In an earlier blog post, I spoke that the 7 things I do in my indoor playground business as I have grown and matured as a business owner.
I chased Michael Hyatt, that, in most of his novels and programs always describes designing your ideal weeks and days as"the desire zone." Operating inside your dream zone, even as he explains it, only means you are spending the bulk of your time doing what you love AND are good at.
While there are many jobs I cut completely and some I delegate into better-suited team members, there are numerous responsibilities that still lie within my"desire zone," and that I believe are important for me to manage personally. Even though this is continually changing as my priorities (both professionally and personally) evolve, these are just 5 of the jobs that I'm not giving up only yet for a company proprietor.


1) COMMUNICATE WITH BIRTHDAY CLIENTS



At Climbing Vines Cafe and Play, we have chosen our unique personal birthday parties as the main focus of our business.
Due to this attention, I've chosen to personally plan the primary facets of each party we sponsor. Whenever someone books their event with us, they get a comprehensive confirmation which includes my own contact information and mentions that I'm personally in touch because their event draws near.
While I do not typically take care of the implementation of our celebrations, I really do act as the major touchpoint for parents and gather all of their information and tastes. Ten days prior to each celebration, I send out a personalized celebration"questionnaire" that includes all of the details we have gathered up to that point, provides additional day-of information, and asks about last-minute details.
I answer all questions that the host may have in response to that email and-- following a few back-and-forth communication-- I record all their event info on that which we call a"party prep sheet." Since we have around 6 comprehensive events in one weekend, this organization is essential!
The party-prep sheet is a very thorough document that allows any of our party hosts to do the event to the specific specifications of their parents, leaving no stone unturned. This has allowed me to have most weekends free nonetheless still feel convinced we are providing an above-and-beyond birthday party experience.
After the party, we deliver a questionnaire to every hosting household. If they have opinions, whether it be positive or negative, I always follow up . This closes the loop clients' experience and makes sure they know I truly care about their child's special day. This process has resulted in a significant number of repeat bookings and consistent testimonials from past parties.
Not merely is planning these celebrations something I excel in, but I also take great joy in it. Event planning is how I got into the business in the first place, therefore I'm more than happy to take on this endeavor. If I'm ever feeling overwhelmed with all the facts, I understand I have amazing team members I can lean on.

2) OVERSEE HIRING AND FIRING


Speaking of our incredible team members, another task I choose to get a hand in is our hiring and firing process. While I do leave the final decision up to our cafe manager, I would rather write the project posts and filter and descriptions through resumes and software before bringing anyone in for an interview.
Having spent several years shooting and hiring my fair share of workers, it's easy for me to spot red-flags on software and find"diamonds in the rough" Since we have most of our normal operating procedures optimized and documented, I would rather employ based on personality and excitement instead of experience.
In addition, I make sure I personally welcome each worker to our team and touch base with them frequently to check in and collect feedback from them.


Since I spend time doing these 7 items (and more!) , my time and energy are freed up to research what our perfect clients want and need and find out a way to integrate that into our business model.
For example, 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 love our events and attention-to-detail but preferred a Summer celebration to be out at their home (since most have backyards and pools). We then began offering mobile events, where we'd bring food, decorations, and activities for your children to their homes, and it was a hit!
Another illustration is our events. We're always adding fun new events that allow clients, particularly working parents with limited weekday accessibility, to visit us out of open hours and receive an enhanced experience through the subject of the event, class, or activity.
If I were I doing EVERY task in my enterprise, I would not have nearly enough time to perform as much innovation or research.

4) CONNECT WITH CUSTOMERS

If it comes to knowing how to innovate and what to provide, it all starts with forging a real connection with customers.
It's because of this that I love interacting with our customers all time (when I can) and on social networking. I opt to work parties, events, and even open-play if my family's schedule allows it so I can stay active and aware of what is occurring during the day-to-day. Additionally, it gives me the opportunity to observe how clients 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, forms, and polls, I have found that NOTHING can replace having a face-to-face dialog with clients using your space (and probably visits competitors too!)
It is for this reason you will also see billionaire CEOs visiting retail places on a regular basis. Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, was famous for visiting hundreds of stores across the country each year, spending some time with the customers who were spending their money on his products.
I love being a family owned and operated business, and that I love for my clients to understand that I'm fully invested in their happiness.

5) HELP OTHER ENTREPRENEURS ALONG THE SAME PATH

While I no longer do one-on-one consulting for people hoping to start out indoor playground equipment playgrounds, I really do spend a significant quantity of time creating absolutely free content for them on my blog and over on YouTube. In addition, I have an absolutely free, 44-page eBook for play-cafe-owning hopefuls that they can download directly on our website or simply by clicking here.
If a person consumes that free info and determines they would love to move forward with their plans, I have an online program called Play Cafe Academy in which I assist entrepreneurs get from daydream to opening-day in significantly less time and with less strain than they ever thought possible.
When I was researching this company model, there was not a lot of information out there. Recent owners really keep all their business secrets close to their vest, and now I don't blame them! Even if you charge a consulting fee, you're still sort of giving away the keys that you've worked so hard for and it is quite easy as a company owner to get a little smug and protective of your research and development.
As it came time to open my own business, I wound up making a slew of errors (and I mean a TON of errors ) because I simply didn't know any better. When I began getting calls and emails to consult for other potential play cafe owners, I couldn't keep this info to myself. While it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or that there are other business owners more qualified than me to share this information, I understand that there's a 4-years-ago me sitting somewhere waiting for another concept to jump out in them.
And frankly, I don't want to see an additional company close because somebody who's walked before them didn't share any information! Why don't you discuss it myself?!
However, my time is precious. I've got two little kids and run another company... I do not have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the process. (And allow me to tell you, it will require at least 12 to 24 hours of paid one-on-one consulting to break the surface of what you need, including documentation)
Students may go through these modules at their own speed, and I do not have to take the opportunity to walk my pupils through the program.
This allows me to assist other entrepreneurs in their path while also reserving the time and energy I want for my loved ones and other commitments.
Overall, this business model can truly be whatever the owner wants it to be. I know many owners that choose to do all the things inside their business, and it works for them because most of us have different"desire zones."
I feel really lucky that I have heard through the years what my strengths (and weaknesses!) Are and may design my"perfect" weeks so. If I was still burning the candle on both ends trying to tackle everything myself, I would be doing myself, my family, and my customers a significant disservice.