I heard this once, and for the most part, I believe it.
For some reason, when people pay large amounts of money, they either seem to think the product they're getting is good, or better than a free product.
I have been asked questions in the gym, questions from the blog, and questions on my facebook page. Depending on the depth of the question, I'll generally answer it. If someone whom isn't a client asks for a "specific to them" question, chances are I won't.
Why is this?
People don't listen to free advice.
Then why ask?
They're looking for reaffirmation of their original answer, whichever it may be.
"Should I buy the red shirt, or the blue shirt?"
The person will already know which shirt they want you to say. Chances are they'll pick the shirt they want anyway with your input.
This is not being arrogant, or being "all about the money"
I had a client tell me recently "You can't help fix everyone Marty, but take pride in those you do!"
And I need to be reminded of this time and time again. Those who pay are more willing to listen. For one reason or another, they've wound up using my coaching services, and these are the people who I have to give all of my attention to. The ones who want it.
Where am I going with this?
This is directed a lot towards other trainers and other professionals, and they'll understand when they read it, or even made the same mistakes I have.
Recently, I got screwed out of quite a bit of money. Roughly 8 weeks of nutrition coaching, and some training sessions on top of that. Why? Because I once again believed someone when they said they'd pay me later.
Ring a bell?
This is my own fault, I admit it. I should have learned this 4 years ago when it was happening too often. Me being the nice guy, saying "no problem! I'll catch ya next time" and next time never comes.
I'm also trying to say to people out there that when you ask a specific question, or have a LOT of questions, maybe you should look into hiring a coach (MEEEE!)
This service should be invaluable if the coach is worth their salt. Some coaches are expensive for good reason, some not. Some are cheap for good reason, others are not (yes, I've seen GREAT coaches undersell themselves).
We in the fitness industry who put in time and research into what we do will more often than not give responses you don't want to hear to questions. It's not that we're trying to be different, we're trying to be right and give you correct resources. There is a TON of confusing information out there about simple questions.
When should I have carbs?
How much protein should I eat?
How much cardio do I need to do?
How many days should I work out?
How long before I see results?
Why hasn't my weight gone down?
How did you get so handsome?
And so on and so forth.
The ones who seem to get "mad" or rant are seriously the ones that care. Just like me writing this blog, I care. I believe the general population has been screwed over by society, media, beauty magazines, and a lot of other mediums.
The next time someone says "Maybe you should make an appt" or "I'm sorry that's too specific a question to answer quickly", maybe don't shrug them off as rude, a jerk, or "all about the money"
Would you fix someone's car for free?
would you build a deck for someone for free?
I'll give you a free estimate (hence the apt. I ALWAYS give free 30 minute consults, and ALWAYS will) but I won't do the work for free.
I still, as always, encourage general questions. I'll always do that too. But specifics? You need a qualified coach then. You really do.
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