A morning search of Google shows that the website missingmoney.com is the top searched term today! I am not surprised that in the midst of this economic downturn in the US, many are looking to try and reclaim anything (missing money) that slipped through the cracks.

Are you looking for the missing money in your Uechi-ryu dojo?

I am sure that many of you are wondering how your dojo will do. If you will keep the students who are worried about spending for their Karate passions, when their own jobs may be in jeopardy. 

How can you find the missing money in your dojo? What may have fallen through the cracks?

1. Look at your records, determine any back owed dues and contact this student asap. Avoid scaring them however as they may quit and what is owed is gone forever. I suggest contacting them and asking casually about the owed dues. Offer a suggestion to add $5 to each month’s dues until it is paid off. If they are worried about their personal finances be sure to tell them you understand, you want them to continue training and that you have a win-win solution.

2. Offer a discount to any student who pays for 3 months training in advance, or perhaps a family discount if you do not already offer one. If people are considering staying closer to home this spring/summer; a family activity may be moot!

3. Contact past students and invite them to return to the dojo. Offer a significant discount to those who return. A strong class (size) will be good word-of-mouth advertising for you.

4. Talk with your landlord. Ask for a % discount for the next few months; explain that you are bootstrapping a bit to help weather the storm and your landlord may agree – it’s a bonus for him/her if you as a tenant is stable.

The number one source for repeat business are your current & past membership…. make sure you track owing monies and collect it as professionally as you can.