Issue #1: MMA and your school
“I teach Karate, Taekwondo or (write your style here). I want to take advantage of the popularity of the UFC and MMA and attract those who may interested, as paying customers.”
My Solution
First, don’t buy an “How-to-teach-MMA-if-you’re-a-traditionalist” manual from a non-MMA business professional! Instead, study and train with people who specialize in MMA. Climb in the ring and step on the mat. Don’t try to teach students a martial arts method you’re not willing to engage in yourself. You’re not a fake or an opportunist, right? Either hire a professional MMA teacher or learn the strategies and techniques of boxing, grappling and Muay Thai first-hand. Consider starting a practice group, and begin to teach while you learn. My two-word answer: Be legit.
Issue #2: Retention
“I lose as many students as I enroll!”
My Solution
Change the way you teach (try: NOT BORING) and pay more attention to your students’ attendance, progress and needs/opinions. My two-word answer: Be closer.
Issue #3: Burnout
“I’m not very motivated or inspired, and feel a bit burned out.”
My Solution
It’s time to realize (finally) that success, when measured in money, possessions and your student count, often creates an empty feeling. If you’ve lost some enthusiasm and you tend to have negative thoughts and emotions in relation to what, why and how you teach, then you’ve probably become a person without a compelling mission. You’ll never re-capture your superhuman drive, if your work is all about you (or money). You need a mission-a purpose in life-that kick starts every day. If you don’t have a mission, then it’s likely because you’re surrounding yourself with the wrong people. Surround yourself “I CAN” people, who want to make a difference in the world. My two-word answer: Your mission.
Issue #4: Staff
“I wish I had a staff (or more staff members) to help me!”
My Solution
You’re not practicing management because you know little or nothing about management and business. That’s OK because the solution is to make business education a regular part of your mission. Stock your bedside stand with 10 books on management, and then actually READ THEM. Call NAPMA, now, and beg for help. My two-word answer: Obtain help.
“If you spend time with successful people with positive attitudes, then you’ll surprisingly have fewer complaints because complaining, instead of acting, in their presence is embarrassing.”
Issue #5: Money
“It may look like my school is doing well, but the truth is I’m operating too close to the edge; a few bad months and I’m in trouble.”
My Solution
It’s time to visit a financial planner. Looking good isn’t good enough; it’s the wealth you create BEHIND the façade that counts. My two-word answer: Financial planner.
Issue #6: Marketing
“Where should I invest my marketing budget, so I receive the most bang for the bucks?”
My Solution
Personally, I think your marketing bucks are best spent at grabbing people by the GUTS. I like emotionally-charged promotions and lead-generating events; however, I recommend the one person who has an outstanding reputation for helping school owners learn how to use their marketing budgets more effectively and efficiently-and that’s Stephen Oliver. You are much more likely to improve dramatically the growth of your school with the insiders’ marketing secrets of Stephen and his associates. My two-word answer: Kennedy rocks.
Issue #7: Bad Attitude
“I hate, I’m angry, hold grudges and not a very happy person.”
My Solution
Your attitude is often a result of the people you allow in your circle. If you spend time with successful people with positive attitudes, then you’ll surprisingly have fewer complaints because complaining, instead of acting, in their presence is embarrassing. If you have a case of self-pity (often the root of bat ‘tude), then it isn’t because you’re dumb as dirt; it’s only because you aren’t hanging with people who hold you to a higher standard. My two-word answer: Find heroes.
