Are you all a-Twitter about tweeting? More than just buzzwords, these and other bits of social networking jargon are part of a vocabulary that personal trainers should know when it comes to interacting with clients outside of the gym. Such social media has an edge over the one-way direction of print or broadcast advertising in that it allows a business to carry on with customers in a real conversation. Now the word is on a two-way street: clients can learn about products and services and businesses receive valuable feedback.
 

Services such as Twitter allow users to post personal news, pose and answer survey questions, and generally keep tabs on people in a circle of "friends." So how might a personal trainer use Twitter to work with clients? One of most difficult aspects of the client relationship for a personal trainer is to keep clients accountable for diet and extra exercise between sessions. This task can be made easier by to monitoring relevant posts and responding with motivational messages. That is, since actual training sessions are only one part of the training picture, monitoring clients' posts between workouts is a great way to keep them accountable. If a client is "tweeting" about diet or exercise, as his or her personal trainer, you can regularly monitor posts - and intervene if the situation warrants it, such as tweeting back "What do you mean you skipped breakfast this morning?"

Clients, in turn, may be less likely to cheat on meals and skip their exercise sessions with someone looking over their shoulders. Such an approach only works by getting to know client tastes -- their personalities and the likelihood that such motivational methods will be well received.

The main cost associated with social media is time rather than money. That means a business of any size willing to invest some time on social media/networking sites in order to build a community or fan base can benefit. Above all, it's important to understand that social networking marketing emphasizes a reader-oriented approach. Offering advice and suggestions in a friendly environment can build a reputation for professionalism, honesty and integrity. These are commodities that can't be bought -- they must be earned.

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