Fitness: A Trainer’s Story / A Trainer’s Tips – Robert Werner

Robert is a trainer at my gym, I take some of his fitness classes (he’s in absurdly great shape – so there’s proof that doing the work pays off) and he’s such a nice, fairly soft-spoken guy, so of course I wanted to know his trainer’s story.

The prep we did for the interview was simple: I asked “Robert, I’d like to do a quick video interview with you about why you do what you do” and he agreed. So the next day I brought a camera to class and we did it.

This is one take, the first take, single shot, no rehearsal. I share this one because it’s natural and real (better in fact than takes two or three). I asked, he answered. Simple. This story gives you a feel for the man, the depth of his background and personality. e a s y 🙂

People are seeking information; people want to learn. If you give them a gift in the form of a lesson several things happen. You’ve given them inspiration and when that happens they usually respond in kind (at the very least sharing your lesson with their friends). Second,  you’re showing them who you are and what you do in a way that lets them experience your knowledge. That lets you build trust between you and your audience.

This second video is also simple. Robert offers a mini lesson and gives people a specific set of stretches that they can do during the day to keep moving. His expertise isn’t something he brags about or flaunts. He doesn’t need to, he’s confident in his expertise. This is what shines through when his clients are working with him. And that builds their confidence in him.

This is how storytelling for business differs from advertising. It’s an experience you get to try on for yourself – so that you have an opportunity to decide if the product or service is a great fit; advertising is the loudmouth who is busy telling you what to buy and buy into.

Which message would you rather receive? That’s the message you want to deliver.

If you’d like to connect with Robert, he is a trainer affiliated with Osher Marin JCC / 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 / 415.444.8000 / www.marinjcc.org