If you listen to the news, read the papers, all you ever hear about is how back our economies are. This is true. For many, many thousands of people things are very bad. Locally we have a radio station with a talk show. It has been dominated since the fal with talk about economic conditions, job losses and especially GM. Ford and Chrysler. The main topic? If we lose these companies, where will people find jobs?

Let take a look for a moment at one real problem with this way of thinking. Who will employ me? I have a degree, but no job. What feild should I be retrained in to get a job? 

Our continent was founder by immagrants for all over the globe who came here for one reason. To make a better life for themselves. Non of these people came here looking for jobs! Some found work, but many, many of them created BUSINESSES.

We need to put the idea back into people's head that they need to resolve their problems by creating businesses. These businesses will hopefully grow and eventually employ other people. All the huge corporations that we know today started as small businesses and grew into what we now have. I believe the day of Mom and Pop operations will return and the days of WALMart will end.

If you are a martial arts school owner on a part time basis, start thinking about doing it full time. If you are a martial arts school owner without employment, now is the time to change your focus.

Our website and coaching program can help you with this transistion.  However I do recommend to check out Dan Kennedy's information as well as reading anything and everything you can about starting a business and being successful.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me off an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What would it take to change the face of your school? What you be required to make you proper in this bad economy? Keep reading I have some good news for you.

I was recently talking with a local martial art school owner. He is new to the business, but has been in the art most of his life. He is becoming very frustrated with the way things are. He is paying a lot of money out each month for his lease, and business is as of yet, just not covering the costs.We talked at length for about 1/2 hour. Here are some of the errors he is committing right now...

• He is too cheap! If you prices are low, you attract people with low incomes, those with the least stable job situations.
• Bad marketing. He is going for FLASH not content.
• No internal marketing.
• Does not know the area his school is in (Demographic, Psychographics etc)
• Trying to be everything to everyone.
• Is now subleasing to help pay the bills.

The first thing that we talked about was what he needed numbers wise to go over the top. In an area with 30,000 people in it, even in a bad economy about 9000-10000 still qualify for your program! This is low balling too. Would 50 new students change your business. You better believe it, especially if you increase your price.

Here is how he can fix the problems he has.

• Raise the rates. You will lose some, but those who stay will be paying more, which will offset the ones who leave. You will likely be ahead on cash, with fewer students to worry about.
• Stop the image marketing. Put out black and white fliers with lots of content. If you can't afford to have them delivered do it yourself, or have students help. 
• Market to your current members. Hold events that students can bring friends too. Look for family add-ons.
• Learn everything you can about the neighborhood you are in! Attend local events, charities etc. Know who your market is!
• Focus in one area. If you want to teach kids, focus your marketing on that! (read The Path)
• If you can't afford the building you are in try to get out! Don't bring other martial arts schools in. You will end up in trouble in the long run!

Keep positive and focused and you will not only survive these BAD times, but prosper also!