E-Myth

Years ago – at the recommendation of my friend Tom Callos – I read a for which book that I have sense gained increasing respect.

The book is called “The E-Myth” by a gentleman by the name of Michael Gerber. Since I first read his book – I've had several opportunities to hear him speak – and, met him in San Francisco . His book describes the martial arts “industry” perfectly.

He says that most small businesses in the United States were founded by a technician (read Black Belt or Instructor) who one day had an “Entrepreneurial Seizure” and for some mysterious reason – became convinced that they should be self employed.

The ensuing reality – is that the area that that person was excellent in (in our industry that is often martial athletics – or, sometimes teaching) becomes a small part of their job. They also have to now understand and be good at marketing, sales, accounting, negotiations, legal issues, and even facilities maintenance.

Most of these suddenly independent business owners – quickly find that they have to work – A LOT harder than before – for a substantially smaller amount of money – doing many activities for which they may in fact be poorly suited.

In fact, a majority of small businesses in the U.S. are in fact “walking dead” struggling along with very little progress – working the owner into an early grave – and, returning little in the way of financial rewards.

I don't think that it would be an exaggeration to say that martial arts school owners are often at the bottom of the heap when it comes to this pattern.

Quick – go read:

  “The Emyth” by Michael Gerber