I am constantly looking for ways to generate income while providing excellent service. This year I plan to offer "one stop shopping" for my students on my web site. I am exploring several affiliate programs that will allow me to earn income based on their purchases....
Read MoreWhile talking with a friend this weekend, I was asked to give my job description. Hmmm… where to start?
We as teachers and business owners not only manage, promote, and create our studios… we fulfill a job description so extensive, anyone would be amazed.
Are you a planner? Then you are the events, lesson, & class schedule coordinator.
Are you a teacher? Then you are probably the one instructing – the main face of your studio.
Are you skilled in math? Well, even if you aren’t, you are probably the billing department.
Are you good with computers? Then you are likely the reason your website is kept up-to-date & people are always impressed with your professional documents.
Are you personable, friendly, and quick to respond to your customer’s and student’s concerns and questions? Then you are the human resources (HR) department.
Are you a person your students can trust, talk with, and relate to while in the studio? Then you are a mentor, a counselor, a friend.
Have you taken years and years of lessons in your field & do you continue to learn every feasible opportunity? Then you are a professional.
The list could continue, but you get the idea. Never underestimate the immense shoes you fill.
Every Successful Business Has a Business Plan.
That being said, I have to admit that when I began my home piano studio, I did not write out a formal business plan or even a startup plan! I did, however, create professional documents such as a studio policy, studio brochure, business cards, tuition statements, and many other documents necessary for running my studio. I also had a lot of goals for my business but they were mostly in my head. In spite of not writing out a business plan, my business has flourished and I am now in my ninth years with a full studio and a waiting list. As I become more and more educated on the business end of things, I realize the need for a business plan. It’s never too late to write one. In fact, to insure that my business continues to be successful, it is absolutely essential.
Why Write a Business Plan?
Putting everything on paper is powerful. Similar to writing weekly assignments for our students and asking them to document their practice for the week, writing a business plan aids in solidifying goals and recognizing both strengths and weaknesses. The United States Small Business Administration stresses the importance of writing a business plan for the following reasons: to obtain outside funding and credit from suppliers, to manage operation and finances, to promote and market your business, and to achieve goals and objectives. A standard template for a business plan usually includes:
For teachers and students, September has always been the true beginning of the year. What do you do to gear up for fall?...
Read MoreThis blog post is almost two days late… I am beyond excuses, and have nothing to say for myself, except that I found myself entirely without the use of my computer this week – and felt horribly and thoroughly lost. On it, one would find my numerous “to do” lists and the projects-in-progress, as well as the many ideas for blog posts and suggestions my...
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