How Free Samples at Costco Helped Me Become a Better Personal Trainer

Back in my late 20's... I was a struggling personal trainer trying to make ends meet.

And I'll always remember that day back in 2000 and something...

I was in Danvers and decided to pop into Costco... the giant warehouse.

While walking around in amazement at the sheer size of this giant store, I noticed how many free samples were being offered.

Literally, around every corner there was a booth offering free samples of cheese, and pizza, and yogurt, and enough to make a complete meal.

And it also amazed me at just how many people were lining up to get their free sample.

And sure enough, after many of those people tried the sample... they grabbed a box of what was being offered...

And put it in their cart to buy. It was literally at that moment that I thought:

"What if I offered a free sample of a protein shake or protein bar at the gym, where I was a trainer. Maybe that would get people to approach me, ask about the protein bars, and then maybe my training services."

Well, when I got back home and talked with the gym owner, it seemed that offering any kind of supplement was a liability he wasn't willing to take on.

So I started thinking of other "free samples" I could give out.

I thought "well, I own a pair of body fat calipers, so I could always offer free body fat testing".

So I gave it a shot. I drafted up some flyers at the gym and offered "Free Body Fat Testing".

And sure enough, I soon started getting person after person approaching me to get their body fat tested.

Of course, no one was happy with their current levels of body fat, so it was an easy transition into my "sales pitch" about how my personal training could help them lose their unwanted fat.

This process of offering a free body fat test literally became the easiest lead generator and sales tool I ever used.

Before long, I had a waiting list of clients who wanted to train with me.

Fast forward MANY years later... and I've still used this "Costco Free Sample" method of selling in everything I've done.

In my online fitness businesses... I'd give away free reports that showed folks how to increase their strength or get six pack abs. And that report led them to my full length programs.

In my copywriting and marketing business... I offer a free consult in which I'll go over someone's copy or business plan with them... and offer up some suggestions that could help improve conversions and sales.

But the important thing about ALL of this is... the free stuff is happily given away, without wanting or expecting anything in return. I've found that if you seem too needy... even when handing out freebies... it all seems so forced and the people can see that your interests are selfish in nature.

So, the key is... give something away that your prospect could use, and finds very valuable... and give it away without wanting anything in return.

Do THAT and I promise, you will not be hurting for leads.

You'll literally start attracting those people who want to work with you, or buy what you're selling... because you're helping them FIRST.

Give... and give some more. Do that first and THEN ask for the sale.

Sure, you can't just keep giving and giving without finding a way to monetize what you're doing.

But if you start giving away something valuable within your business... you will start attracting more people who want to do business with you.

So I ask... what in YOUR business can you offer up as a "free sample" like Costco does?

What can you give away, that's so valuable, that once people use it... they'll want to come back for more?

Maybe a free chapter of a book, or a free PDF download, or a free consult?

I assure you, nothing has changed for me since that day back at Costco... where I wandered around in amazement at how much was being given away.

It made me soon realize that the more you give, the more you get back in return.