Teaching Pole and ACTUALLY Making Money

Jenaejames2651 · 2014-08-30T19:32:27+00:00

Several months ago I commented on a post from a lady wanting to open her own studio. I suggested she start by teaching out of a gym or dance studio to get her feet wet and a few other things that might be helpful. Alongside my comment were several other comments, some sharing experiences that did not turn out so great. If you've ever belonged to a studio that has closed on you (this has happened to me a few times) you know how painful it is for EVERYONE involved, studio owner down to the clients. I really never stopped thinking about that post and consequently wanted to share what has worked for me and allowed me to teach, make money, still have a life, avoid burnout and maintain the love I have for pole. I'm not claiming to be a know it all by any means, but I have worked in commercial loans at a private bank the past five years and successfully generated my own income of about $1000/mo teaching 4 classes a week and doing private lessons for the last year. I will start booking 2 to 3 parties a month which will up that to $1500. I've been working VERY hard to take all the information I've learned and write a how to book. Before I hit the publish button I'd like to know if there are any studio owners or instructors that teach out of gyms/studios that would like to read it and offer feedback. I'll be sure to post the link as soon as the book is available, within the next week. Thanks in advance guys!

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deb5600 · 10/10/2014
Especially considering that the poles come in carrying cases because they are bought as portable poles...
WebJunk · 10/10/2014
Portable poles should not be mounted to the structure so would never apply. Permanent type poles are a different story. Your lease should have a section called “leasehold improvements” that may be more specific and if exists overrides the law. That is why you should include it in your lease and specify about poles. Not every state or country describes it exactly the same but most state law it comes down to whether it can be removed without leaving damage. Some states it includes anything that is an added value to the leased space. The law applies whether you are the original lessee or are subletting. It is meant to include permanent fixtures like sinks, lights, flooring, etc. But like anything else people sometimes use the law to their advantage. Realize if you mount poles into steel ceilings, leaving holes is damage. Of course it might be worked out to pay for damage rather than leave the poles as most property owners are more interested in the property. Although metal girders need to be welded which can get expensive. As to the question about taking the poles and leaving the mounts, that would be like leaving the faucet which is attached and taking the sink. I have an article about leases at: http://polebiz.com/leases/
polebiz.comLeases |
deb5600 · 10/10/2014
You managed to make a lot of assumptions about structures I might have and didnt ask a single question for clarification. X poles have the ability to be inserted in a ceiling mount (which X pole sells for just that purpose--or did you not know that?) So they ARE portable AND can be inserted into a ceiling mount. You mentioned you had business experience. What kind of business? If you are advising perhaps you could provide specific bona fides regarding type nature income and duration of your business(es).
Katytate · 10/10/2014
Wow. There's being constructive and then there's being a 'holier than thou know it all.' Jenae James, I will be reading your book. I started teaching and then quit because a big pole company came to my town and wiped the floor with me. I'd like to hear your perspective :)
WebJunk · 10/10/2014
@deb5600 I was in no way giving you specific legal advice nor should I. It also appeared you were asking a generic question which is what I answered. Regardless of the type of mount, it comes down more importantly to your lease (a legal document) and laws governing. For the pole, the type of mount is fairly irrelevant. It is the damage it causes and/or whether it will be considered a change according to “leasehold improvements.” Leaving the mounts & taking the poles is alright in your opinion. That counts no more than my opinion, which is why I won't give specific legal advice. It becomes a legal question. Ask any Real Estate attorney for their opinion.
WebJunk · 10/10/2014
@Katytate You or anyone else is more than welcome to disagree with me. If you read some of the articles on the website I posted, I state several times there are no experts including myself. You definitely should purchase Jenae's book which is still for sale. Its an eBook download so you could obtain it today. Maybe it will help you. Sorry to hear your business could not compete when a studio opened. That was your situation and I am sure there was more to it than just someone came to town. There are many studios that are still a success after larger companies have moved in. I am trying to assist those that wish to start a business in the pole industry or want to improve their existing pole business. Not just pole studios, BTW. I do not charge a cent (or pence) to access. People can read it and choose to ignore it, if they want. Maybe you have something to contribute? Even a business failure teaches many lessons.
deb5600 · 10/10/2014
Kate Did they undercut you in pricing?
Anonyma · 10/11/2014
yep a business failure teaches lots of lessons.... like: -dont quit your day job , -dont get into a commercial lease unless you got the finances for it and even them ( rare are the studios who last long and make lots of money, it can happen but .... not often) -dont go all out -dont be flexible your clients will eat you alive (credits , missed classes) those are my lessons from my previous failures , different for ecerybody i guess