Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

If your dance school relies on you remembering everything, chasing every enquiry, and holding the admin together, growth gets exhausting fast. In this episode, Deborah Laws is joined by business systems and process coach Leon Bubenicek to unpack a simple truth that changes how you run your studio:

If you don’t have systems, you are the system.

You’ll learn why most studios don’t actually have a lead problem, they have a follow-up problem. Leon breaks down what “systems” really mean (it’s not just tech), how to stop enquiries disappearing, and how to build a reliable process that improves the parent experience while reducing the pressure on you and your team.

In this conversation, we cover:

• What a system is (and why it’s not the same as software)
• The real reason parents “ghost” after enquiring
• How to follow up without sounding pushy
• Why automation can feel more personal, not less
• A simple re-engagement message that can revive old enquiries
• How to scale your studio without adding more admin or burning out

If you want a dance studio that runs smoothly even when you’re teaching, away, or taking time off, this episode is for you.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com

To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

Running a dance studio shouldn’t feel like constant firefighting — but without a clear plan, that’s exactly where many studio owners end up.

In this episode, I walk you through how to plan your entire dance studio year with intention, balance, and clarity. Whether your year starts in January, September, or any other point, this episode helps you step back and design a calendar that supports both business growth and personal wellbeing.

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab.

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com

To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most overlooked areas of dance school growth: what happens next. From enquiries and follow-ups to exams, payments, uniforms and missed deadlines, this conversation explores how strong studios think in clear cause-and-effect systems rather than vague intentions.

Using the simple but powerful idea of “if this happens, then this is what we do”, you will learn how to map your processes properly, identify the cracks where students fall through, and build systems that protect your time, your income, and your long-term student retention.

This episode is especially valuable if you feel like your processes live mostly in your head, if you regularly lose track of enquiries, or if you know your studio could run more smoothly but are not sure where to start. We also talk honestly about automation, software, and when it makes sense to build systems yourself versus getting support.

If you want fewer missed opportunities, clearer workflows for your team, and more lifelong students, this is an episode you will want to listen to more than once.

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab.

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com

To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

What are people really saying about your studio when you are not in the room?

In this episode, Deborah is joined by studio owner and culture super fan Heather Buelow to unpack what studio culture actually is and why it matters so much for retention, reputation and your own wellbeing as a dance business owner. Heather breaks down how core values, energy, traditions and everyday behaviours all work together to create the feel of your studio and the stories families tell about you.

You will hear practical ways to define your core values, involve your team in creating and living them, and weave them into staff training, events, emails and the student experience. Deborah and Heather also tackle people pleasing, “bad apple” families, staff who are not aligned, and why clear boundaries protect both your culture and your sanity.

Finally, they explore legacy. When you step away or sell your school, what do you really want to be remembered for? It is rarely the exam results or the turnover. It is the values your dancers felt and the traditions that lived on. If you are ready to turn your studio into a place that feels like home for the right families, this conversation will give you plenty to work with.

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab. Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04 Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school. To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below. Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahLThis podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

In this inspiring solo episode, Deborah explores what it really means to be bold, take risks, and fail forwards in your dance business. Drawing on the powerful message from Denzel Washington’s famous “Fall Forward” speech, she shares why every stumble, setback, or misstep is actually a step towards growth.

Deborah challenges you to reflect on the moves you’d make if fear wasn’t holding you back — whether it’s launching a new programme, starting a competition team, opening your own premises, or trying something completely new. She unpacks the stories we tell ourselves, the protective mechanisms our brains create, and how shifting your mindset can unlock the bravery you didn’t know you had.

If you’re standing on the edge of a big idea, this episode is the nudge you’ve been waiting for. Deborah invites listeners to connect with her directly and share the bold steps they’re ready to take next.

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab.

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

In this episode, Deborah sits down with the brilliant Rosina Andrews for her third (technically fourth!) appearance on the podcast — and this time they’re tackling a big topic many studio owners quietly wrestle with: What happens when competitions no longer feel right?

Together they unpack:

• ​Why so many studio owners continue competing long after the joy has gone
• ​How algorithms distort our perception of “what everyone else is doing”
• ​Practical ways to step back from competitions without creating chaos
• ​How to communicate changes clearly with dancers, parents, and teachers
• ​What to offer instead — from performance teams to Disney trips to community events
• ​Whether principals can outsource competition leadership to younger teachers
• ​How to navigate the fear of losing students (and why you may gain more)

Rosina and Deborah share honest reflections from inside the studio world, including how priorities shift as your life evolves, why boundaries matter, and how to make decisions that align with the future you actually want for your school.

This episode rounds off a brilliant mini-series with Rosina, giving you a full 360° view: getting into competitions, managing them well, and now — knowing when and how to let them go.

A must-listen for studio owners feeling the pull towards a new direction.

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab.

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

Has your once-beloved dance school turned into something that drains your time, energy, and joy? In this solo episode, Deborah Laws explores what she calls “the monster” — the business that’s grown so much it now feels like it’s running you.

Deborah gently guides you through a series of reflections to help you reconnect with why you started, identify the tasks that have stolen your spark, and make space for the things you truly love again. She explains how to tell the difference between what needs more money and what needs a mindset shift, and how to use that insight to build a school and a life that feel joyful once more.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in survival mode, this episode is your reminder that it’s possible to fall back in love with your business - and yourself - again.

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab.

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio

In part two of our competition mini-series, host Deborah Laws is joined once again by dance educator and entrepreneur Rosina Andrews to talk about what happens after you’ve launched your competition team. How do you keep energy, creativity, and parent enthusiasm high once the novelty wears off?

Deborah and Rosina share candid insights on:

• Communicating progress to parents beyond trophies
• Staying inspired as a choreographer and finding fresh music
• Balancing workload, scheduling, and avoiding burnout
• Using CPD and collaboration to spark creativity
• Building a sense of community that keeps families invested

They also touch on how to manage external choreographers, set healthy boundaries, and keep competition life enjoyable for everyone — teachers, students, and parents alike.

Find out more about Rosina Andrews — dance educator, author, and host of the Dance Smarter podcast at https://www.rosinaandrews.co.uk/dancewithrosina | or on Instagram at @rosiniballerini

Thank you for listening. This show is brought to you by Dance Business Lab.

Book an evolution call with Deborah⁠⁠ https://calendly.com/dancebusinesslab/30-minuteevolutioncall?month=2024-04

Dance Business Labs founder Deborah Laws is a multi-passionate dancepreneur, dance business expert and number one best selling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah’s sole purpose is to help facilitate the personal journey and growth of dance business owners like you. Through Dance Business Lab membership and coaching programmes Deborah aims to empower you to learn more, implement new exciting strategies, create goals which Deborah will keep you accountable to and teach you leadership skills that will sky rocket your team and families to truly become your dream school.

To find out more about Dance Business Lab and work with Deborah head to https://dancebusinesslab.com To find out more about working with Deborah through her exclusive Dance Business Lab membership programs follow the links below.

Sparks membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/sparks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ignite membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/ignite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Illuminate membership - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dancebusinesslab.com/memberships/illuminate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you love the show and you would like to support then why not buy Deborah a coffee simply head to http://buymeacoffee.com/DeborahL

This podcast is produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Creative Content Studio