How do you approach onboarding and simplifying processes for your clients?

I approach onboarding and simplifying processes for my clients by focusing on building relationships and understanding where they are at. I emphasize the importance of treating my clients like students and providing them with clear instructions and guidance. I believe in using the least resistant path to match my relationship with each person, and I am willing to provide resources and support without requiring unnecessary steps such as collecting emails or making forms. I also emphasize the importance of not overwhelming my clients with too much information or tasks, and instead, I break things down into manageable steps.

What are the 3 mistakes (plus the additional fourth mistake) mentioned?

The three mistakes mentioned in the masterclass are the zone of doubt, the inverse journey, and the drown the journey. The additional fourth mistake is called the drive-by.

How do you use the least resistant path to match your relationship with someone?

I use the least resistant path to match my relationship with someone by avoiding the use of emails, forms, and automation. Instead, I prefer direct communication such as DMs or connection calls to provide resources and information. I believe in making the process simple and convenient for the person I am interacting with.

Why do you emphasize the importance of relationships in your coaching?

I emphasize the significance of relationships in my coaching because I strongly believe that without strong relationships, businesses cannot thrive. I firmly believe that building strong relationships with customers is the key to retention and scaling, resulting in long-term success. I also emphasize that relationships are the most valuable currency to monetize, as without them, businesses have nothing.

The Importance of Building Strong Relationships in Business

In today's fast-paced business world, it's easy to get caught up in the latest marketing trends and strategies. But amidst all the noise, one thing remains constant: the importance of building strong relationships with your customers. In this blog post, we'll explore why relationships are crucial for business success and how you can cultivate them effectively.

The Power of Word of Mouth Marketing

Did you know that 93% of marketing is word of mouth? That's right, relationships and recommendations from satisfied customers play a significant role in driving business growth. When people have a positive experience with your brand, they are more likely to share it with their friends, family, and colleagues.

Customer Journey and the Triangle of Death

To understand how to build strong relationships, it's essential to grasp the concept of the customer journey. The customer journey refers to the steps a customer takes from the moment they discover your brand to when they become a loyal advocate.

However, many businesses make a common mistake when it comes to the customer journey. They fall into what I call the Triangle of Death.

This triangle consists of three key mistakes:

Lack of Clarity: Customers need to know what they are a part of and why it matters. Clearly communicate your brand's mission and values to create a sense of belonging.
Lack of Safety: Customers must feel safe when engaging with your brand. This means providing a secure and trustworthy environment where they can share their personal information and make purchases without hesitation.
Lack of Results: Ultimately, customers want to see results. Whether it's achieving their goals, solving a problem, or experiencing a transformation, delivering tangible outcomes is crucial for building trust and loyalty.

The Role of Multi-Medium, Multi-Touchpoint, and Multi-Modality

In today's digital age, it's not enough to rely on a single communication channel. To effectively engage with your customers, you need to employ a multi-medium, multi-touchpoint, and multi-modality approach. This means using various platforms and methods to consistently deliver your message and create a cohesive brand experience.

The Power of Constant Improvement

To succeed in business, you must be open to constant improvement. Don't settle for mediocrity or complacency. Continuously evaluate your customer journey, identify areas for enhancement, and implement changes that will deliver better results.

The Magic is in the Work You Won't Do

One of the secrets to business success is recognizing that the magic lies in the work you won't do. This means stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging conventional thinking, and embracing divergent thinking. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new approaches that will set you apart from your competitors.

The Zone of Doubt

The first mistake businesses make in the customer journey is the zone of doubt. This refers to the emotional gap after a customer has made a commitment, where the initial excitement wears off. To overcome this, businesses should focus on providing support and reassurance during this critical period. Clear communication, personalized follow-ups, and addressing any concerns or questions can help alleviate doubts and build trust.

The Inverse Journey

The second mistake is the inverse journey. Instead of focusing on yourself and your accomplishments, shift the focus to your customers and their results. Your customers' results will speak volumes about your brand and its effectiveness. By highlighting success stories and showcasing the value you provide, you can build credibility and trust with your audience.

Drown the Journey

The third mistake is drowning the journey. Many businesses overwhelm their customers with too much information, too soon. Instead, take a step-by-step approach and guide your customers through the journey at a pace that suits them. Break down complex processes into manageable tasks and provide clear instructions and resources to support their progress.

The Drive-By

The fourth mistake is the drive-by. This refers to impersonal and intrusive communication that leaves customers feeling disengaged and annoyed. Instead, focus on building genuine connections and seeking consent from your customers. Respect their time and preferences, and provide value in your interactions.

Conclusion

Building strong relationships is the key to long-term business success. By focusing on the customer journey and avoiding the Triangle of Death, you can create a brand that customers love and advocate for. Remember, your message is only as effective as the recipient's ability to hear it, understand it, and implement it. So, strive to communicate your brand's value in a way that resonates with your audience and cultivates lasting relationships.

Stay tuned for the next part of this blog series tomorrow, where we'll delve deeper into the strategies for creating an effective customer journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you approach onboarding and simplifying processes for your clients?

I approach onboarding and simplifying processes for my clients by focusing on building relationships and understanding where they are at. I emphasize the importance of treating my clients like students and providing them with clear instructions and guidance. I believe in using the least resistant path to match my relationship with each person, and I am willing to provide resources and support without requiring unnecessary steps such as collecting emails or making forms. I also emphasize the importance of not overwhelming my clients with too much information or tasks, and instead, I break things down into manageable steps.
What are the 3 mistakes (plus the additional fourth mistake) mentioned?

The three mistakes mentioned in the masterclass are the zone of doubt, the inverse journey, and the drown the journey. The additional fourth mistake is called the drive-by.
How do you use the least resistant path to match your relationship with someone?

I use the least resistant path to match my relationship with someone by avoiding the use of emails, forms, and automation. Instead, I prefer direct communication such as DMs or connection calls to provide resources and information. I believe in making the process simple and convenient for the person I am interacting with.
Why do you emphasize the importance of relationships in your coaching?

I emphasize the significance of relationships in my coaching because I strongly believe that without strong relationships, businesses cannot thrive. I firmly believe that building strong relationships with customers is the key to retention and scaling, resulting in long-term success. I also emphasize that relationships are the most valuable currency to monetize, as without them, businesses have nothing.

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You Are Your Own Media Company: The Wake-Up Call Every Entrepreneur Needs

By Nick Dougherty • April 21, 2025

Let me tell you a truth bomb that might just change your entire business trajectory: “The wake-up slap algorithm is not your enemy. Your silence is.” That one line says it all. In an era where attention is currency, the speaker behind this game-changing insight—a marketing and media strategist who’s partnered with some of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world—reveals exactly what it takes to stand out, grow fast, and stay relevant. This isn’t theory. It’s war-tested strategy. The Game Has Changed. Here's How to Win It. 1. You’re not just a brand. You’re a media company . Let that sink in. Your job isn’t to run ads and hope for a few likes. Your job is to show up every damn day with content that: Builds trust Builds identity Builds community The speaker’s been through the grind. He didn’t “go viral”—he built value . He didn't chase trends—he created a movement by leveraging three weapons: Consistent content creation Strategic partnerships Relentless differentiation “You don’t want to look, sound, or feel like anyone else. That’s the brand.” Be Different, Or Be Forgotten The worst thing you can be in business today is forgettable. “If your heart were set on building a real vibe , you’d be sickened by looking like everyone else.” Too many entrepreneurs copy. They blend. They water down their message. And they wonder why they get ignored. This speaker flipped that script. He built something bold. Raw. Personal. Because that’s what connects. And connection = currency. Collaborate with Killers Want to shortcut success? “Collaborate with killers. I don’t know if anyone’s doing it at the level I am.” This isn’t just about who you know—it’s about who you create with . Strategic partnerships amplify your message, fast-track your reach, and embed your brand in new audiences. He’s done it with names like Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, George Bryant, and Randy Garn. Why? Because alignment matters more than algorithms. Content Is the Frontline of Your Brand “You are your own media company and it’s just the scale or the level of where it is right now.” So, what’s the level you’re playing at? This isn’t optional. This is your new job description: Wake up Document Publish Repeat And don’t rely on organic growth alone. That’s amateur hour. You have to invest in attention, in strategy, in systems that scale. Stuck in the Same Place? That’s a Choice. Here’s the slap: “If you're stuck in the same environment, you need to invest your time and energy and fly out and hang out with me for a day. If you're not willing to get out of that environment, you're going to stay in it.” Translation: if you want to grow, get uncomfortable. Get in the room. Get around people who stretch you. Final Takeaways (The "Kicker Quotes" You Need to Tattoo on Your Brain) “It's like we all know that. But they don’t have a solution. I do.” “The wake-up slap algorithm is not your enemy. Your silence is.” “Collaborate with killers. It’s not cocky—it’s the truth.” What to Ask Yourself Next: Are you creating consistent, high-impact content—or just blending in? Who are you collaborating with that elevates your brand? What do people feel when they interact with your business? What environment are you stuck in—and are you brave enough to leave it?

Why Your Social Media Still Sucks (And How to Fix It in 90 Days or Less)

By Nick Dougherty • April 10, 2025

Let me get this out of the way… Your content doesn’t suck because you’re lazy. It sucks because no one ever gave you the damn blueprint. Until now. I’m Nick. I’m not a “guru,” and I’m not here to sell you some TikTok trend that dies in two weeks. I’m a marketing personal trainer for martial arts school owners — the real ones, the ones fighting every day to build something that matters. And I’m going to show you how to turn your broken content into a reality show that prints leads like clockwork. The Truth: You’re Not in the Martial Arts Business Anymore You’re in the attention business. And attention goes to the loudest, most consistent, most relatable brand in the room. Right now, there are little league coaches, youth pastors, and Zumba instructors outposting you… …because they’ve figured out something most martial arts schools haven’t: 🎥 Your content IS your perception. And your perception IS your business. If your social media looks like an afterthought… Your school feels like one too. The TV Show Framework That Changes Everything What if instead of random posts, you built a show ? Not fake. Not scripted. A raw, unfiltered, “this is what we stand for” kind of show. Here’s the formula I gave away in my recent training that had even Alex Hormozi , James Walker , and Boogie-Down Simpson saying: “This is the future.” Build Your Show: Daily themes. (So you’re never guessing what to post) Reels as commercials. (80/20 value-to-offer ratio) Instagram = Magazine cover. Make it clean. Stories = Behind the scenes. Make it human. Facebook = Your value vault. Email = Where you program their subconscious. AI = The assistant that never lets you down. This isn’t just strategy. This is how you create a movement around your brand . Final Thought (Read This Twice) Stop waiting for permission. There is no everybody. The schools that win from here on out will be the ones who show up bold , authentic , and relentless . You are the show. Now build it like you mean it.

THE ANTI-CANCEL PROCESS™ 2.0 "How to STOP Students from Quitting Cold… Even If They Already Said They’re Done"

By Nick Dougherty • March 31, 2025

Let me be brutally clear: People don’t cancel because they’re “busy.” They cancel because they forgot why it mattered. They lose the fire. They forget the fight. They drift — like sheep — back into the herd of mediocrity. And if you let that happen on your watch? You’re not running a martial arts school. You’re running a daycare with punching bags. But not anymore. Because today, I’m handing you the nuclear codes to flip the script on cancellation culture and install: ❌ THE UN-QUITTABLE CULTURE™ SYSTEM Not a pep talk. Not a strategy. A hardwired identity shift that makes quitting feel like betrayal. STEP 1: BECOME A MOVEMENT, NOT A MEMBERSHIP People don’t quit tribes. They quit gyms. They quit hobbies. But not tribes. 🔥 BUILD THE WALL OF THE COMEBACK. Student almost quit and stayed? Their name goes up. With pride. With a story. With proof. This wall becomes sacred. A symbol. A signal. You don’t abandon your tribe. You fight for it. STEP 2: THE INCEPTION SEED (DAY 1) Don’t say "Welcome." Say this: “Most students hit a wall around 30–60 days in. That’s normal. Life gets busy. Doubts creep in. But that’s the moment where everything changes — if you push through.” You’ve just future-proofed their commitment. You gave the pain meaning. They’ll remember this when the quitting voice shows up. STEP 3: THE MONTHLY LOOP Subject: "Do You Remember Why You Started?" "We do. And it’s working. Here’s what we’ve noticed: [Insert specific progress]." Attach a win. A photo. A quote from class. This triggers the original emotional WHY. Motivation fades. Vision sticks. STEP 4: THE DDS™ — DISAPPEARANCE DETECTION SYSTEM Two absences in a row? That’s DEFCON 1. Send this: "Hey [Name], I’m worried. Two missed classes usually means a slump is starting. Can I call you for 2 minutes today to help get you back on track?" You noticed. That alone may save them. STEP 5: THE "IF YOU QUIT NOW" LETTER They say they want to quit? You don’t process it. You print this and hand it to them: IF YOU QUIT NOW… You’ll miss the moment you were about to break through. You’ll teach your kid quitting is acceptable when life gets hard. You’ll walk away from the version of you that was finally showing up. This isn’t meant to be easy. It’s meant to change you. Then say: "Read this. If you still feel the same way, I’ll respect it." Most never go through with the cancel. STEP 6: THE COMEBACK CONTRACT Offer this: "Come back for 30 days. No pressure. If you still want out after that, I’ll process it and even give you a shirt for giving it one last shot." You look like the hero. And 95% of the time? They don’t quit again. STEP 7: PSYCHOLOGICAL PAYOFF SYSTEM Belts don’t keep students. Progress does. Ask: "What does success look like to you in 90 days?" Then: Track it. Measure it. Show them the finish line. Progress = Retention. Visible progress = Loyalty. STEP 8: THE WALL OF THE COMEBACK This is the heartbeat of the entire Anti-Cancel Culture. You want retention? Don’t post cheesy slogans. Post proof that real people felt weak and stayed anyway. 🔥 THE WALL OF THE COMEBACK 🔥 Names. Dates. Photos. Quotes. "I almost quit. I didn’t. Now I’m proud." This wall becomes part of your culture. A student walks by it and knows: "I’m not alone in this fight." This wall makes them believe staying is possible. Because others already did. 🔪 TWO REVOLUTIONARY IDEAS TO SEAL THE DEAL 🔋 IDEA #1: THE BLACK BELT BURNDOWN CEREMONY Once per quarter, do this: Burn a white belt in a fire pit Have black belts share their "I almost quit" story Recognize every comeback student in front of families 🌟 This makes perseverance public and powerful . 💥 It turns your school into a tribe of warriors. 🔋 IDEA #2: FUTURE SELF MIRROR METHOD Day 1: Record a video of the student saying why they joined and what they want in 6 months. Day 60: Show it to them. Let them see the fire in their own eyes. Remind them who they said they’d become. 💥 FINAL WORD FROM NICK D: If you let people quit without a fight, you’re not just losing students. You’re letting families lose the very thing they came to you for: strength, discipline, belief. Fight for them. Challenge them. Show them what they’re really made of. Because most of the world lets people quit. Be the one who doesn’t. 🔫 Want the full Anti-Cancel Swipe File with messages, scripts, posters, and email templates? Lock it in. Light it up. Let’s go to war on quitting. 💣 ANTI-CANCEL SWIPE FILE Messages, Letters, Comeback Offers & Posters By Nick D 1. ✅ Comeback Message (Text/SMS) Message: “Hey [Name], I noticed you’ve missed a few classes. That’s when most people lose momentum — and I’m not letting that happen to you. Can I give you a quick 2-minute call today to get you back on track?” 2. 📞 Parent Intercept Message Message: “Hey [Parent], quick note: when students miss two or more classes, it usually turns into quitting. But that doesn't happen on my watch. Can I give you a quick call today or tomorrow? I’ve got a plan.” 3. 📄 “If You Quit Now” Letter (Print or Email) Subject/Headline: IF YOU QUIT NOW… You’ll miss the moment you were about to break through. You’ll never know the potential sitting just beyond the struggle. You’ll teach your child that quitting is normal when things get tough. This program wasn’t meant to be easy. It was meant to change you . We’re fighting for your growth. Are you? 4. 🎯 Recommitment Bonus Offer Offer: 30-Day Recommitment Challenge Message: “What if you gave it just 30 more days? If you're still not feeling it, I’ll process the cancel — and even give you a free shirt just for the effort. But if you’re like most… you’ll be glad you stayed.” 5. 🧱 “No Quit Zone” Wall Poster (Print-Ready Text) 🔥 THE WALL OF THE COMEBACK 🔥 These are the names of warriors who were tempted to quit… but didn’t. They pushed through. They fought back. They stayed the course. This wall is proof: You’re always one choice away from a comeback. (Add names/photos monthly) 6. 🧠 Day 1 Inception Script “Just so you know — most students hit a wall in the first 30–60 days. They get busy, tired, overwhelmed. Some want to quit. That’s when the magic happens. Push through that wall — and life changes.” 7. 🔁 Monthly “Why You Started” Message Subject: Do You Remember Why You Started? Body: Because we do. And it’s working. Here’s what we’ve noticed: [Insert specific progress] [Attach photo or milestone] This isn’t about where you are. It’s about how far you’ve come .