Quantum Leap Club Winner:
October 2007
From Eric: This month our featured QL’er is John Ashworth. Former Gold Plus, now Platinum. Many of you may know John from his excellent site www.exercisecareers.com. Here’s John’s story in his own words (underline/bold by me with my comments following)...
NAME: John Ashworth
BUSINESS: The Fitness Nomad
Location: Madison, WI
In July of 2006 I was subletting a cramped 600 square foot gym that was taking on water like a sinking ship. Literally, the corner was leaking from below and I though that any day I might walk in a find the place half under water. It was owned by a neurotic, obsessive compulsive body builder who had decorated his facility with a bunch of eye bulging photographs of steroid infused athletes who had autographed their pictures for him. And to top it all off, at the entry way to the studio space, was a giant 20 x 20 photo of the owner, flexing on a cliff in northern Wisconsin in his Speedo. I never really thought about it until later, but I’m sure I lost some sales due to those photos.
All of this was preceded, of course, by a long and narrow hallway with a 7 foot ceiling that made you feel like you were walking into some kind of death chamber. I had an office across the hall from the studio, but it only spanned 100 square feet, and was situated right across the hall from the bathrooms so that every time someone flushed it was plainly evident, especially during consultations and coaching sessions. But it was a start, and I made the most of it. And now, it’s a great story to tell.
In July of 2006 I made 5K. Today, July 31st, 2007 I recorded my biggest month ever at ~$28,600, and it’s not quite midnight yet, so hold on to your seats, that number could still change. Or at least that’s what it feels like. Because that figure is almost double what I’ve been earning since my new studio opened in February. Yes, double! I could be up all night buzzing and ranting and projecting for a fall and winter that I have no doubt will bring much bigger figures than that.
Because, you see, once you get this stuff, I mean really begin to understand the transformational powers of these business systems, and you begin to implement them one by one, there really is no end to what you can accomplish. And with every success, comes a greater level of confidence so that pretty soon, you feel invincible and there is no doubt that you can reach any goal you lay out for yourself and your business.
This week alone, I closed $10,500 in sales, fought off some jerk who wanted to take advantage of my generous free session offer, finished my nutrition sales training so that I can begin implementing another big passive revenue stream, made love with my wife, took my kids to the pool, basketball practice, and the park, finished half of the first Harry Potter book (yes, I’m just getting started, but it’s a great way to take my mind off the business at night), and spent less time in my studio than I have since it opened in late February. “If you build it, they will come.” I can tell you that this is very true.
I feel like I’m in that seen in Hoosiers. It’s the day after Jimmy takes a stand for Gene Hackman (the coach). It’s beautiful…they want to get rid of Mr. Hackman because of his unorthodox, yet effective coaching style, because it’s shaking things up too much. But Jimmy, the star player who has been holding out until now, decides to come back and play, but only if the coach is allowed to stay. The town is stymied and forced to take the deal because Jimmy is truly that good.
The next day during a scene before the next big game, Gene Hackman electrifies the screen with a line that sticks with me like an old friend. “After what Jimmy did for me last night, it would take the Indiana National guard to keep me outta this thing!” That’s how I feel right now, only it might be the Wisconsin national guard instead. And though I may not have that scene described exactly right, if you’ve seen the movie you know exactly what I’m talking about. Nothing can hold me back now. Except me that is. And that’s the most beautiful part about this program, the Personal growth.
In one of my favorite business books, “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind”, the author makes an excellent point… “Your income can only grow to the extent that you do.”
That’s a powerful concept and one worth pondering. But more importantly it’s a concept that both Eric and Sean understand very well because they have structured all of the work they do to help you grow, not only as a business owner, but as a person too. As Sean has said to me on more than one occasion, being a little uncomfortable is a good thing, it means you’re growing. And if you’re growing, your making more money, and if you’re making more money that means you’re helping more people, which is what we are all here to do.
Needless to say, I’m fired up and I’m very uncomfortable, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds. Because if July brought me almost 30K and it’s supposed to be slow in the summer time, then I can’t wait for winter. And that’s saying something here in Wisconsin! Thanks boys, and keep up the great work. You are affecting more people and creating more change and growth than you are probably aware.
Comments From Eric: John’s story perfectly illustrates the impact coaching, mentoring and real systems can have on someone who is ready, willing and able to reach and grow. John’s been a student of marketing and sales for years. He understood what needed to occur, but was having trouble putting all the pieces of the puzzle together just right. With tactical and strategic guidance and accountability, a little external pressure and heat, he quickly began to ‘simmer.’ Then, by adding the AUTO-CLOSER sales system in June/July... he exploded. Sean and I both agree John is now a force to be reckoned with. He may soon be one of the biggest names in NPE, and in the entire fitness industry. Thanks for your story, John. And congratulations!
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