“The more I know, the more I realize I know nothing.”  Socrates

Dance Studio Owners please take stock of the above quote! After 34 years of running a successful dance studio we have tried to live by these words. Yes, there are many things we do right but there are many things we have improved upon because we were open to change and because we know we don't know eveything. Even when we think we do! I know and understand that many of us do not like change because there is a comfort level in how we do the things we do. But when we move forward and revamp or change all together, we find that our Dance Studio and most importantly our customers will benefit greatly.

And The #1 Dance Studio Owner Success Principal is...

Embrace Change!

This past year a long-time staff member and our studio manager decided to move on. We hired two new people to take over the jobs she had done. While we were concerned initially about replacing her it has turned out to be an amazing move for our business. Bringing in a fresh set of eyes has opened our eyes on how we can do things better. The best part is our customers have also seen the difference and they like it! Sometimes change will happen without us even wanting it to happen and it is all for the best. The key here is to embrace change and even invite it into your dance studio. Be on the lookout and ask how you can do things better. Not all ideas and suggestions will work for you but knowledge is power. And you don’t know what you don’t know…

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9

Here are a few more success principals to add to your dance studio owner success formula!

• Keeping in constant touch with your customers so you are constantly in their minds. Ways to do this are by sending out birthday cards to students, having a parent get together party at your studio either in small groups or perhaps using a tent outside, sending out surveys to find out what they like and don't like about the studio. Newsletters and e-mail blasts are a great way to promote upcoming events. Do some simple customer appreciation events at the studio like having an ice cream welcome party where you can show parents how to make their children's buns for class or do face painting
• Make sure your students’ progress every year. If you can show people that you are an institution of advancement you will build a great loyal clientele. Build or use an established syllabus that can be followed by your faculty. Your reputation is very important and while we can't make everyone happy, if we are training the students and they are progressing in all ages and levels, plus you make it a pleasant experience for the parents and students when they walk into the studio, the word will get around quickly!
• Don't let the parents run the ship, let them have input not power! I have seen a number of studios that have been run into the ground because of parents having too much involvement in the daily operations, so much so, that they believe they are running the place! Don't let them know how much money you make, how decisions are made and what all of your plans are. Be careful of parents that are working for you. Especially if they are at the front desk or as managers. If they start to tell you what you should do or what you are doing wrong, you may have a problem. I highly recommend that you try to hire people that are not your customers.
• Get your entire staff to share your vision. Once you have acquired the right people it should not be a problem for them to share your vision. Help them see your vision by giving them written manuals and by working with them hand in hand to help them succeed. Make sure that your front desk person is a friendly, outgoing person who knows your program inside and out and is great on the phone.

If this whole pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we need to be adaptable. And part of being adaptable is embracing change. Remember the slogan the US Marines use and dance studio owners can and should use it as well: "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome."

So, there you have it. Use this dance studio owner recipe for success and watch your business prosper and grow!

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