studio owners lounge the podcast

Let us help you build your legacy!

You are not alone! Join our experts in the lounge as they share business solutions for dance studio owners. They discuss topics such as bookkeeping, sales tax, paying yourself, budgeting, getting out of debt, and so much more! Listen in and gain knowledge and get advice, inspiration, and encouragement, to keep you financially proficient and personally motivated.

Join Caroline and Erica in the first episode of Studio Owner's Lounge, a place where we talk business solutions for dance studio owners. In this episode we discuss why you NEED bookkeeping and how keeping accurate financial records can save you time, money, and stress.

In episode 2, Caroline and Erica discuss the reasons why studio owners are not paying themselves and share some tips on how to change that. Caroline shares some of the frustrations that she felt as a studio owner facing this topic.

Caroline and Erica discuss the necessity and the benefits of having a budget for your business as well as the pitfalls of operating without a good, working budget.

Still talking budgets, Caroline and Erica get practical as they discuss creating a budget that you can work and that works for you! Know the trends in your business and plan ahead so you are prepared for the lean months and move away from the "recital payout" method.

Autumn Dowdy joins Caroline and Erica in the lounge to discuss practical and effective ways to pay off your debt. It is a great conversation about confronting your debt and making the necessary changes to bring you closer to becoming debt free.

Erica and Caroline offer solutions to budgeting for your costume orders that will turn a profit. They also discuss why studio owners need to get comfortable with costume mark-ups and break down the reality of the work involved in costume purchases.

Erica and Caroline share practical approaches to profit. Sometimes, the big picture is overwhelming and seemingly out of reach. But when you are able to take that big picture and break it down into small, manageable goals, dreams can become reality. You have your mission, hear some simple approaches to following it.

Whether you outsource your bookkeeping or DIY, there are some basic terms and reports that you should know if you are going to understand your numbers and make wise financial decisions. Join Erica and Caroline as they walk you through a 101 course that breaks down the basics of bookkeeping. Take some notes on this one!

Erica takes a more in-depth look at bookkeeping terms that every studio owner should be familiar with whether they outsource their bookkeeping or DIY. She also shares some common mistakes that can occur when business owners are not reconciling their books properly.

If you've ever wondered what the difference is between your bookkeeper and your CPA and why having both involved in your finances is important, listen in as Erica discusses the benefits of accountability and checks and balances when it comes to your books.

Erica takes us through parts of the year-end checklist that HarQuin sends their clients to help them get ready for tax season!

Lindsey Roberts joins Caroline in this final episode of the season to discuss "understanding your tax obligations". It's easy to feel as though you don't know enough about taxes to truly understand what you are liable for, but Lindsey says, it's easy! Join us as she breaks it down, in her easy going way.

Caroline breaks down how to successfully work in and on your business. (Yes, it can be done!) She explains how to avoid burn out as a studio owner, and the importance of appreciating the small things while you strive for greatness.

Caroline and Erica discuss their acronym 'ARTS.' Simply put, ARTS is a guide that will show you how to attract people to your studio, retain students, lead your tribe (teachers, staff, parents, students), and get your systems in order. With this umbrella, you won't be afraid to face your numbers anymore!

Caroline and Erica discuss the possible tax benefits you can receive when you hire your children, and how to set them up for success!

Caroline and Erica talk about the three professionals you need to hire, their unique roles, and how they will benefit your business, now and in the future! They also give you some amazing free resources to check out through HarQuin.

Caroline and Erica talk about some common bookkeeping mistakes and how to remedy them! If you're unsure that you're categorizing your expenses properly, or what you should be doing with cash payments, this episode is for you!

During the economic crash of 2008, Lindsey Roberts took a leap and started HarQuin Bookkeeping. In the process, she birthed the perfect logo—our signature tandem bike. Listen to the episode to hear more about HarQuin’s story, as well as Lindsey’s love of small businesses, entrepreneurship, and creating generational wealth!

Caroline talks about heading down a path that a lot of studio owners struggle to, and that's the one that moves their business from hobby, to career. How do you do that? Ultimately, it starts with paying yourself, and that starts with making some changes to your thinking and your approach to your numbers.

Caroline and Ercia discuss if, how, and when you should pay your staff for attending competitions or special events. They give some insight to help you make informed decisions and identify the roles and responsibilities your staff plays in your studio.

Caroline and Erica talk how to make your recital season fun, great ideas to keep students, staff, and parents engaged, and the secret to an electric atmosphere!

Caroline and Erica talk about why we tend to over commit, give you some tips on how to say no, as well as share their own personal experiences with burn out. It's not easy to take care of yourself, but it is important!

Caroline and Erica share from their sister podcast Boutique Radio! Join Jennifer Kass as she talks to HarQuin's founder Lindsey Roberts about closing your business well. No matter the reason why you've decided to close, we understand that it's a hard choice to make, and Lindsey is here to guide you through the process!

Caroline and Erica discuss different payments methods to help cover competition costs, and how to make competition season easier for you and your dance parents! They also give some tips on how to stay on track with deadlines and fees, and how to reduce the risk of students dropping out.

This is a special bonus episode all about BOI! Caroline and Erica dive into what it is, if you're required to file, and how to do so.

Caroline and Erica kick off season 3 with an introduction to Key Performance Indicators (KPI's). They dive into what KPI's are, the purpose they serve studio owners, and how they can be used to accurately measure client retention, and revenue per student.

Continuing on the topic of KPI's, Caroline flies' solo in this episode all about revenue growth. She explains it's importance to your studio, how to track, and the formula for properly measuring.

Wrapping up the conversation of Revenue Growth, Caroline and Erica give you a step-by-step guide on how to successfully compare your revenue year over year.

Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin. What are they? Caroline and Erica discuss the importance of these Key Performance Indicators, why they're essential to your studio, and how to properly execute them.

Caroline flies' solo to talk about some critical KPI's every studio owner should know: Break Even Point and Return on Investment.

Erica is back in the lounge and joining Caroline for this episode centered around two more essential KPI's: Churn Rate and Retention. These KPIs are especially important in measuring studio health, highlighting what's working for students, what isn't, which types of students are more likely to churn, and how to tailor your retention strategies accordingly.

With only a few episodes left on the topic of KPI's, Caroline and Erica begin to wrap up the conversation with Revenue Per Student and Customer Lifetime Value

Caroline and Erica are joined by special guest Amy Robinson! Amy talks all about her business, Studio Planner Pro, and how it saved her studio after her family was faced with a tragedy only a week before their winter recital.

Going hand in hand with our previous episode on Disaster Preparedness, Caroline and Erica talk about the importance of having an emergency fund. They dive into how to start budgeting, and expenses you can potentially cut down on in order to prepare for tax season, as well as any unexpected financial situations you may face.

Caroline and Erica outline common mistakes people make during the end of the year, and how to avoid them.

It's easy for creatives to feel like they're drowning in a sea of data! With these visual KPI's you can turn that data into images that tell a story about your business. Join Caroline and Erica in the lounge as they share visual KPI's that can change how you view your stats.

Caroline and Erica discuss ways to use this year's performance to set next year's goals and budget.

As the year wraps up, tax season approaches, bringing along its share of anxiety. To come full circle, Caroline and Erica discuss strategies to help you stay on top on your books and avoid financial fear.