The Hidden Mystery Behind Indoor Playground Business
I referenced Michael Hyatt, who, in most of his novels and programs always refers to designing your perfect days and weeks as"the appetite zone" Operating within your dream zone, as he explains it, only means you are spending the bulk of your time doing what you love AND are great at.
While there are many tasks I cut completely and some I delegate into better-suited team members, there are numerous responsibilities that still lie inside my"desire zone," and that I feel are important for me to handle personally. Even though this is continually changing as my priorities (both professionally and personally) evolve, these are 5 of the jobs that I'm not giving up just yet as a company owner.
At Climbing Vines Cafe and Play, we've chosen our unique private birthday parties as the main attention of our business.
Due to this attention, I have chosen to plan the primary facets of each celebration we sponsor. Whenever someone publications their event with us, they receive a detailed confirmation which includes my own contact info and mentions that I will be in touch as their event draws near.
While I don't typically handle the execution of our celebrations, I do act as the major touchpoint for parents and collect all of their information and tastes. Ten days before each party, I send a personalized party"questionnaire" that comprises all of the details we have gathered up to that point, provides additional day-of information, and inquires about last-minute particulars.
I answer all queries that the host may have in reaction to this email and-- after a few back-and-forth communication-- I record all their event info on what we call a"party prep sheet" Since we have up to 6 all-inclusive events in 1 weekend, this business is essential!
The party-prep sheet is an extremely detailed document that allows our party hosts to do the event to the specific specifications of the parents, leaving no stone unturned. This has enabled me to have most weekends free nonetheless still feel convinced we're providing an above-and-beyond birthday celebration experience.
After the celebration, we send a survey to each hosting family. If they have opinions, whether it be positive or negative, I follow up . This closes the loop clients' experience and makes sure they know I truly care for their child's special day. This process has resulted in a substantial number of repeat bookings and consistent referrals from past parties.
Not only is planning these celebrations something I excel in, but I also take great joy inside . Event planning is how I got into the business in the first place, so I am more than happy to take on this task. If I'm ever feeling overwhelmed with all the details, I understand I have amazing team members I can lean on.
2) OVERSEE HIRING AND FIRING
Speaking of our amazing team members, another job I choose to get a hand in is our hiring and firing procedure. While I do leave the final decision up to our cafe manager, I would rather write the job posts and descriptions and filter through resumes and software before bringing anybody in for a meeting.
Having spent several years hiring and firing my fair share of employees, it's 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 optimized and documented, I prefer to employ based on personality and enthusiasm rather than experience.
I also make sure I welcome every worker to our team and touch base with them often to check in and collect feedback from them.
3) DREAM UP NEW INITIATIVES
Since I spend some time doing those 7 items (and more!) , my time and energy are freed up to research what our perfect clients want and need and find out a way to incorporate that into our business model.
As an example, I discovered that our birthday celebration bookings were slowing down at the Summer. When I asked a couple of clients, they said that they DID love our occasions and attention-to-detail but preferred a Summer celebration to be outside at their residence (since many have backyards and pools). We then began offering mobile events, where we'd bring food, decorations, and activities for the kids to their homes, and it was a hit!
Another illustration is our events. We're constantly adding fun new occasions that allow customers, especially working parents with limited weekday availability, to see us out of open hours and receive an enhanced experience through the theme of the event, class, or activity.
If I were I doing EVERY task in my enterprise, I wouldn't have nearly enough time to perform as much innovation or research.
When it comes to understanding how to innovate and the best way to offer, it 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 could ) and on social media. I choose to work celebrations, events, and even open-play when my family's schedule permits it so I can remain active and aware of what is happening during the day. Additionally, it gives me the chance to observe how clients are using our space firsthand and listen to any concerns or questions they have. Even though in this age of technology you can find testimonials, types, and surveys, I have found that NOTHING can replace having a face-to-face dialog with clients who use your space (and likely visits competitors too!)
It's because of this you will also see billionaire CEOs seeing retail places 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 clients who had been spending their money on his merchandise.
I love being a family owned and operated business, 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 jungle gym equipment playgrounds, I really do spend a substantial quantity of time creating absolutely free articles for them on my blog and above on YouTube. I also have a totally free, 44-page eBook for play-cafe-owning hopefuls they can download right on our website or by clicking here.
If a person consumes that free info and determines they still would like to move forward with their programs, I have an internet program named Play Cafe Academy where I help entrepreneurs get from daydream to opening-day in less time and with less strain than they ever believed possible.
When I was researching this business model, there was not a lot of info out there. Current owners actually keep all their business secrets near their vest, and now that I don't blame them! Even if you charge a consulting fee, you're still kind of giving away the keys that you have worked so hard for and it is quite easy as a business owner to acquire a little smug and protective of your own research and development.
When it came time to start my own business, I wound up making a ton of mistakes (and I suggest a TON of errors ) since I simply didn't know any better. When I began getting calls and emails to consult for additional possible play cafe owners, then I could not keep this information to myself. While it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or there are other business owners much more capable than me to discuss this information, I understand that there is a 4-years-ago me sitting at work somewhere waiting for the next concept to leap out in them.
And frankly, I don't want to see an additional business close because somebody who is walked before them didn't share any information! So why don't you discuss it myself?!
However, my time is precious. I've got two little kids and also run another company... I don't have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the procedure. (And allow me to tell you, it is going to require at least 12 to 24 hours of compensated one-on-one consulting to even break the surface of what you require, such as documentation.) In the average rate of $100 to $200 an hour to really consultwith imagine what you could end up paying for just a sign of schooling!
Students can go through those modules at their own pace, and I don't have to take the time to walk my students through the program.
This allows me to help other entrepreneurs along their path while at the same time reserving the time and energy that I need for my loved ones and other commitments.
Overall, this business model can actually be whatever the owner wants it to be. I know many owners who choose to do ALL of the things inside their small business, and it works for them since we all have different"desire zones"
Are and may design my"ideal" weeks accordingly. If I was burning the candle on both ends trying to tackle everything , I'd be doing myself, my family, and my clients a significant disservice.
