Everyday I get questions and comments on this blog asking if I’ve heard about Beachbody’s Coaching program. It usually goes something like this: “Hi, you should check out Beachbody’s coaching program. You can get 25% off all their products and earn money in your spare time. Check out this link to learn more about signing up . . . “
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There’s a couple reasons why this bothers me. First of all, um…I’m already a Beachbody Coach.
If these people had taken the time to learn more about me, they would already know this.
Second, it makes other (credible) Beachbody Coaches look bad. Honestly, I was very put off by the whole idea of becoming a Beachbody Coach for this very reason until I started talking to some other coaches and learned that not everyone runs their business this way.
Because it took me a while to wrap my head around the concept of becoming a Beachbody Coach, I thought I would write a post that outlined and refuted some of the excuses I used before finally deciding to sign-up. It’s no surprise that these are also some of the most common excuses I hear from other people too. SO, if you’re currently sitting on the fence, maybe it can help you make a final decision.
OK…so this was the biggest one for me:
1. Beachbody Coaches Who Were Not Trained Properly Have Given You a Negative Impression
When I first started doing P90X I was very put off by Beachbody Coaches more or less spamming my blog with their comments. You’ll probably also see some Beachbody Coaches on Twitter, Facebook, and other discussion forums using these platforms as their personal sounding boards. My guess is, these coaches are not going to be in the business for very long. It’s obvious to me that these coaches are more interested in SELLING rather than SHARING and BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS which is really what the coaching experience is all about. I guess it’s not unlike the world of doctors, lawyers, auto mechanics, etc. There’s always going to be a few bad apples that spoil the bunch.
On the other hand, it’s hard to blame these coaches directly because for whatever reason they weren’t trained properly by their upline. Many people see what these coaches are doing, and it gives them a false impression of what the business opportunity is all about because they assume that’s the only way to be successful. The ironic part is that the majority of coaches who are doing well with this business are working behind the scenes, so they are much less visible. That’s unfortunate, because there is a whole lot of positive stuff going on with this company, but just like the media, people always like to focus on the negative. I’m very grateful that I took my time to do my own research despite the negative feelings I received from those coaches who weren’t trained properly. There are plenty of ways to grow this business and do it in a positive way that doesn’t involve selling your soul to Beachbody.
2. The MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) Concept Makes Me Uncomfortable
In the early 90’s some companies got into trouble and were shut down because what they were doing was illegal. As a result people became more skeptical of any MLM or direct sales company. There’s some negativity surrounding terms like “pyramid scheme”, “network marketing”, “multi-level marketing”, and “direct selling business.”
I think my friend and fellow Beachbody Coach Mandy Horan expains it well. She says, “A lot of people just wanting more time, money, and personal freedom have tried an “opportunity” that promises the world and you just end up getting burned pretty badly and expensively. It makes a skeptic out of you. It’s good to learn and grow more wise from our mistakes but sadly most of us who have been burned in the past become such a skeptic that it causes many of you to really miss out on legitimate opportunities that you see as just another “pyramid scheme.” You can avoid that danger and be more wise simply by learning what a pyramid scheme IS and IS NOT. Don’t let a bad experience in your past rob you of your future. Instead, you should be learning, growing, doing, and repeating instead of QUITTING. Quitting is average.”
This is an important topic, so I decided to divide the information up between a few different posts. I hope you’ll take the time to read through them:
Pyramid Schemes vs. Beachbody Coaching
Is Beachbody Coaching Just Another Scam?
Beachbody Coaching and Multi-Level Marketing
If you look at Beachbody and see a pyramid scheme I would encourage you to also take a hard look at the company where you currently work and see exactly where you fit on the “pyramid.”
3. I Still Haven’t Reached My Fitness Goals
When I first heard about Beachbody Coaching and started looking into it, I got the vague impression that the only qualification needed to become a coach was a credit card number. This made me a little uncomfortable because aren’t coaches supposed to help people get into shape? I found it odd that all these people were telling me to become a coach when I hadn’t even completed the entire P90X program yet. However, I think I’m finally starting to grasp the main concept behind what it really means to be a “coach.” It’s more about inspiring people and getting them MOTIVATED, rather than training them. The reason you don’t need to be a personal trainer or fitness expert is because these certified groups of people are already employed by Beachbody. Your job as a “coach” is to simply direct people to the appropriate Beachbody trainer or program.
Here’s some comments I found over on the P90X Facebook page about this very topic:
The name “coach” is used not the word “trainer”! A coach in this organization is someone who encourages someone to achieve their goals in their fitness and health. It does not take someone with a degree to be inspirational.
A “coach” coaches, encourages, and gives that needed “friendly support” while the “trainer” has the skill set, lifestyle approach, and a wealth of pertinent information to “set the stage” for the work that needs to be done in order for the person working out to achieve their goals. In all honesty, to become a BeachBody “Trainer” one MUST have had to at least graduated from one of the program circuits FIRST, before the “voice” will be considered valuable and worthwhile, IMO. Those folk who put their nose to the grindstone with BeachBody products, give it their 110%, and finally GRADUATE, have a plethora of knowledge behind them – because they are LIVING IT! It is these people that we look up to, because actions speak louder than words, and time has been dedicated to become something better than what they were!
I became a coach because 10 of my friends own P90x and none of them have ever finished it. The products are great, however, people need a little inspiration to finish it. We all can’t have extensive training in working out, however, we can be a friend, mentor, and accountability partner. To many people in our society are struggling and are dying at an alarming rate. I think the “coaching” concept is great, provided people “coach” for the right reasons.
A BB coach is a person just like you who uses the products and encourages, helps people along and generally wants to help get people into shape. You don’t have to have an education to do that. Unfortunately, there are people–not just coaches–who put bad info out there as if it were gospel. Do your own research and don’t let one or two bad “coaches” influence your view of what most of us are trying to do–encourage others to get into the best shape of their lives.
The way I look at it, different people are inspired by different things. Normal, average people can make really good coaches because people can relate to them. Think about it, how many people are inspired and get motivated watching the oodles of P90X transformation videos on YouTube? These people are working out, learning about healthy eating habits, sharing their personal story and many STRUGGLE to lose weight. It may be harder for some people to relate to a coach that is already ripped and can do one handed push-ups.
Beachbody coaches come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and each has his or her own unique background and experience to share with others. So, if one coach doesn’t cut the mustard for you, keep looking! But as long as you continue to work on your goals, that’s the only qualification needed to be a Beachbody coach. One of my favorite things about being a coach is that it’s an incredible ACCOUNTABILITY tool!
If there were actual physical requirements to become a Beachbody coach, how many coaches would there be? This would be like Pampered Chef requiring you to pass a round of Iron Chef if you wanted to sell their products. People with a sincere interest in food and cooking are good matches for Pampered Chef. People with a sincere interest in health and fitness are good matches for Beachbody. I think I’m starting to get it. However, I think if I purchased P90X and the coach I was assigned to had never done the program I’d be pretty bummed. I’d like to have someone helping me that’s been through what I’m about to go through. Luckily though, it’s pretty easy to change coaches if that’s something someone wants to do.
4. I Don’t Have Enough Time
Sure, the responsibility of being a coach takes time but there is NO minimum requirement. There are MANY coaches (Beachbody estimates 85%) that join ONLY to get the 25% discount! These coaches have ZERO customers to take care of and that’s just the way they like it! You don’t need to sell or grow your business unless you want to. You can make it whatever you want it to be.
And seriously, when is anyone ever going to have MORE time? That NEVER happens! Even if you can’t start working on the business aspect RIGHT NOW chances are the coach you signed up under IS working on the business and will continue to add coaches under you. If you wait too long you’re going to be working for them instead of them working for YOU.
5. It Costs Too Much Money
Really? $39.95 minimum start-up costs and $15.95 per month after that? This may sound a little harsh but if that’s too expensive, then you are much better off working for someone else for the rest of your life vs. starting your own business. You get out of this opportunity what you put in. It’s no different than any other business. If you work hard for the next few years you have the potential to earn as much money as a doctor or a lawyer who paid thousands and thousands of dollars to earn their degree. The potential is there. If you don’t believe me check out the 2012 Statement of Coach Earnings.
And have you looked at how much it costs to start your own business franchise these days? Geesh! Beachbody will even refund your start-up fees for the first 30 days if you change your mind. You can read more about the costs of running your Beachbody business here: How Much Money Does It Cost To Be a Beachbody Coach?
So there you have it. A list of all the excuses I came up with for why some people choose not to be Beachbody coaches. Did I forget anything? All I can say is that I used a lot of those same excuses for a long time and I’m sorry I did! Being a Beachbody Coach has more than exceeded my expectations so far.
Maybe you’re interested in becoming a Beachbody Coach and have a few more questions? Please contact me or leave a comment below. Perhaps I can fill in some of the blanks for you. I’d love to have you join my team but I’m very careful about who I share this business with because I only want to work with people I believe are serious about it and have made an informed decision!
Comments
63 responses to “Why You’re Not a Beachbody Coach (Yet)”
Hi Amanda,I’m from Michigan also. great blog and great post, you made some good points. Don’t hate me, I’m a Beachbody Coach. My story is a little different though, I became a Coach before I really knew anything about any of the products, i joined just for the business opportunity part of it. I heard so many good things about P90x that I just had to try it, I love it!
Being a Coach can be compared to selling Avon, which is also an MLM, you don’t need to really use all of the products. P90x has over 100,000 facebook fans, everyone who has tried it loves it. If you’d recommend it to a friend why not make a little money from it? I’m just rambling now…
No worries Marcus, I don’t hate anyone. 🙂 And thanks for leaving a comment. As you know it took me a while to embrace the whole concept of being a coach . . . but I’m so glad I did!
Thanks for posting. I actually wanted this woman to be my coach after seeing her success story on one of the informercials. I, then, started to review some of her youtube videos to see her transformation. Honestly, she has great success using the programs and is in great shape, but I do feel that she is overtraining and promoting an image that is very hard to obtain. She’s only 110 lbs and 5’4″. She really don’t know what she’s doing besides for overtraining! You’re body needs rests and you don’t necessarily have to be the most ripped to be in shape. This woman went from 120lbs after the P90X programs to 110lbs after Insanity. As mentioned she’s 5’4″ so therefore she’s underweight! She told me that as long as you are in the athletic bodyfat % range that you should be good, but she is waaaay under as reported by her so she just contradicted herself. She also had told me that she was over 26% bf when she first started, but beachbody reported her initial bf% to be at 24%. She claims that she only did one round before posting her pictures up, but that didn’t seem right. I just feel that beachbody really do need to have higher standards and morale. I think they need to make sure that these people are not just in shape, but in good mental shape as well. I believe this woman have a serious mental problem, exercise bulimia. The only thing I asked for is to be honest, to motivate, willingly help, but also be a coach that is REALISTIC in achieving any fitness goals. Again thanks for posting!
Another note, this woman is already super skinny and she still wants to trains 6 days a week and willingly burns up to 1000 calories a day doing cardio. She states she wants to gain muscle mass now, but HELLO, you can’t gain 5lbs of muscle doing cardio all the time. You should add more weight training and do less cardio…even I know that!
Hi Jen, thanks for your comments. Yeah, it’s definitely a tricksy issue. I eventually decided to become a coach mostly because of the fact that Beachbody really does make some great products, and I wanted the 25% discount. 🙂 If I can help some people along the way too, all the better. But there is a point where some people really start to get obsessive about it. You are right though, it’s important to be realistic. Otherwise, not only do you hurt your own self-image–you hurt the people you’re trying to help too!
My problem with Beach Body’s is the total lack of exercise science behind it and the fact that even if it is done in perfect form the volume is ridiculous to start. As a fairly qualified fitness professional it is very obvious as to the many problems that people will incur doing such ridiculous high intensity workouts without total control of technique and gradual acclimation of volume.
The fact must be stated that Beach Body’s is just serving the ignorant, lazy needs of the public. People want to do nothing about their health and fitness for months or years and then reverse it in as short a time as possible. People want tangible results so the oldest fitness trick in the world is to cripple them with the first workout. In their ignorance most people believe all those micro tears are good for you, instead of what they really are: a sign of overtraining. Just like the Spin Class junkies, what people will do is find ways to ease off the intensity of each rep to “get it done.” There is no skill in creating a program that will overtrain anyone at less than an intermediate level of all the modes of training used in the P90X and Insanity Workout programs. I could devise a routine that would keep any athlete in the world from moving freely for 3 days, simply by making up a routine that use component not used in his sport and training.
P90X and the Insanity Workout are ridiculous. It would take a de-conditioned person with a history of intermediate fitness a couple weeks of building up to being able to do the Intensity Workout “fitness test” in good form with full range movements. Now let’s talk about the ballistic force being put on the feet, ankles. knees, hips and lumbar, thoracic and cervical areas of the spine. As a professional with integrity and one who respects his primary responsibility of protecting my client from injury this approach seems close to criminally irresponsible and obviously all about sales.
I applaud the idea of these cross training programs but have no respect for their content and exercise science.
I’m open to answer any specific questions anyone has:
gregalario@gmail.com
Hi Greg, thanks for leaving your comments. Beachbody is definitely not the be all, end all answer to health and fitness and any “coach” that tells you that is in the business for all the wrong reasons. It is just one piece of the puzzle. Thousands of people have improved their lives (myself included) using their workout programs. There are many success stories out there from coaches and regular customers alike. I agree that for the most part the majority of people are looking for a quick and easy fix to their health problems, but we all have to start SOMEWHERE and Beachbody gets people off their couches and helps them take that first step. There are also more workout programs than just P90X and Insanity for those that aren’t ready or prepared for that level of intensity.
This post is sort of baiting.
I mean, you post several good points but you really ARE a beachbody coach, so the title about why you aren’t seems like its misleading.
ANYHOW ALL THAT ASIDE…
the more inroad about beachbody and coaching the less I want to do it because if I do it, it will be straight up to PROFIT from selling a system that is really indeed working for me, but the costs are IMO far too high. There are so many fees that I ammnervous in starting and losing $55 in my first month I I see no sales.
I have no interest in buying the products aside from the routines which I already have, so I would become one of those annoying people I suppose bugging others to sign up under me.
For now I have my blog and amazon associates and I’ll go from there. Thanks for your post btw…
Hi Steven, I really appreciate your comments and follow what you’re sayin. As for the title, well . . . I guess it does draw some people to read my post that might not otherwise. It’s a REALLY long story, but I originally wrote the post when I WASN’T a coach and then had to tweak it a bit after I finally decided to sign-up. I guess either way I end up confusing people . . . 🙂
Anyway, one of the nice things about the coaching program is that you can run the business however you want. If you’re not into recruiting coaches you can just simply earn money off affiliate sales just like you do with Amazon. I used Amazon too for a while, but the commission is so tiny compared to the 25% you earn as a coach. And if all you want to be is an affiliate, the cost is only $14.95 a month which really isn’t all that much. One P90X sale will earn you about $30.
I poo-pooed being a coach for a long time, but I’m really glad I finally decided to sign-up. You have some great information on your blog, so either way I’m sure you’ll do fine. 🙂
Hi Amanda,
Yes i actually did QUITE a lot of research. I ended up signing up after about two weeks of deep reading on it.
There is money to be made there and you CAN help people.
Some run it as a business, others as a way to get themselves 25% off, its quite a different game depending on which way you go.
Thanks for reading my blog, and i am glad that i found yours.
take care.
Steven
yay Steven! I know you will make an excellent BB coach! If you ever have any questions please let me know! 🙂
Hi Amanda! I have been tossing around the idea of being a beachbody coach and have been doing a lot of research the past week to figure out if this is something I want to do. Your page has helped me a lot towards making a decision. Even if I am not at my own fitness goal, that doesn’t mean that I can’t go for it. There are people out there who might connect better with a coach who is going through what they are going through and can go through their weight loss journey with me. Your page answered a lot of my questions and put some of my fears about jumping into this biz at ease. I am excited about the idea of being a beachbody coach and it gives me the opportunity to continue to stay home with my kids and make some money on the side. 🙂
That’s awesome Sarah! That is EXACTLY what being a Beachbody coach is all about! 🙂
Hi Amanda,
I really feel like I am in the position you talked about in this blog, I am really on the fence about becomming a BB coach and I have just been really doing as much research as I can to try and decide. I have a full time job/career that I plan to stick with in the future but being a BB coach seems like a great opportuinity for me on the side, but really I just don’t know, it seems like something that is just too good to be true and I really have no idea how I would be able to get others to sign up as coaches under me and such. I know it’s not something that I would instantly make money with and if I do decide to become one I feel like I can invest a good 6 months into it and see what happens. I know I am just kind of rambling and I haven’t given you much of a question but what do you think?
Hi David, the only way to know for sure is to just do it. 🙂 When I signed up I said I would give it a trial run for 12 months. It’s been 11 months now and it’s definitely been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer than I did!
hey Amanda – I think you did a great job outlining the common fears that a lot of people have before becoming a coach.
It’s not about being an expert, it’s about motivating others to take action (something, anything!) to improve their health and fitness.
It’s nice to see other coaches out there that “get” this business. This is not like other mlms where people just push products (or at least it shouldn’t be). It’s about sharing our successes, and failures, with others so that they can take a step in the right direction for their own lives.
ps – I had to laugh at Greg’s comments above… when I read things like that I just say to myself, “Haters gonna hate.” lol!
Thanks Mark, yeah it took me a while to GET IT….I figure it might take a while for others to get it too. 🙂 I thought about deleting Greg’s comment but thought it would be better just to leave it. I never would use someone else’s website to advertise my own website esp. after leaving a negative comment about their business…but hey, that’s just me.
Hello Amanda! Thanks for this post 🙂 I just recently signed up to be a BB coach and am still figuring this all out… I know how I want my coaching to look but don’t really know how to get it there… Platinum Presenters does offer some good training though and I am doing my best to read the articles, listen to calls etc… But, I think my biggest problem is that I kind of don’t really know what to expect… How long does it usually take before you start breaking-even? If I use Shake that’s $120/month… I’ve been using it for 2 weeks just to try it out (I do, actually, like using it…) I’ve been told that social media is ‘the way to go’ and it is how I found my coach but… I feel like a creepy sales person… I envision myself being patient and just allowing folks to know that I am available to help them if they are interested without any pressure but I don’t know if that is the right approach or if i need to be more aggressive… Also, somehow I have to be ‘visible’ so people know I’m available.. So far I have 1 client – he is doing “Pump” and I am coaching him but he isn’t on Shake.. I didn’t even try to sell it to him – he was looking for a home workout program already and I was just in the right place at the right time. .. I have friends who want to use my discount, of course… Any suggestions to those of us just starting out?
Hey Melissa, have you had a getting started right call with your personal sponsor? This is a tough question to answer in just a few minutes but I’ll see if I can come up with something for you. You might need to give me a couple days though. Thanks 😉
It’s interesting you mention Pampered Chef. My mom sells Pampered Chef and when I first told her I was planning to be a Beachbody coach I explained it to her similarly, that I would be doing sort of what she does with Pampered Chef and helping people with cooking but I’d be doing it with Beachbody and helping people with fitness.
I think a lot of people do confuse MLM marketing with other things. When I was talking to my husband about doing this I really had assure him that we don’t *have* to buy anything. We have the opportunity to get discounts on whatever supplements or workouts we want (and he agreed with me that it’s worth it even on that level) and doing so will keep me active as a coach even without sales, but there’s not an obligation. The only monetary commitment is the startup fee and monthly site maintenance fee (which fortunately are waived for active duty military or a spouse) so effectively this is a free opportunity for me to work for myself and keep doing so no matter where we are stationed.
Anyhow, good article, and considering that I saw a comment about it being confusing titling it about not being a coach when you are one, I think it’s very clear. The title is in 2nd person so it’s talking to the reader, as are reasons why the reader might not be a coach (yet) but you are one and state that in the opening. I think it’s effective.
Hi Amanda,
If a customer returns a product like Shakeology, does Beachbody take the cost directly out of your bank account?
Just wondering. I have lost a valued friend because apparently, when I returned product, they did this, and I didn’t know. I am angry and hurt and can’t afford to replace the cost back to her, or I would. Can’t say I want anything to do with Beachbody anymore.
Hi Melanie, that’s a sad story! I can understand why you’re upset 🙁 But I have to question the “value” of a friendship that has to end over a bag of Shakeology? It sounds like your friend might have some deeper issues going on that she needs some help with? This is a BUSINESS and if a product is returned the cost needs to be replaced. It’s all part of being a business owner…if she doesn’t understand that, it’s her problem not yours!! Really, the only person that lost any money throughout this entire transaction was Beachbody. You broke even and so did your friend. When you purchased the product she earned $30 and when the product was returned she paid her $30 commission back to Beachbody. I mean, if you’re not 100% satisfied with something you should get your money back. That’s why Beachbody has a guarantee on everything they make. What if you spent $120 on a bag of Shakeology and didn’t like it and then Beachbody said, “Sorry, no refunds!” You would probably not want anything to do with them in that situation either! At least you got your $120 back. Of course, I think a friendship is worth a lot more than that. It’s just too bad that your friend doesn’t see it the same way. Hopefully you guys can work something out. If not, it’s totally her loss.
Hi Amanda, I really love this post. It’s very inspiring. I, too, am a Beachbody coach. All though my upline has not assisted me, I’ve found other Network Marketers who are helping me and I’m able to apply it to my Beachbody business. I believe in the company and love the products. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m bookmarking your site. Lisa
Glad you have posted this! I am really interested in becoming a coach, but honestly for the discount. I do love the beachbody programs I have used and my husband really really wants us to do the ultimate reset and with the cost of that program + the shakeology we would need to buy to actually complete it because of our schedules, I think being a coach is really the best way to go about it just for the discount. I read your article about people joining just for that and now I’m really thinking about doing it. Thanks for the info. I may sell to people that want to buy the products from me eventually, but for now, I want to use the shakeology and reset for a price I can stomach. Especially since we have to buy 2 kits!
I’m glad it helped Kim! Yep, the 25% discount sure comes in handy! I think there may be a way for you and husband to do the Reset without buying two kits though…I’ll email you some info. 🙂
Amanda,
Great post and thank you so much for this article. I’ll go back and read the other two that you talk about a topic brought up in greater detail later.
I too am on the fence of joining BeachBody as a coach because it’s a huge step from being a woman supporting other women on their own collective fitness and healthy lifestyle journey’s to a business that has the potential of a significant income because I’m just doing what I do. It’s who I am because I know understand how difficult it is to make healthier nutrition, lifestyle and fitness decisions.
One the pages I belong too there have been several BB coaches who believe that I have the sincerity and compassion to help others attain their goals. I’ve even been gifted by the trainers of this page with great swag just by doing what I’m doing, inspiring, encouraging and supporting other women when they’re having a bad day.
I wish I could say that you’re article totally swayed me and I’m going to the website to sign up right after this, but I’m still very cautious. Mostly questions about client generation and marketing help to draw people to our websites are on the top of the list. Is there more information about that here on your site?
Thanks again so much for the article and your website. It’s being bookmarked.
Best,
Jan
Hi Jan, that’s a really great question and something that I should probably add to this article. Thanks for the comment! You might think becoming a coach is a huge step from doing what you’re doing now…but it’s really not! 🙂 I’m going to add some information to this post about the questions you have about client generation and marketing. Stay tuned!
Leading/helping others to reach their own very Personal fitness and nutritional goals comes much easier if it is a true passion 🙂 I guess I now know some people don’t “get it” when it comes to how much Beachbody really has changed some people’s lives… I love hearing other’s people’s opinions though – very thought provoking.
I would like to know what the $14.95 monthly charge covers? I didn’t know anything about becoming a BB coach until I hit their website to look at the INSANITY program. My wife wants to order and start it together now that our schedules are similar. I started P90x with my cousin a year ago then started working nights and never finished. I enjoyed it and can see how people are getting results with it. Insanity appeals to us for the simple fact that we don’t own and exercise equipment at all, and with the cost of the program….
As your original post is a few years old now, how has being a coach helped you to date? Is it a significant income for you?
I am an adviser for AdvoCare and do ok with it, without monthly fees. Please feel free to edit that out. It is not my intent to advertise on your blog. But you can see my concern about the monthly fee. Also I have no intention of giving up my AdvoCare business as I use those products daily. So is that a conflict of interest considering Shakeology? Sorry for the long post, but the FAQ section at BB is not the best. I see myself being the “sigh up for the discount” type, and sell or talk to those interested. That is all I do with AdvoCare. I don’t have the salesman in me. I’ve lost 65 over the last year with no exercise. Now I’m ready to up my game!
My post really jumps around like my thoughts. Sorry about that, but you can’t edit without deleting and retyping in this format.
Hi Matt, no worries! And congrats on losing 65 pounds!! I have some articles here that might help answer your questions: http://www.amandakjones.com/coaches-corner But I’d be happy to give you the Cliff Notes version here. 1) It is $15.95/month now and that includes maintenance of your three coaching websites (one that covers all BB products and then you get a dedicated website for Shakeology and the Ultimate Reset), inventory and customer service (for example BB handles all shipping/inventory and customer service issues so you don’t have to worry about that), and an online subscription to SUCCESS magazine. 2) yes, being a coach has changed my life and it is a significant source of income…I will be working full-time from home soon which has been a dream/goal of mine for quite some time. 3) BB does allow you to be involved with other network companies. That’s not a problem for them. The only stipulation is that you will not receive customer leads. But if you’re mostly interested in the discount that shouldn’t be much of an issue. If you’d like more information on that please contact me via http://www.amandakjones.com/contact and I’d be happy to send that to you! And don’t worry, Beachbody doesn’t want you to be a salesman either. 🙂
Hi Amanda..I have been mulling over becoming a coach. I am a Life/Recovery coach by profession and feel confident that I would be a great asset to people whom I connect with through BB. I just turned 50 so I can see myself encouraging and motivating women like me.
I am also a surviver of addictions – so health, nutrition, and taking responsibility for out lives is right up my alley.
I would like to ask you how you got started and what you did to connect with people to build up a business. How is the income? What would a typical day as a BB coach involve.
I have loved reading this article and all of the responses.
Hi Betsy, I build almost 100% of my business online. The income varies quite a bit…depending on how much work and effort you want to put into it. But it certainly sounds like you have a lot to offer! A typical day as a BB coach varies a bit too depending on whether or not you build your business online or offline, but either way you are working out, and may be answering emails, running fit clubs, and running online challenge groups on Facebook.
One more thing..in your post you mentioned something about if you sell another product as well, you will not get referrals. Can you elaborate a bit more about this
1)If I represent another product it is okay with BB however – no referrals – when and where would I get referrals from BB? How long does it take to get referrals?
Hi there! You mentioned that the company does not provide you with leads. How do you get yours? Which route has been the most profitable for you?
Hi Faith, sorry I’m a little confused…where did I say the company does not provide you with leads? If you are Emerald rank and above you receive customer leads as well as other leads when you earn Success Club each month. I build the majority of my business online using a combination of blogging and social media.
Just came across this post in a google search. THANK you for this post and the information as I am currently on the fence with the decision to be a BB coach or not. Trying to get more answers and education to make an informed decision. Thanks again.
You’re welcome Michelle…I’m glad I could help!
wow, I am thrilled with this post. As a fellow coach I too am frustrated with the perception that we have from others that shove the products down our Facebook and Twitter pages. You truly HAVE to build the relationship first and want to help people. Individuals will do business with people they know, like, and trust. Great article and more coaches could learn from you.
Thanks Mario, keep bringing it in all that you do!
Amanda…I came across your site last night and just found this post and THANK YOU!
I, too, was reluctant to sign on as a coach and I finally did after 6 months of him-hauling around on it. I signed up under a weak upline and I don’t want to stop coaching for 6 months to get a stronger leader as an upline so I’m surrounding myself with successful coaches on FB and following my instincts and am putting myself through the training academy a second time now, as well as working hard on personal development!
What you say is so very true about how some coach tactics make the rest of us look bad. I truly believe it’s TBB’s vision that the coaches are in it to HELP people, not just to make a buck. And sometimes I want to SCREAM and cyber-slap some coaches on various sites breaking website rules (like My Fitness Pal) and spamming all over the Forums, etc. And you’re right, those coaches won’t be here for long.
After reading this blog I know I’m on the right track. I took Jenelle Summers’ advice from Summit last summer about working behind the scenes rather than spamming everything in sight online. It takes a little more effort but before I recommend a product to someone or even have them join my team, I want to know a little about them and have a rapport with them. My strong suit is customer service and establishing relationships.
Anyway, I’m babbling…lol. I’m just really glad you shared this. I thought I was just being a Jersey Girl (witch lol) with my impression of some coaches. I’m glad it’s not just me!
Hi Robyn, thanks for your comment! As you probably already know this is YOUR business…doesn’t matter if you have a strong or weak upline, it’s what YOU do that counts! Of course it helps to have that extra support but some of the most successful coaches are those that dig down and just DO IT. The positive attitude you have is all it takes to succeed! Don’t ever give up and keep rockin’ on your bad self! 🙂
Are there any BB coaches who have other full-time jobs? I’ll keep it real…I’ve been wanting to be a coach for several months now but haven’t taken the leap. But in July I’ll start working 80 hours/week. Not sure if I should even bother THINKING about BB anymore lol. Do you know any doctors who are also coaches? How do they manage?
Hi Sabina, almost all BB coaches have other full-time jobs. Myself included. 🙂 In fact, Coach of the Year Wayne Wyatt (for the past two years) runs his own dental practice and has 5 children! You just have to be really disciplined with the time that you use to work on your business. It takes a lot of focus and discipline…the same focus and discipline it takes to get through a program like a P90X. I’ll keep it real too…sometimes being a coach is NOT easy but it can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. I guess you just have to decide if working 80 hrs/week is something you want to keep doing until you are no longer able to work in your current job or if you want to take the extra steps needed to change the course of your future. I hope that helps!!
Hi, Amanda!
I love your blog post and can relate to you on so many levels in this coaching business. I became a coach a few mos ago and started teaching some p90x classes in a studio that services to different companies. One of the companies that they service to is hospitals so have been teaching at one. I am a nurse and loved this opportunity!! I have been teaching for almost a month now but turnout in my class has been real low. I have been trying to really promote this class but has been tough to do. I got into this business because i really love the products and the results that I got from using them. I work in a field where I constantly see people struggling with health issues that can be easily prevented with lifestyle changes like eating better and working out! At first, i like you, was turned off by the MLM but also love the fact that the $39.95 start up fee was so low if you consider that this is an opportunity to own your own business!!who can do that for $39.95! I would love to stay connected with you!!Love your blog and glad that I came across it!! Tiffany
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for this post – I am on the fence of doing this as I have tried other MLM businesses before and failed. i.e.:MaryKay, Energy Deregulation, etc. The only difference here and I guess the reason I keep thinking about it is that this is in an area I would love to be working – health and fitness. I guess its my passion. But where I get nervous is finding my coaches – People are so skeptical and untrustworthy. Any advice on running this as a business with the idea to help people make money and embrace a healthy lifestyle AND build the business and obtain good, dedicated coaches? (hope this makes sense)
Hi Tricia! This is something that I really go in depth with when I train my coaches. But it all comes down to the belief you have in yourself and the business. If you believe that people are skeptical and can’t be trusted you are going to have a hard time. I recommend going through some of the free training Sandi K has on her website and downloading her free book READ THEIR MIND.
hey amanda, great post girl! It might just be my computer…but the font and writing under #3 is all jumbled and it looks like there are words on top of words. Just a heads up =)
Hi Kati! I really appreciate the heads up. I have no idea why it was doing that but hopefully I fixed it!
I signed up as a coach about 2 weeks ago, to help others and to make money the thing is….it’s really hard to get customers, I really see it at times like it is just selling a product, I did P90X and currently I am doing Insanity I had great results, still working on my goals but my abs are toned and I lost about 25lbs. already but I am getting hard time attracting people, and I really don’t like hard selling….so I am getting disappointed and I am thinking on cancelling next month.