I've mentored 20+ trainers over the last 10 years. The ones who struggle all make the same mistakes:

1. They charge by the session instead of selling packages.

A $60/hr session sounds fine until a client cancels or you get sick. Meanwhile, a $600/month package with 2 sessions per week gives you predictable income and client commitment. Package your services — stop selling your time by the hour.

2. They rely on word-of-mouth and pray.

Referrals are great but they're not a system. The trainers hitting $5K-$10K/month run Meta ads to parents of youth athletes in their area, have a simple ManyChat flow that books strategy calls, and follow up within 24 hours. That's it. Not complicated — just consistent.

3. They ignore partnerships.

Private schools, after-school programs, community centers — these are goldmines. One school partnership can bring you 20-50 athletes at once. The key is positioning yourself as a program, not a freelancer. Show up with a curriculum, a schedule, and results.

I started training kids outdoors at 19 with a basketball and a dream. Today we run 60+ private clients, 100+ KidFit athletes monthly, and have a waitlist built entirely on these three principles.

If you're a trainer or coach who's ready to turn this into a real business, Crossed Athletics is open for mentorship — 5 spots per month.