(no subject)
I've got this dilemma with dance classes. See, once I came back from vacation, I put a hold on teaching any classes. At the time, I had no idea what my health would look like in the future, and did not want to commit to something that I couldn't take responsibility for. Since then, my health has evened out- while it's not perfect, it is self-maintaining, and pretty easily handled. There are off days but nothing incapacitating. But also since that time, my photography business has gotten a lot more attention. I've managed to put the necessary time to really develop it, and it's finally paying off.
And now things are more calm and I have to make a decision whether or not I will begin classes again. For the last few weeks, I had pretty much decided not to. Reasons why: running this type of classes is really running a small business, and I honestly can't put enough into it to make it profitable right now. I have one on my hands that needs nuturing, my time and, especially, my budget, cannot afford another one. It's in an area that doesn't have anything like that- making it without competition but much harder to advertise. Also, I love the location- the guys are nice & super easy to work with- but for the amount of people you can fit into the space, I would need to really raise the prices to make it profitable. The way rates are now, I need five students to cover the rent, and I can't fit more than 8 at a time. Can't easily raise the prices, as I'm in a low-budget area and already in the middle price range.
I hate to say this- because last time I did it, I didn't like the classes- but if I had a place that did the advertising, marketing, & enrollment for me, and all I had to do was show up and teach- that would be perfect right now. My schedule & I could handle it.
So I decide not to do it. And every single time, someone calls me and says, "You're located in this area! When are your classes?" and I'm forced to reconsider.
Reasons I would like to teach: I enjoy doing it. I miss dancing. Right now I don't have a way to make it to any of the classes in Pittsburgh that fit into my schedule, and this is close by. It would be great to develop local interest, I know it's out there.
But for every night I teach, I spend another two getting classes ready. I can't get students to show up consistantly. This is not a sustainable business model, and I don't know how to fix it.
But people keep calling.
I wish there was someone I could ask for advice on this, but everyone just shrugs. I'm not sure how to handle it either.