Personal trainer Chris Mason tells unLTD why there is no ‘golden ticket’ to business success – and why he is ‘constantly chasing down progression’.
I was inspired to start my business by…
A distinct lack of service or results by commercial gyms to gym goers. To see people transform their body, health and fitness in ways they never expected nor imagined is hugely motivating and satisfying.
My favourite thing about running my business is…
We get to train people to learn about the very things we love. A healthy and nutritious diet and regular exercise is the key to optimal functioning! Helping others adopt a better lifestyle and have a deeper understanding of how to stay in shape means that we’re creating a difference among our customers and clients.
The three words that best describe my business are…
Transformative, positive, results-focused.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because …
Opportunity is everywhere. The city is due a rebirth of sorts and the region of South Yorkshire is the place where you would want to place your business. Though I must say, opportunity isn’t just Sheffield but is also wherever you happen to be situated. With growth of the internet, social media and the accessibility to courses, experts and services, gone are the days where you have to accept your lot. If you’re willing to work hard enough for long enough, success is there to be achieved.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to grow a business because…
It’s a forward-thinking city that is aiming to be considering more than just the ‘steel city’. While holding onto its foundations, the city is actively seeking further investment to grow opportunities for employers and employees alike. It’s exciting to see where Sheffield is headed over the next 10 to 20 years!
The best advice I ever got was…
Expect nothing and give everything. No one owes us a living or successful business – we have to be the driving force behind it.
The worst advice I ever got was…
That one ‘thing’, whether it be a marketing gimmick, campaign or program, would be the golden ticket to growth in my business.
As entrepreneurs/business owners know only too well, we’re all enticed by the bright shiny object that promises to cure our issues or take our businesses to the next level. Rarely does that prove to be the case.
The organisations that have supported me and my business include…
I’ve invested or have actively invested in a number of support services for my business, these include:
- Pearlydean Marketing – for my SEO
- Internet Fitpro – for my website design and ongoing website care
- Paul Mort – Fitness Business Coach
- Dan Meredith – Social Media and Content Creation
- HR Media – PR
Plus many more. Perhaps more importantly, I’ve learned lessons about other industries and sectors from our very own clients who run their own businesses, on how they’ve handled certain situations, plus peaks and troughs in their businesses.
The main challenges facing my industry/sector are…
Exercise and nutritional knowledge! Though this could be considered both a help and a hindrance dependant on how you view it. We often work with people who’ve been out of the loop with exercise and healthy eating habits, meaning that the behavioural aspect of helping them transform their body, health and fitness can prove to be the most challenging part.
In 5 years’ time I expect my business to…
Be continuing to thrive! (though don’t we all?!) In all honesty, I plan for the future, but operate on a 12-week year basis so that my business starts sharp, focused and progressive. Annualised thinking may work for some, but for me and my small business we want to be on the front foot, constantly chasing down progression as opposed to setting and reviewing yearly goals.
