Good for you! You are finally following through with your dream of opening up your own dance studio. This is an exciting endeavor for you and hopefully you have some ideas on how your business will be an appealing one to your surrounding community. Still, starting a business and maintaining its success requires some meticulous planning and stellar organizational skills.
Laying out a business plan, finding a studio, hiring your staff, and getting the attention you need to bring in students is only the beginning. Fortunately, you do not have to figure this all out on your own. This article will help you address the initial stages of getting your dance studio on its feet and the best tools available to keep the business thriving.
Making a Business Plan
Constructing a business plan is the first and most important step when starting any type of business. It will provide you with the guidelines you will need as your dance school continues to move forward. Your business plan should include:
- what your mission is
- foreseeable costs
- how you plan to receive funding
- ideas for budgeting
- how things will remain organized
- legal structure and standards
- licenses and insurance you must acquire
- equipment you have bought and still need to buy
- the desired design of your studio
Doing research on your potential customers and business plans used by other successful dance studios always helps. Once you have launched your dance studio you will have to make adjustments to your business plan, but the initial setup is what you will depend on in order to make money.
Choose a Space
What you spend on your dance studios space will most likely be your largest expense. Not only will you have the initial purchasing or rental fee, but there are also monthly utilities and upkeep costs to consider. Sharing a space with another trusted business or adapting your garage/basement into a shared space can help to save money if this is a concern of yours.
You may also consider doing pop-up dance classes, which can be a great alternative if you have a strong communication system and social media presence. The ideal space for a dance studio should include:
- floors that give a little and absorb shock
- walls with large mirrors
- barres for ballet classes
- a good sound system
Hiring Staff
If you are a qualified dance teacher you may not need to hire anyone else right away. As your business continues to expand, however, you will need some help. You will not just need help with teaching; there is also cleaning, the answering of phones and emails, and a variety of office tasks to keep up with. You may consider bringing on local college students who you can offer teaching experience or an internship in exchange for their help.
Get The Word Out
You may already have a good collection of people ready to sign up for your classes. If you do not, you can:
- put up a large sign so people see that you have made your ‘grand opening’
- hold an open house
- put notices in local papers and on social media
- create a website
- have your students perform at events in the area
- find small business events to participate in
- put up flyers at friendly local businesses
You can make your grand opening a fashion show or charity event in order to gain extra interest in your cause, but your website is what is going to be your prime source of gaining and maintaining students. This is where people can view your location information, contact info, positive reviews, class schedule, and it gives them an easy way to sign up from their own homes.
How you market your studio is equally as important and you will want to establish a consistently active social media presence. Using studio management software is a great way to integrate your website and social media outlets so you don’t have multiple platforms to keep up with.
Studio Management Software
Not only does management software help you integrate all of your internet dealings, but it also helps you build and organize a business plan that will basically run on its own. Most software is easily adjusted to fit the specific needs of your unique business along with some tips to get things working in an easier and more lucrative manner. You don’t need to be a computer whiz, the software’s advisors can help you get a handle on your program so you can train your staff.
With studio management software you will no longer have to worry about a desk full of bills, registration forms, costume purchases, etc. Do yourself a favor and start your free trial as you get your business going so you can begin this journey organized and ahead of the game.
