Does Indoor Playground Business Sometimes Make You Feel Stupid?
I referenced Michael Hyatt, that, in most of his books and programs always describes designing your perfect weeks and days as"the desire zone" Running inside your desire zone, as he explains it, simply means you're spending the majority of your time doing what you love AND are great at.
When there are lots of tasks I cut completely and a few I delegate into better-suited team members, there are numerous duties that still lie inside my"desire zone," and that I believe are important for me to handle personally. Even though this is continually shifting as my priorities (both professionally and personally) evolve, these are just 5 of the jobs that I am not giving up only yet as a company owner.
1) COMMUNICATE WITH BIRTHDAY CLIENTS
At Growing Vines Cafe and Play, we've chosen our unique personal birthday parties as the main attention of our business.
Because of this attention, I have chosen to plan the primary aspects of each celebration we sponsor. When someone publications their occasion with us, they get a detailed confirmation which includes my contact information and mentions that I will be personally in touch as their event draws near.
While I don't normally handle the implementation of our parties, I do act as the major touchpoint for parents and gather all of their information and preferences. Ten days before each celebration, I send a personalized party"questionnaire" that comprises all the details we've gathered up to that point, provides additional day-of info, and inquires about last-minute details.
I answer all queries that the host might have in reaction to that email and-- following some back-and-forth communication-- I record all their event information on what we call a"celebration prep sheet." Based on clients' choices, I make a list for every one of our sellers (catering, party supplies, balloons, paper goods, etc.) and will usually have a team member complete the shopping and arrange all the supplies so they are grouped by party. Since we have up to 6 all-inclusive events in 1 weekend, this organization is essential!
The party-prep sheet is a very thorough document that makes it possible for our party hosts to execute the occasion to the specific specifications of their parents, leaving no rock unturned. This has enabled me to have most weekends free nonetheless still feel convinced we are delivering an above-and-beyond birthday celebration experience.
After the party, we send a survey to every hosting household. If they have feedback, whether it be negative or positive, I always follow up . This closes the loop on clients' expertise and makes certain they understand I genuinely care about their child's special day. This method has resulted in a substantial number of repeat bookings and consistent referrals from past parties.
Not only is planning these parties some thing I excel in, but I also take great joy inside . Event planning is how I got into this business in the first place, therefore I'm more than happy to have this endeavor. If I'm ever feeling overwhelmed with the facts, I know I've amazing team members I will lean on.
2) OVERSEE HIRING AND FIRING
Speaking of our amazing team members, yet another job I choose to have a hand is our hiring and firing procedure. While I really do leave the final conclusion to our cafe supervisor, I would rather write the job posts and filter and descriptions through resumes and software before bringing anyone in for a meeting.
Having spent many years hiring and firing my fair share of employees, it is easy for me to see red-flags on applications and find"diamonds in the rough." Since we've got most of our normal operating procedures documented and optimized, I prefer to hire based on character and excitement instead of experience.
In addition, I make sure I personally welcome every worker to our team and touch base with them frequently to check in and gather feedback from them.
Another job that lies in my present"desire zone" is digging the general direction of our organization and coming up with fresh ways to best serve our community.
Since I no longer spend some time doing those 7 things (and more!) , my time and energy are freed up to investigate what our ideal clients want and need and figure out a way to integrate that in our business model.
As an example, I discovered that our birthday party bookings were slowing down in the Summer. When I requested a few clients, they said that they DID love our events and attention-to-detail but chosen a Summer party to be outside at their residence (since most have backyards and pools). We then started offering cellular events, where we'd bring food, decorations, and activities for your children to their houses, and it was a hit!
Another example is our occasions . We're always adding fun new events that enable customers, especially working parents with limited weekday availability, to see us out of hours and receive an enhanced experience throughout the theme of the event, course, or activity.
If I had been I still doing EVERY task in my enterprise, I would not have nearly enough time to do as much innovation or research.
If it comes to knowing how to innovate and the best way to provide, it all starts with forging a real connection with customers.
It's for this reason that I really like interacting with our clients all time (when I can) and on social networking. I opt to work parties, events, and even open-play when my family's schedule allows it so that I can remain involved and aware of what is occurring during the day-to-day. Additionally, it gives me the opportunity to observe how customers are using our space firsthand and listen to any concerns or queries they have. Even though in this age of technology there are reviews, types, and surveys, I have discovered that NOTHING can replace having a face-to-face conversation with clients using your space (and probably visits competitors too!) on a daily basis.
It's for this reason you will even see billionaire CEOs visiting retail locations on a regular basis. Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, was famous for visiting hundreds of stores across the country every year, spending some time with all the customers who had been spending their money on his merchandise.
I love being a family owned and operated company, and that I love for my clients to understand that I'm completely invested in their happiness.
While I no longer do one-on-one consulting for individuals hoping to start out indoor playgrounds, I really do spend a substantial amount of time producing absolutely free articles for them here on my blog and above on YouTube. I also have an absolutely free, 44-page eBook to get play-cafe-owning hopefuls that they can download directly on our website or simply by clicking here.
If a person consumes that free info and decides they still would love to move forward with their programs, I have an internet program named soft play equipment Cafe Academy where I assist entrepreneurs get from daydream to opening-day in less time and with less stress than they ever thought possible.
When I was studying this business model, there was not a lot of info out there. Recent owners really keep all of their business secrets close to their vest, and now that I do not blame them! Even if you charge a consulting fee, you're still kind of giving away the secrets that you've worked so hard for and it's quite easy as a company owner to acquire a little smug and protective of your own research and development.
When it came time to open my own business, I ended up making a slew of errors (and I mean a TON of errors ) since I just didn't know any better. So when I began getting emails and calls to consult for additional potential play cafe owners, then I couldn't keep this info to myself. While it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or there are other small business owners more qualified than me to share this advice, I know that there is a 4-years-ago me sitting somewhere waiting for the next idea to leap out in them.
And frankly, I do not need to see one more business close because someone who's walked before them did not share any info! Why not share it myself?!
But my time is precious. I've got two small kids and run another business... I do not have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the procedure. (And let me tell you, it is going to take at least 12 to 24 hours of paid one-on-one consulting to even break the surface of what you need, including documentation.) At the average rate of $100 to $200 an hour to really consult, imagine what you might wind up paying for just a sign of schooling!
Students can go through these modules in their own pace, and I don't need to spend some time to walk my students throughout the program.
This enables me to help other entrepreneurs in their path while also reserving the time and energy I want for my family and other commitments.
In general, this business model can actually be anything the owner wants it to be. I know many owners who choose to do ALL of the things inside their business, and it works for them because most of us have distinct"desire zones."
Are and can design my"perfect" weeks accordingly. When I was burning the candle on both ends trying to tackle everything , I would do myself, my family, and my customers a major disservice.
