The Realities of Starting An Independent Business
Thinking about starting your own business? Let’s talk about what actually happens when you do. The realities of starting an independent business are rarely discussed openly, especially in a world full of six-figure sales pitches and “freedom lifestyle” promises. It all sounds great—until you’re in it. And that’s when doubt creeps in, and questions start piling up.
If you’re thinking about going solo—especially as a personal trainer—it’s critical you understand what’s ahead. Not just the opportunity, but the cost. Because if you’re not ready for the realities of starting an independent business, it’s easy to misread normal struggles as signs you’re failing.
After working with professionals across different industries—real estate, fitness, coaching, therapy, and more—I’ve seen the same patterns over and over. Challenges are real, but they’re not random. And you can get through them if you know they’re coming.
Here are three truths I wish more people shared before making the leap.
Truth #1: It Takes Time
First, starting your own business takes significantly more time than most expect. From the outside, it looks fast—launch an Instagram account, post some reels, and the clients will come. But that’s not how it works.
Just like making homemade pizza from scratch, it takes planning, prep, and patience. Think about all that goes into pizza: choosing ingredients, mixing dough, letting it rise, prepping your toppings, and learning how to cook it just right. It’s a process.
In comparison, business is no different. Setting up your LLC, getting your bank accounts in place, developing your offers, and launching a simple website all take time. And that’s before the real work of building client relationships and delivering value even begins.
The realities of starting an independent business include long stretches of effort that don’t pay off right away. That’s not failure—it’s foundation-building.
Truth #2: It Takes Money
Second, no matter how lean you try to go, launching your own business comes with costs. Legal setup, business insurance, software, equipment, website expenses, and sometimes space rental—all of these add up.
Very similar, making homemade pizza isn’t cheap either—flour, yeast, good sauce, toppings, and maybe a baking stone or special oven. But if you want control over the result, the investment matters.
People are often surprised at the realities of starting an independent business because they expect to earn before they spend. But usually, it’s the opposite. That doesn’t mean you need to take on debt—but it does mean you may need to save up before you launch, so you’re not stressed before you even start.
If you want to build something that lasts, you have to be willing to invest in it.
Truth #3: It Takes Perseverance
Finally, your first version probably won’t be great. Neither was my first pizza. But the more you do it, the more you learn. That’s how growth works.
Showing up when it's slow, when you're unsure, and when you're not seeing the results you hoped for are all part of the realities of starting an independent business. You’ll tweak your messaging, adjust your pricing, test new marketing strategies, and wonder if you’re on the right path. That’s normal.
What matters most is remembering why you started in the first place. When things get tough—and they will—that’s what keeps you moving. Over time, you’ll get better at delivering your service, connecting with clients, and running your business. But it only happens if you stick with it.
Always remember, trial and error aren’t detours—they’re part of the road.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the realities of starting an independent business are simple but sobering: it takes time, it takes money, and it takes perseverance. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. But it does mean you should be prepared for the process, not just the promise.
If you’ve read this far, it means you’re serious—and that’s a great sign. The next step? Learn how to start your training business the right way, with the tools and clarity to move forward confidently.
If you’re still thinking about going independent, we’ve created a step-by-step resource to help you do it the right way.
Grab our FREE Solo Trainer Action Plan—it’s a clear, practical guide to help you go from idea to execution without feeling overwhelmed.
👉 Click here to get the FREE Solo Trainer Action Plan and take your first step toward building a business you own, control, and believe in.
