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How to Transform Your Marketing into a Movement: Insights from Nick D
Nick Dougherty • July 3, 2024
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Hey everyone, Nick D here! Let's dive right in—no more waiting because I am too excited about today's topic. First of all, shout out to all of you badasses making it here today. It's 4th of July weekend, and while most people have already checked out, you guys are here and that speaks volumes about your dedication. So let's get into it.


The Power of Movements vs. Marketing

Recently, I received a message from a guy who's been following me for a year. He said I seem like the only real person left and just joined the Brotherhood. This got me thinking about the difference between movements and marketing. I want you to write this down: movement vs. marketing.


Movement vs. Marketing

You need to create movements, not just do marketing. The Brotherhood wasn't planned; it happened organically. A year and a half ago, I was lost, working on Studio Boss, and feeling miserable. George Bryant called me out and helped me realize that I needed to find my identity again. He taught me the importance of creating a movement rather than just doing marketing.


Three Key Takeaways

1. Document of Truth:

This is your Bible. You must be obsessed with it, tweaking it constantly, and ensuring it resonates with your audience.


The Document of Truth is essential. It's not about just giving away value; you have to hold people accountable. If you give someone an eBook, set up a call to help them with it. Create relationships where you get results first.


2. Lead by Example

Are you leading from the front? Are you in shape? Are you practicing what you preach?


Leading from the front is critical. Look at yourself—are you in the best shape of your life? If not, that needs to change. I was 225 pounds in 2016, and now I'm 182 pounds and in the best shape of my life at 50 years old. You need to be the example for your students.


3 Constant Adjustment:

Adjusting your strategies daily is crucial. Your emails, text messages, gym routines, and even your diet need constant tweaking.


You need to be constantly adjusting everything—your marketing, your personal habits, your diet, everything. This is how you stay ahead and keep improving.


Movement Not Marketing

When you create a movement, people resonate with you. They are tired of agencies and want genuine connections. Give value first, hold people accountable, and lead by example.


The Antagonist

Having an antagonist or someone who doubts you can be a great motivator. Use their negativity to fuel your drive and prove them wrong.


Launching the Brotherhood Podcast

We're launching the Brotherhood Podcast next week. I'll be interviewing amazing entrepreneurs and asking them what makes them different. This is a great way for you to learn from the best and apply those lessons to your own life and business.


Affiliates

We are launching an affiliate program. If you refer someone to the Brotherhood, you get 20% of their subscription fee until they stop paying. This is a great way to grow our community and help more people.


Implementation Skills

Here are the skills every one of you needs to master:


  • Email Strategies: Different strategies for members and leads.
  • Text Messaging: Weekly texts to leads and members, not just offers.
  • Maintaining Lists: Constantly update and clean your contact lists.
  • Posting: Daily posts on your personal and business pages.
  • Instagram: Maintain a respectable Instagram page with consistent stories.
  • Creating Courses: Offer value through courses addressing common pain points.
  • Movement Mindset: Think movement, not marketing.
  • Documented Truth: Constantly adjust and live by your Document of Truth.
  • Facebook Live and Reels: Start creating content now and adjust as you go.
  • BAR Report: Brotherhood Accountability Report—do it daily.
  • Creating a Movement: Detailed Insights


The Struggles and Triumphs

Let's delve deeper into the journey that led to the creation of the Brotherhood. A year and a half ago, I found myself in a rut. Working on Studio Boss was draining, and I had lost my passion. George Bryant's call-out was a turning point. It wasn't about learning new things; it was about reigniting what I already knew and had forgotten. George didn't teach me anything new; he reminded me of the principles I had strayed from, principles that were critical to creating a movement.


The Catalyst and Contagious

George introduced me to "The Catalyst" and "Contagious," books that emphasized the power of movements. These books were not new to me, but reading them again with a fresh perspective was enlightening. They highlighted the importance of authenticity and creating genuine connections, something that gets lost when you focus solely on marketing tactics.


Building the Brotherhood

The Brotherhood started as a simple concept. I was called out by George Bryant, and it led to an introspective journey. I realized I wasn't enjoying what I was doing with Studio Boss. Spending hours on website copy and development was not fulfilling. The gut feeling that things were not right was persistent. George's intervention was timely and transformative. It wasn't an accident; it was a necessary disruption that helped me find my path again.


Importance of Accountability

One crucial lesson from George was about accountability. It's not enough to give value; you need to ensure that people act on it. If you give someone a resource, follow up with them. Help them apply what they've learned. This creates a deeper connection and fosters a sense of responsibility.


The Impact of Personal Transformation

Personal transformation is at the core of leading by example. Six years ago, I couldn't do a pull-up. Today, I'm in the best shape of my life. This transformation didn't happen overnight. It required constant effort and dedication. Leading by example means showing your students that you practice what you preach. It's about demonstrating the results of hard work and consistency.


The Role of Fitness

Fitness is not just about physical appearance; it's about discipline and commitment. If you're overweight or out of shape, it's hard to inspire others to follow your lead. You need to be the embodiment of the values you promote. This authenticity is what attracts people to your movement.


Constantly Adjusting and Improving

Adjustment is a continuous process. Whether it's your marketing strategies, personal habits, or business practices, constant tweaking is necessary. This is how you stay relevant and effective. Your emails, text messages, and social media content should always be evolving based on feedback and results.


Document of Truth in Practice

The Document of Truth is a living document. It's something you need to revisit and adjust regularly. It should reflect your core values and the message you want to convey. This document is your guiding star, helping you stay true to your mission.


Embracing the Antagonist

Every story needs an antagonist. For me, it's the naysayers and doubters. Their negativity fuels my drive. When people criticize or doubt me, it pushes me to prove them wrong. This isn't about seeking validation from others; it's about using their skepticism as motivation to excel.


Turning Criticism into Fuel

Criticism can be a powerful motivator. Instead of letting it bring you down, use it as fuel to drive your success. Proving your doubters wrong can be incredibly satisfying and can push you to achieve more than you ever thought possible.


Launching the Brotherhood Podcast

The Brotherhood Podcast is a platform where I'll interview top entrepreneurs and leaders. The goal is to extract valuable insights that can help you in your journey. These interviews will provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration, showcasing the diverse paths to success.


Learning from the Best

By listening to the stories of successful entrepreneurs, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a successful business and create a lasting impact. These insights can be applied to your own journey, helping you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.


The Power of Affiliates

Our affiliate program is designed to grow the Brotherhood community. By referring someone to the Brotherhood, you earn a commission. This not only helps us grow but also provides you with a passive income stream.


Creating an Affiliate Network

An affiliate program can significantly expand your reach. By leveraging the networks of your current members, you can attract new members and create a larger impact. This network effect is powerful and can accelerate your growth.


Implementation Skills in Detail

Let's break down the critical skills you need to master to implement these strategies effectively.


Email Strategies

Differentiate your email strategies for members and leads. Members need engagement emails that provide value and keep them informed about events and updates. Leads need nurturing emails that build trust and guide them towards conversion.


Text Messaging

Text messaging is a powerful tool for engagement. However, it shouldn't always be about offers. Mix in value-driven messages, ask for feedback, and create a dialogue. This builds a stronger connection with your audience.


Maintaining Lists

Regularly update and clean your contact lists. Ensure you have the correct contact information and that your lists are segmented properly. This ensures your messages reach the right people and are effective.


Posting Consistently

Consistency is key. Post daily on both your personal and business pages. This keeps your audience engaged and aware of what you're doing. Don't worry about perfection; focus on consistency and adjust as you go.


Instagram Presence

Instagram is crucial, especially for a younger audience. Maintain a respectable page with consistent stories. Your stories should provide a behind-the-scenes look at your operations, showcasing authenticity and building trust.


Creating Courses

Offer value through courses that address common pain points. Whether it's a course on bonding with your kids or improving focus, these resources provide tangible value and position you as an authority.


Movement Mindset

Adopt a movement mindset. Think about how you can create mini-movements around different aspects of your business. This creates a deeper connection with your audience and makes your marketing efforts more impactful.


Documented Truth

Live by your Document of Truth. Constantly revisit and adjust it to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your mission. This document should guide all your actions and communications.


Facebook Live and Reels

Start creating content now and adjust as you go. Facebook Live and Reels are powerful tools for engagement. They allow you to connect with your audience in real-time and provide valuable insights.


BAR Report

The Brotherhood Accountability Report (BAR) is a daily practice. This report helps you stay accountable and track your progress. It’s a critical tool for continuous improvement and staying on track with your goals.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I start creating a movement?

A: Begin with your Document of Truth and lead by example. Constantly adjust your strategies and focus on giving value first.


Q: What is the Document of Truth?

A: It's a guiding document that outlines your core values, before and after states, and scripture statements. It keeps you aligned with your mission. Click Here to Get the Worksheets


Q: How can I lead by example?

A: Make sure you are in the best shape of your life, both physically and mentally. Practice what you preach and show your students what it means to be dedicated.


Q: What if I'm not good at making videos?

A: Start with what you can do and keep improving. Change your narrative to "I'm getting better at making videos."


Q: How do I get people behind my movement?

A: Engage with your current students and get them involved in your mission. Create value and hold them accountable.


Q: What is the Brotherhood Podcast?

A: It's a podcast where I interview top entrepreneurs to learn their secrets of success. It's a great resource for you to learn and grow.


Q: How does the affiliate program work?

A: Refer someone to the Brotherhood and get 20% of their subscription fee until they stop paying. It's an easy way to grow our community and earn some extra income. Click Here if you're interested


Stay ahead, lead from the front, and keep pushing forward!

By Nick Dougherty February 12, 2025
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about connection, confidence, and commitment. Use this holiday as an opportunity to bring new students in with these low-cost, high-impact ideas that align with your martial arts studio’s mission. 1. “Heart of a Warrior” Parent & Child Free Class 💡 Concept: Promote bonding and discipline by inviting parents to train with their kids for free on Valentine’s Day. 🎯 Why It Works: Many parents want meaningful quality time with their kids. This class builds connection while showcasing your program. ✅ How to Execute: • Offer a one-day “Heart of a Warrior” family training session where parents and kids train together. • Make it interactive with fun drills, teamwork exercises, and life lessons on love through leadership and protection. • Give attending families a special offer if they enroll together. 2. “Bring Your Bestie” Buddy Pass 💡 Concept: Offer existing students a free pass for their friend to train with them for one week. 🎯 Why It Works: Friends training together increases commitment and fun, leading to a higher retention rate. ✅ How to Execute: • Give out limited-time “Bestie Buddy Passes” leading up to Valentine’s Day. • Create a friendly competition where the pair with the most classes attended wins a small prize (sticker, wristband, etc.). • End the week with a Bestie Belt Challenge—a fun drill where they help each other succeed. 3. “Protect Your Loved Ones” Self-Defense Seminar 💡 Concept: Host a free community self-defense workshop themed around protecting the people you love. 🎯 Why It Works: This empowers parents, kids, and couples, showing that martial arts isn’t just about fighting—it’s about keeping loved ones safe. ✅ How to Execute: • Keep it basic and engaging (situational awareness, escape drills, etc.). • Promote with “Who Would You Protect?” messaging—have people tag loved ones to attend together. • Offer attendees a discounted membership if they enroll as a duo (parent/child, siblings, friends). 4. “Love Yourself, Train for Free” Challenge 💡 Concept: Focus on self-love and self-improvement with a 7-day free challenge for new students. 🎯 Why It Works: February is prime time for goal-setting and personal development, especially after failed New Year’s resolutions. ✅ How to Execute: • Challenge runs for one week, including one free class and a simple at-home challenge (push-ups, mindfulness, journaling). • Use a special challenge tracker—those who complete all tasks get a free trial extension or discounted enrollment. • Promote the idea that “the best Valentine is YOU”—train for self-confidence and discipline. 5. “Power Couples” Valentine’s Day Sparring Event 💡 Concept: Create a fun couples event where partners train together in a lighthearted martial arts class. 🎯 Why It Works: Couples who train together stay together! This is a fun, unique date idea that gets them hooked on training. ✅ How to Execute: • Offer a free couple’s class with basic partner drills, pad work, and a mini-competition. • Keep it light and fun, adding partner teamwork exercises like helping each other perfect a kick. • Offer a discounted rate for couples who sign up together (or let one enroll and their partner train for free for a month). 6. “Warrior’s Heart” Valentine’s Day Card Giveaway 💡 Concept: Create custom martial arts-themed Valentine’s cards for students to hand out to their friends. 🎯 Why It Works: It’s an organic referral strategy—students naturally invite friends while sharing something fun. ✅ How to Execute: • Print simple custom cards that say “Train with me for FREE!” and include a guest pass. • Have kids hand them out at school, to teammates, or at other activities. • Offer a raffle entry for every friend that redeems a pass. 7. “Love the Journey” Social Media Giveaway 💡 Concept: Run a social media giveaway where people share what they love about martial arts for a chance to win a free month of training. 🎯 Why It Works: Encourages engagement and word-of-mouth marketing while getting new prospects interested. ✅ How to Execute: • Post: “Tell us what you LOVE about martial arts in the comments for a chance to win a free month!” • Require them to tag 2 friends (expands your reach). • Pick one winner at random, but offer all participants a limited-time discount to join. Final Thought: The Key is Engagement, Not Cost GRAB YOUR GRAPHICS HERE
By Nick Dougherty February 11, 2025
Why the First 100 Days Matter The first 100 days of a new student’s journey will determine whether they become a lifelong member or just another drop-off. The goal is to blow their minds at every step—showing them they made the right decision, reinforcing their commitment, and ensuring they experience everything they were promised as a lead. This isn’t just onboarding. This is a full-blown experience designed to create unstoppable loyalty. PHASE 1: THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT (Days 1-7) Objective: Make them feel like they joined something special. ✅ Day 1: The Red Carpet Welcome Personalized welcome video from the head instructor. Studio tour if not already given. Exclusive "Welcome to the Family" package (shirt, wristband, or special badge). Immediate invite to the Private Member Community (Facebook group, WhatsApp, etc.). First class follow-up: "How was your first session? Anything we can help with?" ✅ Day 2-3: The Commitment Reminder Send an email/SMS reminding them WHY they joined and the transformation ahead. Video of success stories from students just like them. Assign an accountability partner (a senior student or coach check-in system). ✅ Day 4-7: Reinforce Their Decision "Your first week down! Here’s what’s next!" email with milestones ahead. Share a "What to Expect in Month 1" roadmap. Offer a personalized challenge (ex: "Earn your first stripe by Day 30"). Midweek check-in from an instructor: "How are you feeling so far?" PHASE 2: CREATING MASSIVE VALUE (Days 8-30) Objective: Show them they’re getting MORE than they expected. ✅ Day 8-10: The First WIN Challenge Encourage them to share their experience in the private group. Offer their first milestone challenge (ex: "Show up 3 times this week = reward!"). ✅ Day 14: Shock & Awe Gift Surprise them with a free training resource, exclusive content, or VIP access to a special class. "We appreciate you! Here’s something extra for your commitment." ✅ Day 21: Unlock the Next Level First milestone review (personal feedback on progress). Reminder of why they started. Personal invite to something exclusive (a seminar, VIP event, or extra class). ✅ Day 30: "Your First 30 Days – Look at You Now!" A personal message celebrating their 30-day achievement. Highlight growth, progress, and improvements. "What’s Next?" preview of their next 30 days. A customized training plan for their next month. PHASE 3: BUILDING STRONG CONNECTIONS (Days 31-60) Objective: Deepen their ties to the community and future vision. ✅ Day 35-40: Invite-Only Challenge Special event or seminar for new students only. A buddy pass to bring a friend/family member. "Training isn’t just about the body—it’s about the tribe!" ✅ Day 45: Personal Progress Call 1-on-1 progress check-in. Adjust training goals based on feedback. "Here’s where you’re crushing it! Here’s where we’ll level up!" ✅ Day 50-55: Leadership Exposure Introduce them to a senior member or coach for a mentorship-style talk. "You’re past the beginner phase—time to start thinking bigger!" ✅ Day 60: The Family Bonding Experience Host a "Bring Your Family to Class" session. Strengthen outside support from their personal circles. Cement their feeling that they’re part of something bigger. PHASE 4: CEMENTING THEIR FUTURE (Days 61-100) Objective: Transform them from a student into a lifelong warrior. ✅ Day 65-70: "Why I Train" Reflection Have them write or record a video on what martial arts has done for them so far. Post in the community group to inspire others. ✅ Day 75: Special Advancement Opportunity A unique training opportunity (early testing invite, exclusive sparring session, etc.). "Not everyone gets this. You’ve EARNED it." ✅ Day 85-90: The Next-Level Commitment Offer an upgraded membership, private coaching, or leadership path. "You’re no longer just starting out. It’s time to level up!" ✅ Day 100: "You Made It – What’s Next?" Celebrate their journey and cement long-term retention. Special gift, recognition, or badge of honor for completing 100 days. Personal invite to become a mentor for new students . "You’re no longer a new student. You’re a part of this for LIFE." Why This Works 🔥 Most gyms & studios focus only on getting members, NOT keeping them. This system ensures they feel valued, engaged, and constantly progressing. 🔥 People don’t quit when they’re deeply connected to the community. These first 100 days create that connection. 🔥 By constantly reinforcing the value, members won’t second-guess their decision. Instead, they’ll be telling their friends and family to join! This isn’t just an onboarding process—it’s customer shock & awe. The result? More loyalty, fewer cancellations, and a thriving studio.  YOUR NEXT MOVE: Implement this 100-day shock system in your studio and start turning new leads into lifelong warriors. 👊🔥
By Nick Dougherty February 11, 2025
Why Most People Fail at Reels Creating Reels isn’t hard. Staying organized, consistent, and strategic is where most fail. This framework will help you build an effective Reels system that keeps your content sharp, engaging, and results-driven. 1. The Doc of Truth – Your Reels Blueprint Before making content, define your core message so every Reel aligns with your brand. Answer these questions: What is the purpose of your videos? What do you stand for? What do you stand against? Where are you taking people? What makes you unique? Who can back up what you say? What are people getting from you? Would anyone share your video? When they go to your IG page, can you turn a glance into a stare? Is there an easy way for new followers to get started? 2. Who Is Making the Reels? This is your TV show. Think about: Who is behind the production? It’s not about volume—it’s about context and clarity. Thumbnails should stand out and look unique. 3. Make 7-10 Reels at a Time Batch content creation to stay ahead. Then distribute across platforms. 4. One-Take vs. Multiple Takes One-take videos = Fast, raw, real. Multiple takes = More polished, but more time-consuming and expensive. 5. You Can’t Afford to Make Them Yourself It takes too long to shoot, edit, and post everything solo. Hire a content team or use a streamlined system. 6. Look Like a Pro High-quality visuals and sound matter. Keep branding consistent across Reels. 7. Every Video Should Follow a Framework Use proven formulas to make Reels engaging and effective. 7 Reasons Your Business Needs Reels More Reach: Instagram favors Reels, pushing them to new audiences. Higher Engagement: Short-form video captures attention faster. Better Brand Trust: Video builds deeper connections than images. Lead Generation: Reels turn viewers into followers, then customers. Algorithm Boost: IG rewards accounts that consistently post Reels. Shareable Content: Easy for followers to spread your message. SEO & Discoverability: Reels show up in search results, getting you found faster. 5 Other Ways to Use Reels & Where to Distribute Post to Facebook Reels – Expands reach to another massive audience. Upload as YouTube Shorts – Capitalize on YouTube’s push for short-form content. TikTok Reposts – Repurpose Reels onto TikTok for more engagement. Website Integration – Add Reels to your website to boost credibility. Email Marketing – Embed Reels in emails to keep subscribers engaged.  🔥 10 Instagram Reels Frameworks (Used by Top Creators) These frameworks are designed to grab attention, drive engagement, and increase reach . Hook → Teach → CTA (Call to Action) Start with an attention-grabbing question or statement. Teach a valuable tip in a concise way. End with a CTA (e.g., “Follow for more!” or “Comment below!”). Before & After Transformation Show a "before" state (struggling with a technique, fitness level, or skill). Transition to the "after" (mastering the technique, improvement, or success story). Challenge-Based Reels Introduce a martial arts challenge (e.g., “Try this kick combo!”). Show how to do it. Invite viewers to try and tag your studio. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Content Give a sneak peek into classes, instructor prep, or student training. Keep it raw and engaging (students sweating, sparring, celebrating wins). Reaction or Duet-Style Reels React to trending martial arts clips, fails, or highlights. Add your expert commentary or humor. Fast-Paced Montage with Music A mix of training shots, sparring, and students in action. Use high-energy music and quick transitions. “Mistakes to Avoid” Format Show a common mistake in martial arts. Explain why it's wrong. Demonstrate the correct way. “POV” (Point of View) Style Example: “POV: You just signed up for your first martial arts class.” Show the experience from a new student’s eyes. Storytelling (Personal Journey or Student Testimonial) Share a powerful transformation story (yours or a student’s). Use captions or voiceover to tell the story. “Listicle” (X Tips in X Seconds) Example: “3 Mistakes That Are Holding Back Your Kicks” Quick, informative, and engaging. 🥋 10 Instagram Reels Topics for Martial Arts Studio Owners These topics are designed to attract new students, engage the community, and build authority . “Why Every Kid Should Learn Martial Arts” Benefits like discipline, confidence, and self-defense. “3 Self-Defense Moves Everyone Should Know” Demonstrate easy-to-learn techniques. “How to Throw a Perfect Kick (Common Mistakes)” Teach proper form in an engaging way. “What to Expect in Your First Martial Arts Class” Ease the nerves of potential students. “My Biggest Martial Arts Fail (And What I Learned)” Share a personal or funny moment to build relatability. “Best Warm-Up for Fighters & Martial Artists” A quick and effective warm-up routine. “Student of the Month Highlight” Celebrate a student’s progress and dedication. “The #1 Myth About Martial Arts (Debunked)” Address common misconceptions like “Martial arts is just for fighters.” “How Martial Arts Can Help You in Real Life” Talk about confidence, focus, and discipline. “Funniest Things We Hear as Martial Arts Instructors” Share hilarious questions or comments from students. Final Thought Reels are non-negotiable for business growth. Stay consistent, follow the framework, and use Reels strategically to attract, engage, and convert your audience across multiple platforms. Get filming and start winning! 🎥🔥
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