エピソード

  • 416 | Owner Self-Care: How to Actually Enjoy Summer and Still Grow Your School
    2025/06/19
    Podcast Description Summer should be a time to recharge — but for martial arts school owners, it often turns into a season of burnout and overwhelm. In this episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo share real-world strategies to help you enjoy your summer while keeping your school healthy and profitable. They break down how to plan intentional time off, train your team to operate smoothly in your absence, and use systems and automations to keep your leads and students engaged — so you can step away without losing momentum. https://youtu.be/BzSDvTvGGfc Key Takeaways Why scheduling planned closures can strengthen retention and family loyalty How to set and enforce communication boundaries with staff and parents Tools and routines Duane and Allie rely on for owner self-care and productivity The difference between delegating and abdicating — and why it matters How Parkinson’s Law can help you work smarter, not harder Real examples to protect your time off — without guilt Action Steps for School Owners Block Time Off in Advance: Review your calendar and set clear closure dates for breaks and vacations. Communicate these confidently to students and families. Document and Train: Record videos and create clear SOPs so your team knows exactly what to do in your absence. Empower them to make decisions. Establish Boundaries: Use Slack, email auto-responders, and defined office hours to train parents and staff when to expect replies. Automate Marketing: Schedule your emails, push notifications, and social posts in advance to keep new leads and current families engaged. Plan Recharge Time: Prioritize activities that truly help you reset — whether that means hobbies, quiet time alone, or family time. Additional Resources Mentioned Parkinson’s Law: Work expands to fill the time you allow for its completion. Give yourself less time and watch your efficiency increase. Recommended Tools: Slack for staff communication, Spark CRM for marketing automations, ChatGPT for creating and refining content and SOPs.
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    59 分
  • 415 | Sell with Confidence: How to Present, Close, and Upgrade in Your School
    2025/06/05
    Podcast Description In this episode of School Owner Talk, Allie Alberigo and Duane Brumitt dive deep into the art of enrollment and upgrades. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable selling, unsure how to present your programs, or hesitant to introduce upgrades like Leadership or BBC — this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to confidently present your school’s value, close enrollments without pressure, and build an upgrade culture that feels rewarding — not salesy. Key Takeaways Sales is about service, not persuasion A smooth enrollment process starts with connection Use scripts, visuals, and practice to confidently present your programs Upgrades should be earned and exciting, not forced Students and parents respond to clarity, structure, and confidence Action Steps for School Owners Audit your current enrollment process — Is it consistent and parent-friendly? Train your team to deliver a clear presentation and confidently handle objections. Create a visual pricing sheet or digital presentation that walks parents through your programs. Schedule quarterly upgrade events and offer them to students who demonstrate readiness. Use testimonials and success stories as part of your pitch to build trust and credibility. Additional Resources Mentioned Whiteboards or printed visuals for pricing/program breakdowns Team role-play for objection handling Leadership and Black Belt Club structure documents (Duane references these internally)
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    59 分
  • 414 | Referral Frenzy: How to Spark a Lead Surge
    2025/05/30
    Podcast Description In this high-energy episode of School Owner Talk, Allie and Duane dive into one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in martial arts school marketing — the referral contest. They walk you through exactly how to plan, launch, and promote a full-blown referral campaign that not only generates new leads and sign-ups but also creates excitement and unity throughout your school. Whether you’re brand new to referrals or looking to level up your system, this episode lays out everything you need to turn your students into your best promoters. Key Takeaways Referrals remain the most trusted and cost-effective form of lead generation. A referral contest creates energy, excitement, and organic growth. Success lies in the structure: timeline, visibility, reward system, and promotion. Avoid common mistakes like weak prizes, poor follow-up, or lack of urgency. Use contests to deepen your school culture and strengthen retention. Action Steps for School Owners Choose your referral contest window (2–4 weeks) and pick a fun theme. Design a clear and simple referral system — how referrals are submitted and tracked. Create a 3-tier prize system: participation, milestone, and grand prize. Promote it everywhere: in class, on your app, via email, text, and your parent group. Build a follow-up system to contact, book, and onboard referred leads quickly. Celebrate the winners publicly to build hype for next time. Additional Resources Mentioned Whiteboard or leaderboard for visual tracking Simple Google Form or referral cards for entry Push notifications and SMS to parents/students Internal contest among staff to promote the most referrals Referral of a Lifetime Program. USE Discount Code: SAVE10NOW
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    53 分
  • 382 | Building a Strong Brand Identity for Your Martial Arts School – Part 1
    2025/05/29
    In the competitive world of martial arts schools, having a strong and recognizable brand identity can make all the difference. Join us in this episode as we explore the essential elements of building a powerful brand that resonates with current and potential students. We’ll discuss how to define your school's unique value proposition, create a memorable logo and visual identity, and develop consistent messaging across all platforms. Discover strategies to differentiate your school from the competition and attract a loyal student base by leveraging the power of branding. What is a unique strategic purpose? The elements of a good USP. Failing to plan is planning to fail. The creative process. Assignment: Answer the following questions? Do you already have a USP? What is it? How effective do you think it is?
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    38 分
  • 413 | Why Social Media Marketing Is Still Needed Through the Summer Months
    2025/05/22
    Podcast Description Summer may be slow for some, but smart school owners know it’s no time to go silent. In this episode, Duane and Allie sit down with longtime marketing partner Gus Lopez from Lead Hunter Media to dive into why consistent marketing—especially through social media—is essential during the summer months. Discover the psychology of momentum, the real cost of going quiet, and why visibility now pays dividends in the fall. Whether you’ve got 10 students or 300, this episode is your roadmap to thriving through the summer. https://youtu.be/osfmpM6Neok Key Takeaways Momentum matters: Halting marketing kills momentum—consistency builds compounding results. Summer is a visibility opportunity: While others pause, your brand can rise above the noise. Your competitors aren’t just other schools: Sports, camps, and screen time are all competing for your students’ attention. Social media ROI is long-term: Stop judging performance by one month—review it across 12. Follow-up systems make or break success: Most leads fail due to poor follow-up, not bad targeting. Daily marketing matters: Whether it’s emails, push notifications, or SMS, consistency drives results. Price determines growth potential: You need to charge enough to afford proper marketing. Your job isn’t done at the click: Ads introduce you—the sale comes from your next step. Action Steps for School Owners Audit Your Summer StrategyAsk: Are you showing up where your prospects are? Are you sending a consistent message? Keep Running Ads Year-RoundDon’t fall into the trap of seasonal marketing—build brand awareness constantly. Improve Your Follow-UpSet up automated texts, emails, and personal outreach (at least 7 touches over 12 days). Invite and Message Post EngagersOn platforms like Facebook, follow up with people who like your ads but haven’t opted in. Start Daily EmailsUse AI or write short benefit-driven messages that go out every day to your lead list. Evaluate Your PricingEnsure your tuition structure supports your goals and allows for a marketing budget. Think Long-TermTrack your ROI across 12 months—not 30 days. You’re building a brand, not flipping a switch. Additional Resources Mentioned Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins (Flywheel Concept) Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (compound investing + long-term thinking) Tool: Lead Hunter Media – Digital marketing agency for martial arts schools Concepts: The Flywheel Effect Guerrilla marketing Daily emails via AI automation Facebook invite + messenger outreach
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    1分未満
  • 412 | Navigating the Struggles: Overcoming Student Drop-Offs, Non-Payments, and the ‘I Don’t Want to Push Them’ Mindset
    2025/05/15
    In Episode #412 of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by martial arts
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    1 時間 13 分
  • 411 | Branding That Breathes: Aligning Your Martial Arts School with Your Culture
    2025/05/08
    Branding That Breathes: Aligning Your Martial Arts School with Your Culture Podcast Description: In this episode of School Owner Talk, Duane Brumitt and Shihan Allie Alberigo dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of branding for martial arts schools. It’s not just about logos or colors—it’s about creating a brand that breathes life into your school and reflects the core values, culture, and mission of your business. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, understanding how to align your branding with your school’s culture can be the key to attracting the right students and creating a lasting impact. Tune in to hear actionable advice on how to build an authentic brand, avoid common mistakes, and connect with your students on a deeper level. https://youtu.be/y6tbrSdNKVM Key Takeaways: Branding is More Than Just a Logo: The true brand of your school is defined by its culture, values, and the emotional connection it creates. It’s about aligning your marketing, your physical space, and the overall experience with your core mission. The Importance of Consistency: The look and feel of your school, from the design of your website to the atmosphere in your lobby, should all reflect the same message. Inconsistencies between your marketing and your actual school experience can confuse potential clients. Culture Drives Brand Identity: The culture of your school is crucial in defining your brand. Whether you’re teaching a traditional martial art or a modern style, the vibe and philosophy you create should be authentic and resonate with your students. Identify What You Stand For: Understanding your mission and purpose will guide your branding decisions. Whether you’re targeting a specific age group or focusing on building self-confidence, know why your school exists and what you’re offering to the community. The Role of Your Team: Your instructors and staff play a crucial role in reinforcing your brand. The way they behave, talk, and interact with students should align with the culture you’re trying to establish. Action Steps for School Owners: Survey Your Students: Create a simple survey (either on paper or digitally) asking your students and their families what they think about your school, its atmosphere, and the values it represents. This will give you valuable insights into how your brand is perceived and where improvements can be made. Clarify Your Brand’s Story: Reflect on your personal journey in martial arts and how it shaped the way you run your school. Make sure your story is clear in your branding efforts—this helps foster an authentic connection with your students. Audit Your School’s Physical Presence: Take a hard look at your school’s physical environment. Does it align with your brand? Is it clean, welcoming, and reflective of the values you promote? The first impression is everything, so ensure that your school’s atmosphere matches the message you want to convey. Survey Your Target Market: Use tools like SurveyMonkey to ask your clients why they chose your school and why they continue to stay. This will help you identify what’s working well and what you might need to adjust in your branding.
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    1分未満
  • 410 | Building Wealth as a Martial Arts School Owner: From Paycheck to Prosperity
    2025/05/01
    Building Wealth as a Martial Arts School Owner: From Paycheck to Prosperity Podcast Summary: In this eye-opening episode, Duane Brumitt and Allie Alberigo tackle a topic often avoided by martial arts school owners: finances. From personal money mistakes to strategies for long-term wealth and retirement planning, they break down real-life stories, hard lessons, and actionable financial wisdom that every school owner needs to hear. Whether you’re drowning in debt or just beginning to think about the future, this episode gives you the financial clarity and inspiration to make smarter money moves today. https://youtu.be/ZA4yX3h8fVY Key Takeaways: The Trap of Living Paycheck to PaycheckWhy more students won’t solve your financial problems and how to break the cycle of financial stress. The Importance of Paying Yourself FirstLearn the foundational rule for building wealth and how to live below your means while doing it. Separate Business and Personal FinancesAvoid common financial chaos by treating your school like a real company — not an extension of your wallet. Create Multiple Revenue Streams Inside Your SchoolDiscover overlooked income opportunities already in your dojo, from retail to events. Shift from Self-Employed to True Business OwnerUnderstand the Cash Flow Quadrant and how to evolve from being your own employee to a wealth-building entrepreneur. Action Steps for School Owners: Open a savings account today if you don’t already have one. Meet with a financial advisor and explore retirement options. Start saving at least 10% of your income—personally and for your school. Schedule a monthly “Money Meeting” with yourself (or spouse) to track and review expenses and profit. Conduct a quarterly financial audit and renegotiate your bills (like internet or phone). Final Thoughts: It’s never too early—or too late—to take control of your financial future. Whether you’ve been teaching for 30 years or are just starting out, developing strong financial habits can mean the difference between surviving and thriving. Don’t let money manage you. Build a life—and a retirement—you’re proud of.
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    49 分