School Owner Talk

In this episode, Shihan Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive into one of the most significant challenges martial arts school owners face: student retention. While it's rare for students to stay with the same school throughout their entire martial arts journey, Allie and Duane share insights on how to foster deeper, more meaningful connections to keep students engaged long-term.

Drawing from their decades of experience, they discuss the importance of creating a sense of belonging and value, getting to know students and their families personally, and creating a community through events and activities like movie nights, picnics, and progress review meetings. Shihan Allie also reflects on how the sense of reverence and respect for the martial arts has evolved and how instructors can cultivate this mindset in students today.

As they navigate the changing landscape of martial arts instruction—including the increasing role of video demonstrations—Allie and Duane provide actionable advice for school owners to adapt their teaching methods and build stronger relationships with their students and families. Whether you're a martial arts school owner or an instructor, this episode offers valuable insights into the "relationship business" of martial arts and how to build lasting connections that drive student retention.

From a thrilling virtual forms tournament to a cozy movie night featuring classic martial arts films, discover how these events aim to foster community spirit and engage students. Plus, get a sneak peek into other schools' celebratory initiatives and learn effective promotion strategies.

Dive deep into the essentials of retirement planning (Securing the Future) specifically tailored for martial arts school owners in our enlightening interview with Mike Bogdanski. 

In this episode, Mike shares invaluable insights from his personal journey of starting early with retirement savings, maximizing IRA contributions, and the importance of working with trusted financial advisors. 

Discover practical strategies to prepare for a financially secure future, including developing an exit strategy for your school and embracing different management styles for continued success. 

Whether you're just starting your career or looking ahead to retirement, this episode offers crucial advice to help you build a robust financial foundation and transition smoothly into retirement. Tune in to learn how to make your golden years truly golden!

Podcast Purpose

Interview with Mike Bogdanski on retirement planning for martial arts school owners

Key Takeaways

Start saving for retirement as early as possible, even small amounts

Maximize contributions to retirement accounts like IRAs as income allows

Work closely with financial advisors and accountants to plan and stay on track

Have an exit strategy and transition plan for your school

Be open to others' approaches as long as outcomes are positive

Topics

Retirement Savings

Mike's parents started an IRA for him at 18, providing an early start

He contributed small amounts early on, then increased with rising income

Maximized IRA and other retirement account contributions over time

Worked closely with financial advisor to set goals and stay on track

Letting Go of Control

Hard for many school owners to let others run things differently

But the end result (good students) is what matters most

Have to be open to different approaches as long as core values upheld

An area Mike still struggles with and could use counseling on

Financial Team

Importance of great accountant and financial advisor

They invest your money, so scrutinize and demand great service

Review accounts regularly and change advisors if not performing

Take advantage of their expertise by asking questions

Retirement Mindset

Designed a 20-year plan to retire at 68 and transition school

Now follows "if it's not fun, I'm not doing it" approach

Still stays active with hobbies, town roles, some training

Lets trusted student run school while he enjoys retirement

Action Items

Start an IRA if one has not already been started 

Hire a financial advisor and accountant who can maximize returns on investments and help meet financial goals. Replace them if they are not performing.

Join us as we dive into the exciting plans and strategies for National Martial Arts Appreciation Month. This episode unpacks a month-long campaign designed to educate, engage, and expand our martial arts community. 

Discover how we’re leveraging buddy days, video testimonials, and interactive seminars to deepen appreciation for the martial arts. We'll also discuss our innovative approach to using corporate sponsorships and referral programs to enhance participation and support. 

Tune in to learn how we’re making martial arts more accessible and celebrated than ever before!

Podcast Purpose

Discuss plans and strategies for National Martial Arts Appreciation Month

Key Takeaways

Month-long campaign to promote martial arts appreciation and education

Includes buddy week/days to bring in potential new students

Leverages videos, blog posts, seminars, events to showcase martial arts

Opportunity to raise funds via corporate sponsorships for t-shirts, etc.

Ties into referral programs to incentivize bringing in new members

Topics

Video Testimonials

Students, parents, instructors film videos on why they appreciate martial arts

Helps educate clientele and showcase reverence for the arts

Can turn into social media content, website testimonials

Blog Posts

Publish blog posts highlighting history/origins of different martial arts styles

Educates students on the rich heritage

Can be delegated to instructors to author

Words of the Week

Highlight inspirational words (grit, legacy, etc.) via posters, discussions

Reinforces values and mindset around martial arts training

Buddy Week/Days

Students can bring friends to try a class for free

Gives free t-shirt to student and guest

Helps drive new membership signups via referral program incentives

Seminars/Events

Host seminars with guest instructors from other styles

Virtual options allow sharing between schools

Movie nights, tournaments as additional events

Corporate Sponsorships

Secure corporate sponsors to fund t-shirt costs

Sponsors get logo/promotion across school channels

Can turn a profit after covering t-shirt expenses

Next Steps

Identify potential corporate sponsors to approach

Plan schedule of videos, blogs, words of week

Set dates for buddy days/week, seminars, events

Action Items

Sign up new students from campaign 

Get sponsorship from local businesses for t-shirts for campaign 

Create blog posts highlighting different martial arts styles taught at school 

Effectively communicate importance and benefits of martial arts to students 

Have friend do seminar at school 

Implement referral program with buddy week as part of National Martial Arts Appreciation Month campaign 

PDF Link Referred To In The Podcast Below:

DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE

Podcast Purpose

Discuss end of summer ideas and marketing strategies for martial arts schools

https://youtu.be/dfTkK0ZHAXM

Key Takeaways

Many schools experienced slower summer camps/enrollments this year

Implement grassroots marketing tactics like buddy nights, picnics, kickball tournaments to build camaraderie

Explore guerrilla marketing - fairs, parades, libraries, movie theaters

Leverage parents as ambassadors for social media promotion

Send targeted promotions to prospects for end-of-summer specials

Stephen Oliver's new book has good reminders on multi-channel marketing

Topics

Buddy Nights/Events

Hosting a "Buddy Bash" - students bring non-member friends for games/activities

Follows up with offer to join

Helps drive end-of-summer enrollment

Picnics & Tournaments

End-of-summer picnics build stickiness through camaraderie

Run kickball/wiffleball tournaments leading up to picnic championship

Gets students/families engaged and excited

Guerrilla Marketing

Booths at fairs, parades, libraries for demos/lead collection

Movie theater presence for relevant kid movies

Direct mail/handout postcards in neighborhoods

Parent Ambassadors

Empower top parents to share social posts with referral links

Provide sample captions highlighting student experiences

End-of-Summer Promotions

Email/text prospects with limited-time free trial offers

Capitalize on back-to-school timing

Stephen Oliver's Book

"6 Steps to 100 Students in 100 Days"

Emphasizes multi-channel, high-volume marketing

Good reminders of grassroots tactics

Next Steps

Plan National Martial Arts Appreciation Month activities for September

Communicate importance of year-round training to parents

Explore targeted automations (e.g. for students turning 13)

Action Items

Read Stephen Oliver's new book '6 Steps to Getting 100 Students in 100 Days' and incorporate relevant strategies into the National Martial Arts Appreciation Month podcast and PDF materials.

Podcast Purpose

Interview with Gus Lopez of Lead Hunter Media to discuss marketing strategies, lead follow-up, and retention for martial arts schools.

https://youtu.be/cEWTor8cHh4

Key Takeaways

Consistent marketing and nurturing leads is crucial for success, even during slow periods

Following up quickly with leads and building relationships is key to improving conversions

Using AI systems can help automate lead nurturing and follow-up to increase show rates

Offering a small paid trial or deposit can increase commitment and show rates

Focus on improving systems like sales process and retention in addition to lead generation

Topics

Lead Follow-up and Nurturing

Speed of follow-up is critical - use AI systems to have 24/7 conversations nurturing leads

Nurture leads long-term by building a database to market offers to over time

Poor follow-up is often the reason for perceived "bad leads", not the marketing source

Use tools like automated texts, emails, and calls to stay top-of-mind with prospects

Paid vs Free Trials

Free trials generate higher volume but may have more unqualified leads

Paid trials filter for more committed prospects but require higher ad spend

Consider offering a small refundable deposit (e.g. $10) to increase show rates

Test different offers like 2-week trials, 4-week trials, challenges etc.

Retention and Customer Lifetime Value

Work on improving retention from the start, as it allows you to spend more on marketing

The longer students stay, the more you can afford to spend acquiring them

Use tools like risk-reversal (e.g. cancel before yellow belt) to ease commitment fears

Consistency in Marketing

Don't stop marketing, even during slow periods - build long-term momentum

Cutting marketing loses any traction and momentum you've built

Consistent marketing keeps your school top-of-mind as prospects go through cycles of readiness

Next Steps

Reach out to Gus at Lead Hunter Media to discuss marketing services and get a free sales training course

Test offering a small paid deposit for trials to increase show rates

Focus on improving retention and customer lifetime value

Commit to consistent long-term marketing to build momentum

Action Items

Try the $10 deposit strategy with the next 5 leads to increase show rates 

Visit www.leadhuntermedia.com and book a call with Gus Lopez of Lead Hunter Media, mentioning the School Owner Talk podcast to receive a free sales course as a bonus. Consider hiring a salesperson to make calls and free up time for other tasks.

Join Allie and Duane as they interview Stephen Oliver about his new book, "Six Simple Steps To Add 100 New Students To Your School" If you are looking for the book you can find it on AMAZON. CLICK HERE for the direct link.

Looking to connect with Master Oliver? Visit his site https://martialartswealth.com

Are you looking to add 100 students? Click HERE to learn how!

https://youtu.be/RrGJIJpS3_0

In this episode, you'll explore the importance of cultivating a strong, positive culture within your martial arts school. Discuss how creating an environment where students feel valued, motivated, and engaged can lead to increased retention, improved performance, and a more vibrant community. Key points can include:

Defining your school’s core values and mission

Strategies for fostering a sense of community among students and staff

The role of instructors in modeling and reinforcing positive behavior

Tips for recognizing and celebrating student achievements

Addressing and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner

Implementing feedback loops to continuously improve the school environment

This topic not only highlights the softer aspects of running a successful martial arts school but also offers practical advice on building a supportive and thriving community.

In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo delve into the critical task of evaluating your martial arts school's systems and processes to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and relevance in today's ever-changing landscape. We'll explore practical strategies for identifying outdated systems, assessing their impact on your operations, and implementing updates or replacements to streamline your business for success. Join us as we uncover the key steps to modernizing your martial arts school's systems and maximizing productivity and profitability.

Click HERE to access the PDF file that was referenced on the podcast!

Join Allie Alberigo & Duane Brumitt for an insightful episode as we dive into the challenges faced by martial arts school owners and how to overcome them. In this episode, we'll explore the acronym CRAP, which represents the key frustrations and obstacles encountered in running a successful martial arts school:

C - Cash Flow: We'll discuss the importance of managing cash flow effectively and strategies for dealing with financial challenges such as inconsistent revenue, late payments, and unexpected expenses.

R - Retention: Explore tactics for improving student retention and creating a positive learning environment that keeps students engaged and committed for the long term.

A - Administration: Learn tips and best practices for streamlining administrative tasks such as scheduling, billing, and paperwork, allowing you to focus more on teaching and growing your martial arts school.

P - People: Discover strategies for handling difficult situations involving customers, negative reviews, or challenging clients with professionalism and grace.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the CRAP of martial arts school ownership. Whether you're a seasoned school owner or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools and knowledge to overcome obstacles and thrive in the martial arts industry.