"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies" ~ Author Unknown

Here we are...2010. I'm sure you've got resolutions and goals on your mind right now.

However, today I wanted to shine a light on a different perspective, since many people's resolutions are broken within a week of the new year and goals forgotten as quickly as they've been set.

Everyone knows that the past couple of years have been a roller coaster ride of economic change.

Myself included, can attest that we have felt the pinch in certain areas of our dance studio business that have caused us to get creative, flexible and innovative.

In so many ways these challenges have been just what we needed to adapt, make positive changes, and get clear on what we do best.

This week's tip: 2010 will be the best year of your life. You can cause it to be by being flexible and innovative.

To innovate by definition is to introduce something new; make changes in anything established.

Flexible, in this example by definition is to be adaptable: to adjust, modify, rework.

How to be flexible and innovative in 2010:

--> Do something new that you haven't done before:

Add a specialty class, host an open house, perform at a community event you've not done before, go to a competition, put yourself out there, invite people to share with others why they'd want to take dance from you. Go to a conference you've never been to, host a summer intensive, network with the moms, teach at a preschool, give referral coupons to current students to give to friends.

Try at least one new thing that you have been wanting to do. Now is the time.

--> Make a change to something you've always done:

What's not working for you right now that you've always done? Is it the out of date print advertising the isn't converting? Is it paying someone to do a job that you could simplify and automate with new technology?

Are you stuck in an area that you could use help in and are trying to do everything on your own? Is your website out of date? Do you really need to spend money on all of those printed documents? Are those fees up to date?

What are you resisting that you could give up? Let it go, make a change.

--> Get flexible with what you have:

What areas of your dance studio business could benefit and grow if you made a slight adjustment? Leverage the resources and assets you have by asking people to put in 110%. Stretch your dollars by investing in tools and resources that help you produce results quickly and efficiently.

Give up having to do things the way you think everyone does them or that is the only way for it to be effective. What could you rework or modify at your dance studio so that you could finally get results? What could you rework or modify when it comes to music, costumes, or choreography?

Can you ask for help where you need it most?

Take some time to read and answer these questions. See if you get some insights, find yourself inspired, take action on at least one area now.

It's easy to get stopped by thinking you have to get it all done today, to get it right, or to figure it out on your own.

You are incredibly talented, bright, and resourceful. Say something new today, do one thing that you've been putting off. This is your year to make it happen.

We're here to support and encourage you because we know it's never worth giving up on your dream.

If you read Dance Teacher Magazine, the new January issue has an article on page 54 about determining class fees, I had a chance to share what has worked at our studio and there are some other great tips from veteran studio owners as well. Enjoy!

Need Music Editing Software?

If you are looking for a open-source free music editing software, Audacity is an easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. I use it to edit our teleseminars and music tracks.

Here is where you can download it: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

You can use Audacity to: Record live audio, Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs, Edit MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files, Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together. Change the speed or pitch of a recording.