Have you Hit a Wall?

I recently heard someone say, "I am so glad I am not getting married these days... there are too many options!" 

They were referring to all the social media, with Pinterest getting top billing. And y'all, I couldn't agree more. Wow... My head started to spin just thinking about all the possibilities of influence one has in making their special day...well, special.

YIKES.  

Some of you might be in that season of life, and if you are... I can only imagine the complete overwhelm and images of perfection that fill your mind and news feed. I personally remember sitting with bridal magazines back in the day and creating my own vision board... anyone else? 

But after all the dreamy pictures, and color schemes and menu choices.... it really came down to two things. 

#1. Budget (cha ching)

and

#2. Theme. 

Once those two items were in place, then the other myriad of decisions could be whittled down.

And as I look at my businesses, I've had the same experience. 

Budget & Theme.  I'm going to start with #2.Theme... because theme will have a direct effect on #1!

Many studios theme their recital or annual concert... which is great!  But I want to drill down a little bit further. Actually a lot further. 

I'm sure you've heard, "The Riches are in the Niches."  

Personally, it's a hard concept for me to follow, especially when I was starting out.  When starting out, most of us are figuring out we're even good at, let alone niche.  And just because we happen to be good at something in our twenties and thirties, doesn't mean we wanna stay there in our forties and fifties. I digress...  

But I've learned something big these past few years. (shocking, I know)

Here's the deal. I've been offering summer camps for 10+ years.  When I first did them, they filled up. Fast.  Boom!  YAY!

Then, after a couple years, I started seeing a little lull in my attendance.  As I have mentioned before, when I'm panicky I talk. And I received some great advice.  "Maybe you should offer a princess camp?  Or a Rock Star camp." 

(Ummm, y'all, I don't do princesses.  I'm one of those weird dance teachers who would really rather teach technique and foundations, then get all dolled up with costumes and props and themes.  Even if it is summer and it's suppose to be "fun.")  

Well, after another summer of lower numbers then I wanted, I decided that maybe I should listen to the advice I was given and try one of those themed dance camps.  

DING DING DING! or should I say, CHA CHING!

The best part?  They were filled with wait lists!

Boom!

But here's the best part. Because I was able to fill to capacity, I was able to partner with another amazing business woman in my area, an actor who's making her own high demand work.

Together, we took my dance camps to another level. Nicole comes to my dance camp for a magical hour and brings Moana, or whomever I am featuring, to life!  She sings, she tells their story, engages, and creates a memory that will last a lifetime for these kiddos.

It's truly magical, and it makes my dance camps THE BEST experience for any 3-8year old.  (And quite honestly, for a 40+ year old that doesn't do princesses)

Themes are Huge.

So...How is Your Business Going? 

You guys, this week marks the start of Q4! The final push to hit those goals you set back in January.  Do you remember them?  (I hope you have them on your wall where you can see them daily!)

Did you start 2019 out strong but now find yourself with shiny object syndrome?  Going from one "great idea to the next?"

Or maybe you launched your business and you had people signing up for classes, enrolling, coming to you for appointments.  You were rocking it.  

But now, after a few months, or years, you've hit a plateau. 

You're still doing great, but not growing like before. You're frustrating because you feel like you're spinning your wheels.  The way you did business a year or two ago isn't working for you today. 

Some could say, "Well, that's business. That will happen, you've tapped out your market." or "All businesses level out eventually."  

But I would ask, "Really?" and if you're in business four or five years, it's too early to level out...

How can you get back to that "hockey stick growth?"

Niche It Down. 

What one or two products or services can you highlight  that would give YOUR ideal clients a clear answer that you are the best person for them. 

Then market the shit out of it.  Talk about it, share it, educate, create the desire. When your name comes to mind, I want people to say what you specialize in.  Not just what you do. 

Oh, and the budget? 

When you do your really niche well, you won't need a budget. (Actually, you should always have a budget, but you don't need to penny pinch it.)

Your revenue will grow, allowing you to serve your clients even better. 

Find this helpful?  Please share it with your tribe.  Comment with what themes have worked well for you and your business.  I know we'd all be appreciative. 

#WithGritandAdmiration

Melissa

PS. Need some coaching?  Head on over to my FREE Facebook group, Coaching with Melissa to receive weekly videos in how to move the needle in your business. CLICK HERE.