The Strategy Specialist

A few years ago my son was playing on a travel team when we first moved to So. Cal and my fondest memory was his new coach standing on the sidelines yelling "Try it my way, run the play!  Your way isn't working!" A concept so simple in theory.  But somehow, no matter how logical... we are determined to do it OUR WAY!  Is it stubbornness?  Is is ego? It is fear of trying something new and unfamiliar? I am guilty of this 100% when it comes to diet and exercise, which is incredibly ironic considering I have experienced an amazing physical transformation a decade ago when I trusted the process and followed the guidance of my coach.  Over the years I have literally purchased every training program I could get my hands on, as I am obsessed with the fitness industry as a whole.  And for the same reasons my clients sabotage their efforts, I am 100% guilty of it in this area of my life. So, yes, I understand.  I have empathy to this self sabotaging...

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...

I've been struggling with a title for this post because nothing could truly describe a decade long relationship with a young woman who has experienced me first hand through much of my professional growth.  Since I started blogging, it's been kind of fun because people will contact me and we will dialogue in detail about their memories as it relates to my posts.  This whole process has been incredibly nostalgic and humbling for me. My beautiful Cierra, 10 years my junior, joined Rainbow 10 years ago in Las Vegas, NV.  Though we had a break for about 2 1/2 years when I transitioned to California, I was lucky enough that she agreed to relocate to California... even though my colleague stole her from me LOL. When Cierra first joined me,  I was a one woman show and spread incredibly thin.  The value she created in my personal and professional life remains invaluable.  She and I worked 7 days/80 hrs per week during our Competition Tour (approx 20 weeks out ...

Prior to starting this blog, I decided to summarize my life on a timeline to illustrate the various nuances that were occurring over the past two decades to illustrate a point to my best friend, who has been around for the past 6 or 7 years but didn't witness the struggle first hand.  I remember when I sent it over to her she said quite sarcastically, 'I get it *deep breath/eyeroll* You worked all day and all night, sacrificing, saving, strategizing.....' LOL - She hates me... And though I don't do it any more - just to annoy her - I texted her at 6:30 am every morning and say - Gym Done. Laundry Done. Swept and Vacuumed. Heading to Work.  *crickets*  Presenting my life accounts with some humor is intentional because much of the content exposes the most vulnerable parts of who I am.  However, I feel it is critical to disclose the facts because it truly speaks to conflict resolution, strategy, course correction, and perseverance.  And as I review this t...