Written by Cody Rininger

A certified professional fitness instructor and the owner of 2B Imperium based in Sioux City, IA. 

IG: @rininger50

Growing your business doesn’t have to be stressful—it should be exciting and fun. I know this is easier said than done, but looking back, I genuinely enjoyed the process and wanted to help others. For me, changing public perceptions was crucial. The only way to do that was to get in front of people and show them who I really was—the person behind the Facebook posts, the barbell in the gym, and the supplement advocate on Instagram.

So, what are a few quick and easy ways to get your name out there, shift perceptions, and promote your business? Start by getting involved in the community. I began with my local Chamber of Commerce, which allowed me to connect with other businesses. This involvement gave me opportunities to donate my time and speak at small meetings or businesses around the city, offering advice and answering questions. I also attended networking events, which were great for meeting others and letting them get to know the real me, not just the person training in the gym or behind social media posts.

While attending events and meeting business owners were fantastic experiences, nothing compares to uniting people for a shared purpose. I organized a campaign to support those struggling with cancer, designing and purchasing large quantities of shirts to sell, with all proceeds going to our local cancer center. People from all over the United States bought shirts, and my clients helped promote the cause. Many people close to me have been affected by cancer, especially my best friend, whose father has battled it repeatedly. What started as a simple idea grew larger than I expected. Handing over that check and knowing it was supported by clients, the city, and people nationwide was a source of great pride.

Finally, the simplest move was leveraging word of mouth. I was raised to let my actions speak for themselves. I build strong relationships with my clients based on trust and vulnerability. They work hard, and together we achieve their goals, which include not only physical results but also emotional and mental confidence. Their transformation often prompts questions from those around them. Believe in what you’re doing and why you’re doing it–that self-assuredness can go so far.