Business MVP · Podcast summary
Abbie Fish: Your Guide to Building Coaching Businesses Online in Any Industry | E12
Abbie Fish, a six-time Olympic trials qualifier and two-time USA Junior National Champion, shares her journey of building Swim Like A Fish, a global coaching business, and offers invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of authenticity.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- 💡You don't need fame to build something global; you need to be undeniably good at one thing and figure out how to teach it.00:38
- 🔄Pivoting during challenging times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can be an opportunity to build your brand and connect with your audience through free content.04:03
- 💪The mentality of perseverance and a growth mindset developed in sports are directly applicable to overcoming failures and challenges in business.04:45
- 🌟Building credibility often involves taking unique paths and proving yourself through consistent delivery, even if it's not a linear journey.07:14
- 🤝A hybrid business model that combines virtual offerings with in-person interactions can be crucial for building trust and fostering deeper relationships with clients.11:10
- 🤝Delegation is a tough but essential skill for leaders; it's about trusting others and valuing your own time for strategic growth.13:36
Chapters
- 0:00Introduction to Abbie Fish
- 0:02The Genesis of Swim Like A Fish
- 0:32Pivoting During COVID-19
- 0:44Lessons from an Athletic Career
- 0:59Building Credibility and Global Contracts
- 1:46The Hybrid Business Model
- 2:02Scaling and Delegation
- 2:23Landing Contracts with Countries
- 3:11The Importance of Personality and Authenticity
- 3:20Hardest Business Decisions
- 3:35Brutal Honesty in Business
- 4:02Shifting Identity from Athlete to Coach to Business Owner
- 4:23What's Next: Writing a Book
- 4:30Being a Business MVP
The digest
In this episode of Business MVP, host Sammy Peterson sits down with Abbie Fish, a remarkable entrepreneur who has coached over 250,000 athletes and coaches worldwide, including 140 Olympians and Paralympians. Abbie, a six-time Olympic trials qualifier and two-time USA Junior National Champion, shares her inspiring story of founding Swim Like A Fish in 2019 and building it into a global enterprise.
The "Sink or Swim" Moment: Starting a Business with No Business Background
Abbie recounts her "sink or swim" moment in 2019 when she launched Swim Like A Fish. Despite having extensive coaching experience, she lacked a formal business background. She had previously worked online with a business partner, generating income and reaching people through social media. However, when her partner faced a personal life crisis and stepped back, Abbie was at a crossroads. She had to decide whether to absorb all the responsibilities and make the business her own or create something entirely new.
"It was super scary," Abbie admits. "I had no content. I started from zero again. I was like, what do I even want to name the business?" She decided to take the chance, building a website one evening and launching her new venture. The first year of Swim Like A Fish was particularly challenging, as it coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Abbie had just launched a new membership site, pouring all her energy into it, when lockdowns began. "Not a lot of people are paying for swim lessons if they can't get into swimming pools," she recalls. The business didn't make any profit for the first eight months due to the lack of access to pools.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 6-minute article, 6 more sections, and every new episode from Business MVP and the creators you follow.
- Pivoting During a Pandemic: Building a Brand Through Free Content
- The Mental Fortitude of an Athlete: Applying Sports Lessons to Business
- Building Credibility and Landing Global Contracts
- The Hybrid Business Model: Blending Virtual and In-Person Coaching
- The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Brutal Honesty and All-In Commitment
- What's Next for Abbie Fish?
More from Business MVP
Jedidiah Collins: Triple Your Chances of Scaling to Nine Figures With This One Mindset Shift | E11
Former NFL player Jedidiah Collins shares how his unique mindset, forged through countless rejections and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement, propelled him to success both on the field and as a financial literacy advocate.
The Team-Building Philosophy That Scales Companies | Eric Ravotti | E10
Eric Ravotti, a former Penn State linebacker and current COO of MacBid, shares his journey from professional football to scaling major retail brands, offering insights on leadership, team building, and entrepreneurial success.
Ryan Schachtner: The Framework for Winning After Your First Career Ends | E9
Former collegiate baseball player and Major League prospect Ryan Schachtner shares his journey from a career-ending injury to becoming the "Athlete Financial Whisperer," emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, resilience, and leveraging athletic mindsets for success in business and life.
Ephraim Salaam: The Discipline That Turns Underdogs Into Industry Leaders | E8
Ephraim Salaam, a 13-year NFL veteran, shares how the underdog mentality from his football career propelled him to success as a Hollywood writer and producer, and how he's now helping other athletes transition into new careers.
The Ownership Strategy Behind Lasting Success | Nik Lewis | E7
CFL All-Time Receptions Leader Nik Lewis shares his ownership strategy for lasting success, emphasizing the importance of building a personal brand beyond the playing field and fostering a supportive ecosystem for athletes and entrepreneurs.