Mata

[Cliff Hargrave]

https://martialartsteachers.com

Anyone use it? Is it worth $24.95 a month (even cheaper if you pay six months or a year)?

Much cheaper than other Martial Arts consulting type sites.

[torbjork]

I was a bit startled when the video suddenly hiccuped and the guy went "POW!" and started all over again.

I'm not using any kind of consultants (see no need for it plus there are none here anyway) so my input is maybe of limited value. Based on my experience in other fields though, it appears to me that consulting is more profitable and a lot safer than running any other kind of business. Whenever you do something and it works, you add it to your list of previous successes. If it doesn't work, you blame the client (Rule #1 of consulting: The client is ALWAYS wrong. If they were right, they wouldn't need to hire a consultant). Either way, you gain experience which you can sell to your next client, and, this is so wonderful that I'm on the verge of tears; your clients have to pay your hourly or monthly fee, whether what you tell them works or not.

I'd think that a lot of the stuff that these consultancy firms offer is available for free or next to it either online, in your library, or through your networks. On the other hand I see the convenience of not having to dig everything up yourself.

Out of curiosity, may I ask why you are looking at consultancy firms? Is it very common to use them where you are?

My only tangential experience with martial arts consulting: The national sporting association here in Norway has recently started offering similar consulting services to their members, but that's included in the general membership fee and also personally tailored to each school/club. I've taken advantage of that service to help formulate a better recruiting strategy, and was happy I did, but I don't see a need for me to keep someone on board permanently like what you are looking at.

[Cliff Hargrave]

Out of curiosity, may I ask why you are looking at consultancy firms? Is it very common to use them where you are?




Because I am trying to start a school the right way, since I have failed in the business aspect on more than one occasion in the past. MATA doesn't really seem to be an actual consultant, but more of a collection of articles, ads, and ideas. The other consulting places, like NAPMA, are several hundred dollars a month. I think I am going to try this one just because it's so cheap. If I get one good thing from it then it will be worth the money.

[torbjork]

Perhaps you could also talk to your local council/city government? They might have some sort of intro package to help new businesses get started. Most startups would face a lot of similar challenges regardless of what they make or sell, like financing, attracting and retaining customers, billing and collecting and so on, so there might be some value in general information and advice.

[DragonMind]

I've been a member of MATA since it started. It has a lot of good stuff, but can be overwhelming starting out. Before investing in that, check out Mike Massie's Small Dojo Big Profits (http://www.small-dojo-big-profits.com/). Good advice and very sound materials for someone starting up a dojo. No McDojo stuff. Join MATA after you get running and use the more advanced stuff Graden puts out when it makes sense to you.

[Cliff Hargrave]

I've been a member of MATA since it started. It has a lot of good stuff, but can be overwhelming starting out. Before investing in that, check out Mike Massie's Small Dojo Big Profits (http://www.small-dojo-big-profits.com/). Good advice and very sound materials for someone starting up a dojo. No McDojo stuff. Join MATA after you get running and use the more advanced stuff Graden puts out when it makes sense to you.

Thanks, I have had Massie's book for a long time now. I have read it over and over.