The idea of setting up a dance studio may seem all rosy, but just like any other business, there is plenty of work to put in. Even if you have all the best-trained instructors, you need an ideal setup to give you and your staff a perfect spot to teach the craft.
The preparation stage is the hardest, but if you create a proper roadmap, you can overcome the growing pains that cause many potential dance studio owners to give up on their dream.
So now that you’re preparing to start your dance studio, here are a couple of guidelines you should follow to keep you on track.
Have a Solid Plan
Remember that a dance studio is a business. You have to map out every detail of your enterprise, and in the process, you’ll find out your level of preparedness.
Your business plan should include your start-up and operational costs, target market, location, and pricelist, among other dynamics.
Luckily there’s plenty of information online, and if you know someone already running a dance studio, it would be great to get first-hand facts and figures.
Shadow your Mentor
Do you know someone who is already running a successful dance studio? If not, make it a point to find one.
The best way of learning is by spending time in a running establishment. You can see how the owner handles the day-to-day business and all the challenges involved.
It’s only through first-hand involvement that you can experience all the pitfalls and triumphs.
Get the Right Workforce
Your staff can make or break your business. Ensure that you employ qualified instructors who have proper credentials. Australia has plenty of credible training programs you can rely on to sustain the ever-growing dance industry.
But don’t just focus on formal credentials. Your staff should have the soft skills required to maintain good customer relations.
Multitasking
Once you get into this business, you’ll have to learn to perform more than one role. Beyond just being an owner, you’ll have to be a teacher, supervisor, mentor, and entrepreneur.
Understand which roles suit you and if you feel you cannot perform any effectively, consider outsourcing.
Get Your Name Out There
Most new dance studio owners in Australia feel confident enough to get enough clients from personal networks and minimal promotion.
Even without a large marketing budget, you can start by publicizing your business to the surrounding community. Offer free dance lessons to local churches, schools and offer discounts to those who refer new clients.
Use local businesses to advertise your dance studio. Locals are more likely to engage with you if other neighborhood enterprises endorse you.
Don’t get bogged down by expensive marketing ideas; grow your name locally with the resources you have, and you can build an organic customer base.
Invest in Automation
Technology has come to the aid of business owners by mechanizing previously manual operations. You don’t have to physically do billing, enrollment, accounting, and other tasks. You can get customized software that takes the stress out of your administrative duties.
It’s All About Location
When you’ve done all the groundwork, you have to find the perfect site for your dance studio. The premises should fit all your needs by factoring in space, storage areas, parking, bathrooms, safety, and visibility.
If the spot meets all your expectations and is within your budget, ensure you iron out all the details with the landlord like security deposit, maintenance, and any unforeseen costs.
Remember, your clients should reach your studio easily without feeling like they are going out of their way. So always have a strategic location in mind.
Conclusion
The love of art and expression may be the main reason why you want to start your dance studio. But don’t focus too much on the craft and forget that you want to run a profitable business.
Put in place measures that will give you a clear roadmap based on your objectives. Allow yourself to enjoy the process of building an enterprise that is founded on organization and structure.
If you want to turn your passion into profits steer clear of shortcuts and put in the work.
