Letting the Public Know Who you Are

If you do not let the public know who you are, where you are located and the products and services you offer, then don’t expect them to become students.

This may seem so basic as not to require mentioning, but it is a little more complicated.

What I mean is communicating the right information to the public.

You must promote your school…your product.

One of the most basic, yet sometimes most effective ways, is through word-of-mouth. Testimonials of existing students and their parents have great weight with prospective students. This is just another reason why you must always strive for excellent customer service. Not only are you providing your students with the best experiences, but also you are creating an army of messengers to carry the right information to the right segment of the public.

In-house promotions complement word-of-mouth advertising. For example, suggest to a “regular” student that he or she should consider changing to private lessons. Display posters in your school to promote special classes, private lessons or C.I.T. (Certified Instructor Training program).

These are achieved through your constant and consistent work on your basic building block, your teaching. You must provide everything that students seek. You must always be enthusiastic and vigilant that all instructors, on and off the floor, are doing the same.

Dedicate yourself to help your students achieve their goals. Listen to their comments and concerns, and then motivate them and offer them guidance.

Always lead by example. Take care of students’ needs. Make sure they are sweating and smiling, that is, working hard, yet still enjoying the task.

Be in tune with what they seek, whether that is becoming an excellent Black Belt, losing weight, staying healthy or simply working on a weakness, such as becoming a better kicker.

The ultimate goal is excellence not only in martial arts, but also all facets of their lives.

The process is continual, and one you can never pause, if you expect to improve the performances of your students and staff and yourself.

Take a knee with your younger students, look them in the eyes and develop personal relationships with all of them, and with their parents. People highly appreciate these basic efforts on your part. Listen, and react accordingly. Provide honest and old-fashioned caring and concern. Watch how fast the word spreads.

Tell students to invite friends and family for free introductory classes.

Now that the basics are in place, it is time to spread the word.

The possibilities are endless, and so are the potential rewards; and best of all, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You can spread the word, while following our proven system, Sang’s TNT Martial Arts.

Print flyers and distribute them throughout your community.

Create a Web site and make sure it is listed high on all Internet searches.

Use local advertising. Participate in community events. Take advantage of all free advertising opportunities.

Find and establish relationships with local newspapers and parenting or activity magazines. Ask them to write an article on your school…or offer to write one for them.

Approach local newspapers and television news and provide the reporters and/or editors with a story angle about your school.

Work with local academic schools. Provide a demonstration and distribute flyers with coupons for free introductory classes, or teach an after-school class.

The only limit is your dedication and perseverance. If you maintain those qualities, then there will be no stopping your success.

“Dedicate yourself to help your students achieve their goals.”