Resources To Help You Grow Your Business

A while back I posted some of the books I'd read recently and got a lot of feedback...I guess it is always nice to be able to have someone else do some of the sifting for you to get to the "good stuff." I'll offer some other books and the audios that are great resources soon, but I figured I'd share some of the sites that I think are great resources for fitness entrepreneurs...Basically the places I check out regularly. So in no particular order, here they are:

http://turbulencetraining.blogspot.com/ - Craig Ballantyne is not only provides great fitness / fat loss info, but also provides a great "case study" in how to build your own "fitness empire" rather than just training clients all day long.

http://www.alwyncosgrove.com - I personally think Alwyn is the most well-rounded fitness entrepreneur in the industry. Owns a successful facility, great trainer, popular speaker, leverages his knowledge with infoproducts and articles. Another role model for trainers wanting to be successful.

http://www.fitnesswebsitedesign.com - Allen Hill is truly unique in that he not only understands the technical stuff that can get you results online (and has the ability to "dumb it down for guys like me), but he's also a fitness professional so he understands our needs. he's definitely filled a void in the industry.

http://www.billhartman.blogspot.com - Bill doesn't post too often, but everything he says is valuable. He's tremendously intelligent and has done something that most every trainer should consider - he's found a niche (golf) and become the go-to-guy for golfers all over the country (maybe world...I'd have to ask). He's the best "fitness niche role model" there is and he's a great writer to boot.

http://www.personaltraineru.com - Ryan Lee has the best fitness business forum online as well as a great selection of articles and interviews. If you haven't noticed, Ryan also always seems to be a half-step ahead of everyone else when trends start to happen or new technology emerges. If he's doing something, it's always worth a second look.

http://www.trainandgrowrich.com - I really enjoy Jim Labadie's stuff. I look forward to his newsletters and articles and have bought ALL of his products. If you want to learn how to sell your services, get more publicity or achieve a mindset programmed for success - Jim's your guy.

http://www.nickberry.blogspot.com - Nick's my business partner on 3 separate businesses but I still check out his blog regularly (I had to twist his arm to launch it). He is the sharpest guy I know when it comes to retail and financing and brings a different angle on some of the same things I talk about like systems and building a business so it has maximum resale value.

http://www.earlytorise.com - Craig Ballantyne turned me on to this and it's a great newsletter to get. They offer advice ranging from wealth and business building to health and exercise. They also promote some pretty infoproducts.

http://www.t-nation.com - One of the best resources online for training and nutrition advice that cuts through the bullshit.

http://www.elitefts.com - Same as T-Nation...Great training info...Zero bullshit.

http://www.marketingbestpractices.com - David Frey site. He's a great marketer in the Jay Abraham & Dan Kennedy mold that has a forum he regularly posts on as well as a good blog.

http://www.johnberardi.com - John and Chris Mohr are the people I look to for information on nutrition. Great site, lots of content and his products are must-have and reasonably priced.

http://forums.jpfitness.com/ - J.P. has built the best forum on the net for training and nutrition guidance. Many of the people I've mentioned are regulars there.

http://www.ebay.com - When you're an info junkie like I am, Ebay is a great place to find deals on those pricey CD Series. Not bad for tickets for Buckeyes games either :)

http://www.amazon.com - I'm a book junkie...sue me. They also have this cool deal called Amazon Prime where you pay $80 and get unlimited 2 day shipping on all orders.

http://www.bmyers.com/ - This guy is a genius. He knows everything about product development, membership sites...you name it. Sharp guy.

There are more, but that will get you started. I should tell you though...when I look for things on guys like Craig's and Alwyn's sites - I'm not only looking for their expertise on exercise but maybe more importantly, I'm looking for the way they approach their businesses. Their copy, their types of products, who they market to, etc. I've heard it said hundreds of times but it's worth repeating: "Success leaves clues."

Have a great weekend!

P.S. - Go Buckeyes!