of days because I love to keep on top of what is going on. I probably check my cash flow most frequently to see what is coming in or going out this month. It’s reassuring having that visibility. I’m excited to connect up my Facebook too and see what Plus can uncover about my online presence – always room for growth!

Part of my business is being mobile, going from one client to the next, to the next, so being able to manage everything whilst I’m on the go is very handy. My office can be a café, my car or sitting in the park between appointments, so the flexibility of Plus is great. It is also just so simple, the numbers are presented in such a straightforward way that it just makes sense.

Where to from here?

My focus in 2018/2019 is to grow my online business even more and open my own little gym. So I’d say that Plus will continue to be one of the key tools I use when it comes to fruition.

What advice do you have for other Kiwi businesses wanting to be a success?

Owning a successful business will not happen easily but by being tenacious, consistent and by surrounding yourself with the right people, it will come. Always have an alternative “Plan A”.

My daily motto or motivation is “How will I positively impact people’s lives today? How can I help change their world?”

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