For me, writing is a means to an end. I write because I love the work. It feels good and it gives me a place to put all of the thoughts, ideas, passion and expertise that travel through my head every day. I find that when I do that regularly, I feel more balanced and alive and less likely to let little things bother me.

For the last 60-90 days I've been in the middle of a major clean-up project within my fitness business. I've cut excess expenses, re-shaped my marketing plan, and have begun the gigantic project of honing all of the important systems that will help me run my business more efficiently, and allow me to squeeze out a little extra profit. I'm also working with more clients than I did last year, and this is for a variety of reasons, including the savings in payroll and the fact that unless I stay entrenched until all of those systems are built they won't turn out right. Kind of like trying to take the cake out of the oven when your down the street at your neighbor's house.

Believe it or not, one of my most important marketing machines right now is my fitness blog (http:www.fitnessnomadblog.com). I have had more than one new client come to work with us who was already on my list and had been receiving regular updates about my blog and everything I'm writing about there. One client in particular told me that one of my writings made her feel as if I was speaking to her directly. That is powerful stuff. Because if you can connect with your readers in that way, people will come.  And the only way to connect with them in this way is to share as much as possible about who you are and why they should listen.

I have not posted to this blog as frequently lately because of the important work I've been engaged in at The Fitness Nomad. And that's not OK with me so I promise to do better. This morning, I simply wanted to take some time to re-connect with you and to share something I noticed about the writing I am posting to my fitness blog. As I looked back over the last month I realized that one of the most important things my blog allows me to do is to share my journey with clients, potential clients, colleagues, and friends.  To share my journey through life.

Not everyone will come and work with me as their coach and trainer. That much is obvious. But that does not mean that my time writing and making connections with people is not well spent.  Just last week, three different people shared with me how my blog and my mere presence has inspired them to get fit and get going.  One of these people was a women I met at a Rotary meeting with my father-in-law while on vacation recently in Illinois with my family.  I had presented at that same Rotary group a couple years back and she was happy to report to me that I had inspired her then, and that she has lost 20 pounds and kept it off!  It made my evening...

This is the journey and we are all playing our important roles.  The most important role is the passion, expertise, and willingness to connect that is paramount to your mission as a fitness professional.  So share it!

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Share a story about your journey using the comments box below.  I would love to hear from you!  John