Idea Napkin Number 2

1) You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life?

 I am a "fit-repreneur"... In other words, fitness is my life, and I plan to make it my career.  I am about to graduate with a B.S. in applied physiology and kinesiology with a specialization in health and wellness.  I am an ISSA certified personal trainer.  I am an NPC bikini bodybuilder, flexible dieter, and invest pretty much all of my free time into educating myself more about fitness.  

Fitness has been my life since I was 16, and now I plan to make it profitable.  This business idea will allow me to do what I love everyday and educate people about what I am passionate about, and make a living.

2) What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customers' unmet needs).

I'm offering a service of fitness-coaching to clients.  This service is to solve their problem of not being successful in accomplishing their fitness goals on their own.  Whether that be because they don't know what to make of all the contradictory information available about health/fitness,  or they lack accountability etc. They will receive nutrition and training plans, motivation and guidance from me, and become educated about these things along the way.

In addition to the service of coaching I will also offer non-customized training/nutrition programs to target people with different financial resources, or different goals.

3) Who are you offering it to? Describe, in as much detail as possible, the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your customers. Think especially of this question: what do your customers all have in common?

All of my customers are passionate about their own health/fitness, and are seeking to improve their physique.  I anticipate most of my customers will be female.

I'm offering the most expensive option (personalized training & nutrition with check-ins)  to only those who are really serious about their fitness goals.  This will likely be females looking to compete, or looking to improve their physique for a special event.

In addition, I will offer different degrees of customization to meet the different needs of potential customers people.  So people who have less specific fitness goals, fitness beginners, or those who want guidance but not a coach can buy plans through a website as well.

4) Why do they care? Your solution is only valuable insofar as customers believe its valuable to them. Here, explain why customers will actually pay you money to use your product or service.

I plan to grow my social media platforms (Instagram and YouTube) where my audience will be able to see that I am knowledgeable about health and fitness and not just some Instagram model selling a workout plan she didn't even write.  In addition, my audience will be able to see my credibility through my personal physique and experience competing, and I will have a section of my website dedicated to client testimonials/transformations where potential clients can see the success others have achieved while working with me.

*Basically think of your favorite IG model/fitspiration/YouTuber and how they grow a large social media following, and then direct their audience to their website to purchase X.

5) What are your core competencies? What sets you apart from everyone else? Also: what do you have that nobody else has?

Overall, I have the knowledge/credibility from my degree and PT certification.  As well as my own experience and physique as a testament to my credibility.
I'm going to separate myself from other fitness coaches by expressing my concern for my clients well being, building relationships with them, and approaching their fitness goals in a way that works for THEM.  I don't send the same plan to everyone and expect them to see results, I don't push unhealthy restrictive eating habits, or excessive cardio on my clients.  I help them to achieve their goals in a healthy way and build a foundation of trust with them, and provide them motivation and support along the way.  I believe my values and practices will separate my from others, and the success I help others achieve will be a further testament to my work.

Evaluation:
I believe these elements fit together... I personally don't see any holes in this business plan.  I know this works because I'm not the first person to build this kind of business.  I've personally worked with coaches and purchased plans, so I know that this actually works. 

Feedback memo:
The feedback I received was that if I want to be successful I have to truly differentiate myself from others in the fitness industry and I think that's a great point.  There's a lot of other fitness coaches out there so why would someone choose me as their coach?  I don't have the best answer to this yet other than my raw passion will be displayed through my work, and I believe once I help others to be successful and they provide testimonies, it will prove my credibility and make others want to work with me.

Secret Sauce

1) Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique.

1. Passion-  I'm an extremely passionate person.  When I care about something, I become fully invested in it.  My passion for health and fitness started when I was around 16, and has only grown since. Not only am I pursuing a degree in APK, but in my spare time I'm watching videos, doing my own research, and reading up on training/nutrition/etc. because I love it so much.

2. Dedication-  When I want something, I dedicate myself to it 150% until it's accomplished.  I think I started to realize this when I played sports as a kid, from cross-country and track, to softball, to tumbling and cheering, and now fitness/ business, when I decide I want something, I don't stop until I get it.

3. Knowledge/ Credentials- BS in applied physiology and kinesiology, ISSA certified personal trainer, NPC bikini competitor

4. Always learning-  I love to learn new things.  I never feel like "I know it all" or ever will...  I'm constantly trying to learn more about my field, and expand my knowledge.

5. I relate to others-  I enjoy connecting with others, and feel like I'm easy to talk to/get along with, and I often feel like I can relate to others.  This will help me to build relationships with clients in the future.

2) Interview the five people who know you the best. 

1. Mom-  My mom said I found what I love and I'm doing what makes me happy.  Also that I'm "totally motivated."

2. Uncle- My uncle also mentioned that I found what I'm passionate about, and that doing what I love is going to be rewarding in the future. And that I'm smart enough to develop whatever skills I may need down the road.

Mom and uncle in this video below:

https://youtu.be/ntWafUZN_Gw


3. Boyfriend- My boyfriend said that I'm driven and have the persistence to accomplish my goals.  And that I'm knowledgable about this stuff.

https://youtu.be/OpfYECxmydo


4. Dad- My dad doesn't have facetime but I'll insert a photo of a text message he sent me below.  He said "i'm glad you found something you love enough to work hard at and make sacrifices to get what you want out of it."  This represents my passion for what I do, and my dedication to my goals - by being willing to make short term sacrifices for long term reward.

3) Reflect on the differences. 

I feel like my opinion of myself doesn't differ much from the opinions of others.  I know what my work ethic is like, and that I have the intrinsic motivation and drive to accomplish what I set my mind to.  I feel like my Dad plays a role in that with the values he taught me growing up... So I'm not really surprised by any of their answers.
I wouldn't revise my list.  I think it represented what others had to say about me.

Elevator Pitch 2

1) The pitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr7ZefZBSKQ&index=1&list=PLA5gYgeRuaDjMUvDf2U174JKlgNsF6vNo&t=0s

2) A reflection on the feedback you received from your last pitch. 

I didn't receive feedback, as I did not complete elevator pitch 1.

3) What did you change, based on the feedback?

I didn't make changes, since I didn't do the previous elevator pitch.

Since this is my first go... I know it sucks... lol
I'll work on it 

Customer Avatar

Avatar 1: NPC Bikini competitor- female looking to take their physique to the next level and compete

Avatar 2: Lifestyle Client- female looking to improve overall health/physique for general health purposes

 What do you have in common with the customer avatar? 

This avatar has described myself at different points in time.  I previously made a change to improve my fitness/physique for general purposes.  Now, I am currently training for a specific goal- to compete in an NPC bikini competition, and take my physique beyond that of a lifestyle client.

If you have anything in common with the avatar, do you think that is a coincidence? Why?

This isn't a coincidence.  My fitness journey is representative of my passion for health/fitness.  During my journey I have realized my passion for sharing my experiences and helping others reach their fitness goals.  I'm seeking to coach mostly female clients, who want to reach their goals in the healthiest way possible, while utilizing flexible dieting, and resistance training.  I want to provide education and guidance to women who are experiencing things I have already experienced and am passionate about. 

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

Begin with alternative evaluation. 

When people choose a fitness coach there are a variety of factors that play a role in who they choose.  For example, coaching style- do they customize macros and training and check in with you, or do they send you a cookie-cutter meal plan and send you on your way.  Credibility, is this coach credible with certifications and or a degree or experience.  Price, lots of coaches are extremely expensive, so that's probably the largest limiting factor when it comes to hiring a coach.

How/where do they buy? 

In today's day and age most fitness coaching is done remotely so people purchase and communicate with their coaches online.  When paying, coaches typically charge the full price up front which could be a limiting factor for some, so some coaches also allow for monthly payments.  But most payments are made with a credit card via the internet, whether that's venmo, paypal, etc.

Post-purchase evaluation. 

Primarily the results the client does or does not achieve will determine their satisfaction with purchasing coaching.  In addition, the personal relationship developed between coach and client can make or break the client's happiness.  Things that would make the purchase seem like a bad idea are if the coach doesn't act professional, respond in a timely manner, or show genuine concern for the client.  Also, if they provide the client with a cookie-cutter plan that is not customized to the clients needs, or if they don't take the client's preferences into concern when designing their program.  It's all about the relationship, the service, and the results.

 Draw conclusions.

The prospective fitness coaching clients likely do lots of research into the people they consider hiring.  They get familiar with their training and nutrition approaches, look for previous client testimonials, determine the coaches credibility and then compare pricing and weigh out the pros/cons of each possible coach.  They also consider with pricing whether they want to purchase a customized plan or a simple workout/nutrition guide that are not customized and less expensive as I mentioned in previous posts.
After all that is taken into consideration and the client chooses a coach, the post-purchase evaluation is determined by the quality of coaching they received, the relationship built, and the results and overall experience of working with the coach.

Halfway Reflection

1) Tenaciousness is a competency

Since this is an online course I scheduled watching the lectures to the same day/time every week as if this was a regularly scheduled, in person class.  In addition to that, when I'm on campus and have a few hours to kill between my classes I work on writing my blog posts.  And last but not least I write everything down in a planner, when posts are due, when to watch the lectures, when peer reviews are due etc.

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude

I recently felt like "giving up" when I realized I did an assignment but forgot to submit the URL to that post, meaning I don't get credit for my work, and I lose the opportunity for an additional point from the peer review.  I was frustrated and discouraged, but I decided to brush it off because there was nothing I could do at that point... and just move forward.  So Monday of this week I did the whole week's assignments (and submitted the URL's) and now I'm working on next week's assignments... So, I learned from my mistake, and now I'm ahead of the class in result.

So yes, I think that negative experience lit a fire under my a** and kicked me into gear.  It motivated me to be tenacious and proactive.

3) Three tips

I definitely think the skills that support tenacity can be developed further...

1. Plan, Plan, Plan!  Make a weekly plan dedicating time to each class/assignment!

2. Get Ahead!!- I know Pryor tells us this... & tbh I didn't listen at first, but it is such beneficial advice.  Some assignments you won't want to do... or you'll catch the flu... either way getting ahead leaves you room for slip ups, sick days etc.

Lastly I don't know if tenacity is something someone can "develop" or if it's more of a characteristic/trait.  In my opinion you either have it or you don't.  What I can say is if you want to be tenacious about something, you have to choose it, and commit to it. Period.  There's no questioning it, or doubting it.  You just do what you have to do until the work is done.

So I  guess;

3.  Decide what grade you want in this class, then do the work to get it... it's pretty simple.

Reading Reflection

Miracles Happen: Mary Kay Ash

1) What surprised you the most?

• I was most surprised by the amount of struggles Mary Kay had to overcome from such a young age, and throughout young adulthood. 
• What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?
• I most admired how relentless she was and how she always fought to be successful, and never let adversity hold her back.  I also admired how she was bold/courageous in standing up for her beliefs and what was right on behalf of herself and other women.
• What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?
• This is a tough one... I honestly can't answer that.  May Kay was a driven individual who believed in empowering women.  She was one of the first successful women in business and she became a leader and role model, opening doors for other women.  She was motivated, determined, relentless, and cared about people... What is there not to like, really?
• Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?
• Mary Kay faced adversity from early on.  Her father was diagnosed with tuberculosis when she was 7 years old. At 7, she immediately had to take on responsibilities of a grown woman.  Mary Kay was taking care of her father, cooking, cleaning, and shopping on her own, in addition to going to school.  And, when she was only 17 she married and began having children.  11 years into her marriage her husband left her for another woman.  And, her second husband passed away.  It seems as though regardless of what Mary Kay endured she always continued to move forward.  She didn't let set backs define her, and she continued fighting for her own success.

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

 Mary Kay was competent in sales, beginning with encyclopedias, and Stanley home products and ending with make-up.  She was competent at innovating products, business in general, and relating to other people, especially women. 

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

The book discussed her jobs prior to starting her own company, and the transitions between companies, which is where I got somewhat confused.  She worked for Stanley Home Products where she was super successful and was crowned "queen of sales" but then began working for the World Gift Company, where she was also successful and trained other employees.  But at World Gift Company, a man that Mary Kay had trained was placed above her and given double her salary, this being the pivotal moment in her career.  It just confuses me that men were treated superior to women in business, while I know it's fact, I just can't relate to it because of the world we live in today.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

1. What made you keep faith, and continue fighting amidst all the obstacles you had to overcome?

2. What are the 3 most important pieces of advice you would give someone starting their own business?

I would ask these questions because they are relevant to myself.  I often times struggle with staying faithful when faced with adversity.  And I want to own my own business so I know her insight would be helpful to me on my journey.

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

In my opinion, Mary Kay didn't view hard work as "hard."  I think she saw opportunities, and decided she would take them regardless of what it required.  I think she just did what she thought was necessary and right at that time.. I don't think she would have necessarily viewed it as "hard work."  

But based on her work ethic, and relentless pursuit of success she would probably say that if you really want something, you have to commit to doing it regardless of the work required; & that success takes time, persistence and consistency, and to never give up.