Category Archives: Getting Started

Music Licensing

Music Licensing: International law varies. In the USA if you will be playing licensed music (BMI,ASCAP, SESAC & SoundExchange in the USA, SOCAN in Canada, PPL in UK) you must pay a public performance fee to the organizations. The pole studio owner is responsible for the fees regardless of who or how the music was brought into the studio. It is a myth that if you purchased a CD of music you can use it for pole classes or performances.

Another myth is that if you pay the proper licensing fees to the performing arts organizations that you are allowed to copy CD’s, cassettes or download music from wherever you like. That is also false. You have paid for the performance rights only. The copies of music recordings are mechanical rights. You need to obtain the recordings legally by purchasing the original CD’s, LP’s, one of the download services like iTunes, Google play store or Amazon. If you have a pole dance performer who wishes to use a song or piece of music you do not have, you should have the performer bring their legally purchased copy of music. There are music collections (either CD or for download) for fitness centers that have hit songs but recorded by other artists. This reduces the cost with purchasing the music. Some of the major bands and singers command a high price which translates in a high price for the consumer. There are also some music artists who will not sell their recordings for use at fitness centers. You can still purchase these artists’ original recordings and play in your business if the performance rights has been paid for.

US law states that you have purchased the music for private listening. Even music (Clickmix, Yes!, fitness Tunes, etc.) that provide music for fitness classes do not include the public performance license. There are services like Pandora for Business by DMX which state they have paid the fees for public performance but not that in the written terms that specifically excludes places that charge an admission fee. If you charge for a pole fitness class or pole party you are indeed charging for admission. These are have paid fees only if used say in a retail store or doctor’s office. Even a Pole studio must pay licensing for music played over TV or radio unless you meet both of these conditions:

1) Facility with less than 2000 square feet.
2) The music is broadcast by not more than 6 speakers, of which not more than 4 speakers are located in any room.

music Your other option is to use License Free music. These will not be the hits but original music created specifically for this purpose. You pay a higher cost for the CD’s, Internet channel or service but it can be less expensive than the public performance fees. Realize that if you play one song from one of the performance rights organizations you are already responsible for the fees. The last option is music from local bands & musicians.

Often there are musicians who offer their own original music for playback simply for the exposure. They may not play live often or at all. Recording is often in their home although the quality of home recording equipment has advanced to the quality being equal to many classic record albums. You may need to place a poster with information within your studio. Rarely there is a small charge which could be equal to the cost of a single CD. There are no set rules so everyone does it differently. These people just want to get their music out there somewhere.

BMI – http://www.bmi.com/licensing
ASCAP – http://www.ascap.com/licensing/
SESAC – http://www.sesac.com/Licensing/Licensing.aspx
SoundExchange – http://www.soundexchange.com/

SOCAN – http://www.socan.ca/licensees

PPL – http://www.ppluk.com/

Leases

CLICK HERE to view a sample Lease

A Lease for commercial space is vastly different than for (a house or apartment) residential. If you (the Lessee) have no experience or knowledge in this area than it might be very advantageous to work with a commercial real estate broker. A lease is a legal contract and once signed you will be fully obligated by its terms. On the positive side, the Lessor is also obligated. You may be negotiating the lease with someone other than the actual property owner. It could be a management or leasing company. It could also be a lessee that is now subleasing it to you in which case you will need to find out if they have the rights to do so.

The most important part of any lease is of course the amount of rent. Equally important is the term of the lease. If you are starting your pole business, you will want to keep the lease term to only a one or two year term. You do not want to be obligated to pay rent for several years if your business is unsuccessful and closes. It is possible in negotiations to build into the lease an option to renew. So as an example you might ask for a one year lease, with an option to renew for one or two years. The rent for the additional years will most likely include an increase. Through negotiations you will want to keep any increase minimal. You do not want surprises. If your business is successful, and you one day reach towards the end of the lease agreement, you will want to look for options. It is not unheard of when a new lease is offered that the lessor demands a large increase, possibly forcing you to relocate. So to restate you want to keep your initial commitment as short as possible though planning if your business is successful to remain without a significant increase in rent. When you receive the lease, you should consider bringing it to an experienced attorney that specializes in real estate.

The rental cost is normally per square foot. That is how to compare various locations even though they will be of different sizes. If the location has been empty for some time or is in need of some repair, they may offer a reduced rent. Conversely, if its in a very desirable, high traffic area, they might want a premium. the longer the term of the lease, the more negotiating you can do.

Look carefully for the amount of security that is needed. While there could be first & last month’s rent; it can include many other options increasing your startup costs. There may be an additional security deposit in addition to rent.

Within the lease will be specified who is responsible for what. There is no standard in this regard. Things like:

Roof repairs
Air Conditioning/Heating
Parking area & Grounds maintenance
Plumbing
Electrical
Outdoor Lighting
Entrance
Alarm Systems/Security
Security Gates

Now Leasing If you have a rainstorm and water leaks into your facility, you will need to know whether to call the landlord or a roofer. You may need to keep cut grass and pickup the parking area. In fact the lease may specify that if you do not maintain properly you have violated the lease agreement and be subject to penalties or possible eviction. There are also many different state laws also that may regulate these things and a real estate attorney can advise you when signing the lease. You need to know the specifics as these will effect the amount of expenses your business will encounter.

Some leases especially located in a shopping plaza will have a fee called a Common Area Maintenance fee. These can be monthly, quarterly or yearly. The CAM fee will cover the cost of maintaining areas shared by all tenants. Grass cutting, parking lot, outdoor lighting and possibly roofing. On occasion these fees can go to a group operated by the tenants themselves and not the lessor. It is also possible these fee amounts may be subject to change at intervals less than your lease agreement. You will want to confirm how the fees are calculated. Usually they are by the square footage that is leased although have seen them by number of units/storefronts rented or a percentage of rent amount. There are individual fees that also may be found in the lease.

The lease will spell out who is responsible for regular service expenses such as:

Electric Service
Water
Sewer
Heating
Property Taxes

These expenses may be billed to you directly like most people have electrical service to their house. Each service may billed to the property owner for all tenants and split between each tenant. You will then want to know how that is calculated. The Lessee may charge tenants the property tax divided by each tenant, called a Net Lease. As property tax can be significant on commercial property, you will want to know if this is included in the monthly rent or additional.

A lease will detail that insurance be provided by you. You will need a proof of insurance delivered before occupying the space. The insurance normally needs to cover damage to the property/building itself and liability for injuries occurring on premises.They will tell you the amount of coverage they require. You will also want and need insurance covering the interior as well as the fixtures.

Some leases may have a limited hours of operation section. It may be specific hours of operation or mention abiding by the hours of operation for the facility. If your business will include late or early hours then you want to have that taken out if possible, have the hours specified changed or decide the lease will not suit your business.

The lease will specify what interior changes can be made. This will be in a section called “leasehold improvements.” Especially the basics like moving or adding walls. It can be as detailed as if changes are made are they kept permanent by the property owner or must be removed & repaired (to original condition) at the end of the lease. Mostly it is based on if the changes would be desirable for the next potential tenant. For a pole studio, that hardwood dance studio may not have value for a retail store so may need to be removed. If you are mounting poles for any purpose, will it be damage that is easily repaired? Often people fall into a trap of thinking a few small holes should not be an issue when they may be. You may want to add a section for expected changes to be acceptable by the lessor. It may also be the case where you add say an expensive bathroom vanity and it may have to be left at the end of the lease. It will also cover outdoors including signage. Do not take for granted that an outdoor sign used by the previous tenant is yours for the taking. The lease may specify the size and location of all signage. Discuss all of this before signing a lease to reduce later surprises.

There are several items that may not be in the lease as given to you but you may want them added in.

Exclusivity. This is where the Lessor agrees not to rent space in the same complex or area to a business that may compete with your business. The lease should already have an area that defines how the space is to be used for your business. This is extremely important. Look at all the facets of your business. A pole dance studio that also focuses on fitness may not want a fitness center next door. This can also work in reverse if another tenant has an exclusivity that may keep you from a side of your business that competes. Without some sort of exclusivity clause, the property owner can lease to a direct competitor next door.
Rehabilitation. In some cases the space being rented may be in poor condition that needs a number of repairs before a business could operate. If it is repairs you can perform, you may request a Rehabilitation clause to cover the cost of the repairs. This can be an allowance on the rent or an allowance & materials to be provided by the property owner. The benefit for you is building the space specifically to suit your purposes besides a break on the rent. Often the first thing a tenant does is redesign the space anyway. Consider carefully if the allowance and other benefits outweigh the expenses that will be encountered.
Sublease. There are two instances where this can be important. If your business does not survive the lease period, this allows you to sublet the space to another business. If you have a three year lease and you close in the first year, this can ease the financial burden of the remaining time on the lease. You will have to play the part of the lessor but it can save you substantially. The second is if you find you have space unused. You may then want to either split or share space with another business. If you are a pole dance studio you may want to rent to a fitness or general dance business to share the space when you are not using it. Without a sublease clause you would be violating your lease.
Bailout. Should there be some sort of disaster including a flood, tornado, drought, etc. that effects your facility, this allows you to bailout of your lease without penalty.
Cotenancy. You may have rented space in a shopping plaza or center where the main form of traffic is a major store such as Sears, Target, etc. That store is the anchor store and should it close, move or change it will effect traffic around the shopping center. The cotenancy clause will allow you out of the lease to relocate. Some lessors will instead offer a reduction in rent for the period no anchor store exists.

It is your responsibility for all required licenses for operating your business from the location. There are also zoning laws which can come from federal, state, county or local ordinances. Never simply take the Lessor’s word for it. You are responsible and must perform the due diligence.

Lastly, it must be stressed again that if you have limited knowledge and/or experience with commercial leases we cannot recommend strongly enough working with a commercial real estate broker and retaining a real estate attorney.

Starting a Pole Studio – Preface

PREFACE:

For many pole dancers, they look to teaching others as the next level in their own evolution. This can be from an instructor at a fitness center or owning their own pole businesses which can be one of several types:

Pole Dance Studio
Pole Fitness Gym
Subcontract at Fitness Center
On-line Instructor
Pole Parties

In some cases your business may be a combination of one or more of these. You may have a pole studio that also does pole parties. What type of business you have will be dicated by many factors:

Your Local Market
Facility
Lease Agreement
Budget
Insurance Coverage
Licensing
Many More!

Again it must be stressed how important a business plan is and general planning & research before you even file for a business license. That discovery process may not define your type of pole business but may define how to approach the type of business.

While you create your business plan, you will undoubtly focus towards the first stage of your business. Still it is equally important to plan for later stages. You may think it as simple as needing X number of students for $X per class. This may bring you a reasonable income. If an income is all you seek you might be better off with a job working for someone else. A paycheck employee does not normally deal with the inevitable ups & downs of business. In business reality, students will come & go. Expenses will increase directly affecting your income. To build a business that will prosper for the long-term you need constant growth.

One common mistake for pole studios seems to be the belief that only financial resources are needed to open a studio. Another example where a business plan would help. Money does not solve all issues. From a proper facility, poles, accountant, even people and a computer all are also among the building blocks of a pole business. People are the most important resource than money. You will need someone for something almost every step of the way. Often it will be for a second opinion, helping hand. or the right professional, Attorney, accountant, carpenter, etc.

Starting any business takes a commitment of time. Many Pole studios start on a part-time business with a full-time job. If you do not have the financial resources to support yourself until the business is truly profitable, you should keep your current job. Often there are ways to work around your work schedule. You might even consider hiring an instructor for the hours you work your job. Do realize that the pole business will take a significant investment in time. To work a full or even part-time job and operate a successful pole studio will mean little room for a personal life or catching your favorite TV shows.

Business is always a learning experience. Business success at any point does not guarantee future success. At one time Woolworth (in the USA) was the largest retailer. Oldsmobile was the largest car company. Admiral with televisions. Business is not easy. It also must be states that ther are no experts in business. You are not today driving to Woolworth’s in your brand new Oldsmobile to buy a new Admiral TV because there are no experts in business. You will make mistakes in your pole business. Will you learn and grow from those mistakes? That is what separates the winners from the losers. We provide you here the concepts, guidelines, positive & negative experiences of a pole business. You still need to research and apply to your marketplace and business plan. Even what worked for a successful pole studio in Los Angeles, can not be totally duplicated in Huntsville, Alabama. There are several pole studio franchises and even they cannot guarantee a successful pole business. You need to build a plan around your own pole business.

As this “book” moves into its chapters, we will focus on building the Pole Studio business. We have other articles on this website that relate to small business. Please read those as well. You will still need a business license, bank account, a way of accepting payments and other items tangible and not, before you can open the doors to your new pole Studio.

Go To: CHAPTER 1

Pole Studio Checklist

Below is a list for Starting a Pole Dance Studio. Some items are essential for any pole studio. Some are recommendations. While still others can be added later as needed or within the budget. It is not only physical items but items to help in planning what steps and expenses you will encounter. It is not simply a space and some poles.

Fictitious Name: If you will be using anything other than only your real personal name, you will need to file for a “Fictitious Name. ” It is also called a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. When you first form a business, the legal name of that business is the name of the person or entity that owns the business, unless you choose to rename it and register it as a DBA name. There are a couple of US states and countries that do not require this. If you are a corporation forming a business the corporation name will be the business name unless you file for a fictitious name. A search will be made to assure there are no other businesses already using the name. In the US this search is by state. For Federal name protection you would need to file for a Trademark.
Business License: You will need a business license. Some phone calls and/or and Internet search will need to be done by you. Business license vary greatly by country, state, county and city. Each of those government offices may require separate licenses. In most locations you may just need a local (City or County) business license. There is a small annual fee. If you will be using a fictitious name, make sure to have completed the above step. Banks cannot open a bank account for a fictitious name without a business license using that name.
Federal Tax Identification Number: If you will be running your business as anything but a sole proprietorship you will need a Federal Tax Identification Number also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This takes the place of a social security number (SSN) when filing anything tax related in the USA. You can file for it on the IRS.gov website.
Incorporation: While you could operate as a sole proprietorship, you may elect to form a corporation. Formal incorporation as opposed to a sole proprietorship or partnership is a consideration for pole studios although for some, this can be done in the future. There is a cost involved which varies by the state of incorporation. While there are benefits to a corporation there are also drawbacks. Corporations do provide protection for your personal assets when the business is sued but be aware that does not necessarily keep you from personally being sued as well which then would include your assets. (See Separate Incorporation Article)
Health Permit: In some localities a fitness center can be subject to health inspections. When filing for a business license they should inform you if one is required. Often a health permit is only needed when some form of drinks, food or childcare is provided.
Lease (Facility): You will need a location for your studio even if in your home. NOTE: That many localities may not allow operating a business such as a pole studio in the home. If leasing the facility be it a store in a shopping plaza; stand-alone building; industrial park or sub-letting inside another facility a lease will be required. Your lease will most likely be your largest expenses for your business. If you do not have experience with dealing & negotiating with commercial leases, it is highly recommended to use a Commercial Real Estate broker and/or an attorney that specializes in real estate. You will locked into a lease for an extended period of from one to many years. That means expenses which can offer surprises and the rules of your business location that cannot be changed later on. (See Article on Leases & Facilities)
Insurance: You will need insurance. It is for the protection of your business and yourself. (See Article on Insurance)
Payment System: This will be covered in detail in another article. You will need some system of accepting payments for Cash, Checks and Credit Cards. Whether an online processor (Paypal, Square, Google Checkout), mobile credit card processing or merchant account through your bank. Rates will vary from less than half a percent to as much as 15% of the transaction as well as other fees. That is money out of your profits and pocket. NOTE: Online processors tend to have a higher number of consumer chargebacks. A lot of those is due to people not realizing what the charge is for as their credit card statement will show the processor and not your business name.
Accounting System: Even if you retain an accountant you will need to keep track of Income and expenses. There are books for old style entry or software applications like Quicken. You need to know what is coming in and going out. (See Article on Balance Sheet)
Outside Signage: You need customers and more importantly potential customers to find your business. Signage is also a form of advertising. Most small businesses find that a percentage of their new customers discovered them through outside signage. It may be a complex lighted neon sign, a painted wood sign or a vinyl banner tied up by rope. It should state the business name and possibly a slogan, logo and/or description. A slogan or description is no passerby’s know what kind of service you are offering. There are still people who have some familiarity with pole dancing but do not know what a pole studio is. You may want to consider a phone number or website address as well.
Poles: It would be a little bit difficult to open a pole studio without at least one pole 🙄 How many poles will reflect your research on potential customer base. Many small studios have started with 3-4 poles and several have started with two poles. The important consideration is if space allows, you can always add more poles later as business increases. Not only do more poles equate to higher expense but also more time to maintaining. It is recommended to start with the smallest number possible. Until you actually have the customers in the studio, you will learn what pole finishes, and diameter they prefer. You may also order a model from one company only to find it does not work well for you. One studio we spoke with said they needed poles that could come down each day. They found the semi-permanent poles that could “come down in minutes” equated to almost two hours setup and two hours takedown for all eight poles. Start small and build up. (See Article on Poles)
Dance Floor: The existing floor may be sufficient for business startup. If not you will need to one installed. You will need to check with your lease if their are limitations on such a change and also whether improvements such as this remain when you vacate the premises. If you allow shoes with a stiletto heel. you will need a higher quality flooring. Remember there will be excessive use in specific areas of the floor. Most residential type flooring will not stand up for long under that use.
Mirrors: Nearly all pole studios have some kind of mirroring even in a shared facility. While many want large mirrors across the walls, at business startup some large wall or door mirrors can work quite well. Like many things, you can always add later.
Wall Decorations: An environment that is attractive and conducive to pole dancing or fitness should be provided. Simple posters of pole dancers possibly with an inexpensive frame are seen even at many established pole dance studios. A little creativity goes a long way.
Lighting: Adequate lighting provides two benefits. First is visibility to see instructor demonstrations of moves. Students can then clearly see body contact points with the pole. The instructor can also watch the students clearly for their actions. Shadows caused by lighting in one direction makes this difficult. The second benefit is in photography. At some point nearly all pole studios do some video or still photography in the studio. Having at least basic good lighting will make a world of difference. Most poor quality video and pictures is due more to bad lighting than the cameras. Some studios may have pole parties and colored lights help create the right ambiance. These do not have to be expensive. There are companies like Chauvet and American DJ that provide good and reliable lighting at reasonable prices. Be sure to purchase spare bulbs/LED’s. We recommend LED’s and not bulbs for lighting whenever possible for safety reasons. (See Article on Photography)
Crash Mats: There are many type of crash mats and there is always at some point where they may be needed. Some pole students it helps for moral support early on. Maybe you remember your first time inverting? Most small studios have a single crash mat that is shared when needed. Your experience & reviews elsewhere should help with the brand, thickness & width of the crash mat. Some studios have two mats with different thicknesses as 5″ and thicker mats are difficult to walk on.
Alarm & Monitoring: Depending on the location of your studio facility you may want an alarm system to protect not only the contents but your business. If the studio is damaged or equipment is stolen you will not be able to have classes or parties. An alarm system will often reduce your insurance.
Pole Certification: While there is no legal requirement in most areas it does help to give credibility to instructors and studios to be certified pole instructors. There are literally over a hundred pole instructor certifications! Some seem to only focus on knowing how to perform certain pole dance moves with virtually nothing covering the actual teaching. The best instructor certification actually teaches you to teach others besides any test. (See Article on Pole Certifications)
Music Licensing: If you will be playing licensed music you must pay a public performance fee to the music performing rights organizations. The pole studio owner is responsible for the fees regardless of who or how the music was brought into the studio. The fines can be substantial for violation. (See Article on Music Licensing)
Advertising: Once you open your Pole Studio, you need students and customers! Advertising is how you reach those potential customers. Advertising can be everything from word-of-mouth to television commercials. The first start is with business cards. Even with today’s technology they are still inexpensive and yet can reach many people. A box of 500 cards can be not only handed out to a single person but placed on bulletin boards where many people will see it reaching thousands of people. Without advertising and marketing of your business, you will have no business. Please read the separate article on advertising as well. (See Article on Advertising)
Website: While not every pole studio needs a website, they should have some sort of Internet presence. A website though is an incredible marketing tool and should be considered. The cost can be kept fairly low but achieve a high return on that investment. (See Article on Internet Marketing)
Computer & Printer: A computer will be needed for sales transactions, printing receipts and online communication. If you have a laptop you already own, you could bring it to your studio instead of a separate purchase. You will need a printer as they tend not to travel well.
Checking Account & Checks: There is more to this than it sounds. You will want a commercial bank. As your business grows you will need more services that only a commercial bank can provide. Should you at some point want financing (a loan), having a relationship with the bank helps a hundred fold. Take your time and find one that provides all the services you need and at reasonable fees. Commercial accounts are different than personal accounts. Some banks have added fees that could cost you even for deposits, every check/transaction and monthly just for having the account. A local commercial bank may provide more service than the large internationals. Compare.
Cleaning Supplies: You will want to maintain your studio clean, safe and attractive. Window, spray, floor cleaners. Sponges, a broom, dustpan, garbage cans & mop. Some microfiber cloths & alcohol to clean the poles. People need to feel comfortable & safe in your studio. Cleanliness is what go by.
Consumables: Soap, Hand Sanitizers, Paper towels, Toilet paper. Its the simple things but you will have to have them. Try the large bottles of hand santizer found at the box stores. One for in front and the other next to the poles. It is good if students see you using it regularly whether you need it or not. In the germophobic society we are in, people tend to be even more comfortable when the owner is careful.
Refrigerator: Not a must have especially when starting but even many small studios will have a small refrigerator to hold water bottles. Whether you supply for students or just yourself, it is good to keep hydrated during & after poling. Also handy if bring lunch from home.
Spare Clothes: You will not know how important this is until you need them.
First Aid Kit: This is a must have. It can be an inexpensive one that contains the basics. One addition you should make is an eye wash kit. They are minimal cost though important for quick relief from many eye issues even often sweat.
AED/Defibrillator: This may be required by local zoning or your insurance policy. It would then also require someone onsite that is certified to use one. They can be an expensive item of over a thousand dollars. If its a required item you may also then need AED signage and cabinet. Most fitness certifications require CPR & AED certification.
Fire Extinguisher: Smokey the Bear says “Only you can prevent business fires!” or something like that.
Radio or Music Player: If you are playing music (no matter the source) you will need some way to play it. It can be a boombox, mobile device with bluetooth speakers, a small PA or some device plugged into a guitar amp. As long as it provides the loudness you want at an acceptable quality.
Camera: At some point you will need or want to take video or still pictures of yourself and/or students. This can be more complicated than people realize. While most still cameras take video, it is not what they are designed for. Same goes for video cameras. Actual type of use can dictate what type of camera and how much to spend. When first starting your phones camera or even a webcam may suffice. Would consider this a purchase after you have established business a bit. Proper lighting can make even a smartphone’s camera look decent. (See Article on Photography)
Exercise Bands: Even just from the local sports store can suffice initially. Exercise Bands are used in pole dance studios for more than exercise. They can be a good tool in evaluating new students for their strength level. Some students will want to perform moves that are beyond their physical capability. It is your responsibility to see they do not injure themselves. An exercise band can help determine if you should be teaching that move.
Toolbox: At some point you may need one of these tools for minor repairs. Most you can pick up at the dollar stores.

Level
Straight-edge
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Hammer
Scissors
Duct Tape
Flashlights
Tape Measure
Calculator

Have any suggestions to this list? CONTACT US!

What type of Pole Business?

What type of Pole business is right for you?

Business card The Pole Biz copvers many areas. It could be an independant Pole Dance Instructor, Owning a Pole Fitness Studio, Manufacturing or selling pole related accessories, a line of clothing for the pole performer, providing pole parties and many more. Maybe you have a unique idea to bring to the Pole industry? Each of these will be covered in depth in separate articles. Most articles and information will pertain to all pole related businesses.

A pole business like any business is all about the long-term. Three-quarters of all small businesses fail within their first eighteen months. We will provide much to add to your business toolbox. It is up to you to put these into practice and make your own pole business a success.

Most small business failures are because they have gone into it without a proper business plan, a plan less than three years out or even no real business plan at all. All businesses whether a single person sole proprietorship or a Fortune 500 corporation have many variables over the life of the business. It is in fact a living, breathing thing. There will also be surprises that you have not accounted for but a good business plan will include allowances for. If you should need to pursue financing for your business, you will not even get an application without presenting a business plan. It is that important.

For everything in business bear in mind that nothing is in a vacuum. You open the only pole studio in town on Monday and a noncompeting studio opens across the street on Thursday. You get a booth at a pole convention for your pole dancing clothes and a competitor gets a booth offering a 2 for 1 special. You start building & selling poles but several people install them wrong, have failures and post negative feedback on your products. You advertise crash mats at a cheap price only to find a week later the cost for the foam as doubled. These are just examples of many things that you do not control. It is how you react that is important. Not time to give up. One pole instructor said she started to teach pole classes at a fitness center. Several weeks later after investing money in equipment, advertising, etc. she was informed the gym’s franchise agreement did not allow “non-approved classes” which included pole fitness and had to stop immediately. She reacted by finding space at a local community center at a lower cost with a better schedule. She lost only three days of classes. You cannot control everything but when something does happen, its time to get off your butt and get back in control of your own business.

As your pole business and the pole industry all in fact all business in general develops, competitors will come & go, expenses will change, prices will increase & decrease, contracts/agreements will have modified terms, accidents will happen, day turns into night. Keep your focus, update your business plan and move forward. While things performed by another person or business might effect yours, they may not adversely effect your business in the long-term. In some ways they mean be a positive change. A good business person does not panic.

Many people mistakenly believe that a business is like the line from the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ “If you build it, they will come.” No matter what type of business you must successfully market your business, products, service and brand,. Marketing like other aspects of business changes over time. Just a few years ago many businesses only needed a Yellow Page ad in teh phone book. Now, many areas do not even produce a phone book! Even Internet & Social Media marketing has evolved in the last twelve months. Your customers must know your company, product, service & brand. You need to make sure to communicate why they should be your customer.

You need to ask, who is your customer?

Male, female
Age group
White collar worker
Blue collar
Single
Married
Children
Hobbies
Education
Musical tastes
General fitness level

The more questions you ask or research, the more answers you will have for marketing, advertising, scheduling and even music for pole dance classes. You need to know your customers.

Business requires math. The most important is your balance sheet. How much money is coming in and from where. And more important, how much is going out. It all counts.
A hundred dollars for fancy business cards; ANother hundred for a comfy office chair; Fifty for office supplies. Three small things that already add up to $250. How much do you have to sell to pay for those? Count every dollar.

If your profit is not enough, there may be additional revenue sources. There are a number of pole businesses whose primary product or service covers the expenses of the biz though add-on revenue provides the money in their pocket. (This will be covered in detail in a separate article)

If you watch the stock market at all, you will see a company announce good profits but the stock share price will go down. It usually is a lack of expected future growth. Without growth, a share of stock (which is a percent of ownership in the company) does not increase. As a company grows then the stock share price (ownership) also increase in value. If business shrinks then the stock price also goes down.It is the same with your pole business. If you do not grow your business not only is your own income stunted but you cannot respond to increasing expenses, competition and the always present loss of some customers. How would you respond if a large major employer in your area has a large layoff? It will hurt your local economy which includes your pole business. There are no guarantees in business.

Business is not easy. That should be apparent when three-quarter of all small businesses fail in the first eighteen months. There are no accurate figures specifically for pole businesses although we will attempt to gather statistics here as we can. As the pole biz world develops and evolves there will be much to be learned to develop a successful pole business. All that you will learn today will change tomorrow. Still owning & operating your own successful business is one of the most satisfying experiences.