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to the studio owners
do you just sometimes want to throw the towel and close everything down
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19 Replies
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I do not own a studio but have several friends that do and from comversations we have had the resounding answer is YES.
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I also do ot currently own a studio and YES! I never wanted to OWN anything but sadly – that's how it has to be.
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id hate to cross any lines or force anyone to answer any unwanted questions…but if you feel confortable, im just curious as to why or what are some things that you may face as obstacles that are most frustrating
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I must admit – I have days when the admin and S$#t from other studios is too much and I just want to close – bu then they are out numberd by the days when my students conquer a move and they are delighted. I am reminded on the good days why I actually opened in the first place and it strengthens me.
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Owning any business has it's ups and downs. When the going gets tough you just need to worry about yourself and stay the path. (dont worry about the other places) There is room for everyone. Be authentic to yourself. If this is what you are passionate about then you are in the right place.
If you would rather teach then own….then just be a teacher.
If you would rather just Pole then teach, then go back to being a student.
Well wishes,
Jennifer
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https://www.studioveena.com/users/view/bca825f0-d89d-11df-ab19-12313b090e12as you can see already by the responses, you are not alone in finding it difficult to run a studio and make money.
It's difficult enough to run one even if you're loaded, and then 10 times harder if (or probably when) you find yourself in financial hardship. I say "when" not because I'm a pessimist but because in my discussion with many pole studio owners from ALL over the world, struggling to rub two coins together when you're running a pole studio is incredibly common.
Now, many business people will look at us any say "duh". Everyone knows it's not enough to just love what you do. You have to be smart about it too.
Business minded people will know you can't just open a pole studio coz you love pole (or are good at it, or have the money to throw at it) just like you can't just start a cake shop coz you love cakes or expect to make a living out of being a singer because you love music.
You need a business plan, and marketing strategy. You need to do market research in your area and crunch your numbers. Too many studio don't do this before opening – because many of us are just following our passions and taking an opportunity if it comes our way, without any education in business, economics, marketing or management. And that's okay – you CAN learn on the job, but it's a tough gig, so be prepared!
And never fear -it's not too late to crunch those numbers now and make a business plan, even if you've already been running while.
There is still value in tracking your incoming vs outgoing and projecting this into an expectation for the future earnings. And then compare that to what you NEED to make, and start planning for ways you can get that to happen. It will depend on our area, but the types of things you'll want to know (which you can find through market research) is: how old are the people in your area, what socio-economic status are they, what are common hobbies and interestes among your students (besides pole), what percentage of the population in your area spends money on health or fitness, etc etc etc (a lot of this is available form the library).
With this data on hand, you then combine you findings with your own knowledge about your studio – what it offers, what type of people you want to attract etc. (Don't say everyone, that's a waste of marketing money!) After all that, you can start thinking about which avenues will be fruitless and which are more likely to work. By avenues I mean different products/services (merchandise, clothing, parties, stretch, pole, silks, yoga, belly dance, lap dance – etc) and also different marketing strategies, as well as the different people and places you will cater for and market to. The answers to all this will depend on lots of factors, like whether you have parking (if not, consider dropping flyers on foot,instead of avdertising elsewhere perhaps) or whether you have showers (if not, lunch time classes for office workers are maybe not gonna take off) – etc etc.
So whatever struggles you are going through, I highly recommend you take the approach to review your business and assess what you could do differently. Combine some cost saving ideas with revenue raising ideas and take comfort in the fact that MOST other owners are fighting the same battle!
Good luck x
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It s not only the finances, after 3 years i am fed up… It s not for me. I am tired of dealing with clients, example those who miss classes and then want to take them back for free, or again student forgot their money and asking to pay next week…i just dont have any patience. I think my passion for pole is just gone…. No ones takes this seriousy, there s no reer, no pension plan. I am lucky i can close, i am not stock with a lease at least.
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Those types of issues are very common for many businesses. Sounds like a good idea to salvage what you can if you are unhappy.
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yep makes me very unhappy to the point where i fear mondays , the start of the week, i just don t want to do the classes anymore
today, we are monday 🙂 I am just like….ahhhhhhhh not again
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I replied earlie but I got frozen on SV when I tried to add a smiley..
Olivia,
I would like you to consider this:
When one goes to a store or restaurant, or get gas…can you get those products without paying and now, if you don't pay what are the consequences? It isn't too long that for a store you are 'shop lifter' and you can't leave unless you pay or leave the product behind.
I would like you to be firm in your policies. Or even create policies in re: to the issues mentioned.
If your client wants to cancel last minute you may have a one time incident in your policies and then after that well…they lose the class and no free make up class. They need to be accountable for their lives and time management. Don't let them take advantage of your kindness in this regards. If they want to cancel then they know two days prior what's going on and they need to give up their space so someone else can use it .
I would also implement that you need to be there 15 minutes prior and if not on time then you lose your class. It is intrusive to other people in the class when people walk in late because it delays the rest of the class b/c that person has to warm up and the flow of the class is interupted.
Basically, if you want to extend credit then have them fill out a credit app form so that you know they are good for it . Or, if they don't pay then you can get a collector after them.
I don't go anywhere unless I have money on me for the event that I am attending. LOL…try to go to a concert without a ticket.
Even if it is Monday, I think you need to re-evaluate your policies.
It will be tough at first but they will respect you and you will attract a different clientelle.
I want to see you be successful.
Pole Love
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p.s. you can also implement policy 5 to 10$ administration fee for paying late.
Then once you have established that your not taking any of it on and you can focus on pole love.
I hope this helps.
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The unfortunate reality with any business is that a passion for the purpose is not enough. You need to either have or be partnered with someone who has a business mentality. These are the two unseperable sides of a business:
1) What you are selling
2) How will you sell itIt's not something that can be explained in a couple paragraphs on a forum.
If you really want to make a go of it find a mentor. This should be someone who has built and run at least one successful business, someone who is available via phone when you need it and someone who is available to step in occassionally and teach you when tough decisions need to be made.
This person can help you with the tactical decisions such as late fees and such but more importantly they can help you with the strategic decisions that will shape your business from the top down.
Good luck!!!
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Do a 24 hour cancellation policy. If they do not cancel within 24 hours, they are charged for the entire class- have a card on file at all times.
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Hi all,
I'm sure has notices and policys…People do what people do. It is easy to say do this or do that, but when it comes to the "politics" of keeping clients…and keeping them happy. It's a whole new ball game. I think this is one reason why business owners have a hard time. If you are not inspired by your business/job…then it is either time delegate out what you dont want to do..(or perhaps what you dont do well) to someone who can.
But remember one thing..No one will care about or business, or treat it as well as you do. Never ever. I manage everything that goes on in my business and the days I want to crawl in a whole and die I just decide to dig in a little harder and do a little more. Even when I am not there I have my phone on so that anyone can reach me. Every client has my personal cell phone. Every client is special, and every client has a unique personality and a way they prefer to communicate. In a service business that is key. It IS A 24 HOUR 7 DAYS A WEEK type of thing.
Good luck and follow your heart
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Olivia, yes. I have definitely had days like that! Like the others have said, running a studio is not only a passion, but also a business. If you need help with more of the business end of things, maybe check out SCORE.org or something in your area that may be similair. Basically, it's a group of business mentors. It seems to me that a lot of women get into the studio business because they think it will be fun dancing all day. There is so much more to it than that and so much paperwork for a business that is just basically physical movement. Plus, our community is so tight and friendly, and it's easy to get to know your students quickly on a friendly basis, I think it's easy for us to feel guilty about actually putting our foot down and enforcing policies that are needed (cancellation, placement tests, late arrivals, late pays). I also think that part of this is due to the fact that most studios don't rake in hordes of money so some of us feel like we should do anything to keep our clients happy, even if that means walking all over us or short-changing the other students (disrupting class, raising prices across the board to cover no-shows, etc.). If we let our students schedule and not show without penalty, that's what they will do. If we let them arrive late, they will. If we let them get a hold of us at any hour, they will be pissed the first time they can't reach us for an hour because we are having dinner with our family. This isn't just a pole studio problem, plenty of other businesses deal with these issues also. However, having a business plan and policies that are enforced help greatly with these issues. Run it as a business, not as a gathering time for your buddies. Your time and skill is valuable. Be confident in that. I'm not sure what your issues are that are bringing you down, but evaluate what needs to change in your business. Do research, network with other business owners, etc. to find the steps to help reduce your problems. Hopefully, that will help you feel a bit more motivated to keep going.
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Okay…here are some real solutions for you O….get mind/body online… make your clients sign and out online and then you can control the pre sign up or sign out. Their accounts will be online and they can take responsibility in their class schedule. I tell my clients that "if" I can fill their spot with another client then I will not charge them a late cancel fee, This motivates them to let me know as soon as they can after the 24 hour cancellation policy has closed. this will also give you the option to not charge them if you feel it is a worthy late cancel….
Lock the door when class starts…let the students know that at "whatever point" no one is going to open that door…so if you are late too bad. (you can be nicer than that)
Even though I keep my phone in me all the time…my clients know I have a 24 hour return text or call policy…so if I am sleeping or something I do not call them back of course.. I do it in the morning. Returning a text or call as soon as possible is very important. They are never mad at me if it takes a couple of hours or whatever to return a message.
I've also noticed that you are getting a lot of business advice from people who do not own a studio.. Choose you advice wisely. Being an employee/independant contractor is a lot different than the actual owner. I've had instructors in the past think they have my business all figured out…I just let them know in a nice way that until you walk a mile in my shoes you dont know. i usually say something like… "That sounds like a great idea. I will consider it." This is not to offend anyone, but I was once an instructor myself only and I thought I had it all figured out…hmmm.. I really didnt.. I figure it out every day with every new situation.
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This is a really great thread and some great replies. My ultimate goal is to one day open a small studio, so this has really given me some things to think about. You dont often hear this side from owners.
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I felt that way about a year ago. I decided I needed to get tougher/firmer and really enforce my policies. I have asked 4 students over the past two years to leave and not come back. I don't worry about what they will say to others , my business and my reputation are stronger than that. I am fair, but also am trying to make a living. I can still care about my students, but like any other business, there are those few that think they can manipulate the situation and will certainly try if you let them get away with it. I would not let someone steal from me and just smile. I also DO NOT allow controversial topics to be discussed inside my doors. Everyone has strong opinions about what they believe/think, so on the 1st day of class I tell students to leave everything outside of the door, including but not limited to their claws! This is one of the biggest reasons my students are long term, they appreciate that this is "thier" time to relax and have fun. Yes, running a business is hard work, and even more challenging at times working with women….but I have found a way that it works for me. I agree with some that getting an advisor/mentor in business is the best way to go. I worked with S.C.O.R.E and the SBA as well as a local banker. I do not spend ANY money on advertising, my business does very well on word of mouth. I have found some creative ways to give my students that little extra and not have to increase my cost to do it. I'm tired, overwhelmed at times….but I LOVE what I do, anything worth having or doing comes with many ups and downs….for me it's how I view that and how much am I willing to endure and sacrifice to reach my goal. Anyone you speak to that has been successful with a busines (at least in my experience) will tell you that you can't expect to make money in the first 2-4 years, so knowing that a business plan is critical to determine if the business can at least pay the bills until you profit. This is why thouroughly researching is so important. Getting the demographices within a 100 mile radious and narrowing down your target potential clientele, not just population numbers but the medien income. I have not had a paycheck for almost 3 years, but I will see one in 2013! My business now has solid roots in my community and that is what I strived for! I brought pole into a very conservative bible belt area and have not had the issues that other studios have had, I'm grateful. And everytime I bring Veena here, and David C. Owen, everyone is excited to see them!!! I will never give up, nothing worth having or doing ever comes easy. 🙂
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Olivia – yes it is definitely a special challenge to own & operate a pole studio. It can be very easy to let the negative sides of being a business owner, especially a pole business owner, get you down… especially when the students or non-business owners don't necessarily understand what all we do behind-the-scenes…. juggling difficult or frustrating clients; simply tyring staying out of the red financially (because, contrary to what many think, pole isn't rolling in the millions!); balancing work + personal life; the potential drama/tensions with other studios nearby… combining it all together sometimes makes you want to alternate between pulling your hair out to punching a hole in the wall to curling up under the covers & hiding.
I think one of the most difficult things about owning a pole studio is that we get into the business because of our PASSION for pole fitness and our DESIRE to help other women achieve the same empowerment & transformation (internal & external) that we once went through. Then in the hustle & bustle of being a business owner, that PASSION & DESIRE starts to fizzle out simply because we don't have the TIME or ENERGY to keep it aflame!
For me, personally, when the negatives start to weigh me down… I try to focus instead on the POSITIVES of what we do at our studio. I think about the student who, two years, used to break down & cry in the middle of class and now walks with her head high exuding more confidence than she thought possible. I think about the student who was in an abusive relationship, and confided that she finally called the police & left her husband after months of classes – because she finally learned to love & value herself again. I look at all my clients (of all ages, shapes, colors & fitness levels) who are doing amazing, incredible, gravity-defying feats and have grown into strong empowered women and love & support each other on their own as well. Stepping back & looking at the big picture – wow, it is pretty incredible what the community our studios create can do for the women we as instructors teach every week!
I also TRY TRY TRY to squeeze in that time for me to inspire myself – pole jamming with my instructors outside of class, creating performances to show our community why pole fitness is so amazing, treating myself to a private lesson or class (because sometimes being the student again can really light that fire again!), or networking with other polers in my state (pole jams!!). Don't forget to pamper, empower & treat yourself just as special as you treat your students! Sometimes that's a matter of blocking off two hours every Sunday and not letting anything else interfere with that time haha
And then, in the end, all those little pesky negatives seem like a wonderful price to pay to keep all those positives aflame!
Best of luck & continued success!
xoxo Dakota
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