If you happen to watch the news or any of the news networks you will be, like most people in America today, scared to death! The truth is the more you hear this bad news, the more you want to contract. It makes you feel like doing less of everything. That includes spending your money on advertising and anything else that depletes your hard earned money. It is the reason why we, along with many other entrepreneurs, are cutting back on how much we watch on television, read or listen to. Of course, we need to see what is going on and not stick our heads in the sand but if all you hear is doom and gloom for hours on end how can you possible think clearly about your business? How can you have a positive outlook and be inspired to do new things with your business? Even if things are going well, it makes you think that it is only a matter of time before the sky starts falling!

One thing is for sure, now is also a time for opportunity. There will be opportunity to expand your business, opportunities to reach new markets. If you focus on what is going bad, usually the bad things will expand. If you focus on what is good and all the possible opportunities out there that will also expand. We are coaching several studio owners and we have heard from them and a lot of other studio owners who are reporting an increase in enrollment this season. As the matter of fact, on the whole I dont know of anyone who is down by any measurable amount in either student count or in profits. There is a reason for this; most parents do not want their children to have to do without. They may not buy that new car or they may hold off on any big ticket item like a house addition or big vacation. If you are experiencing a decrease it may be a great time for you to take a look at how you can possibly grow your business. Most people will want their children to have an after school activity and dance lessons just may be the ticket. The key here is that you need to help the community to understand what a great deal you are offering. Remember; Its all in the positioning!

Here is what we are currently doing with our advertising and it has worked very well. We are positioning our classes as a great and economical after school activity. Think about it, what is more cost effective than dance lessons? Any sports activity is more expensive, especially after you buy the equipment. Music lessons, karate and most other children activities are more costly. Our lessons are one of the more expensive ones in our area but compared to these other activities it is still more economical, especially over the course of many months. We just need to educate the general public on what a great deal they are getting! If you and your staff truly believe in this, it will be easy to convince anyone who calls your studio to inquire about lessons. To even sweeten the deal more, you could offer one free week of lessons so that any new incoming student can find the right class to suit their needs and wants. You could also offer this deal to existing students to entice them to sign up for more lessons. Keep on selling your current customers who already love what you are doing and may now have more time to take additional classes. Remember, that if you are too consumed by the economy then it will effect your decisions in a negative way. Look at the good side even if you are having a bit of a down year. Just keep positioning your studio as a great and economical after school activity. Once you get them to call and get them in to your studio then its up to you to show them the best deal in town!