Hosting an Open House is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to generate large amounts of traffic and potential new students into your school. So many school owners proclaim theyve tried hosting an Open House only to have failed to sign up new members. With the right plan, an organized staff and a step-by-step enrollment process, you are guaranteed to enroll the guests that attend your special event.
Back-to-school preparations always represent a time for new beginnings in many households. Moms and Dads are preparing for the changes in their schedules and daily routines. Why not educate your community on the many classes and programs you offer by hosting a Back-to-School Open House August and September are always exciting months for new student enrollments. Why not double your enrollment this year by inviting your community into your studio.
Many martial arts school owners strive to build a strong reputation both within their neighborhoods and their public-school systems. The easiest way to open your doors to the members of your community who might not otherwise pursue a martial arts program is to invite them in! One of the hidden keys to hosting a successful Open House is to offer short, free seminars that appeal to everyones universal needs.
If your local school system has been difficult to penetrate in the past, why not align yourself with organizations that support the students of your community Anti-drug and advocacy groups are always eager to obtain new partners in the community that will help them in their pursuit to educate the youth population. Hosting a Back-to-School Open House could enable you to demonstrate how the martial arts, in conjunction with drug and crime prevention, help influence kids to stay on track.
Is there a parent you know who wouldnt want his/her child to attend a Child Safety and Awareness course, given the opportunity What about Jane, a 32-year-old mother of two who has been curious about womens self defense Would the likelihood of Jane witnessing a self-defense demonstration, and seeing a mom, just like her, successfully perform a self-defense technique entice her to participate in a free hands-on workshop You better believe it!
Once you've chosen the mini-seminars you wish to host during your Open House, it's time to prepare your staff. Many school owners and operators arent quite sure how to transform prospects into new members. The answer is simple. Train your staff to greet with a smile, and ask the right questions. Learning to listen for the want, need or pain someone is trying to communicate is the key to enrolling new students. Until your staff realizes the importance of understanding the answer they receive, you're losing valuable information.
The goal and purpose of your Back-to-School Open House is no different than the first introductory lesson you teach to a prospective new student. Communicating the benefits your martial arts, fitness kickboxing or womens self-defense program provides is what links you to that universal need we all share.
Every step you take in order to plan and organize your Open House needs to be congruent with the goal you wish to achieve. Establishing rapport, discovering the wants and needs of your guests, and demonstrating the safety and comfort of your schools training environment are the key ingredients to converting a roomful of guests into new members.
By offering community-interest workshops free to the public, you will bring traffic into your school. Once the highway is full, it's time to direct that traffic into the programs you offer that would best serve their needs! You have many income-generating options at this point! You can either lead guests from your Open House to enroll in an ongoing series of paid seminars that would create additional income each month into your school, or to your Introductory Program and then on to become a member!
A common mistake made by many eager school operators is the desire to sign-up every guest that walks through the door the day of their Open House. Whereas it is impossible to enroll every prospect in one afternoon, it is possible to schedule follow-up free lessons, full-length seminars, and appointments to attend class the days following your special event.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Friday, 22 February 2008
Why 90% of Martial Arts Instructors Are Not Succeeding In Business
With 90% of martial arts instructors failing in business within three years, we cover some of the most common reasons below why martial arts instructors fail in business.
The Institute of Martial Arts Professionals (IMAP) have created an online solution to provide martial arts teachers with the most powerful martial arts business knowledge and marketing strategies to ensure they succeed in business.
New York, NY (PRWEB) February 22, 2008 -- With 90% of martial arts instructors failing in business within three years, we cover some of the most common reasons below why martial arts instructors fail in business.
The majority of martial arts instructors running their schools as businesses have done so not because of recognising a business opportunity but because the passion for the art has pushed them into it, so to speak. This is great, but it also puts people into running their own business who ordinarily wouldn't run another type of business. Its what Michael Gerber calls the E Myth.
They are not prepared to invest in their future, successful martial arts instructors finds the money for the seminar, those resources, those DVDs because they recognise the importance this new information and motivation has on themselves and the future development and growth of their business.
They invest and expect too much and go to a seminar and expect to get an idea that will get them 100 new students. With our resource you only need one idea per year and the membership pays for itself.
They are not committed to succeeding and lack the personal attributes required to run a successful school and profitable martial arts business. They don't think about their business often enough and only put enough time in to get by. The unsuccessful martial arts teachers talk a lot about what they are going to do but never takes action on those ideas.
They let setbacks affect them too easily and lack the perseverance required to overcome obstacles to succeed. They have a short term mentality and think the reason they are not successful is because of reasons outside of themselves and don't take responsibility for their situation, this prevents them from doing something about it.
They are not prepared to listen to good advice and give reasons why it won't work for them. They get good advice from someone who has been their and done it and ignore it!. The easiest thing in the world is to copy someone successful, to achieve similar results.
Some martial arts teachers are trapped in tradition and fear change, they do things because that's what they have always done but never question why am I doing it, whats the benefit And they expect to get a different result from doing the same things they have always done!
They cant keep students or manage their finances. The school never grows because their school is not systemized and structured enough to make it easy for students to continue training at their school. Not enough focus is put into student progress and making the lessons upbeat and exciting.
They have no budget in place and overspend money they haven't got because they lack the discipline required to sit down and put something on paper to manage what comes in and what goes out each month and then save for their tax bill.
We all have a great opportunity to make a fine and honourable living from something that makes a worthy contribution to society. Take the attitude "if its up to me then so it shall be"
IMAP provides leading edge martial arts business, marketing and growth strategies for martial arts teachers and instructors starting or running martial arts schools. For more please visit http://www.mainstructor.com
article can be found http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/02/prweb711804.htm
The Institute of Martial Arts Professionals (IMAP) have created an online solution to provide martial arts teachers with the most powerful martial arts business knowledge and marketing strategies to ensure they succeed in business.
New York, NY (PRWEB) February 22, 2008 -- With 90% of martial arts instructors failing in business within three years, we cover some of the most common reasons below why martial arts instructors fail in business.
The majority of martial arts instructors running their schools as businesses have done so not because of recognising a business opportunity but because the passion for the art has pushed them into it, so to speak. This is great, but it also puts people into running their own business who ordinarily wouldn't run another type of business. Its what Michael Gerber calls the E Myth.
They are not prepared to invest in their future, successful martial arts instructors finds the money for the seminar, those resources, those DVDs because they recognise the importance this new information and motivation has on themselves and the future development and growth of their business.
They invest and expect too much and go to a seminar and expect to get an idea that will get them 100 new students. With our resource you only need one idea per year and the membership pays for itself.
They are not committed to succeeding and lack the personal attributes required to run a successful school and profitable martial arts business. They don't think about their business often enough and only put enough time in to get by. The unsuccessful martial arts teachers talk a lot about what they are going to do but never takes action on those ideas.
They let setbacks affect them too easily and lack the perseverance required to overcome obstacles to succeed. They have a short term mentality and think the reason they are not successful is because of reasons outside of themselves and don't take responsibility for their situation, this prevents them from doing something about it.
They are not prepared to listen to good advice and give reasons why it won't work for them. They get good advice from someone who has been their and done it and ignore it!. The easiest thing in the world is to copy someone successful, to achieve similar results.
Some martial arts teachers are trapped in tradition and fear change, they do things because that's what they have always done but never question why am I doing it, whats the benefit And they expect to get a different result from doing the same things they have always done!
They cant keep students or manage their finances. The school never grows because their school is not systemized and structured enough to make it easy for students to continue training at their school. Not enough focus is put into student progress and making the lessons upbeat and exciting.
They have no budget in place and overspend money they haven't got because they lack the discipline required to sit down and put something on paper to manage what comes in and what goes out each month and then save for their tax bill.
We all have a great opportunity to make a fine and honourable living from something that makes a worthy contribution to society. Take the attitude "if its up to me then so it shall be"
IMAP provides leading edge martial arts business, marketing and growth strategies for martial arts teachers and instructors starting or running martial arts schools. For more please visit http://www.mainstructor.com
article can be found http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/02/prweb711804.htm
Monday, 11 February 2008
Martial Arts Drills
It is easy to understand that a high student retention rate is the result of exciting and progessive classes. The use of different martial arts drills and classroom topics are the bread and butter of any successful martial arts instructor. Here is one for you to try out on your students. You can access tons more as part of our membership based site.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Martial Arts Teachers - Getting The Best From Your Martial Arts Students
In order for your students to get the most out of their Martial Arts Training, they have to want to give their all during every class. Remember: we have to encourage each student to be his or her best and to reach their potential with realistic goals and lots of encouragement. Here are several techniques and principles that will help you as a martial arts teacher get the most from your students.
Public Praise Private Reprimand. If you goal is to ruin someones day and lower their self image, the fastest way to do that is to publicly humiliate them. Any kind of reprimand or disciplinary action should be given quietly and privately, away from the attention of others. It is said Love the sinner, hate the sin. Reprimand the students actions, not the students personally.
Tell them what you want them to do, not what you don't want them to do. It is impossible to concentrate on the negative of an idea. If I tell a cricket batsman not to get out, the first thing he thinks about is getting out; he thinks about not doing it second. It would be much more valuable to tell him to hit the ball. Pay attention could be replaced with are you with me or does that make sense. By the same token, instead of telling students what they WONT get if they mess up, tell them what they WILL get if they behave. If you are not sitting straight, you won't get a turn, can be replaced with as long as you sit straight, you will be sure to get a turn
Set realistic goals, followed constant feedback. Students need to have a clear image of where they are going. It is important that each student sets specific goals. The instructors job is to help set these goals. Remember, each student has different strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into account. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Once a goal has been set, constant feedback should be given to help keep each student on target.
Public Praise Private Reprimand. If you goal is to ruin someones day and lower their self image, the fastest way to do that is to publicly humiliate them. Any kind of reprimand or disciplinary action should be given quietly and privately, away from the attention of others. It is said Love the sinner, hate the sin. Reprimand the students actions, not the students personally.
Tell them what you want them to do, not what you don't want them to do. It is impossible to concentrate on the negative of an idea. If I tell a cricket batsman not to get out, the first thing he thinks about is getting out; he thinks about not doing it second. It would be much more valuable to tell him to hit the ball. Pay attention could be replaced with are you with me or does that make sense. By the same token, instead of telling students what they WONT get if they mess up, tell them what they WILL get if they behave. If you are not sitting straight, you won't get a turn, can be replaced with as long as you sit straight, you will be sure to get a turn
Set realistic goals, followed constant feedback. Students need to have a clear image of where they are going. It is important that each student sets specific goals. The instructors job is to help set these goals. Remember, each student has different strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into account. Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Once a goal has been set, constant feedback should be given to help keep each student on target.
Martial Arts Teachers - Disguising Repitition
Repetition is the mother of all skill.
We all know that without repeating techniques over and over again they will never be learnt and never practical. However, if you do the same drill over and over again in the same way it becomes monotonous and boring. The best martial arts teachers find a way to do the same things over and over, but in a different fashion. The number of ways of doing a particular technique are plentiful. The only limitation of the number is the imagination of the instructor. When thinking of your own drills consider the following points:
i. Is there any skill area that I wish to concentrate on For example, speed, reaction, strength, etc.
ii. What training aids are available Focus pads, shields, foam swords, Bob.
iii. How many students are there How do I divide them up Working separately, in pairs, in groups.
We all know that without repeating techniques over and over again they will never be learnt and never practical. However, if you do the same drill over and over again in the same way it becomes monotonous and boring. The best martial arts teachers find a way to do the same things over and over, but in a different fashion. The number of ways of doing a particular technique are plentiful. The only limitation of the number is the imagination of the instructor. When thinking of your own drills consider the following points:
i. Is there any skill area that I wish to concentrate on For example, speed, reaction, strength, etc.
ii. What training aids are available Focus pads, shields, foam swords, Bob.
iii. How many students are there How do I divide them up Working separately, in pairs, in groups.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Martial Arts Business Marketing on Squidoo
Martail Arts Teachers on Squidoo
Squidoo is one of the latest Web 2.0 properties, very popular among the Internet users and has some very powerful user interaction elements. We have a lens on Squidoo titled “Martial arts business marketing association“.
We invite you to visit our lens and post your comments in the guestbook, telling us about your experience with our powerful resource.
posted by martial arts teachers association
Squidoo is one of the latest Web 2.0 properties, very popular among the Internet users and has some very powerful user interaction elements. We have a lens on Squidoo titled “Martial arts business marketing association“.
We invite you to visit our lens and post your comments in the guestbook, telling us about your experience with our powerful resource.
posted by martial arts teachers association
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Martial Arts Marketing - Trial Pass Strategy
This is a martial arts marketing VIP or trial pass strategy with a difference! Heres how it works; you enter a beginner introductory lesson date and time on the passes, you distribute as many as you can. You then hold a mass introductory/beginner lesson.
I work this strategy for 3 months a year and typically enrol between 6-12 people every group introductory class.This strategy works well as it attracts people to come along that may not act on a normal trial pass where they have to make the effort to phone and make an appointment. With this strategy they don't have to set an appointment time which causes people to take action and come along with little pressure, this will get those people who have been thinking about it for a while to get started!
Action Plan
1. Decide how often you will hold these mass introductory lessons - monthly, bi weekly or weekly
2. Have each team member fill out 100 passes with dates and times
3. Each team member is to distribute 100 each week
On shop counters
To business employees and their family members
Schools via a school talk
Other groups football, scouts, etc
Large business wage packets
To your existing students to pass to friends and family
Brain storm other great places with your team
4. Hold a 30 minute beginner introductory lesson
Go through what everyones role is and ensure they understand i.e. greeting people as they come in, developing rapport, handing out student questionnaires, collecting joining fees, completing student agreement, booking in first full lesson etc.
Take action and you will boost your martial arts business.
I work this strategy for 3 months a year and typically enrol between 6-12 people every group introductory class.This strategy works well as it attracts people to come along that may not act on a normal trial pass where they have to make the effort to phone and make an appointment. With this strategy they don't have to set an appointment time which causes people to take action and come along with little pressure, this will get those people who have been thinking about it for a while to get started!
Action Plan
1. Decide how often you will hold these mass introductory lessons - monthly, bi weekly or weekly
2. Have each team member fill out 100 passes with dates and times
3. Each team member is to distribute 100 each week
On shop counters
To business employees and their family members
Schools via a school talk
Other groups football, scouts, etc
Large business wage packets
To your existing students to pass to friends and family
Brain storm other great places with your team
4. Hold a 30 minute beginner introductory lesson
Go through what everyones role is and ensure they understand i.e. greeting people as they come in, developing rapport, handing out student questionnaires, collecting joining fees, completing student agreement, booking in first full lesson etc.
Take action and you will boost your martial arts business.
Martial Arts Instructors - Dead End Time Slots
Do you have a professional martial arts centre and or a dead end time slot in your timetable that you just cant seem to get going.
Heres what I did with my dead end slot, it was early Friday evenings:
I decided I was going to fill this dead space and generate some extra income from my martial arts business.
I reduced the price of this class by around 40% of the normal price of my beginner twice a week programme. The class was available to any age. Students could only come to this one class! I also offered this class to under privileged children too for free.
We got on the phone to all missed sales and told them about this new class and starting making appointments within 4 weeks we had around 20 people in the class, generating over 600 per month.
We also found that people who joined this class actually upgraded to the regular twice a week programme once they got into it. New sales conversations went up by over 10% by offering this budget class, we never presented this programme unless price was mentioned as an issue by the potential student, after all you offer a cheaper alternative initially and most people will take this option. We also got some great press by offering the class to under privileged children free.
Heres what I did with my dead end slot, it was early Friday evenings:
I decided I was going to fill this dead space and generate some extra income from my martial arts business.
I reduced the price of this class by around 40% of the normal price of my beginner twice a week programme. The class was available to any age. Students could only come to this one class! I also offered this class to under privileged children too for free.
We got on the phone to all missed sales and told them about this new class and starting making appointments within 4 weeks we had around 20 people in the class, generating over 600 per month.
We also found that people who joined this class actually upgraded to the regular twice a week programme once they got into it. New sales conversations went up by over 10% by offering this budget class, we never presented this programme unless price was mentioned as an issue by the potential student, after all you offer a cheaper alternative initially and most people will take this option. We also got some great press by offering the class to under privileged children free.
Martial Arts Staff Training
Staff Training is one of the most important areas for any school owner who has staff. You cannot expect them to succeed or be motivated if they are not given the correct tools to do so. Ideally you want your staff training lesson 1-2 times per week you can incorporate your weekly meeting to these sessions.
We are all much more enthusiastic and excited when we are learning so don't stop treating your instructors as studentscontinue to teach and develop their skills so they can succeed in their careers and help you run a highly successful school. Just like yourstudents lessons are planned do the same for your instructors here are some ideas.
20 Minutes Reviewing Statistics and Goals
20 Minutes Martial Arts Business - Roleplaying Skills
60-90 Minutes Martial Arts Training
Keep these sessions disciplined and promote constant never ending improvement as your schools philosophy, encourage reflection and self review of performance for all your staff to develop awareness.
copyright martial arts business marketing
We are all much more enthusiastic and excited when we are learning so don't stop treating your instructors as studentscontinue to teach and develop their skills so they can succeed in their careers and help you run a highly successful school. Just like yourstudents lessons are planned do the same for your instructors here are some ideas.
20 Minutes Reviewing Statistics and Goals
20 Minutes Martial Arts Business - Roleplaying Skills
60-90 Minutes Martial Arts Training
Keep these sessions disciplined and promote constant never ending improvement as your schools philosophy, encourage reflection and self review of performance for all your staff to develop awareness.
copyright martial arts business marketing
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
