Martial Arts Consulting – When Platitudes Attack
Posted by Mike Massie on November 19, 2009
My Pet Peeve – When Platitudes Are Passed Off As Solid Martial Arts Business Advice
I see it all the time in our industry. Some “guru” writes an article that at first gives the impression of providing solid business advice…
But as soon as you read past the opening paragraph, you know you’ve been had, because the article is nothing more than a bunch of platitudes masquerading as real-life business know-how.
- “Keep your eyes on the goal…”
- “Keep going…”
- “Stay focused…”
- “Believe it and it will happen…”
The list goes on and on.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with providing a pep talk every once in a while for other business owners, and Lord knows we need it on occasion. And certainly, cultivating a resilient spirit is a necessity for long-term business success.
Here’s What Gets My Goat About Martial Arts Consulting…
However, what gets my goat is when we see “experts” passing this stuff off – over and over again – under the guise of providing us with valuable and useful business advice.
A book I recently read on running a martial arts school is a perfect example of the vacuousness of some martial arts consulting gurus. The front cover claimed this book would show you how to build your fantasy school, or some such nonsense.
I ordered the book. I read it. It wasn’t nonsense, but the entire book was filled with chapter after chapter of platitudes and vague advice…
And the sad thing is I found it to contain little, if any, solid and actionable advice on the real nuts and bolts of starting and running a martial arts school. It’s no wonder so many martial arts instructors are so confused when it comes to knowing exactly what it takes to start and run a successful martial arts school.
What It Typically Means When You’re Fed A Bunch Of Platitudes By “Experts”
Let me tell you something… and let this be your litmus test from here on out for what passes as useful business advice that you can bank your school’s financial future on:
Massie’s B.S. Advice Litmus Test
If it isn’t actionable, it’s probably B.S.
When I wrote Small Dojo Big Profits, I started with the goal that the book would provide actionable steps an instructor could follow to start and run a successful martial arts school. And that’s exactly what the book provides – an action plan.
The same goes for my monthly membership site at Starting-A-Martial-Arts-School.com… each month I provide actionable, easy-to-follow advice on what you need to do that month to build your school.
Then again, I suppose I could start providing a bunch of meaningless platitudes in my materials and manuals…
But then I’d have to charge you extra for it. 
Until next time,
Michael D. Massie
Coaching Program: http://www.starting-a-martial-arts-school.com/
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-- Mike Massie has owned and operated martial arts schools for most of his adult life. A lifelong martial artist, he is the author of "Small Dojo Big Profits", runs the Martial Art School Alliance International (MASAI) business coaching website, and is the creator of The Self Defense Black Belt Program (TM) and Fighting Fit Boot Camp (TM). For martial arts business coaching, visit http://martialartschoolalliance.com.
Kurt Schulenburg said,
How much extra?
Mike Massie said,
Why, an arm and a leg, of course.
Chris Whamond said,
Well put, Mike. Most people don’t have time for “theory” these days. While it is sometimes helpful to understand a particular strategy, what’s more important is a step-by-step approach and an action plan.
Mike Massie said,
Chris, my main point was that too many “consultants” are putting out fluff instead of meat when it comes to the advice they give.
Once again, it goes back to the classic case of the consultant “prolonging the pain” by taking the roundabout way to solve the client’s problem.
But, in some cases, I think it’s actually due to the fact that the “expert” has no idea what they’re talking about.
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