In a previous blog post, I spoke the 7 items I no longer do in my indoor playground business as I have matured and grown as a business proprietor.
I chased Michael Hyatt, who, in most of his novels and programs always describes designing your ideal days and weeks as"the desire zone" Operating inside your desire zone, as he explains it, simply means you're spending the majority of your time doing what you love AND are good at.




At Growing Vines Cafe and Play, we've picked our unique private birthday parties as the primary focus of our business.
Because of this attention, I have chosen to plan the primary facets of each celebration we sponsor. Whenever someone publications their occasion with us, they get a comprehensive confirmation that includes my contact information and mentions that I will be in touch as their event draws near.
While I don't normally handle the execution of our celebrations, I do still act as the major touchpoint for parents and gather all their information and preferences. Ten days before each celebration, I send out a personalized celebration"questionnaire" that comprises all the details we've gathered up to that point, provides additional day-of info, and inquires about last-minute details.
I answer all queries that the host might have in reaction to this email and-- after a few back-and-forth communication-- I list all their event info on what we call a"party prep sheet." Since we have up to 6 all-inclusive events in one weekend, this organization is essential!
The party-prep sheet is a very detailed document that makes it possible for our party hosts to do the occasion to the specific specifications of their parents, leaving no rock unturned. This has enabled me to have most weekends free yet still feel confident we're providing an above-and-beyond birthday celebration experience.
After the party, we send a survey to each hosting household. If they have feedback, whether it be negative or positive, I follow up . This closes the loop clients' expertise and makes sure they understand I truly care about their child's special day. This process has resulted in a substantial amount of repeat bookings and consistent referrals from previous parties.
Not only 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 task. If I'm ever feeling overwhelmed with all the facts, I understand I've amazing team members that I will lean on.

2) OVERSEE HIRING AND FIRING


Speaking of our incredible team members, yet another job I choose to have a hand is our hiring and firing process. While I do leave the final conclusion to our cafe supervisor, I prefer to write the project posts and filter and descriptions through resumes and software before bringing anybody in for a meeting.
Having spent many years hiring and firing my fair share of workers, it's easy for me to spot red-flags on software and also find"diamonds in the rough." Since we have most of our normal operating procedures documented and optimized, I would rather employ based on personality and excitement instead of experience.
I also make sure I welcome every employee to our team and touch base with them frequently to check in and collect feedback from them.


Since I no longer spend time doing those 7 items (and more!) , my time and energy have been freed up to investigate what our ideal clients want and need and figure out a way to incorporate that into our business model.
As an instance, I discovered that our birthday party bookings were slowing down in the summertime. When I asked a few customers, they mentioned that they DID love our events and attention-to-detail but preferred a Summer celebration to be outside at their home (since most have backyards and pools). We then began offering cellular events, where we'd bring food, decorations, and activities for the kids to their houses, and it was a hit!
Another example is our occasions . We are constantly adding fun new events that allow clients, especially working parents with limited weekday accessibility, to visit us outside of hours and get an enhanced experience through the subject of the event, course, or activity.
If I had been I doing EVERY job in my business, I wouldn't have nearly enough time to perform as much research or innovation.


If it comes to understanding how to innovate and the best way to provide, it all starts with forging a real connection with customers.
It is for this reason that I really like interacting with our customers in-person (when I can) and on social media. I opt to work celebrations, events, and even open-play when my family's schedule allows it so I could remain active and aware of what is occurring during the day. It also gives me the chance to observe how customers are using our distance firsthand and listen to any concerns or queries they have. Even though at this age of technology there are reviews, types, and surveys, I have found that NOTHING can replace having a face-to-face conversation with clients using your space (and probably visits competitors too!)
It's because of this you will even see billionaire CEOs seeing retail locations on a regular basis. Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, was renowned for visiting hundreds of stores across the country every year, spending time with the customers who were spending their cash on his merchandise.
I love being a family owned and operated business, and that I love for my clients to know that I am completely invested in their happiness.


While I no longer do one-on-one consulting for individuals hoping to start out indoor playgrounds, I do spend a significant amount of time creating absolutely free content for them here on my blog and over on YouTube. I also have an absolutely free, 44-page eBook to get play-cafe-owning hopefuls that they can download directly on our website or by clicking here.
If a person consumes that free information and determines they would love to move forward with their programs, I have an online program named Play Cafe Academy where I assist entrepreneurs get from daydream to opening-day in significantly less time and less stress than they ever thought possible.
When I was researching this business model, there was not a great deal of info out there. Current owners really keep all their business secrets close to their vest, and I don't blame them! Even in the event that you charge a consulting fee, you are still sort of giving away the secrets that you have worked so hard for and it is quite easy as a company owner to get a little smug and protective of your own research and development.
When it came time to start my own company, I ended up making a slew of mistakes (and I mean a TON of mistakes) since I simply didn't know any better. So when I began getting calls and emails to consult for other possible play cafe owners, I couldn't keep this information to myself. As soon as it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or https://www.futsalpark.net that there are other business owners more capable than me to share this information, I understand that there is a 4-years-ago me sitting at work somewhere waiting for the next concept to jump out at them.
And frankly, I don't want to see one more company close because somebody who's walked before them did not share any information! Why not share it myself?!
However, my time is valuable. I've got two little kids and run another business... I do not have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the procedure. (And let me tell you, it will take at least 12 to 24 hours of paid one-on-one consulting to even break the surface of everything you require, such as documentation)
Students can go through those modules in their own pace, and I don't need to take the opportunity to walk my students throughout the program.
This enables me to help other entrepreneurs along their course while also reserving the time and energy I want for my loved ones and other commitments.
I know many owners who choose to do all the things inside their business, and it works for them since we all have different"desire zones."
I feel really lucky I have heard through the years what my strengths (and weaknesses!) Are and may design my"ideal" weeks accordingly. If I was still burning the candle on both ends trying to handle everything myself, I'd be doing myself, my loved ones, and my customers a major disservice.