The Number One Question You Must Ask For Indoor Playground Business

In an earlier blog post, I spoke that the 7 items I no longer do in my indoor playground company as I have grown and matured as a company owner.
I chased Michael Hyatt, who, in most of his books and programs always describes designing your perfect weeks and days as"the appetite zone" Running within your desire zone, as he describes it, only means you are spending the bulk of your time doing what you both love AND are good at.




At Climbing Vines Cafe and Play, we've picked our unique private birthday parties as the primary focus of our small business .
Because of this attention, I have chosen to personally plan the primary aspects of each celebration we sponsor. When someone books their occasion with us, they receive a detailed confirmation which includes my own contact info and mentions that I'm personally in touch because their event draws near.
While I don't normally handle the implementation of our celebrations, I really do still act as the main touchpoint for parents and gather all their information and tastes. Ten days prior to each party, I send out a personalized party"questionnaire" which comprises all the details we have gathered up to this point, provides additional day-of info, and inquires about last-minute particulars.
I answer all queries the host may have in reaction to this email and-- following a few back-and-forth communication-- I record all their event info on what we call a"celebration prep sheet" Because we have around 6 comprehensive events in 1 weekend, this business is indispensable!
The party-prep sheet is a very detailed document that allows any of our party hosts to do the occasion to the specific specifications of their parents, leaving no rock unturned. This has enabled me to have most weekends free yet still feel convinced we are providing an above-and-beyond birthday celebration experience.
After the celebration, we send a survey to each hosting household. If they have feedback, whether it be positive or negative, I always follow up . This closes the loop clients' expertise and makes sure they understand I genuinely care about their child's special day. This process has lead to a substantial amount of repeat bookings and consistent testimonials from past parties.
Not only is planning these celebrations some thing I excel in, but additionally, I take great pleasure inside . Event planning is how I got into this business in the first place, so I'm more than pleased to take on this endeavor. If I'm ever feeling overwhelmed with the facts, 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 have a hand in is our hiring and firing procedure. While I do leave the final decision up to our cafe supervisor, I prefer to write the job posts and filter and descriptions through resumes and software before bringing anybody in for an interview.
Having spent many years hiring and firing my fair share of workers, it is easy for me to spot red-flags on applications and also find"diamonds in the rough." Since we've got the majority of our normal operating procedures optimized and documented, I prefer to employ based on character and excitement instead of experience.
In addition, I make sure I welcome each worker to our staff and touch base with them frequently to check in and gather feedback from them.

3) DREAM UP NEW INITIATIVES



Since I no longer spend time doing these 7 things (and more!) , my time and energy are freed up to investigate what our ideal clients want and need and find out a way to incorporate that in our business model.
For instance, I noticed that our birthday celebration bookings were slowing down at the Summer. When I asked a couple of clients, they mentioned that they DID adore our occasions and attention-to-detail but chosen a Summer party to be outside at their home (since many have backyards and pools). We then started offering mobile events, where we would bring food, decorations, and activities for the children to their homes, and it was a hit!
Another example is our occasions . We're constantly adding fun new events that enable customers, especially working parents with limited weekday availability, to visit us outside of 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 research or innovation.

4) CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS

When it comes to understanding how to innovate and what to provide, it all starts with forging a real connection with customers.
It's because of this that I really like interacting with our customers in-person (when I can) and on social networking. I choose to work parties, events, as well as open-play when my family's schedule allows it so I could remain active and aware of what's happening during the day-to-day. Additionally, it gives me the chance to observe how customers are using our distance firsthand and listen to any concerns or queries they have. Even though in this age of technology there are reviews, types, and surveys, I have discovered that NOTHING can replace using a face-to-face conversation with customers using your distance (and likely visits competitors too!)
It's for this reason you will also see billionaire CEOs seeing retail locations on a regular basis. Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, was renowned for visiting hundreds of stores across the country each year, spending time with all the customers who had been spending their cash on his merchandise.
I love being a family owned and operated business, and I love for my customers to know that I'm completely invested in their happiness.

5) HELP OTHER ENTREPRENEURS ALONG THE SAME PATH

While I do one-on-one consulting for individuals hoping to open indoor jungle gym [www.twitarcade.com] playgrounds, I really do spend a significant amount of time producing 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 directly on our website or simply by clicking here.
If someone consumes that free information and decides they would like to move forward with their plans, I have an internet program called Play Cafe Academy in which I help entrepreneurs get from daydream to opening-day in less time and with less stress than they ever believed possible.
When I was studying this business model, there was not a lot of info out there. Current owners actually keep all of their business secrets near their vest, and now I do not blame them! Even if you charge a consulting fee, you're still kind of giving away the secrets that you have worked so hard for and it's very easy as a business owner to get a little smug and protective of your own research and development.
As it came time to open my own company, I ended up making a slew of errors (and I suggest a TON of mistakes) since I just did not know any better. When I began getting calls and emails to consult for other potential play cafe owners, I couldn't keep all this information to myself. While it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or that there are other small business owners more qualified than me to share this advice, I understand that there's a 4-years-ago me sitting at work somewhere waiting for another idea to jump out at them.
And frankly, I don't need to see an additional company close because somebody who's walked before them did not share any info! So why not share it myself?!
However, my time is valuable. I have two little children and also run another company... I do not have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the procedure. (And allow me to tell you, it will take at least 12 to 24 hours of compensated one-on-one consulting to break the surface of everything you need, such as documentation) In the typical rate of $100 to $200 an hour to actually consultwith imagine what you might wind up paying for only a hint of schooling!
Students may go through those modules at their own speed, and I don't need to take the time to walk my students throughout the program.
This allows me to assist other entrepreneurs along their path while also reserving time and energy that I need for my family and other commitments.
Overall, this business model can truly be anything the owner wants it to be. I know many owners that choose to do ALL of the items inside their business, and it works for them because most of us have distinct"desire zones"
Are and may design my"ideal" weeks accordingly. When I was burning the candle on both ends trying to tackle everything , I'd do myself, my loved ones, and my customers a significant disservice.