HispanicBusiness

Marc D. Thompson, a professional fitness expert and personal trainer, turned to social media to grow his business. Since then, his business model has evolved to bridge distance, time and convenience as a way to obtain and retain clients, he says.

Thompson founded VirtuFit in Delray Beach as a studio operation in 1987. He worked in a variety of capacities: rehabilitation, trainer, instructor, consultant, faculty and director. He works with people of all ages and abilities: budding athletes, senior citizens regaining strength, or patients recuperating from injury to fitness clients.

He added its virtual component in 2008, serving about 25 clients a day.

Thompson emphasized that his is a business that relies heavily on personal referrals.

So, the progression to use the Internet, face-to-face visual technology like Skype, and branding through Facebook and Twitter was a "natural movement toward virtual training, being able to reach anyone anywhere," he said.

Creating original content such as his recent online book, The Fitness Book of Lists, sharing links and resources; advertising on Facebook, using keywords for Internet searches and social media conversations, drives interest and new business, says Thompson.

The drill down:

What adjustments did you make in you business/operations model for online training? I bought new faster laptops, I pay for the top Internet speed package, I bought a large screen TV to display my clients better when on Skype. I improved my personal skills, my speech and ability to succinctly yet completely convey my directives.

Skype clients make up 75 percent of your business now. To what do you attribute that? I credit my reputation and client referrals. I'm innovative: working one-on-one with individuals. I designed numerous fitness programs. I've broadened my reach to train a multitude of clients around the world with teleconferencing.

Why do clients like Skype? It's convenient, easy and takes the logistics of traffic, or a late night at the office out of the equation. In addition, the video and audio quality is wonderful and with proper skill, knowledge and articulation I am able to "be in their room" with them as they train.

How do you keep a virtual business real to your clients? Soft skills are just as important as technical know-how, such as intuition, caring, kindness, and observation. In addition, with proper articulation my clients feel I am standing right beside them, motivating and prompting them along the way.

How do you engage in the local community such as business networking? I joined the chamber and go to events, grand openings, I go to social spots such as coffee shops and restaurants, I join or attend expos and workshops, volunteer and be active in the community.

Do you train with clients at local venues, community centers, etc? Yes, I have trained at client's offices, hotel rooms, houses, backyard, poolside, at parks, at beach, at churches and gyms...anywhere can be a gym.

Do you have competitors? Yes, there are many trainers and I've trained others to do virtual training and hope to train more. I welcome competition and also hope more people are exposed to and understand the validity of virtual LIVE training. It's all about awareness.

What is the best advice you ever received? Surround yourself with people who are smart and honest.

When just starting to use Skype, what are some early lessons-learned? Oh, when the lawn guy inadvertently cut the cable line in my yard--No Skype! No Internet! Now I have Skype on my phone as well as backup.

A fitness expert should be:

Attentive and able to communicate

Works from a body, mind, spirit basis

Good listener who answers questions

Punctual reliable, adaptable

Professional, Qualified and certified

Understanding, optimistic, positive

To run a virtual business:

Be Available

Be Knowledgeable

Be Humble

Be Honest

Be Creative

Wish list: I wish:

1) Everyone had a trainer that was covered by health care;

2) All our food was organic

3) Diversity and variety was cherished and understood

Details: Marc D. Thompson, VirtuFit, Delray Beach. Web: VirtuFit.net Facebook.com/#!/virtfufit