The Strategy Specialist

I hope the photo attached to this post makes you laugh... I have to laugh at myself often... This is a tribute to the amazing Celeste Barber in direct honor of the title "Smoke And Mirrors". So before we begin... Yes... this is me at the top... Yes I was thin and young... Yes, I know it doesn't look like me (I refer to good lighting and angles below) Yes this was a desperate attempt at marketing a rim shop... Yes this is my so called friend LOL mocking me (It is a brilliant photo though)! I've been wanting to write about this topic for some time but was apprehensive as I did not want the content to be offensive or taken out of context - I will do my best to share my observations in a humble, respectful, and truthful manner, in hopes that it inspires anyone reading this to take note and have the confidence to make educated decisions when aligning themselves with professionals who have a skill set outside of their immediate area(s) of expertise or comfort zone(s)...

Do you remember the good old days when all of your payments were either check or cash and it was in hand and could be documented the old fashioned way? I felt so in control... there was a file, a photo copy, a 'paid' stamp on the invoice.  So many checks and balances.... And then, technology evolves.... and the world of providing convenience to our customers is not an option but an expectation..... And for my Dance Studio Owners... you quickly embrace the change because everyone says you have to and in your mind you believe this is going to be a game changer.... No more Sally, chained to the front desk accepting tuition payments and generating receipts (YES!). And before you know it, you're filling out merchant applications, signing up for gateways (what is a gateway anyway), or even better, there is an automatic merchant relationship with your existing software (Thank Goodness! They for sure have your best interests at heart!) And AWAY you go!  Money In... Money Ou...

It wasn't until I met my husband until I realized how f*c^e# up I was.  Because of my integrity, work ethic, and character... I always thought I was the pick of the litter and placed myself on quite a pedestal in that regard.  I knew I had my flaws... which I deemed to be superficial i.e. physical.  But on the 'important' stuff... I always gave myself a 10! When we first started dating, I had a fancy new BMW 640 Gran Coupe that I was leasing... for whatever reason, literally once a week, the check engine light, or tire pressure light, or maintenance light would go on.   It was so annoying because I would take it to the dealership who would reset the light, apologize, and send me on my way.  After a while, I just ignored the lights whether it was a legitimate issue or not. One evening, my husband aka 'Papi Chulo' was trying to make a point regarding my emotional instability and says, "Amber, you are like your BMW:  The world goes ooohhhhh  ...

One of the main reasons I started this blog was to have the ability to reach out to Dance Studio Owners/Teachers nationwide to provide consulting, resources, and support in a greater capacity than I have done casually over the last decade. I didn't understand the true role of a dance teacher/studio owner until my early 30's.  I think I tried to block all of the memories of growing up in a dance studio.  Now when I see pictures of my childhood in the studio, it brings a smile to my face, however, had you asked me my opinion of dance studio ownership and teaching in my 20's, I would NOT have been so nostalgic. I remember vividly the day to day operations of the studio.  I was wise far beyond my years even then and somehow understood the strategy that was needed to stay afloat.  Now having run a dance competition for 15 years and had the privilege of forming incredible relationships with teachers and studio owners all over the country, it has been my pleasure to pro...