Business Idea #4: The Fusion of Dance and Fitness

There are dance studios and there are health clubs, but I have yet to see a successful intersection of these two ideas.

Dance studios generally feature classes in Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, and perhaps Hip Hop...most of the classes are geared to kids. At prestigious studios, kids dress in black leotards, pink tights, and dance shoes.

Health Clubs and fitness centers generally cater to adults (think: Curves, 24 Hour Fitness, etc.) and offer amenities such as weight rooms, swimming pools, and group fitness classes. The group classes usually range from Pilates and Yoga to Aerobics and Kickboxing, but dance classes are rarely offered.

What I'd love to see is the fusion of these two concepts: A dance studio for adult women with the intent purpose of fitness and without the black leotard requirement. Class offerings could include: Ballet, Funky Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Most women (including me) have fond memories of taking dance classes as a child and would love to get some of the health benefits as an adult. I would definitely try a Funky Ballet, Jazz, or Hip Hop class with friends.

This could be a brand new business concept. Or a dance studio could start offering classes specifically geared to women with the expressed purpose of fitness. Or a health club could hire a dance instructor.

P.S. I am not interested in starting up this type of business so I am hoping that one of my business-savvy readers will. Invite me to the Grand Opening!

(Photo by: northbaywanderer)

Starting a Business (Maybe I will, Maybe I won't)

I met with a woman yesterday who recently started her own writing business. It's called Advantage Writing. She basically does the whole gamut when it comes to writing - resume writing, copy writing, indexing, and more.

I asked lots of questions and she told me how to start a business - log on to the City of Tucson website and pay the $45 fee. Then, license your business name in Phoenix - and kaboom - you're in business!

Many of my closest friends and family members know that I've considered starting a business many times in the past few years.

Business Idea #1
The one that came closest to actually reaching fruition was my idea for a scholarship consulting business. As a high school guidance counselor, I have ample experience in the area and I absolutely LOVE it.

BUT I'm not sure if that's "it" because I enjoy dispensing that information for free to motivated students and anxious parents in my life.

Business Idea #2
Then, there's writing of all kinds - my specialty and my passion. Writing is what I do - whether or not I'm getting paid for it. I don't know how to not write. I just do - I think about writing, I talk about writing, and I write - all day long.

BUT I'm not particularly fond of editing and proofreading. Yes, I'm good at it. I know the ins and outs of grammar. I know where to put the commas, which adjectives deliver the most pow, how to create a killer introduction. But there's something tedious and non-creative about going over someone else's work.

So, when it comes to writing, I think I'll stick to my own freelance writing - working on my book, sending queries to magazines, and enjoying the creative [Emphasis on create] process.

Other Ideas
Then, there are my other two ideas (that might actually go somewhere):
1. speaking at various conferences, retreats, school functions, and events.
2. planning events (think: conferences, expos, and retreats, NOT weddings)

Or Maybe I Won't Start a Business...
Or, I might throw all business ideas out the window and start up a non-profit instead. I grow weary of the business world.

Hence, my husband and I had the following conversation over dinner last night:

Scene: I had just returned from a business mixer at a swanky little golf club, complete with hors d'oeuvres and door prizes and 30-second elevator pitches.

Me: (Sigh) The business mixer was so...

Husband: Boring.

Me: Yes, and superficial. I wish we could come up with a way to make billions of dollars so that we could just go around and help lots of people...maybe start a non-profit...then, we wouldn't ever have to go to business mixers and networking nights.

Husband: We will.

Me: You know how I have crazy, hair-brained ideas every once in awhile and decide that I should go to medical school or enter corporate America or become a lawyer?

Husband: Yes.

Me: Remind me to not go the corporate America route.

Business Idea #3: Career-Themed Scrapbook Supplies

On Saturday morning, I stopped in at a local scrapbooking store to pick up a few supplies for my daughter's baby album.

One of the sections of my scrapbook will include pictures of when I brought my daughter to work with me (from 4 months old to 8 months old). I was hoping to find some cute "business-themed" scrapbook stickers and papers...briefcases, business suits, laptops, cell phones, bulletin boards, planners, desks, office chairs, copy machines, you get the idea.

I looked for a short while. Then, I asked an associate. She said they didn't carry anything like that. Instead, she directed me to the "career" items - all of which featured doctor, nurse, and police officer-related items.

When I got home, I searched online and realized that this is a niche market that I could certainly develop since the pickings are slim-to-none. It seems like this would be a fun side project. BUT I'm just not sure how to go about creating a scrapbook line. Business-savvy readers...help!

(Photo by: Paul Watson)

More on Fringe Benefits - how to keep your employees happy...and healthy

The exercise and diet choices of your employees are a personal matter. You certainly can't control how much Pepsi your secretary drinks or how much your colleagues work-out at the gym...or can you?

Healthy people are happier people. They are less depressed and less sick - and, in turn, usually live a lifestyle that promotes health for their entire family. As a manager or CEO, you benefit when your employees make good fitness and dietary choices - and it doesn't hurt to encourage [and model] the desired behaviors you want.

Try this...
A. Partner with a local gym to offer free or discounted memberships to employees. If you want, put conditions on the offer. For example, it's only free if they go to the gym three or more times a week.
B. If you have space, consider adding a gym and/or cafeteria and/or walking track on-site at your company.
C. Have a local bagel shop or healthy eatery drop by in the mornings or afternoons to sell healthy snack options (bagels, fruit cups, yogurt, trail mix, etc.).
D. Give all employees pedometers and create some kind of competition so that employees keep track of the number of steps they take per day.
E. Let employees leave one hour early once or twice per week IF they can show proof that they went to the gym or exercised instead.
F. Put together a company team for a local marathon or race.

No-Iron Business Attire

I'm always on-the-lookout for classy, stylish business attire that I don't have to iron or dry clean.

Thanks to a special article about "Travel Business Wear" on Forbes.com, I just discovered the "commuter" suit separates at Lands End. The website claims that these suits can be washed and worn without ironing.

I'm curious if these garments really hold true to their claim and, if they do, why more companies don't make similar items.

How to Attract Readers to Your Website (hint: don't hire a marketing pro)

So, you've been thinking about hiring a marketing consultant for your blog, your website, or your business. You want to attract customers, traffic, and readers...why not turn to a "professional"?

Well, put simply, because you should look for someone that can do a better job.

Here's some tips for locating help:

• Don't search for help under "Marketing" or "Advertising" or "Business."
• Think of someone you know who is a good writer and who has good social skills.
• If you don't know someone like that, ask around.
  
• Good marketers typically don't go into marketing. They are people in other fields who have an excellent mastery of the English language and who are likable because they are just really nice people. [They won't be pushy, manipulating, self-serving, or dishonest. And they won't claim to be doing it all for a greater good. That's the kind of marketer that you'll probably find if you search "marketing" on Google.]
  
• If you find a potential candidate, go out to coffee with him/her. See if he can market himself (the real test). What does that mean? Well, do you walk away, thinking "that's a caring, intelligent person with a purpose greater than themselves" OR do you think "just another schmooze who spends way too much talking and way too little time listening"? If he/she is the caring, intelligent type, then you can move to step two (asking about other skills they might have...).
  

So, if you're looking for a marketing pro, look in unexpected places. Maybe it's your son's fifth grade teacher or the stay-at-home mom down the street or that recent college grad you struck up a conversation with at the coffeehouse...

(Picture by: sgis)

Google Named #1 in Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For"

Did you know Google offers:

• Maternity (12 weeks off at 75% pay) and Paternity (6 weeks off at 75% pay) Leave, plus $400 for take-out meals for the first four weeks after childbirth
• Google Child Care Center, five minutes from main headquarters
• On-site gym and fitness center
• Free gourmet lunches and dinners prepared by a chef
• Cool events throughout the year like company movie day, summer picnic, and health fair
• Tuition reimbursement - $8,000 per calendar year

Remind me to apply there next time I'm in the running for a full-time job.

TV Show Idea: The One-Armed Cook

Meredith Books published a book in 2005 entitled The One-Armed Cook: Quick and Easy Recipes, Smart Meal Plans, and Savvy Advice for New (and Not-so-New) Moms. Written by Cynthia Graubart and Catherine Fliegil, this cleverly titled cookbook quickly caught my attention after the birth of my daughter.

My daughter is now eight months old - and I often cook, stir, and prepare meals one-handed. Thus, I am always on-the-lookout for easy and fast recipes...and I don't mean Martha Stewart's version of fast and easy. I really, truly need recipes that I can make in 10 minutes or less with one hand.

So, here's my idea for a wonderful mid-day tv show. Take your cue from the aforementioned book and start a show by the same name. The host should be a real mom who cooks the meals while holding a baby or entertaining a toddler. Moms could watch the show and then log on to a corresponding website to print out the recipe.

Business Idea #2: Gourmet Food To-Go

Fast Food isn't my thing. Call me a food snob, but I just don't like McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Jack-in-the-Box. I want healthy, flavorful, cooked-to-order foods prepared by experienced chefs in a clean environment...to go.

Business Idea #2: Start up a take-out place with nutritious, delicious meals to-go.

Business Idea #1: Restaurant/Cafe for Families

Attention aspiring entrepreneurers! If you are looking for a business idea with huge potential for success, consider opening a restaurant/cafe chain for moms and/or families. Think outside-of-the-box and think about the needs of families. Think beyond simply offering a kids menu. Create a place where kids and families are completely welcome - and wah-la - your business will be booming. (P.S. I'll be your first customer!)

Here are a few suggestions:
* Menu items ahould be nutritious and kid-friendly, but also delicious and gourmet (satisfying the palate of both the parents and the kids). No more chicken nuggets and hot dogs! How about chicken salad sandwiches (cut into cute shapes with cookie cutters), whole wheat banana pancakes (w/ the classic smily face created w/ cherries and other fruits), or a sliced fruit and yogurt sundae?
* Plan in large family-friendly restrooms as part of the restaurant design. In the restrooms, be sure to include clean changing station areas complete with complimentary wipes and comfortable chairs or private areas for nursing.
* Create a kids play area w/ a playground and/or books and/or toys and/or a make-believe shop.
* Make it a place where parents can still feel professional, productive, and trendy. Have free WI-FI access, good coffee, maybe even a nice selection of wines.
* Have special events and classes throughout the week: baby sign language, storyhour, work-at-home parents networking, moms night out, etc.

Need more suggestions? I've got them! Just ask.