In a previous blog post, I discussed that the 7 items I do in my indoor playground equipment (https://www.recreationreview.net/) playground business as I have grown and matured as a business proprietor.
I referenced Michael Hyatt, that, in most of his novels and programs always refers to designing your perfect weeks and days as"the desire zone" Running within your dream zone, even as he explains it, simply means you're spending the majority of your time doing what you love AND are good at.
When there are lots of jobs I cut completely and some I delegate to better-suited team members, there are numerous duties that still lie inside my"desire zone," and that I believe are important for me to handle personally. While this is continually shifting as my priorities (both professionally and personally) evolve, these are 5 of those tasks that I'm not giving up just yet as a business proprietor.



At Growing Vines Cafe and Play, we have chosen our unique personal birthday parties as the main focus of our business.
Because of this focus, I have chosen to plan the primary aspects of each celebration we sponsor. Whenever someone books their occasion with us, they get a detailed confirmation which includes my contact info and mentions that I'm personally in touch because their event draws near.
While I do not typically handle the execution of our parties, I really do still act as the major touchpoint for parents and collect all their information and preferences. Ten days before each celebration, I send out a personalized party"questionnaire" that includes all of the details we've gathered up to that point, provides additional day-of information, and inquires about last-minute details.
I answer all questions the host may have in response to that email and-- following some back-and-forth communication-- I list all of their event information on that which we call a"party prep sheet" Based on clients' choices, I make a list for every one our sellers (catering, party supplies, balloons, paper goods, etc.) and will ordinarily have a team member complete the purchasing and arrange all the supplies so that they are grouped by party. Because we have around 6 comprehensive events in one weekend, this business is essential!
The party-prep sheet is an extremely detailed document that makes it possible for our party hosts to execute the event to the exact specifications of the parents, leaving no stone unturned. This has allowed me to have most weekends free nonetheless still feel convinced we are providing an above-and-beyond birthday party experience.
After the party, we deliver a questionnaire to each hosting family. Should they have feedback, whether it be negative or positive, I always follow up . This closes the loop on clients' expertise and makes sure they know I genuinely care about their child's special day. This process has resulted in a significant number of repeat bookings and consistent referrals from past parties.
Not only is planning these celebrations some thing that I excel in, but I also take great joy inside . Event planning is the way I got into this business in the first place, so I'm more than pleased to have this endeavor. If I am ever feeling overwhelmed with all the details, I understand I've amazing team members I will lean on.



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

3) DREAM UP NEW INITIATIVES



Another task that lies within my present"desire zone" is digging the general direction of our business and coming up with new tactics to best serve our community.
Since I no longer spend time doing these 7 things (and more!) , my time and energy have been freed up to research what our ideal clients want and need and figure out a way to incorporate that in our business model.
For example, I discovered that our birthday celebration bookings were slowing down in the Summer. When I asked a few customers, they mentioned that they DID adore our occasions and attention-to-detail but preferred a Summer party to be outside at their home (since many have backyards and pools). We then started offering mobile events, where we would bring decorations, food, and activities for the kids to their homes, and it was a hit!
Another example is our occasions . We are always adding fun new events that allow customers, particularly working parents with limited weekday availability, to see us outside of open hours and get an enhanced experience throughout the subject of the event, course, or activity.
If I were I still doing EVERY job in my business, I wouldn't have nearly enough time to do as much research or innovation.


If it comes to knowing how to innovate and the best way to provide, it all starts with forging a real connection with clients.
It's for this reason that I love interacting with our clients in-person (when I can) and on social media. I choose to work parties, events, as well as open-play when my family's schedule permits it so I could stay active and aware of what is occurring during the day. It also gives me the opportunity to observe how clients are using our distance firsthand and listen to any concerns or queries they have. Although at this age of technology there are reviews, forms, and surveys, I have found that NOTHING can replace using a face-to-face conversation with clients who use your space (and probably visits competitors too!)
It's because of this you will also 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 each year, spending some time with the clients who had been spending their cash on his products.
I really like being a family owned and operated company, and I love for my customers to understand that I am completely invested in their own happiness.


While I no longer do one-on-one consulting for people hoping to open indoor playgrounds, I do spend a substantial quantity of time producing absolutely free content for them on my blog and above on YouTube. I also have a totally free, 44-page eBook to get play-cafe-owning hopefuls they can download right on our website or by clicking here.
If someone consumes that free info and decides they would love to move forward with their plans, I have an internet program named Play Cafe Academy where I help entrepreneurs get from daydream to opening-day in significantly less time and with less stress than they ever thought possible.
When I was researching this business model, there wasn't a lot of information out there. Current owners actually keep all their business secrets close to their vest, and now I do not blame them! Even if 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 acquire a little smug and protective of your own research and development.
As it came time to open my own business, I ended up making a ton of errors (and I suggest a TON of errors ) since I simply did not know any better. When I began getting calls and emails to consult for additional possible play cafe owners, then I could not keep this information to myself. While it's easy for me to feel like an imposter or that there are other business owners more capable than me to share this information, I know that there is a 4-years-ago me sitting somewhere waiting for the next idea to leap out in them.
And frankly, I do not want to see an additional company close because someone who is walked before them did not share any info! So why not share it myself?!
But my time is valuable. I've got two little children and also run another company... I do not have 12 hours to devote hand-holding each standpoint owner through the process. (And let me tell you, it will require at least 12 to 24 hours of paid one-on-one consulting to break the surface of everything you require, such as documentation.)
Students can go through these modules in their own pace, and I do not have to spend some time to walk my students through the program.
This enables me to assist other entrepreneurs in their path while at the same time reserving the time and energy I want for my loved ones and other commitments.
I know many owners that choose to do all the things inside their business, and it works for them because most of us have distinct"desire zones."
I feel very lucky I have learned over the years what my strengths (and weaknesses!) Are and may design my"ideal" weeks accordingly. When I was burning the candle on both ends trying to tackle everything , I'd be doing myself, my family, and my customers a significant disservice.