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Podcast Description:
In Episode #412 of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by martial arts school owners, including student drop-offs, non-payments, and the “I don’t want to push them” mindset. They dive into the emotional toll these struggles take on school owners and provide actionable insights on how to navigate these issues with confidence and clarity.
Through candid discussions and real-world examples, they explore the importance of maintaining strong school culture, setting clear expectations, and communicating effectively with parents and students. This episode will leave you with a stronger sense of control over the obstacles that come with running a martial arts school.
Key Takeaways:
- Student Drop-Offs: Understanding why students quit and how to communicate the importance of commitment to both students and parents.
- Non-Payments: Strategies to handle non-payments, including setting clear expectations upfront and taking appropriate actions when necessary.
- Parenting the Parent: How to address the “I don’t want to push them” mindset and ensure parents are held accountable for their child’s martial arts journey.
- Building a Strong School Culture: Why having firm rules, high expectations, and accountability is crucial for a martial arts school’s success.
- Communication is Key: Learn the importance of preemptively addressing potential issues with students and parents before they become a problem.
Action Steps for School Owners:
- Implement Clear Expectations: Ensure all students and parents are aware of your school’s rules and policies before they even start. Make sure that they understand your commitment to their child’s success and the expectations they are expected to uphold.
- Be Proactive About Potential Drop-Offs: Track when students are struggling or becoming disengaged, and be proactive in addressing it. Communicate openly with parents about their child’s progress and the potential pitfalls they could face, such as burnout or boredom.
- Review Your Payment Policies: Reinforce your payment terms early on and ensure that your families are on board with your financial policies. Consider setting up a system to track payments and quickly address any issues.
- Master Parenting the Parent: Equip yourself with the right tools and language to deal with hesitant parents who may not want to push their children. Consider framing these discussions as a way to teach children valuable life skills, such as perseverance and responsibility.
- Maintain Consistency in School Culture: Be firm and consistent with your expectations and rules. Don’t shy away from difficult conversations, but always approach them with empathy and professionalism. Your students and their families will appreciate the structure and discipline you provide.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
- Student Retention Matrix: Allie discusses her Student Retention Matrix, a course aimed at helping school owners keep students happy and engaged long-term. The course is available on her website, TakingItToTheNextLevel.com.
- Onboarding Process: Both Duane and Allie emphasize the importance of onboarding and setting clear expectations for new students and their parents. This includes creating documents or checklists to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding rules and responsibilities.
