looking to open up a studio, please help!

[markl]

I really hope I can get some good feedback from you guys on this one. I'm looking to open up a personal training studio, possibly by the end of the year and I need some guidance or pointers. I've never owned my own business before so that's the part that scares me the most, but I really feel that if I got it started I could do well. I do personal training pt right now and I did it in the past at a gym but I couldn't handle getting the low commision. I live in the midwest so I know it's not in high demand like other parts of the country, however I know there's plenty of money around here and gyms going up everywhere, so there must be some demand.

[oldfella]

Do your target market research first and do a lot of it. Put some feelers out in the form of a household survey. Make sure you get the right mix of equipment and sufficient weights to cater for all types. But really research your area first. Check out the availability of space, rents, income of the area, age of population in the area etc. Check out prices on insurance too!