Build and Scale Your Online Fitness Business

Online Trainer Mentorship
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Build & Scale is the go-to podcast for personal trainers and fitness coaches ready to grow profitable online businesses. Hosted by Jon Vlahogiannakos of the Online Trainer Mentorship, this show delivers real-world client case studies, step-by-step business strategies, content tips, and scalable systems that help you attract clients, increase revenue, and ditch burnout. If you want freedom and income through online coaching, this podcast is for you.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Most Enrollment Calls Don't Convert (And The Framework That Does)

    In this episode, Jon Vlahogiannakos discusses the common pitfalls in enrollment calls and provides a framework for converting conversations into clients. He emphasizes the importance of diagnosing client needs, handling objections effectively, and confidently positioning prices. By asking the right questions and understanding the client's pain points, coaches can significantly improve their conversion rates and ultimately grow their businesses. Takeaways Most coaches make the same three mistakes on calls.Sales calls should feel like strategy sessions, not pitches.The value of a program must be clear to the client.Asking the right questions can do 80% of the work.Recording calls can help identify areas for improvement.Enrollment calls are about diagnosing, not convincing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Enrollment Challenges 02:59 Common Mistakes in Enrollment Calls 03:36 The Importance of Diagnosing Needs 04:06 Key Questions for Effective Enrollment Calls 06:55 Handling Objections with Confidence 09:50 Positioning Price Effectively 12:39 Action Steps for Improvement 📞 Book a Free Strategy Call📱 Follow OTM on Instagram: @onlinetrainermentorship

    15 min

  2. FEB 11

    From $80K in Her Garage to $10K+ Months Online: How Andrea Built Time Freedom Without Sacrificing Quality

    Andrea was already successful—$80K a year running in-person training from her garage. But she was maxed out. Seven to eight hours a week of sessions meant no flexibility, no time freedom, and revenue loss every time life happened. When her daughter announced her first grandchild was on the way, Andrea knew something had to change. In this conversation, Andrea shares: ✅ Why she was skeptical about serving clients online (and what changed her mind)✅ The biggest breakthrough: Realizing she could actually serve clients BETTER virtually than in person✅ How she closed her in-person business without guilt✅ Going from scattered pricing ($30-$600) to confident $2,000 for 12 weeks✅ Building systems that let her work smarter and reclaim creative energy✅ Why online training isn't a downgrade—it's an upgrade for coaches AND clients The Result: 18 online clients, $10K+ months, complete time freedom, and the ability to show up for her family without her business falling apart. If you're hitting the ceiling with in-person training or struggling with inconsistent pricing online, Andrea's story proves you can serve clients better AND build the freedom you're after. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Andrea Johnson01:00 – Who Andrea coaches and the problem she solves02:18 – Before OTM: $80K/year in-person training, maxed out schedule03:46 – Initial skepticism: "I didn't feel like I could serve clients as well online"04:40 – Biggest Breakthrough: You can serve clients BETTER online than in person06:43 – Why she closed her in-person business10:13 – Current revenue: 18 clients, $10K+ months fully online11:16 – Personal impact: Creative energy and brain space12:39 – Who OTM is for13:09 – Pricing transformation: $30-$600 scattered → $2K for 12 weeks Book a strategy call with our team here so you can spend less time working and more time growing 📱 Connect with OTM: @onlinetrainermentorship

    17 min

  3. FEB 4

    From $2K to $20K Months: How a West Point Grad Built Time Freedom Through Systems

    **Note:** This interview was originally recorded in October 2024. We're sharing it now because Paul's journey from skeptical brick-and-mortar owner to $20K/month online coach addresses the exact objections and fears we still hear from coaches today. The systems that worked for Paul 15 months ago are the same systems working for OTM students in 2026. Key Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Paul Riley (MidStrong & Old Grad Strong) 02:04 – Before OTM: 15 clients, under $2K/month, scattered pricing 06:58 – Paul's Skepticism About Joining OTM 09:20 – Why the 4C System Works (Repeatable Methodology) 11:30 – The Niching Down Breakthrough (West Point Grads) 16:12 – Charging What You're Worth Without Adding More Services 18:14 – Results: 63 clients, $150K+ first year revenue 19:18 – Personal Impact: 2-week Ireland vacation completely unplugged 21:43 – Selling the Brick-and-Mortar Business 23:02 – Who OTM Is For

    25 min

  4. JAN 28

    The 20-Hour Work Week: How Successful Coaches Built Time Freedom Without Sacrificing Income

    In this episode, Jon Vlahogiannakos discusses how fitness coaches can escape the time trap of working excessive hours without achieving financial freedom. He outlines three essential systems for building time leverage: high value pricing, leverage delivery, and ruthless elimination of low-value activities. By implementing these strategies, coaches can reduce their working hours while increasing their income, ultimately creating a business that serves their lifestyle rather than consuming it. Takeaways Working harder doesn't guarantee more income.Many coaches are trapped in a cycle of overwork.Time leverage is key to scaling a coaching business.High value pricing allows for fewer clients and more income.Transformational coaching is more valuable than hourly rates.Leverage delivery can save significant time and effort.Batching tasks increases productivity and efficiency.Eliminating low-value activities is crucial for growth.Building systems is essential for long-term success.Raising prices can lead to better client commitment and results Chapters 00:00 The Time Trap: Understanding the Hustle 02:48 Building Time Freedom: The Three Systems 05:37 High Value Pricing: Transforming Your Business Model 08:49 Leverage Delivery: Scaling Without Extra Hours 11:23 Ruthless Elimination: Prioritizing High-Value Activities 14:12 Implementing Change: A 90-Day Action Plan 16:52 Conclusion: Building a Business That Serves You 📞 Book a Free Strategy Call📱 Follow OTM on Instagram: @onlinetrainermentorship

    19 min

  5. JAN 21

    How to Create Content That Actually Gets You Online Fitness Clients (Not Just Likes)

    You're posting 3-5 times a week. Getting likes and comments from other trainers. But not booking clients. This episode breaks down why most fitness content fails to convert, the difference between expertise content vs. identifying content, and the exact framework for creating posts that drive DMs and discovery calls instead of just engagement. What You'll Learn: ✅ The 3 content types that consistently drive client conversations ✅ How to stop creating content for trainers and start attracting clients ✅ What to stop posting immediately ✅ Simple weekly content calendar that actually works ✅ Batching system to create a week of content in 3 hours Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction: Expertise vs. Identifying Content02:33 – The Problem-First Framework05:04 – The 3 Content Types That Convert07:09 – What to Stop Posting (Killing Your Business)08:43 – The Content Audit Challenge10:19 – Content-to-Conversation Bridge11:18 – The Exact DM Strategy13:03 – Simple 3-Post Weekly Calendar15:12 – Content Creation Tips (Batching, Repurposing, Keeping It Simple)17:02 – This Week's Implementation Plan19:29 – Final Thoughts 📞 Book a Free Strategy Call📱 Follow Jon on Instagram: @strongjonfitness (2,500+ posts - see the evolution)📱 Follow OTM on Instagram: @onlinetrainermentorship

    20 min

  6. JAN 14

    How to Get Online Fitness Clients Without Depending on Referrals

    📞 Book a Free Strategy Call📱 Follow OTM on Instagram If referrals stopped tomorrow, how long could your business survive? Most coaches: maybe 2-3 months. Because they have zero control over when referrals happen. This episode breaks down the exact three-part lead generation system that ends referral dependency and gives you predictable client growth. What You'll Learn: Why referral-based businesses are fragile and unpredictableThe three-part system that generates consistent leadsThe follow-up system that converts (most clients come from follow-ups)Common mistakes that kill lead generation effortsThe 30-day implementation plan to build your system Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The Referral Dependency Problem01:00 – The Referral Trap: Why You Have Zero Control02:30 – The Math That Doesn't Work (Churn vs. Referrals)03:27 – Part 1: Content That Identifies (Not Just Shows Expertise)05:38 – Part 2: Outreach That Engages (10 Conversations/Day)08:11 – Part 3: Follow-Up That Converts (The Most Underrated Part)10:19 – Why This System Works (Predictability, Scalability, Quality)10:48 – Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them13:13 – The 30-Day Implementation Plan15:19 – The Mindset Shift: From Passive to Active

    16 min

  7. JAN 7

    Why Most Coaches Will Fail Their 2026 Goals By February (And How to Avoid It)

    🚀 Ready to stop guessing and start implementing a proven system? ⁠Book a call with the team here⁠ 📱 Connect with OTM on ⁠IG⁠ 80% of coaches will quit their 2026 goals by February. Not because they’re lazy, but because they’re relying on motivation instead of systems. This episode breaks down the three critical systems every coach needs (lead generation, sales conversion, time leverage), why motivation always fails, what separates the 20% who succeed from the 80% who don’t, and your exact January action plan to build the infrastructure that guarantees 2026 is different. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to 2026 01:15 – The Motivation Trap: Why January Energy Dies in February 03:42 – Why Motivation Is a Terrible Foundation for Business 05:52 – System 1: Lead Generation (Knowing Where Your Next 10 Clients Come From) 07:46 – System 2: Sales Conversion (Turning Conversations Into Clients) 09:44 – System 3: Time Leverage (Serving More Clients Without Working More Hours) 11:42 – What Separates the 20% Who Succeed From the 80% Who Don't 13:42 – The Cost of Staying in the 80% 14:31 – Your January Action Plan: Audit and Build Your Three Systems 17:04 – The Accountability Factor: Why the 20% Don't Do It Alone Key Takeaways: ✅ Motivation is an emotion—emotions are inconsistent. Systems work whether you’re motivated or not. ✅ You can’t willpower your way to $10K months without a lead generation system. ✅ The three critical systems: Lead Generation, Sales Conversion, Time Leverage. ✅ The 20% set system goals (10 conversations/day) not just outcome goals ($120K/year). ✅ Build infrastructure in January: Week 1 audit, Week 2 lead gen, Week 3 sales, Week 4 leverage. Make 2026 your best growth year yet. Apply here

    19 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    How to Actually Enjoy the Holidays Without Your Fitness Business Falling Apart

    Every year, coaches either work through the holidays and don't enjoy them, or completely disconnect and come back to chaos. There's a third option: strategic disconnect. This episode breaks down the exact client communication timeline, what to automate (and what not to), and how to set boundaries without guilt or sacrificing your holidays. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: The Holiday Business Paradox 01:30 – The Holiday Mindset Shift: Strategic Disconnect 04:00 – Client Communication Strategy: The 3-Touchpoint Timeline 06:45 – How to Frame It Without Apologizing 09:00 – Setting Holiday Check-In Expectations 11:30 – The Emergency Protocol: What's Urgent vs. What Waits 13:15 – Automation for Holiday Mode: What You Can Automate 16:00 – What You Should NOT Automate 18:30 – Setting Up Your Systems This Week 20:00 – Boundary-Setting Without Guilt 22:45 – Training Clients to Respect Your Time Year-Round 24:00 – The 15-Minute-Per-Day Maintenance Strategy 26:30 – Coming Back Strong 28:00 – Implementation Checklist & Closing Key Takeaways: ✅ Tell clients your holiday schedule NOW (Dec 10-12), not December 23rd ✅ Three touchpoints: initial announcement, reminder, final confirmation ✅ Define emergencies vs. non-emergencies before the holidays ✅ Automate logistics, not relationships ✅ 15 minutes per day maintains momentum without sacrificing holidays ✅ Boundaries communicate value—you're allowed to take time off Resources: 📞 Book a Free Strategy Call 📱 Follow OTM on Instagram: @onlinetrainermentorship

    19 min
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About

Build & Scale is the go-to podcast for personal trainers and fitness coaches ready to grow profitable online businesses. Hosted by Jon Vlahogiannakos of the Online Trainer Mentorship, this show delivers real-world client case studies, step-by-step business strategies, content tips, and scalable systems that help you attract clients, increase revenue, and ditch burnout. If you want freedom and income through online coaching, this podcast is for you.

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