One of the components of any successful business is effective communication. This involves decision-makers and other organizational leaders keeping staff members updated on important happenings within the company. It is also extremely important to maintain an open dialogue with clients to assess quality of service and to uncover any issues that need to be addressed and ultimately corrected. Having clear communication, whether external or internal, is also a critical component of running a successful martial arts school.
Instructors of karate, taekwondo, Muay Thai, jiujitsu, or any other form of self-defense discipline, will generally only spend several hours per week with students. These individuals will likely be engaged during classes, but the key is to develop strategies that keep their interests piqued once they walk outside the doors of the training facility. Accomplishing this goal will require heavy amounts of communication.
Engaging with students after class ends
Martial arts instructors have a wide array of options for relaying information to students in between training sessions. However, the most efficient means is leveraging the use of mobile devices. These days, cell phones are more prevalent than ever. In fact, according to a study conducted by Pew Research Center, 9 out of 10 people in the U.S. own a cellphone, and 58 percent use smartphones.
The latter device serves as mini, portable computer with a wide array of functionality. People who have this particular gadget will often send and receive text messages, check email and engage on their social media accounts.
Martial arts school owners can employ a variety of communication techniques, including sending students’ emails, text messages or communicating with them on Facebook, Twitter or any other popular social networking site.
However, the trick is not to be too aggressive in your communication efforts. Best practice, according to a survey conducted by BlueHornet, is to send no more than one or two messages on a weekly basis. Any more than this can be considered a turnoff, rendering your communication efforts ineffective. However, engaging in two-way communications not only strengthens the bond between instructor and student, but it helps the school develop a much more positive reputation that can increase enrollment.
Letting students know that you’re interested in their development in martial arts and also as individuals, will encourage them to continue their training and see it through until they reach their intended goals. In addition, taking this extra step will also encourage them to tell others about their positive experiences. This is good for the school in general and great for business, in particular.