Monday, September 19, 2011

Top Characteristics of Successful Instructors (part 2)


6. Successful Instructors are enthusiastic

They are always in a positive mood - even during difficult times - and their enthusiasm is contagious. They seldom talk poorly of their school or        business. When faced with unpleasant or negative situations, they choose to focus on the positive elements instead of allowing themselves to be dragged down. Remember, enthusiasm is not taught, it’s caught!


7. Successful Instructors take responsibility for their results

They do not blame internal problems, the economy, tough competitors, or anything else if they fail to meet their goals. They know that their actions alone will determine their results and they do what is necessary.







8. Successful Instructors work hard

Most people want to be successful but they aren’t prepared to work hard to achieve it. Superstar Instructors don’t wait for students to come to them; they go after them. They usually start work earlier than their colleagues and stay later than everyone else. They make more calls, prospect more consistently, talk to more people, and teach more classes. Successful instructors do what unsuccessful instructors won’t do; they do “Whatever it takes”.



9. Successful Instructors keep in touch with their students

They know that constant contact helps keep students so they use a variety of approaches to accomplish this. They send thank-you, birthday, and              anniversary cards. They make phone calls and schedule regular ‘progress reviews’. They are constantly on the lookout for new and creative ways to keep their name in their students’ minds. They work 110% with students to help them progress their martial arts skills, achieve their individual goals and ensure they have an enjoyable time.


10. Successful Instructors show value

Today’s world is more competitive than ever before and most        Instructors think that price is the only motivating buying factor. Successful Instructors recognize that price is a factor but it is seldom the primary reason someone chooses their school. They know that a well-informed buyer will usually base much of her decision on the value proposition presented by the Instructor. They know how to create this value with each student, they encounter.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Top Characteristics of Successful Instructors (Pt. 1)


1. They are persistent

Running a business for a living requires a tremendous amount of persistence. Obstacles loom in front of us on a regular basis. But it’s what you do when faced with these barriers that will determine your level of success. It was Brian Tracy who once said that “A person will face the most  challenging obstacle just before they achieve their goal”. The most successful people in any industry have learned to face the obstacles that get in their way. They look for new solutions. They are tenacious. They refuse to give up.


2. Successful Instructors are avid goal setters

They know what they want to accomplish and they plan their approach. They make sure their goals are specific, motivational, achievable yet challenging, relevant to their personal situation, and time-framed. They visualize their   target, determine how they will achieve their goal, and take action on a daily basis.


3. Great Instructors ask quality questions

The best Instructors ask their students and prospect plenty of quality questions to fully determine their situation and buying needs. They know that the most effective way to present their program is to uncover their customer's goals, objectives, concerns and hesitations. This allows them to effectively discuss the features and benefits of their program that most relate to each customer.

4. Successful Instructors listen

Most Instructors will ask a question then give their student the answer, or continue to talk afterward instead of waiting for their response. Great Instructors know that students will tell them everything they need to know if given the right opportunity. They ask questions and listen carefully to the   responses, often taking notes and summarizing their understanding of the student’s comments. They have learned that silence is golden.

5. Successful Instructors are passionate 

                      Most Instructors will ask a question then give their student the answer, or continue to talk    afterward instead of waiting for their response. Great Instructors know that students will tell them everything they need to know if given the right opportunity. They ask questions and listen carefully to the   responses, often taking notes and summarizing their understanding of the student’s comments. They have learned that silence is golden.