This just in: Owning and running a dance studio is hard work!
OK, now that you have had a good laugh, let’s examine ways to help you keep moving forward. If you can move forward in your business thinking, teaching methods and overall view of life, you will be more successful in business. Here are nine tips that I highly recommend you embrace in every aspect of your:
1. Make connections. Networking doesn’t just make good business sense, it makes good psychological sense. Form a network of professional and personal resources who can step in with advice or even just a sympathetic ear when times get tough. The support goes both ways—helping others in their time of need can benefit the helper as well.
2. Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. Even if your business has had a down year due to the challenging economy, you should focus on the big picture and realize that these setbacks do not necessarily threaten the life of your business. Make adjustments, create a new plan and proceed!
3. Accept that change is a part of living. People evolve, and businesses do, too. While change can be painful, accept that your business will change to meet new circumstances—whether it is an updated business plan or a new niche of customers served. In today’s business and economic climate, the ability to be flexible is the key to growth and sustainability.
4. Move toward your goals. Studio owners tend to be very goal-oriented, but sometimes the inactivity forced by a stagnant market can stall an entrepreneur. Develop some realistic goals and do something regularly—even if it seems like a small accomplishment—that enables you to move toward those goals. The key is to have short term and long term goals. Every time you reach a goal, no matter how small, is a day to celebrate your triumph!
5. Nurture a positive view of yourself and your company. You may think that small business has been hit hard in this economy, but take a look at how well-positioned your company is to survive. Dance studios have been the least hit and will be fast to recover. The truth is, parents want to give to their children and they do not want them to go without. Small business owners also have the ability to be nimble and flexible, something the larger companies often have trouble with.
6. Keep things in perspective. Assuming your basic business plan is sound, realize that the economy eventually will rebound and that other companies are facing a difficult time as well. Chances are you are better off than most. A worst case scenario is that you will personally have to do a bit more for a period of time.
7. Look for opportunities for self-discovery. Dance studio owners focus so heavily on teaching, shows, faculty and just maintaining balance that they forget that they also are evolving as entrepreneurs with each challenge they meet. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggles.
8. Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic view enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear. I firmly believe that you become what you think about. Think about opportunity and be happy for the chances to take advantage of them.
9. Take care of yourself. Studio owners spend so much time nurturing the company and their employees that they sometimes forget their own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing, even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day. Go for a walk, get a massage, read a good book, exercise or keep up with continuing education. Taking care of yourself both physically and mentally helps keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.
