Happy September peeps! Summer is coming to an end in the UK and winter if you’re in Australia or that part of the world. I struggle, like loads of people, with the whole fitness thing and have started to take steps to do something about it. It’s not easy for me and I do lose motivation fairly easily, if I’m not on a roll. So needless to say when I met Harkirat from MotivatePT at a function, I thought she’d be perfect for this month’s Women in Business interview.
Women in Business Interview with Harkirat
How did you get started with MotivatePT?
I studied Economics at university and I have always wanted to run my own business, but still didn’t have an idea I felt passionate about after graduation. Which is why I followed the traditional route and got a job. Firstly in Advertising and then as a Private Banker in The City, and it was then that I recognised a big problem. I had a huge love for fitness, but it was clear that busy professionals just don’t have the time and often the support from their workplaces to train. I feel strongly that business leaders should make fitness compulsory for their employees. With a team of 50 exceptional personal trainers, this is what we do. We help business leaders to increase loyalty and energise their staff so that they can take their businesses to the next level. We train employees in groups on site or outside, and we make it possible for people to put their health first during their working week.
What is the best thing about what you do?
Seeing our ideas come to life and to have amazing and positive results for companies! It’s an amazing feeling to have an idea that you feel passionately about and then to have your clients report back that it is working. From seeing higher productivity from employees to more team bonding and cohesion, there have been only positive effects for companies.
What is the most challenging thing about running your own business?
Managing my own time! When you work a traditional job, the 9-5 rules normally apply, whereas when you run your own company there are no rules. I normally work weekends or my husband will find me working and having dinner at 10pm! Having a schedule is really important, and something I still need to master.
How do you stay motivated to keep doing what you’re doing?
I stay motivated, because I really passionately believe in what I do. I love fitness and I love being helping companies to grow and my business helps make both aspects a priority!
What is the most rewarding thing about running your own business?
Having no typical day! One day can be spent hiring personal trainers, whereas another day can be spent reviewing our MotivatePT social media accounts to make sure we are keeping clients in the loop about developments. Another day can be spent visiting my corporate clients to see how their sessions are going. I love that I don’t have to follow a script for my day.
Best advice you have received about starting your own business?
I actually started my business without telling many people! Strangely, I wanted to get things off the ground first, rather than just discussing the idea. Sometimes people will encourage you, but there will also be people who will try to dissuade you, because it definitely isn’t the most simple and straightforward route. So, I think it’s important to take action rather than talk the talk when you start your own business. Action is powerful and will get you results.
What advice do you have for any budding entrepreneurs?
Whatever business you decide to run, you must believe passionately in your idea. If there isn’t any passion, it is almost impossible to be successful. My second most valuable tip is to follow your gut instincts. There isn’t a fool-proof guide to follow when you are growing a business so you must learn to listen to yourself and take action when necessary!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see MotivatePT as the leader in company fitness in the UK. I hope we are working with companies of all sizes and disciplines, and that we are the drivers of change in company culture across London.
What makes your heart sing?
To see my business, grow every month and to receive positive feedback from my team of personal trainers and clients. You can never have enough feedback and it constantly reaffirms that we are making a positive change.
What an inspiration and motivational woman! Share what you’ve learnt from this month’s Women in Business interview. If you’re ready to take that plunge into making your health a priority, you can learn more about how to get started here!
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Until next time, be well
x
