Written by Lee-Ann Watanabe, founder of The Honolulu Personal Trainer
As a personal trainer and health coach, I’ve always believed in the power of relationships. But it wasn’t until I joined the BNI Honolulu Metro Chapter that I truly understood what word-of-mouth marketing could do for my business.
Within weeks of becoming a member, I was plugged into a supportive community of like-minded small business owners—from chiropractors and massage therapists to mortgage brokers and accountants. This group quickly became more than just networking—it became a referral engine rooted in trust, consistency, and shared values.
I showed up every week, built relationships, gave value, and in return, referrals started flowing in. Not just cold leads, but warm handoffs from people who already trusted the service I offered because it came recommended by someone they knew.
My schedule began to fill faster than I ever expected. I went from training a handful of loyal clients to working with a steady stream of new clients—many of whom were ideal fits for my coaching style and niche. One member brought me into her wellness practice. Another introduced me to her corporate wellness team. Soon, I was running group sessions, offering mobility workshops, and consulting on nutrition protocols. My business wasn’t just growing—it was evolving.
It was around that time I realized: I need professional liability insurance. Not just because it’s the smart thing to do—but because my business had grown to the point that protecting it was non-negotiable.
That’s what led me to Alternative Balance. I loved that the coverage was created for wellness professionals like me—entrepreneurs who wear many hats, offer multi-faceted services, and aren’t always covered by traditional insurance. The process was seamless, the pricing was reasonable, and it gave me the peace of mind to keep saying “yes” to big opportunities.
For anyone in the health, wellness, or creative service industry, I can’t recommend joining a BNI chapter enough. It’s not about selling to the room—it’s about building a trusted network of professionals who are invested in your success. It’s creative marketing through real relationships. It’s the kind of grassroots momentum that no ad campaign can buy.
And if your business grows like mine did (which it likely will), you’ll need a solid insurance policy to match. Because success loves preparation—and now, I’m ready for both.
Aloha!
Lee-Ann Watanabe
Personal Trainer | Health Coach | Honolulu, HI
BNI Honolulu Metro Chapter Member
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee-Ann Watanabe is a personal trainer and macros nutrition coach both in person and online, empowering humans in midlife to thrive, not just survive. She uses a a blend of mindset, macros, and muscle-building movement to help clients break free from the fad diet cycle—no extremes, just real results!
✨ Connect with Lee-Ann: The Honolulu Personal Trainer✨
🌐 Website: http://leeannwatanabe.com
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📘 Instagram: @leeannwatanabe
Alternative Balance supports over 16,000 holistic and wellness professionals with affordable insurance, member collaboration, and business resources and discounts to help your practice grow.
Explore all member benefits here: alternativebalance.com/benefits-services
We’d love to have you join our community!
