Words have power.

I refuse to call my Dojo a ‘business’ because a Dojo is a ‘place of learning the way’, it’s community of mutual support and like minded people.

Part of the Buddhist 8 fold path is ‘right livelihood’ to earn a living by supporting the community and causing no harm. Of course the bills have to be paid and all payments need to explained, up front and mutually agreed by all parties.

Red flags to me are words like ‘upgrade’, ‘pro shop’, ‘contract’, ‘client’ and ‘punter’. These words alone don’t mean that the club is a scam but they certainly raise my spidey senses because they are money and business oriented.

Revolving door recruitment is also a waste of time and money for everyone concerned, when someone is constantly boasting about how many new students they’ve recruited it tells me that they can’t keep them.

Brian Tracy (probably the best and most experienced business adviser) said that a good salesman only has to go out on the road once, because he looks after and keeps his customers for life.

When writing your personal and club mission statement make sure that you have thought deeply about what you want from this huge step and responsibility in your life. Choose and understand your wording very carefully.

Do you want to contribute to and support the community or only think of your personal wealth and be a parasite on its back?

Words contain a magical power of change and for each teacher their use contain important personal life choices.