Business Coach Tips: How to Become a Professional Kids’ Activity Club Owner

What Makes a Good Kids’ Club?

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According to business coach Laura May Watkins, the secret lies in one key factor: professionalism. Laura says that becoming a professional business owner is “essential to running a successful children’s activity club in this day and age.” And we couldn’t agree more.

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At ClassForKids, we always encourage club owners to think of their clubs as professional businesses, and of themselves as professional business owners. But we also know it’s not always easy to figure out the steps to get there. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Laura May Watkins, a seasoned business coach, to bring you expert guidance.

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With over 20 years of experience running successful businesses, including a dance school she sold in 2023, Laura now focuses on helping children’s activity business owners like you. Whether you want to attract more customers, save time, or grow your club, Laura has actionable insights to share.

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The Children’s Activity Industry is Evolving (And So Should You!)

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Gone are the days when a quick newspaper ad or a few leaflets through letterboxes were enough to fill your classes. The last few years have brought dramatic changes to the world, and the children’s activity sector has evolved with them.

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As a children’s activity provider, you can earn a full-time wage doing what you love, and you don’t have to sacrifice all your time to do it. But to unlock this potential and succeed in this increasingly competitive market, you must treat your club as a professional business.

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Not sure where to start? Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.

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Take Calculated Risks

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Success in any business requires taking risks, but not all risks are equal. To drive success, you need to make sure the risks you take are calculated. A calculated risk is one where you carefully weigh the potential rewards against the potential losses, and, just as importantly, have a solid contingency plan in place.

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And yes, this does take a bit of preparation, but the payoff will be totally worth it.

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Understand the Market

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The first step to taking calculated risks is understanding the demand in your local area.

• Identify Gaps: What’s missing in your local market? Are there untapped opportunities for an activity?
• Analyse Competitors: Look closely at similar businesses. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What’s their pricing structure, schedule, and choice of venues?

Understanding the market will show you how you can stand out by offering something unique.

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Weigh the Financial Implications

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Financial planning is key to taking calculated risks. Before you launch a new class or expand your offerings, ask yourself these questions:

• What are the upfront costs? Think about venue hire, equipment, or marketing expenses.
• What are the ongoing costs? Consider instructor fees, supplies, and other regular outgoings.
• What’s the break-even point? Calculate how many bookings you’ll need to cover costs and start turning a profit.

Once you’ve mapped out a detailed budget, it’s easier to assess whether the potential rewards justify the financial risks.

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Want a key tip? Always set aside enough cash to cover your expenses, even during slower periods or holidays. This could mean saving a portion of your profits each month to create a financial safety net.

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Need a little help with budgeting? Grab your [.orange__text]FREE business budgeting template here[.orange__text].