We were lucky to catch up with Cliff Barnett, Jr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cliff, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
I remember going through the job hunting process and struggling to find a job after I had graduated with my master’s degree. After going through interview after interview after interview, I was falling empty-handed and found myself falling short of getting the job that I applied for. I recall having a conversation with a family friend and he encouraged me as I was still seeking a job.
One thing that he shared with me that still sticks with me to this day is: “one ‘no’ means that you are closer to your ‘yes.'”
This really encouraged me because it was a reminder that the positions that I applied for weren’t positions that were ideally for me.
It was an encouraging statement that would change my mindset on how I would perceive people who would tell me no on various things moving forward. And to this day, even though it is never a great feeling when you are denied, I do feel a lot more encouraged in knowing that “no” means I am getting closer to my “yes.”
A few days after having that conversation , I received a job offer that ultimately helped me in doing what I do through Temple Builders today.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am the founder and owner of Temple Builders Fitness Ministry, LLC.
The mission is to build people and communities by modeling our dedication to Christ through a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. As a faith-based business and ministry, I can help transform the health of others by applying biblical principles to fitness and nutritional coaching.
The services that I offer through Temple Builders include traveling and online fitness training and nutritional coaching. Through this program, I meet virtually or in person, at my client’s homes, businesses, or communities to help them live healthier lifestyles.
In addition to that, I am most passionate about the faith and fitness program that I offer specifically for faith-based groups, churches, communities, and more. Through this program, I collaborate with churches to offer fitness classes for all fitness levels and/or health and wellness workshops.
My upbringing in the church has ignited my passion for health and fitness. In addition to that, it has also made me aware of the need of providing programs for fitness classes and nutritional coaching within the church walls to help people live healthier lifestyles. I believe that it is very important for people to understand the the special connection that our Christian faith has with health and wellness, especially in African American communities.
With years of experience, I have been able to gain knowledge and a passion for working with people of various ages and fitness levels. From kids to seniors. My wide array certifications has also allowed me to be comfortable in working with people of various ages and fitness levels. I and I’m certified as the following:
• Personal trainer
• Group exercise coach
• Nutrition coach
• Yoga instructor
• Corrective exercise coach
• Trauma-informed weightlifting coach
• Trauma-informed yoga instructor
• And more!
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for me to grow my clientele has been to show up. Whether that be at various community events, Church events, or special occasions, I find that being able to interact with people in person has been most effective for me. Following my connection with them in person, I find that connecting with them through social media has also been effective and allowed me to learn more about any potential leads or clients.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
In order to succeed in this field you have to be a people’s person. Everything starts with relationships, so you have to enjoy working with people and helping them in reaching their goals
In addition to that, you also have to understand that there will be a struggle when it comes to the financial side of things because unfortunately, fitness is a field that does not pay very well. As a result of this, you have to continue to stay encouraged with your purpose and knowing your “why” within this field.
Contact Info:
- Website: Tbfitnessministry.com
- Instagram: @tbfitmin
- Facebook: @tbfitmim
- Other: TikTok: @tbfitmin