Watch my VLOG: https://youtu.be/hD0fvihUs8k A few weeks back I brought my 6 year old son to Explore and More Children's Museum in Buffalo New York after our plans to attend a hockey game were foiled. I took notes and video and wanted to share exactly what I loved abot the kids museum and what I took away from the experience as an indoor playground owner! In this episode, I share how you can implement the same concepts regarding inclusivity and accessibility, universal design, business sponsorsip...
Apr 07, 2023•21 min
Running an indoor playground business can be a fulfilling and exciting experience. However, it can also be challenging, as all of you listening likely know, especially when a CUSTOMER expresses an interest in opening a similar business in the same area. While I recently made a YouTube video about this topic (linked below), I wanted to expand on that topic and provide some practical tips and daily strategies here in this episode. RESOURS MENTIONED: Book More Birthdays With Ads COURSE: https://bit...
Apr 05, 2023•20 min
RESOURS MENTIONED: Book More Birthdays With Ads: https://bit.ly/3N7bPAI The Reality Of Working Alongside Your Kids: http://bit.ly/42UOGd4 Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly...
Apr 03, 2023•19 min
RESOURCES MENTIONED: American Orff-Schulwerk Association: aosa.org Organization of American Kodaly Educators: oake.org Bryson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thatmusicteacher/ Episode 44 Upselling To Boost Event Revenue: https://bit.ly/3lw8HG1 Episode 38 Planning Profitable Events and Classes: https://bit.ly/3LDJ8hb Epsiode 39 How To Sell out Your Events: https://bit.ly/42pihuU Episode 97 Allign Your Events With Your Spaces Strengths: https://bit.ly/3LuIm61 OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy &am...
Mar 31, 2023•40 min
RESOURCES MENTIONED: What's Working 2023 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Episode 02 Creating a Welcome Sequence: https://bit.ly/3mlmnns Episode 85 Repurposing Positive Reviews: https://bit.ly/3lw8HG1 Mochas and Minis IG: https://www.instagram.com/mochasandminis/ Mochas and Minis Site: https://www.mochasandminis.com/ MY Play Cafe Site: https://www.myplaycafe.com/ OTHER RESOURCES: What's Working 2023 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Curren...
Mar 29, 2023•28 min
RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP What's Wo...
Mar 27, 2023•37 min
FREE AI/ CHAT GPT TRAINING: https://www.michelecaruana.com/using-ai-for-your-play-cafe-business Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://...
Mar 24, 2023•29 min
A few weeks back I interviewed the amazing Amanda Bybel on this podcast and on YouTube, and we talked about money mindset and we also discussed the different insecure attachment styles we may have with our business, and she also gave us some tips for moving towards a place of more confidence and a more secure attachment style so we can start charging what we’re worth, prioritizing and valuing our time, and really growing and scaling our businesses. I loved the conversation so much that I asked A...
Mar 22, 2023•38 min
Hear from professional photographer and brand-identity expert on how to take professional-looking photos for your indoor playground, play cafe, or soft play rental business using only your phone! RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Miche...
Mar 20, 2023•19 min
If you own an indoor playground, play cafe, or soft play rental business, you likely already know that social media is a great way to reach out to potential customers and keep your existing ones engaged. But, to make a lasting impression, you need to make sure that your photos look professional and capture the essence of your brand. Professional photos are one of the most important investments you can make in your business, so I captured all of my best tips to help you ensure you have a good exp...
Mar 17, 2023•35 min
Buying versus leasing a commercial space, which is the right option for you? In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of buying a commercial space for your indoor playground versus leasing a space as a tenant, and what you can expect in terms of costs and responsibilities in each scenario. READ THIS EPSIODE ON THE BLOG: http://bit.ly/3JEJdQe RESOURCES MENTIONED: Part 1 of Licensing/ Franchising Series: http://bit.ly/3Z7aQXb Part 2 of Licensing/ Franchising Series: https://bit.ly/3ZCsxhf VIDE...
Mar 15, 2023•22 min
Should you hire a virtual assistant or remote employee/ independent contractor for your brick and mortar indoor playground or play cafe business? In a time where recruiting, hiring, and retaining quality employees is more difficult than ever, hiring a virtual assistant or contractor can bridge the gap between the tasks you need accomplished and the amount of help you're able to find for your in-person operation. Not only will you increase the talent pool you have access to, you can also save a T...
Mar 13, 2023•54 min
EMAIL MARKETING RESOURCES: Episode 1: https://bit.ly/41KjyMT Episode 2: https://bit.ly/3mlmnns MY RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube C...
Mar 10, 2023•27 min
ADDEVENT: https://app.addevent.com/ MY RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign ...
Mar 08, 2023•19 min
In this episode I share several of the mistakes I made when we licensed our indoor playground concept. While the location did reach profitability and years of success, my own failure to put certain stipultaions and requirements in place in our conrtact led to long-lasting results in terms of the level of success they'd ultimately be able to achieve. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Part 1 of Licensing/ Franchising Series: http://bit.ly/3Z7aQXb Part 2 of Licensing/ Franchising Series: https://bit.ly/3ZCsxhf ...
Mar 06, 2023•45 min
More About Franchising and Licensing: http://bit.ly/3Z7aQXb RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14...
Mar 03, 2023•40 min
Episode 173 Blog: http://bit.ly/3Z7aQXb RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners Membership Application: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign...
Mar 01, 2023•40 min
RECESSION PREP PLAYLIST: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep If you own and indoor playground or play cafe business and want to know what you could be doing right now to best prepare for an economic downturn or recession, this epsiode is for you! SOURCES: Alex Hormozi: http://bit.ly/3SBNF4X NYT Article: http://bit.ly/3maVUJh OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners- Apply To Play Maker Society: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://...
Feb 27, 2023•40 min
RESOURCES MENTIONED: How Memberships Can Help You Sell Your Business Someday: https://bit.ly/3IwqxAe Creating Your Perfect Membership Offer: https://bit.ly/3m5eP8p Example Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoudK7-uw5i/ OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners- Apply To Play Maker Society: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37y...
Feb 24, 2023•13 min
Is there an offer in your indoor playground business or a specific service you launched, that isn’t quite selling as much as you’d like? In this part 2 example (go to episode 169 for pt. 1!), I share how to book out your BIRTHDAY calendar with a strategic content blitz! EPISODES MENTIONED: Book More Birthdays Challenge:https://www.michelecaruana.com/birthdaychallenge OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners- Apply To Play Maker Society: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund ...
Feb 22, 2023•28 min
Is there an offer in your indoor playground business or a specific service you launched, that isn’t quite selling as much as you’d like? One of my favorite strategies to educate our potential customers and spread awareness (and YES, get a major boost in sales!) is a super strategic and intentional content blitx. In this epsiode I share exactly how to execute this strategy, step-by-step, all using the example of getting more MEMBERS enrolled. EPISODES MENTIONED: Episode 1 Email Marketing: http://...
Feb 20, 2023•44 min
In this episode I share a story of a failed launch turned multi-six-figure-offer, and I share exactly what turned sales around! I also share how you can apply the SAME lesson to any offering that isn't selling as much as you had hoped in your indoor playground, play cafe, or family entertainment business! Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF WellnessLiving: https://discover.wellnessliv...
Feb 17, 2023•11 min
I loved chatting with guest expert Amanda Bybel, host of the Related Podcast, during this episode! In this conversation that is unlike anything else I have shared on this podcast before, Amanda shares how you know if YOU are practicing a secure or insecure attachment style with your business, and how to establish more confidence and security in EVERY single thing you do! Trust me, your customers WILL be able to see the transformation as we discuss in this epsiode. Amanda's Podcast: http://bit.ly...
Feb 15, 2023•33 min
I frequently get asked what the difference is between my free and paid content, and WHERE I draw the line between what I am willing to give away for free and when I decide to charge for my expertise. Hear more about my decision making content and how you can apply the 3 VERY different levels of content to your own business! RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners- Apply To Play Maker Society: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz C...
Feb 13, 2023•32 min
Let's talk about the difference between payroll w2 employees and hiring independent 1099 contactors for your indoor playground business and discuss some pros and cons of each strategy! Read this information on my blog here: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/employees-versus-independent-contractors SOURCES: Episode 35 (How to Afford A Team): http://bit.ly/3wVWnkr Episode 109 (Hiring, Recruiting, and Retaining): http://bit.ly/3Y4w3Rm Korn Ferry Study: http://bit.ly/3JIqJ1z Deloitte Study: https:...
Feb 10, 2023•31 min
Let's talk about hiring a virtual assistant or remote team member for your family entertainment business! Read this episode in blog form: https://bit.ly/3wYnT0J RESOURCES MENTIONED: Creating Standard Operating Procedures: http://bit.ly/3kXm8yg Money-Making Tasks: http://bit.ly/3ULBl1F Create A Social Media Strategy: http://bit.ly/3Yh2bRk LastPass: https://www.lastpass.com/ FREE Canva Pro Trial: https://bit.ly/3XR7Wp5 Fiverr: https://bit.ly/40szqmw OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.l...
Feb 08, 2023•16 min
Let's talk about hiring a virtual assistant or remote team member for your family entertainment business! Read this episode in blog form: https://bit.ly/3wYnT0J RESOURCES MENTIONED: Creating Standard Operating Procedures: http://bit.ly/3kXm8yg Money-Making Tasks: http://bit.ly/3ULBl1F Create A Social Media Strategy: http://bit.ly/3Yh2bRk LastPass: https://www.lastpass.com/ FREE Canva Pro Trial: https://bit.ly/3XR7Wp5 Fiverr: https://bit.ly/40szqmw OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.l...
Feb 06, 2023•15 min
Canva FREE Pro Trial: https://bit.ly/3XR7Wp5 Brenda's Canva Training: http://bit.ly/3Rk4Lnc Splurge vs. Save on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3HHgEk1 Clip From Brenda's Training: https://bit.ly/3JxI2lR OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Current Owners- Apply To Play Maker Society: http://bit.ly/3kQsNtQ Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagra...
Feb 03, 2023•16 min
In this epsiode we talk about how customer comments and complaints can often trigger our defensiveness as indoor playground or play cafe business owners, causing us to feel compelled to respond an a way that is less-than-becoming as a community leader and business owner. Let's explore that compulsion and quash it in this episode. EPISODES MENTIONED: Responding To Negative Reviews: http://bit.ly/3YgaqNH Standard Operating Procedures: http://bit.ly/3kXm8yg OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy: http:...
Feb 01, 2023•23 min
In this epsiode, I tackle some questions I got asked about the legalities and regulations surrounding offering drop-off care at an indoor playground or play cafe setting. We'll talk about juggling camps with open play, handling bathroom issues, how to find your local laws, what to do in case of emergency, and more! RESOURCES MENTIONED: Preparing For An Emergency: http://bit.ly/3Del8vL Promoting Summer Camps: http://bit.ly/3HuUWj6 Waivers and Liability: https://bit.ly/3XFgmzI READ THIS EPISODE IN...
Jan 30, 2023•20 min
