What It REALLY Takes
Aloha, we’re still in Maui… still having a ton of fun and putting away a lot of sushi and Sake.
I’m not much of a drinker… not much at all actually - unlike some of the peeps in my Fitness Info Mastermind Group 
but I gotta say, cold Sake has really grown on me.
The post below is a potion taken from my monthly Fitness Marketing Manifesto. So if you get the Manifest delivered to your door then you’ve probably read this. But read it again, becuase repetition for stuff like this is good for you.
Onward…
You and every single successful person you know are alike. In fact you have every capability that the most successful entrepreneur has. And you’ve got access to the same (if not better) information then many of the ultra successful people do.
So what does it take to succeed? I’m gonna tell you.
And I’m gonna tell you from first hand experience… and because I hang with some really well off people who have created their own success and freedom like I have I’m 100% sure that what I’m about to tell you Is. The. Formula.
If you know anything about me, you know that I don’t like to publicly flash and talk about how bad ass I am and the money I make. But because this is the final issue of the manifesto and because I know it will help you better understand that ANYONE can become successful I’m gonna let you into my life.
In 1980 my folks brought the family to America from Armenia, then a communist country. I was five years old. We got here with two suitcases and less than $200 cash for a family of five. A month after arriving I turned six.
I didn’t know a lick of English. We were broke to levels you can’t even imagine. Well, just to help you get a better picture of what I’m about to share with you. I want you to imagine me, a chunky six year old kid with a funny hair cut, and found clothes being lifted into dumpsters behind supermarkets so I could pull out fruits, vegetables, breads, and other “expired” shit that hadn’t gone bad yet but couldn’t be sold.
(Let me just say that most food has different levels of “bad” and you’d be surprised how your body can tolerate “bad food”)
I’ve gone to three elementary schools, two junior high schools and two high schools. I’ve dropped out of college and at one point was evicted from my apartment and lived in a Toyota pick up truck because I had to.
But today, I own and live on an acre estate in southern California that cost seven figures. In addition we have multiple rental homes that provide an additional income stream for us. I own or co-own four corporations that collective generate multiple seven figures annually and the work load that it takes to run them is pretty manageable for the most part.
I have a watch collection that would require I have over a dozen arms just to wear them all.
I’ve owned and own practically every dream car I’ve ever wanted. In fact in July of 2010 I’m taking delivery of a Maserati Gran Turismo S and life for us is pretty cool. We take vacations when we want where we want.
Like I said, what I’m telling you about my life here is probably something I wouldn’t normally share, but I’m going to becuase it’s going to help me make a point. It’s not like I have anything to hide, because I don’t, I just don’t like to flash and I think its pretty retarded when people showboat about possessions and status – when most of the time those are the people who are living paycheck to paycheck.
The reason I’m telling you all this is because I’m also the guy who as A.D.D. And I’m pretty sure I have a learning disability or two because what takes most people an hour to do I get done in two hours. Like writing this issue of the Manifesto… it should take me no more than 60 minutes or so but instead it takes me two to three hours to write.
And what would take you maybe a day or two of studying to memorize your talking points for a speaking gig takes me a week and a half at studying and repeating 3-4 times per day…
…But I’m okay with that becuase, 1. I LOVE what I do, and 2. I’m a fuckin workhorse.
So in all reality YOU are better equipped than ME for success.
But the one thing that I and EVERY successful self made person has that the unsuccessful folk don’t have is heart.
Like I said earlier, we’re all the same in every way. We’ve got the same capabilities and the access to the same information, and the same number of hours in a day…
… but the thing that makes all the difference is HEART.
Heart to realize that you deserve more, even if you were brought up on crumbs like I was.
Heart to want to change your circumstances.
Heart to wanna step out of your comfort zone.
Heart to be willing to do whatever it take to get whatever you want.
Heart to realize that you are going to fail, and often and knowing that failure is the price that you gotta pay. But you’ve never really failed if you get back up and try again. It’s the folks who fall down and stay down that end up as failures for life.
And guess what? If you want to be a successful entrepreneur YOU’RE GOING TO FAIL AND PROBABLY MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE YOU MAKE IT.
Heart to make the HARD decisions that others won’t.
Heart take the actions you know you need to take even if it’s gonna hurt.
Heart to be willing to take a risk.
And heart to be willing to deal with fear, doubt, rejection and uncertainty.
Listen, if you’re sitting around waiting for some major secret to success then you’re probably feeling pretty let down by now. And anyone who says they have the ONE thing to make you successful is full of shit.
And if you’re waiting for permission to become successful. I give you permission. Better yet, look yourself in the mirror, man up and give yourself permission because no one is going to give it to you.
You’ve been given access to the tools, tactics, resources, action steps, systems, strategies and ideas to get your personal training or boot camp business to multiple six and even seven figures.
What I can’t give you is heart.
What I can’t do for you is the action taking.
What I can’t instill in you is the work ethic.
I don’t know where you are in your head space right now. But what I do know is that if you’re reading this issue of the Fitness Marketing Manifesto then you probably want more money, more clients, more security, more freedom, and a reliable fitness business, right?
I’ve got really good new for you. The information on this blog alone can easily get your personal training business to six figures.
All you need to bring to the table is a burring desire for more out of your life and heart.
Talk to you later,
Bedros
Comments on What It REALLY Takes »
Jacob Mcluskie @ 9:21 pm
Nice one Bedros. You always get me fired up!
Keep up the great work!
Amir Siddiqui @ 9:29 pm
Bedros. Awesome.
Amir
Alan @ 9:35 pm
Love it B. I think you hit the nail on the head. I needed to hear this, I tend to write everything down, for hours and hours but don’t actually do it. I needed to hear this. Thanks
That was great bedros this really got to the point. And if you don’t have the balls to get out of your comfort zone then get a job. You find success when have the tools to succed…
Dman @ 9:41 pm
BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!! Love the heart behind the text.
Dman @ 9:45 pm
Forgot to add that Ive just quit my job to focus solely on my fitness dream and I have 2 kids and a wife to feed. I know what fear is at the moment but I also know comfort and there is nothing worse than being comfortable doing something you are not passionate about. Thanks for painting the real picture Bedros, you inspire courage and action!!
best post
thanks a lot
Bedros you just inspire the hell out of me!
Bedros,
Thanks for the post.
Working insane hours right now but know it will pay off.
Hard work does.
Rick Kaselj of ExercisesForInjuries.com
Awesome Rick! You’re gonna kill it!!
B
Bedros - Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. My husband and I both were working high level executive jobs and making a really nice income…but we hated what we were doing. We had no time to spend with our 4 girls and life pretty much sucked. So, we took the plunge and opened our own business. Unfortunately it didn’t go as well as planned and we’re really struggling right now to make ends meet. We just bought your FBBC and we’re logging some serious hours to make this work. We can’t thank you enough for your story…it encourages us to keep working for our dreams…. which is to love what we do, spend more time with our family and make a difference in peoples lives. You are an inspiration….thank you!
Mike Munds @ 12:36 am
I started with 12 reebock steps and a beat up van. I travelled from venue to venue. I worked for local authority gyms for peanuts just to get experience and establish my name. I secretly lived in my office for over a year because I couldn’t afford the mortgage. I now own a gym with 500+ memebers a huge loft style flat. I work less than 4 hrs a day and I spend the rest of my time with my family and surfing.
Wouldn’t say Ive made it but im getting there
Thanks for sharing
MM
Hey Bedros, first off I want to tell you that I have been following you for a while and getting your freebies, I wanted to make sure you were legit, if you know what I mean, please don’t take this wrong.
I have to commend you for exactly what you’ve written here. You have heart and you are absolutely spot on on this issue. People say that it takes money to make money, and it does but only for a while. It takes heart to make something out of barely nothing and you have done just that.
I can relate to your childhood and coming to America. Thanks for reminding me of the things that I have proudly overcome and for inspiring me to continue to keep at it with all of my heart.
Alexandra
Incredible. Very well put!
Sunny
You definately have the heart to be helping all of us here that are trying to create a awesome fitness business that will rock and make people want to come.
Craig @ 3:28 am
Truly Amazing…You are a blessing to us all man.
Debbie @ 3:42 am
LOVE this post! Just what I needed to read this morning to reinforce the decision I’ve recently made. I quit my “secure” but very insane full time position as an RN supervisor in a nursing home where I’ve worked for 19 years. I became a personal trainer last fall and absolutely love it. Desiring more time to do what I love, I couldn’t stay in a position where they often expect us to stay late hours for late admissions. I made the decision to find something else - found a part time teaching position in a local high school - teaching health occupations - 4 hours a day which opens up the rest of my day for PT. Working with my local doctor, she’s going to rent me some space in her building for boot camps, and the doctor is also sending me referrals. I know I’m going to be working longer days than I was before, but it’s OK! For the first time in a very long time - I feel happy in what I’m doing. Thanks for all your wisdom and sharing your stuff with us Bedros.
Lindsay Vastola @ 4:14 am
Thank you Bedros…
What an awesome reality check and a damn good post. Thanks B
Hey Bedros
Thanks for such inspiring post! You’re a legend. I’m totally inspired by you now and I wanna work harder to get more.
Brian @ 4:44 am
Bedros,
Awesome post! I needed alittle pep talk! As always, you keep it real!
Thanks,
Brian
Jesse @ 5:14 am
Great content as always. very inspiring. Awesome thanks bedros
Hey bedros that was the shit,i am a six figure trainer this kind of stuff hypes me up to keep striving to take it to the seven figure mark. Good stuff bro keep it up!
Great stuff as always but the f-bomb? You’re better than that.
Patrick Consing @ 5:27 am
Thank you for this awesome post, Bedros… Ever since I met you at Dan Kennedy’s Phenomenon event, I was totally drawn to your message and the possibility you were creating for yourself. I have to say it’s nothing short of inspiring. I am moved by your story of coming full circle. I am moved to take action at this moment and bring your marketing strategies and tools to my martial arts business… Thank you Bedros for your contribution to my life.
Patrick
Great post Bedros !!! Its an honor to be part of your team !!!
To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?
Thanks.. Printing out and Posting in my car so I can read every day for the month of August… I needed that…
Thanks Bedros for your constant positive, inspiring and motivating ATTITUDE!!
Keep spreading the word!
This is one of my favourite posts Bedros.
The dream that will not die.
In order for all of us to be successful, we need to emulate entrepreneur’s such as yourself.
Pics + video’s of these things help a lot.
Chris’ pad, your racecar video, vacation pics - it makes it all so believable.
Thx, just what the doc ordered today!
GREAT post Bedros - thanks for everything you do for us.
And have fun with the Granturismo S. The sound of that engine literally gives me goosebumps.
Hey Bedros,
Just want to thank you and Chris for your endless supply of tips & strategies. I am a one man operation doing in-home training in Ontario, Canada. I have made $4000 this week and expecting more! Keep up the awesome work!! I will continue to DOMINATE up here.
Your Fitness Brother from the north
Ryan
Margarite @ 7:42 am
WOW B ~ I share so much more with you than I realized… literally… the origin, the places, the ways, the family, tradition, so so much … wow man, but I totally thought you might have been born here???? I’ll have to admit that “materially” I’m not where you are; but, perhaps because I haven’t tried or desired to be? ~ in every other regard as far as travel, enjoyment, etc… I’ve been covering just about all “biggies” known. I think it’s due to the hardships that we’ve had. There is much to be said about the strong willed people ~ they usually share past hardships in common ~
Anyway, rock on Bedros jan ~ you’re right on with every point and you hit it right on the tip of it all ~
May God further Bless you and all of your loved ones in every way ~ and He WILL ~
Margarite
Isabel Gelo @ 8:01 am
Hey Bedros,
Thanks for sharing your story - it’s truly inspirational. I’m in a scary place right now where I’m going through a divorce - after a 20 yr marriage but I’m determined to make it.
I’m moving out of state and am determined to make FBBC work for me so I can be stable and show my 3 kids that hard work, smarts, sweat and tears are just stepping stones to success.
Thank God I found the FBBC family - we’re all gonna MAKE IT!
Thank you Bedros…
We “heart” you B!
That has me fired up. Needed that. Thank you.
Jana and Ron
You, like me, tell it like it is, and that’s why I follow your advice even though I am not in the fitness industry per se. It doesn’t matter, your advice works for me too, so thank you for your all your help Bedros! I ‘m on my way!
Anna
IINLP/Hypnosis Mind Coach
@Anna, thanks!
@Margarite - I hear you loud and clear.
Wow B. This really spoke to me. No more crumbs…
I want to know what you need to have to get your Boot Camp off to start. I would love to start one were you can do it out side. So I can get alot of people more healthy. Please help me understand how I can start making more money and a business for myself, with not any money to spare now to make it get off to a start.
I’m inspired! thanks Bedros. If you can do it so can I.
Bonnie Hardie @ 12:24 pm
Great stuff as usual,Bedros-very inspiring-Thanks.
perry mosdromos @ 12:35 pm
Bedros
Again you hit the nail right on the head. I am too an immigrant and my parents instilled in me their work ethic. I have a sucessful business but I want to take it to the next level. Thanks for the inspiration
Joshua Carter @ 12:53 pm
An awesome post. Like a big box of inspirational hugs.
JC
Temecula Personal Trainer @ 1:00 pm
Thanks for the look into your life Bedros. Very inspirational.
Truth, truth, truth, and more truth.
And yes you GIVE AWAY 6 figure advice consistently. Praise God and thank you and be blessed.
Richard @ 3:36 pm
Bedros - thanks
Appreciate the insight - great post
Rich
Richard @ 3:40 pm
Hi Bedros,
& for what its worth - you don’t come across as the ‘flashy’ sort
& from my perspective you seem to actually give a shit - unlike some others in the business.
thanks
Rich
thank you again for your true heart!
Very inspiring big guy. Thanks for the pep talk.
Rick Caputo @ 11:00 am
Gret post A guru moment… wax on wax off….
Great post. You heart will never lead you astray
Wow..great post! That was straight to the point. I’m printing that and putting it up on my wall as a reminder. Thank you Bedros for everything.
Jesse @ 8:50 am
Bedros, your blogs are always truely inspiration and have done so much for me. This last year I have grown so much business wise and in other areas of my life. One of the biggest lesson I learned is to think and act in abundance so you will have enough for yourself and to give to others when you just think in terms of just enough your are doing an injustice to all those around you. By you doing what you do you show all of us that is possible through your actions and that maybe the greatest blessing of success is to show others that it is possible as long your work and nourish just as we do with fitness each repetition each bite of food we push are bodies to go further and then nourish as we should in business as well. I am a new FBBC member and cant wait to CRUSH IT and show others in my family and community that is possible no matter as long as you keep pushing forward and nourishing your business sense, there is no possible way you won’t succeed and be able to give back to other. So I sincerely thank you and keep wait to build an awesome partnership with you, steve and all the FBBC owners. Thank YOU so much Bedros keep rocking on brother.
Hey Bedros,
By now you’ve heard from plenty of us how great the post was and ditto from me. Is it ok if I re-word it to apply to my bootcampers and send it to them?
@Terry, go for it
B
Dale @ 9:42 am
Bedros,
Very inspirational post and thank you.
Dale
Great stuff Bedros! You can see you really struck a chord with people on this one. Heart will always be the determining factor for success, no matter how much equipment you have, how big your gym is or how many clients you train. When my wife and I quit our jobs seven years ago with no money in the bank, no assists and no other job, people thought we were nuts. We have never gotten a loan from a bank nor written any type of business plan and only followed free blogs like yours for advice. And now we have a seven figure business with our headquarters being one of the largest and most exclusive fitness studios in the world. If we can do it, Everyone can do it! Keep Maui warm because we are bringing the whole family out at the end of the month to our place in Kaanapali. Keep rocking, and everyone, if you want a successful life and business, keep listening to him. I know we will….
Bedros,
I love this post man! It got me where the heart is!!!! Sometimes you just speak volumes……………..
Rebecca
Hard work is teporary, Glory is forever.
Thanks Bedros
As always Bedros, thank you for taking us a step back and showing us your past to what you have become in your present and to further your future.
I just made a move and at this very moment nervous and scared, yet at peace with the direction I am going. I have been running my bootcamp since Oct 09 and feel I am just shooting upwards, and soon will EXPLODE!
The Lord wants us all to be successful through him. He will give you double for your trouble. Never lose the faith.
God Bless!
great post, Ive gotta learn to shove fear to the side, take massive action and take what i want. sittin around waitin for shit to happen just isnt working!
John H. Davis Jr. CPT, CMMACC @ 4:52 am
Bedros,
I am inspired! Thanks bro
Preach it brother!! Talk to Thomas Edison, He said (when asked about failing 10,000 x),”I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” I’ma great trainer, but as you said, I should train my title to marketer of pt. I aint giving up yet bro and I am happy to have run across your stuff!!! I’ll be letting you know about my progress and keep the good info coming!
Bedros,
Thanks for the inspiration, even though I a physical therapist and not running group fitness classes, I get you and almost all of what you have to say hits home with me. Thanks for putting it out there on a silver platter.
aaron
Sean Mayfield @ 8:40 am
Hey bro you are absolutely right the only thing standing in your way is your inability to receive from other that have achieved success and having enough faith to step outside the box. Continue to be a giver, this is why you are prosperous.
Scott, were you ever in the Air Force?
Good job Bedros! You are a true inspiration for me, I bought a few programs out there to make six figure in fitness but those were weak, since i been reading your blogs i been so motivated to do so many things, i bought me for my birthday and Christmas of 2010 The 9 System, Close 9 out of 10 clients and The art of selling PT business.
I rather invest a few hundres bucks on your knowledge (materials) and take action (Leave my confort zone) then just sit around and wait for things to happen.
I originally from Mexico city, I been in the USA for about 7 years and I know i be the next six figure trainer because of your materials.
Thank God that we have people like you!
I hope to meet you one day in person Bedros.
Luis
Wesley Wilson @ 10:43 am
Awesome!
Bedros just want you to know I bought your PT Business Course in early 2010 and since then my business has made it to a multiple six figures! I recently bought a new BMW and live in a penthouse right on the beach in Santa Barbara,Ca. I truly believe your business advice along with my ambition is going to get my business to the seven figure mark in 2 years! This post truly inspires me to continue charging 120%. I’m currently 20 years old, and I know if I can do it, anyone can!
-Wesley Wilson