As beneficial as a Holiday Turkey Brigade or any similar community outreach program may be to the individuals it serves, it is also an experiential lesson in leadership, humility and the “giving-back” principle for your students, families and volunteers.

That is the significance of NAPMA President Rob Colasanti’s interview with Chris Rappold, founder of Personal Best Karate, on this month’s Sounds of Success CD. They certainly discuss the many “how-to” techniques of planning and managing a Holiday Turkey Brigade, but it is the opportunity to improve retention through relationship building that makes such programs so valuable for your school.

In November 2005, Mr. Rappold’s staff, students and parents distributed 1,400 turkey dinners to families in approximately 30 counties. During this interview, he explains many of the secrets of a successful Holiday Turkey Brigade that are also applicable to virtually any community support program.

Follow his system and you’ll develop a Turkey Brigade program that will teach your students many valuable lessons, help the needy in your community and elevate your school’s leadership role, while everyone enjoys the camaraderie and fun.

This month’s special segment features Michael Dolpies, owner of Kim’s Karate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a martial arts sales consultant. Mr. Dolpies presents various tips and techniques to streamline the enrollment process or appointment.

He focuses on the effective wording and pace of a phone presentation. He also provides success strategies for the initial enrollment appointment and methods to close a higher percentage of new student memberships, instead of trial memberships.