8 Steps To Indoor Playground Business Of Your Dreams

In an earlier blog post, I discussed the 7 things I no longer do in my indoor playground business as I have grown and matured as a business proprietor.
I referenced Michael Hyatt, who, in many of his novels and programs always refers to designing your perfect weeks and days as"the desire zone." Operating within your dream zone, even as he explains it, simply means you're spending the bulk of your time doing what you love AND are good at.
While this is constantly changing as my priorities (both professionally and personally) evolve, these are 5 of those jobs that I am not giving up just yet for a business owner.



At Climbing Vines Cafe and Play, we have chosen our exceptional personal birthday parties as the main attention of our small business .
Because of this attention, I've chosen to personally plan the principal aspects of each celebration we sponsor. When someone publications their occasion with us, they get a comprehensive confirmation that includes my own contact info and mentions that I will be in touch as their event draws near.
While I do not typically handle the implementation of our parties, I really do act as the major touchpoint for parents and collect all their information and tastes. Ten days before each party, I send out a personalized party"questionnaire" which includes all of the details we have gathered up to this point, provides additional day-of info, and asks about last-minute details.
I answer all queries that the host may have in response to this email and-- after some back-and-forth communication-- I record all their event information on what we call a"celebration prep sheet" Since we have around 6 comprehensive events in one weekend, this business is indispensable!
The party-prep sheet is a very thorough document that allows our party hosts to do the event to the exact specifications of the parents, leaving no rock unturned. This has enabled me to have most weekends free yet still feel convinced we're delivering an above-and-beyond birthday celebration experience.
After the party, we send a survey to each hosting family. If they have feedback, whether it be positive or negative, I follow up personally. This closes the loop on clients' expertise and makes sure they know I truly care for their child's special day. This process has resulted in a significant amount of repeat bookings and consistent testimonials from previous parties.
Not only is planning these parties something that I excel in, but I also take great joy in it. 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've amazing team members that I will lean on.



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 applications before bringing anyone 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 software and also find"diamonds in the rough." Since we've got the majority of our standard operating procedures optimized and documented, I would rather employ based on personality and enthusiasm rather than experience.
I also make sure I personally welcome each employee to our team and touch base with them frequently to check in and collect feedback from them.


Since I no longer spend some time doing these 7 items (and more!) , my time and energy are freed up to investigate what our perfect clients want and need and figure out a way to integrate that in our business model.
For example, I discovered that our birthday party bookings were slowing down at the Summer. When I asked a few clients, they said that they DID love our occasions and attention-to-detail but chosen a Summer party to be outside at their home (since most have backyards and pools). We then started offering cellular events, where we'd bring decorations, food, and activities for the children to their houses, and it was a hit!
Another example is our occasions . We are constantly adding fun new occasions that enable clients, particularly working parents with limited weekday availability, to see us outside of open hours and get an enhanced experience through the subject of the event, class, or activity.
If I had been I doing EVERY job in my business, I would not have nearly enough time to perform as much research or innovation.

4) CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS

If it comes to knowing how to innovate and the best way to offer, it all starts with forging a genuine connection with customers.
It's for this reason that I really like interacting with our customers all time (when I can) and on social networking. I opt to work parties, events, as well as open-play when my family's schedule allows it so that I can stay active and aware of what's happening during the day. Additionally, it gives me the chance to observe how customers are using our space first-hand and listen to any concerns or queries they have. Even though at this age of technology there are reviews, types, and surveys, I have discovered that NOTHING can replace having a face-to-face conversation with clients using your space (and likely visits competitors too!)
It is for this reason that you will even see billionaire CEOs seeing retail places on a regular basis. Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, was renowned for visiting hundreds of stores around the country each year, spending some time with all the clients who had been spending their cash on his products.
I really like being a family owned and operated company, and that I love for my clients to understand that I am completely invested in their own happiness.

5) HELP OTHER ENTREPRENEURS ALONG THE SAME PATH

While I do one-on-one consulting for individuals hoping to open indoor playground equipment (www.scottishritechildrenstheatre.org) playgrounds, I do spend a substantial quantity of time producing absolutely free content for them on my blog and above on YouTube. In addition, I have an absolutely free, 44-page eBook for play-cafe-owning hopefuls they can download right on our website or by clicking here.
If someone consumes that free info and determines they would love to proceed with their plans, I have an online program named Play Cafe Academy in which I assist entrepreneurs gain from daydream to opening-day in less time and with less stress than they ever believed possible.
When I was studying this company model, there was not a great deal of information out there. Recent owners really keep all their business secrets near their vest, and I do not blame them! Even in the event that you charge a consulting fee, you are still sort of giving away the secrets that you've worked so difficult for and it is quite easy as a business owner to get a little smug and protective of your own research and development.
When it came time to start my own company, I wound up making a ton of mistakes (and I suggest a TON of mistakes) since I simply did not know any better. When I began getting emails and calls to consult for additional possible play cafe owners, then I couldn't keep this info to myself. As soon as it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or that there are other business owners much more qualified than me to discuss this advice, I know that there is a 4-years-ago me sitting at work somewhere waiting for the next concept to leap out in them.
And honestly, I don't want to see an additional business close because somebody who's walked before them didn't share any info! So why not share it myself?!
However, my time is precious. I've got two little children and run another business... I do not have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the process. (And allow me to tell you, it is going to require at least 12 to 24 hours of compensated one-on-one consulting to break the surface of everything you need, including documentation.) In the typical rate of $100 to $200 an hour to really consultwith imagine what you might wind up paying for just a hint of schooling!
PCA is broken up into eight modules at which I cover everything from writing your business plan to choosing a location and signing the proper rental to organizing your own flows of revenue and much, much more. Students can go through those modules in their own pace, and I do not need to take some time to walk my students through the program.
This allows me to help other entrepreneurs in their course while at the same time reserving time and energy that I want for my family and other commitments.
Overall, this business model can truly be whatever the owner wants it to be. I understand many owners that choose to do ALL of the items inside their business, and it works for them because we all have distinct"desire zones."
Are and can design my"perfect" weeks accordingly. When I was burning the candle on both ends trying to tackle everything myself, I'd be doing myself, my loved ones, and my clients a significant disservice.