Month: August 2019

Knowing Your Revenue Streams

Arts blogger

KNOWING YOUR REVENUE STREAMS
To maximize your revenue from martial arts school, you must have a clear understanding of your revenue streams.

Read these carefully. Not all will apply to you, but wouldnt it be nice if they did? One clear requirement for successfully utilizing most of these is that you will have to use agreements rather than month-to-month programs.

Revenue Stream 1
Down Payments on New Student Agreements

Also known as a registration fee, this is the initial investment a student makes to join your school. Typically, this is at least two months tuition. For instance, a program is $199 down payment/registration and $99 per month for 12 months or ongoing.

Revenue Stream 2
Down Payments on Renewing Agreements

This is the initial investment a student makes in order to renew or upgrade in your school. The best strategy for this has been the Black Belt Club. If you do not have a solid system for upgrades and renewals, this stream is dry for you.

Revenue Stream 3
Monthly Tuition
This is the lifeblood of your school. As you grow your school, your monthly tuition should grow as well. Ideally, your monthly tuition would cover your base operating expenses each month. For instance, if all the monthly expenses, including your salary, totaled $12,000, your monthly tuition collections from your billing company would cover that amount. In that very healthy scenario, these other streams are 100 percent profit. Mind you, this is not easy to accomplish, but even 75% of expenses paid from your billing check would be good.

Revenue Stream 4
Product Sales
Consider your retail shop as though it were a separate business. Open a separate business checking account for your retail, and deposit all gear sales revenue into that account. Use an American Express card or any other credit card that requires pay-off each month to pay for equipment purchases. When you place an order, pay for it with your credit card. This gives you up to 30 days to sell the equipment to your students. As they pay for the equipment, deposit the funds into the retail account.

When the credit card bill for the equipment is due, pay for it with a check from the retail account. Since you are usually doubling your money, this retail account will grow fast. Your credit rating will grow, as well as your rewards for using the card. Ideally, you will build a large cash reserve and save money on plane tickets and vacations, too.

Sell thousands of martial arts products and supplies directly from your website. You choose which products to sell, set the retail price, and still only pay wholesale. Veteran schools have reported that they have tripled their retail sales using this valuable service.

Best of all, student payments go straight into your bank account and you are billed your wholesale rate, allowing you to better manage your cash flow and not have to wait for your referral check to arrive.

Revenue Stream 5
Special Events
Even if you dont charge for testing, you will want to host at least one special event each month for your student body. These can range from nunchaku seminars to board-breaking, “Fear Into Power” seminars. These are not only pretty easy to manage, but they are a lot of fun. My nunchaku seminars were always packed with 30 to 50 students and would generate around $500-$1,000 per event. The fee of $25 included two rubber nunchaku to use in the class, so it was almost pure profit.

Birthday parties would also go under this category. A two-hour $250 birthday party is not only a revenue generator, but also a lead generator. Some schools have at least one birthday party per week, so its a proven winner.

Revenue Stream 6
Testing/Grading Fees
I didnt include these with Special Events, because exam fees are a little different from special events. Most exams for stripes occur in class, and they usually dont require a fee. The main graduations on the weekends require additional work and staff, so its reasonable to charge for these events.

Typically, exam fees range from $30 to $50 and increase with rank. Black belt exams can be as much as $200 to $300 but, to justify this higher fee, you should provide additional prep classes for the black belt candidates.

Some schools are large enough that they rent auditoriums to showcase their graduating black belts or to conduct the exam. The exam fee should cover these additional expenses.

Revenue Stream 7
Fast Track Testing
This is a touchy subject and has to be handled carefully. The idea is simply that some people are willing to invest more money to get through your belt system faster.

Revenue Stream 8
Paid in Fulls
In recent years, Paid In Fulls (PIFs) have made a huge comeback. MASS and other such organizations have championed the cash out as a way of getting maximum revenue from a student base that will more than likely drop out anyway. As much as I dislike the idea of treating all students like potential dropouts, smart use of Paid in Fulls can significantly boost your bottom line.

Revenue Stream 9
Renewals and Upgrades
Black Belt Club and Masters Club are the most popular and proven renewal programs. For now, we want to focus on the renewal as a revenue generator.

Common practice has been to upgrade someone to a BBC or MC and replace his New Student agreement or program with the more expensive BBC or MC program. In most cases, the renewal had a registration of $299 or so, and tuition increased $10 per month.

Another popular strategy is to keep the student on their current tuition plan, but charge them a one-time or annual fee to upgrade to BBC or MC. For instance, a student is paying $110 per month for her current program. A BBC or Masters’ Club upgrade is presented as an annual upgrade for $500.

Revenue Stream 10
Discounting a Past-Due Contract
When I was a publisher for Martial Arts Professional magazine, we sold advertising to clients who wanted to reach and sell to our readers. On occasion, an advertiser would want to cancel the contract. In the world or publishing, the process for doing this is called shorting the contract.

In exchange for committing to a set number of ads, the advertiser would be given a discount for each ad they placed. Shorting the contract meant that the ads the client ran would be re-billed at the one-time rate and, if he paid the difference, wed release him from the contract.

Revenue Stream 11
Career Training Programs
For years, Ive taught the importance of creating a Leadership Team of assistant instructors to help you provide a higher level of service to your students. Typically, the Leadership Team is a by invitation only program for Black Belt Club members.

More and more schools are expanding Leadership Team programs into a precursor to a full-blown Career Development program that trains students to become martial arts school owners and instructors. Students pay for the right to attend staff meetings, practice role playing, and venture “into the kitchen” of the school.

Tuition for these programs are as high as $7,900 for a two-year course. Keep in mind that, in order to offer this, you really have to know this business cold and create a solid curriculum on par with a vocational school, because, in a sense, thats what you are offering.
Student Audit

This is not so much a revenue stream as a way of plugging leaks in your cash flow. The Student Program Audit is a single sheet of paper with three columns and 11 rows. The columns are for a students first, second, and third programs within a school. Typically, these are New Student, Black Belt Club, and Masters’ Club, but any program will work.

The first six rows are the various payment options a student might use in your school. The next two are the start and end date for the program, which are followed by a check mark to make sure the Party Responsible for Paying is noted in the agreement and that the injury waiver has been signed. Your job is to audit each and every students file to make sure you have each of these important items in the students folder.

The first few times you do a Student Audit, it is like found money. You will be amazed at how much important paperwork is missing. More than that, you will be stunned at how many students are training who have expired or have no record of payments.

Staple one Student Audit to the outside of each student file.

Build Around Your Core
Not all of these revenue streams will be for you. Thats why the Core Dynamic of Finding Your Own Voice is so important. I personally helped create many popular trends in this industry. I also made it clear what programs I would never teach, even though I developed and sold them. What is good for me may not be good for you. Know what you like, and why you are doing this for a living, and then build strong revenue streams around those core programs.

Definition About Martial Arts

Arts blogger

Typically this group uses “Martial Art” in one of two ways:

1) The first definition is a generic one, which defines a “Martial Art” as the study of any kind of combat and/or self-defense techniques.

This definition includes non-oriental arts like boxing. This definition includes both those arts practiced primarily as a sport, and those arts practiced primarily for self-defense. This definition includes those arts that emphasize only physical technique. This definition also includes those arts that emphasize a philosophical or mental aspect in addition to physical techniques. In its broadest usage, this definition includes learning how to drive a tank or drop bombs out of a plane as a Martial Art. This explains the somewhat facetious references you will see to “Gun Fu”, the martial art of learning how to use firearms (implying, as the dictionary definition does, that a martial art must be oriental to be legitimate).

2) The second definition is much narrower, and draws a distinction between a “Martial ART” and a “Martial WAY”. To offer a gross simplification:

A martial art is the study of an art that emphasizes only physical techniques. Perfection of technique is the primary concern. A martial way emphasizes the study of both physical techniques and a philosophical or mental aspect as well. Perfection of the self is the primary concern. The emphasis on this distinction is very clear for those arts that have Japanese names. Typically, Japanese martial *art* style names end in “jutsu”, such as “jiu-jutsu”, “aiki-jiujutsu”, or “ken-jutsu”. Typically Japanese martial *way* style names end in “do”, such as “ju-do”, “aiki-do”, or “ken-do”.

art

Pronunciation: ‘rt

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin art-, ars — more at ARM

Date: 13th century

1 : skill acquired by experience, study, or observation

2 a : a branch of learning: (1) : one of the humanities (2) plural : LIBERAL ARTS b archaic : LEARNING, SCHOLARSHIP

3 : an occupation requiring knowledge or skill

4 a : the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also : works so produced b (1) : FINE ARTS (2) : one of the fine arts (3) : a graphic art

5 a archaic : a skillful plan b : the quality or state of being artful

6 : decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter

synonyms ART, SKILL, CUNNING, ARTIFICE, CRAFT mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. ART implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power . SKILL stresses technical knowledge and proficiency . CUNNING suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing . ARTIFICE suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature . CRAFT may imply expertness in workmanship .

Martial Arts

A martial art is any skill that can be applied in warfare. The word martial means “military.” So, a martial art is a military art. Most people don’t really consider that when they think of the martial arts. The first things that usually come to mind are leaping, kicking, punching, blocking, inverting elbows, twisting necks, throwing, and sword fighting. That is a very narrow view of the martial arts, though. Did it occur to you that horsemanship, javelin throwing, archery, spear fighting, halberd fighting, wrestling, knife fighting, rifle, shotgun, and pistol shooting, demolitions, logistics, and battle strategy are all martial arts? Anything that a soldier might do in battle is a martial art.

Information on tea storage can be found at the Types Of Tea site.

Various Types of Services in a Modern Hair Salon

Arts blogger

Hair salons nowadays are offering a variety of services according to the changing needs of their clients. This is indeed a benefit for clients since they get everything at one single place and that too at reasonable prices.

Pampering and grooming are two things that both men and women desire. Everyone wants to look perfect. Times have gone when people used to visit a salon for a haircut. These days, hair salons offer services beyond the traditional hair care services. The professionals put in best efforts to provide solutions to clients.

Since, the salon professionals now understand the changing trends and needs; they make sure that they keep updating the techniques and equipments being used. There are several new treatments available at much cheaper cost and the best salons aim at delivering the benefits to their clients.

With the increasing awareness and easy availability of information using the internet, people are becoming aware of the importance of personal grooming. Even men are becoming conscious. From treatments to makeovers, people can avail various services under one roof. Some such services are:

Hair extension Long Island NY: Hair extensions are indeed a boon for people who desire good quality, long hair. The latest techniques are simple and results are quick. This is why an increasing number of people are opting for this option. While some choose hair extension to change their style, for others it is a solution for problems like excessive hair loss etc.

Spas: Earlier, this service was not available in salons since people were not willing to spend much. However, with time the costs have come down and people are aware of the benefits. This is why leading hair salons now offer spa treatments and services from head to toe. There are special sections for this service.

Hair color: Hair color in the past was used to hide white hair. But now there are numerous colors available in mar the market using which one can transform his look. However, few important concerns related to this service are: the quality of color used, their effect on hair health, technique used and the expertise of the professional. This is why it becomes essential to consider the best hair colorists in Long Island NY.

Nail care: Some salons also offer nail care services. Such services are becoming popular. There are nail extensions, nail arts and other concepts. This ensures that one has healthy and beautiful nails attracting everybody’s attention.

There are numerous services offered by modern hair salons and hence, one should consider them while selecting a salon. It is always better to choose one which offers all solutions under one roof rather than running to several places for different services. Also, the approach helps in saving money since salons offer affordable packages to ensure the best experience.

Macy Busson is a hair color expert at www.topsalonlongisland.com. Top Salon Long Island is New York best national directory for finding information on Beauty and best hair colorists in Long Island NY. For more information please click here

Smashing Mixed Martial Arts Cage Fighting

Arts blogger

MMA cage fighting is held in an eight sided cage that is reinforced with chain link material and padded heavily. This structure is (for obvious reasons) called the Octagon. This sport has seen tremendous growth in popularity over the last several years, and although the basic premise has remained the same, the rules, regulations, and conditions that govern what types of fight gear and apparel a fighter can wear during a match in the cage. The Octagon has become associated as a symbol that relates to the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and the MMA as well. Fans can see MMA cage fighting regularly on TV, and it is featured in the national media fairly often. Since 1993 when the cage fighting first began, The Octagon has been a symbol of it.

The UFC is now known as the largest and most recognized MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) promotion worldwide. The company Zuffa, LLC owns the UFC and has its head quarters in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC began in the 1970s in Brazil and was based on the Brazilian fighting style that is known as tudo style. When it first began, however, it really was a no rules, no holds barred contest that absorbed a lot of protests from all over the world as being incredibly violent and inhumane. The criticism worked, as far as the protesters were concerned. The UFCs popularity diminished significantly, and at its lowest point, it reorganized and reformed, adapting strict rules that were sanctioned by athletic commissions, and was re marketed as a legitimate, safer, and more humane sporting event.

The attire that fighters wear for these kinds of competitions is regulated heavily. Only regulation gloves and regulation shorts are allowed. There are no shoes at all that are allowed. Any kind of shirts or pants are also not allowed, no matter what type they are. The reason for the gloves is that they help the fighters deliver stronger punches to the competitor, and they also protect fighters against injury at the same time when they are on the receiving end of a blow. Back when MMA cage fighting began in the 1970s, the attire was worn without regard to any rules, and the many fighters seemed to prefer either tight athletic shorts, boxer shorts, or tight wrestling suits and long pants. One of the most popular fighters of all time, tournament champion Royce Gracie would wear a jujitsu gi in his UFC appearances. The UFC and MMA after that point decided during their re organization phase in the early 1990s to regulate the attire for the MMA cage fighting, and the clothing and apparel then became very popular with fans of the mixed martial arts as well.

Academy Of Applied Arts Visual Merchandising, Interior Design, Fine Art – Institute In Delhi

Arts blogger

Applied arts is gaining greater popularity every day. Creative people will always find a possibility to learn and then share their talent with other people. Visual Merchandising, Retail Design, Interior Design are an integral part of fine arts. Academy of Applied Art is situated in New Delhi. It has three departments which provide training for different types of Degree and Diploma Courses of fine arts. Art helps relieve stress and divert minds from useless thoughts. The best place to know art is the art gallery. The academy of applied arts is noted to be the biggest art and design school in New Delhi, India. There are special facilities for the online studying, that became very popular now a days. The Institutes provide the students with the virtual classrooms and conference. That helps to create the atmosphere of the real seminar-style classroom and with the professor who the students can interact with. In the Academy of Art New Delhi the students have the opportunities to get the educational degrees in Interior designing, retail designing and visual merchandising. Applied arts is a buzzword in todays world. In last few years, there is constant increase in popularity of applied arts as a profession. Applied arts courses are now offering widely in Academy of applied arts and it teaches the process of visual merchandising, interior design and fine arts to be successful as an designer.Applied arts is a form of art which makes places beautiful and useful, people thinks, Art is just to make places beautiful, but it is not true, arts makes place beautiful as well as useful. Art is the expression of beauty and sensitivity. Numerous people have a special taste and interest for pieces of fine art.Arts is one of the traditional things in India which shows different cultures, religions and living style of Indian. It is the most important stream of students from career prospective. Art includes different terms in it humanities, visual arts, fine arts, interior design, visual merchandising, retail design and performing arts are divided terms of it. Academy of fine arts, Delhi offer almost all the subjects of humanities at Diploma, graduate and post graduate level. A visual merchandiser uses the creativity and innovative ideas for displaying the goods according to the current trends and concepts. The merchandiser have to keep in mind the basic ideas and components of visual merchandiser. Visual merchandising really make the market place innovative and exciting the design of visual merchandising includes the elements like color, line, shape, texture, light and motion etc.
The Academy of Applied Arts is located at 13 satya niketan, south campus, dhaula kuan opp. Venkteshwra college, New Delhi. The Institute of Applied Arts is affiliated by the UGC recognized EILLM University & Academy of Applied Arts. In Applied Arts Academy in all programs like visual merchandising, interior design and fine arts recognized by EILLM University & Academy of Applied Arts.
Programs offered by The Fine Art Institute of Delhi in various fields, is:-
Visual merchandising
Diploma in The Visual merchandising
Degree in Bachelor of Visual merchandising
Degree in Applied Arts
Foundation Diploma in Visual Merchandising (FDVM)
Advanced Diploma in Visual Merchandising (ADVM) *
Advanced Diploma in Visual Merchandising Online (ADVMO)
Graduate Program in Visual Merchandising (GPVM) *

Interior Designing
Higher Diploma in Interior Design (HDID) **
B.Sc in Interior Design ***
Advanced Diploma in Interior Designing

Retail Designing
Higher Diploma in Retail Design (HDRD)
B.Sc in retail Design ***

Admission requirement at The Applied Art Institute of Delhi is:-
Candidates who have appeared / appearing:
10 + 2 (CBSE / ICSE) or equivalent as per UGC guidelines
Basic knowledge of Artistic & Creative Skills
General Design & Creativity Test
Essay Writing Test
The General Design & Creativity Test is designed to understand the creative knowledge, communication skills and general aptitude of the candidates towards Design.
Essay Writing Test is to evaluate the free-writing skills of the candidate.