Dance Circus or Dance Success?
Do you have ALL that it takes to be a studio owner? Let's explore your qualifications and see what the actual demands are when considering such a large responsibility as that.
Some folks say that "Life is like a 3 ring circus" and as I review my days as a studio owner...I tend to agree with them. One never knows what waits in store; things seem to be different every day. As I unlock the studio door each afternoon I often wonder what lays in store for me. Most days it is actually that unknown that stirs the excitement in my veins thus giving me the extra nudge to continue on my chosen path. But, I must also admit, that sometimes all those unknowns can play real havoc with your head and cause you to be frustrated...and I mean really frustrated.
Let's delve into some of the many roles that are involved in a circus operation and compare the demands of those to the demands we as studio owners must meet as well. I think that is a great analogy to see if YOU have what it takes to join the "circus" of life and continue or become a studio owner?
Can YOU be the ...
...Ringmaster who can organize, plan and announce the events in all 3 rings at once? Are you able to do research on all the acts that will be performing so you have information to share with the audience? Are you confident in your role? Do you have a broad knowledge of not only the education of teaching dance but the education of running a business? Sometimes it is OK to have just one or the other ...but as a studio owner, YOU must have both. Are you capable of promoting your new venture properly? Do you really know your stuff?
...Up Front Scout who compares and investigates the best place for the tents, trailers and expensive equipment to be set up? Will you know if it is a good area and one that will serve the needs of the performers, employees and the audience as well? Before you decide upon a location have you checked into the zoning regulations and necessary permits? Have you done research in more than one area of your community? Have you looked into matters such as potential growth of the area, ages of residents, number of young families with children and economic standing? Is the accessibility and visibility for the location good?
...Barker at the Front Gate who greets the audience as they arrive for each performance with a smile and word of enthusiasm? Are you a people person? Are you comfortable in speaking with strangers who will hopefully be walking through your door? Are you a poised interviewer who can ask the right questions when hiring personnel?
...Ticket Taker who handles all the revenue for each performance without any shortfalls? Can you keep accurate head counts? Do you have enough knowledge to investigate all the costs of the operation? Can your pocket handle the overhead expenses? Do you have the basic knowledge to discus the financial planning of your business with a professional who can guide you through the process?
...Juggler who is able to handle and balance many knifes, balls and breakable delicate objects all at one time without dropping any of them? Can you balance your personal and family life with the demands of the studio? Are you able to comfortably work within the time frame that the business will be open without pressure from home? Understanding children and loving to work with them is a must.
...Tightrope Walker who is aware of each and every step they take at all times? Can you adapt to being able to take it slow and keep one foot in front of the other? Are you organized...really organized? Can you plan ahead? Are your content to take the proper time to reach a decision and not rush into something that may be way over your head?
...Trapeze Artist who can gracefully glide from one trapeze or catcher to the next with perfect timing and confidence? Are you a good multi-tasker? Can you wear many hats? Do you feel comfortable addressing multiple issues that no one else wants to deal with?
...Lion Tamer who speaks with a calm controlled voice and is able to work with wild and ferocious animals without having to use a whip on them? Can you deal with all different ages and species of people? Are you able to keep a calming and pleasant nature about you when you are in a stressful situation? You must, you are the owner and the final decision and action taken will rest with you.
...Clown who makes people laugh and is a fun person to be with? Can you turn a frown into a smile? Are you a pleasant person to be around? Do you walk about with a frown or a smile? Can you be generous and giving when the time arises? Are you able to make even the worse situation look or feel positive?
...Bare Back Rider who takes a risk every time they enter the ring on the back of those beautiful eye appealing animals? Are you comfortable with taking a risk? For that is certainly what opening up you own business is. You as a person are the only one to guarantee the success of your business. It all rests upon your shoulders just as the rider rests upon the horses shoulders.
...Snake Charmer who needs to have eyes opened at all times and be in complete control of the situation around you? Are you well focused on your project? Can you not only work in many departments, but oversee projects that will rely on your decision and confidence? Are you aware of all the stress it will place upon your life for many years to come?
...Stilt Walker who towers over all the rest of the crowd and is one big person who all the people, but especially the little ones, look up too? Will you be a good and positive role model for your students? Can you take on a motherly or fatherly figure if and when you must? Are you a team player? Are you willing to give in order to get?
And finally, can YOU be the ...Circus Boss who must have the ability to work with professionals from all walks of life and all trades? Are you the right person to carve all these different facets into one perfect jewel? Are you capable of taking a "diamond in the rough" and polishing it until it glistens and shines? Can you mold many uncut stones into one wonderful and exciting piece? Do you have the creative juices either through your knowledge or the personnel you hired to work with you to produce an end product that is amazing?
If you responded with a positive thought or feeling to all the questions above and you feel confident you ARE the right one to meet the challenge, then I urge you to step back to reexamine your potentials and truthfully ask yourself if you CAN be the right one. Thinking and feeling is one thing, but actually being the one is totally something different.
Your feelings of confidence must exude that yes, you ARE and CAN be the right one to meet the challenges of being a studio owner. I sincerely hope you are the right one and are able to meet the demands and join the large but ever so personal group of studio owners. We want to welcome all of you into our world and know you will even make it brighter by your contribution to the world of dance and the world of studio ownership! Welcome aboard! It was fun chatting with you....please contact me with your thoughts and news at danceun@aol.com ..... until next time...Thanx for chatting!