Business Coach Tips: How to Become a Professional Kids’ Activity Club Owner
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What Makes a Good Kids’ Club?
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.
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.
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.
The Children’s Activity Industry is Evolving (And So Should You!)
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.
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.
Not sure where to start? Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.
Take Calculated Risks
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.
And yes, this does take a bit of preparation, but the payoff will be totally worth it.
Understand the Market
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.
Weigh the Financial Implications
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.
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.
Need a little help with budgeting? Grab your [.orange__text]FREE business budgeting template here[.orange__text].
Make Smart Investments to Build a Professional Club
Ask any business coach, and they’ll tell you: not leveraging the right technology is a mistake no professional club can afford. For kids’ activity clubs, a reliable booking and management system is the backbone of a professional operation. It ensures your business runs smoothly without you having to micromanage every detail.
Choosing a booking and management software like ClassForKids means automating key processes such as bookings, payments, parent communications, and class registers. On average, club owners save 10+ hours a week, and create a more professional customer experience for parents.
Why ClassForKids is the Best Booking Software for Kids’ Clubs
It’s hard to focus on building a professional business when you’re constantly chasing payments, keeping track of bookings, or scrambling to stay organised. How can you promote your club, attract new customers, or grow your business if you’re stuck in the admin weeds?
Sure, we could hit you with some impressive ClassForKids stats:
- 4,000+ happy club owners
- 10+ hours of admin saved every week
- 1.5M parents booking classes in just 3 clicks
- 300,000+ transactions processed monthly
- £10,000 business makeovers for three lucky clubs each year
- Annual events where you can expand your network and discover top coaching talent
But honestly, numbers tell only part of the story. What really matters is how ClassForKids fits your unique business model and helps you achieve your goals.
We believe trust is built over time, and the real story goes beyond figures. So why not give our booking and management software a go and see the difference for yourself?
Click the button below to watch our interactive demo. Pick the features that catch your eye, and explore them at your own pace.
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Set Your Club Apart with Professional Development
Learning about the latest trends, marketing strategies, and management is what will give your kids’ club a real competitive edge.
To decide where to start, identify areas where you’d like to grow or gain an edge. For example, if boosting your online presence is a priority, consider a course on creating social media campaigns. Or, if you’re struggling to keep your books in order, a small business accounting workshop could be just what you need.
Professional development isn’t just about gaining new skills, but also about staying inspired and motivated. Attending conferences, courses and networking events connects you with other professionals in the children’s activities sector.
At ClassForKids, we regularly participate in and host networking events tailored specifically for your industry. Many of these events are completely free, and when there’s a cost, proceeds go to charities that support your sector .
Investing in your professional development enhances your skills and demonstrates your commitment to excellence. And trust us, this dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Parents will see your commitment and professionalism, and this will set you apart from competitors.
Ready to start your journey to a better business? Take the next step towards success with [.pink__text]ClassForKids Academy[.pink__text]. Sign up for one of our free business courses today and gain the tools and insights you need to grow your club.
Your Path to Becoming a Professional Business Owner
Becoming a professional kids’ club owner is an ongoing journey. Start by conducting a self-assessment. Where are your strengths? Where do you need to improve? Create a plan to address these areas, setting specific goals and timelines.
Follow the steps outlined in this blog, and you’ll not only boost your business’s success but also deliver better experiences to the children and families in your community.
If you’re not sure where to start, book a call with Laura, a business coach who’s ready to help, simply by clicking [.pink__text]here[.pink__text]!
Melih Kalender
Melih is the newest member of our content crew. By day, he whips up catchy blogs, guides, and ad copy. When he's away from the keyboard, he explores the world and fuels his creativity with art, recipes, and faraway adventures.
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