Pixie Dust & Profits

Join us as we unveil the magic of internal promotion – not in ranks, but in marketing! And we're not just talking about content repurposing. We're diving into the rabbit hole to find how strategic promotion can help you sell your products from within your existing offerings. Drawing inspiration from how Disney cleverly markets new attractions within their parks, this episode is all about leveraging what you already have to enchant and engage your customers further. Listen now and discover: How Disney uses The Haunted Mansion rides to promote its movies Strategies for seamlessly guiding customers from one product to the next The importance of creating a "rabbit hole" of related content to keep customers engaged And so much more! Your small business takeaways: Just like Disney creates a sense of anticipation and connection between rides and movies, small businesses can create seamless pathways for customers to discover more products. By integrating mentions and promotions of other offerings within each product or service experience, you not only increase the customer's awareness of your range but also build a sense of a cohesive, interlinked brand universe. Remember, every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to subtly guide them to the next magical experience with your brand.

As we gear up for our next Pixie Dust LIVE event, we reflect on how Disney theme parks consistently surprise and delight their regular visitors. From limited-time treats at the parks to the clever marketing strategies Disney employs, we discuss how small businesses can take a page out of Disney's playbook and share some advice on how businesses can create their own "limited-time offers" to entice and retain customers. Plus, get ready for a bit of an unexpected debate about Disney merchandise. Listen now and discover: The brilliance behind Disney's limited-time merch and its ability to create a buzz. Disney's adaptable strategies, from exclusive credit card designs to novel ice creams. The business side of limited-time offers and how businesses can incorporate "drops" to attract and retain customers. And so much more! Your small business takeaways: Much like Disney continuously innovates to keep its recurring visitors engaged, businesses too can craft limited-time offers, seasonal products, or exclusive experiences to keep their customers intrigued and coming back for more. This strategy not only creates anticipation but also adds value by making customers feel special and catered to. Whether it's through exclusive product drops or limited-time educational content, there's always an opportunity to delight and surprise your customers.

In this episode, we discuss the changes to the Genie+ system at Disney, sharing our experiences – both successful ones and not-so-successful ones. Though the fluctuating prices of Genie+ can be frustrating, a dash of strategy here and a sprinkle of Pixie Dust there, and you'll conquer these parks without breaking the Genie+ bank to make the most of your next Disney visit. Listen now and discover: How Genie+ replaced Fast Pass at Disney parks, offering Lightning Lane passes for popular rides either through individual purchases or with Genie+, allowing one ride reservation at a time. Why some parks like Animal Kingdom and Epcot may not require Genie+ due to shorter wait times or individual Lightning Lane passes for specific rides. Nicole and Yasmine's personal experiences, including times when the value didn't meet their expectations And so much more! Your small business takeaway: By understanding and adapting to customer needs and preferences, like Disney, you're able to recognize the complexity and customer feedback to changes in systems and respond in ways that enhance the customer experience. Everything from listens acknowledging customers' needs, adapting offerings accordingly, and continuously seeking ways to improve and simplify the customer experience are best practices of good business.

In this episode, we discuss a seemingly peculiar design choice of Disney Parks: the bathroom mirrors. More specifically, how they're intentionally placed away from the hand-washing stations for a very conscious reason—and it'll make so much sense once you hear it! (No one preens like Gaston, after all.) Listen now and discover: How intentional design can help run your business more smoothly and prevent bottlenecks The importance of identifying and addressing these obstacles to enhance efficiency and productivity Why effective communication and delegation within teams is imperative for autonomous decision-making and empowering team members to contribute and take action And so much more! Your small business takeaway: By focusing on identifying and addressing bottlenecks in business processes, you'll be able to streamline tasks, delegate responsibilities, improve communication within a team, and easily be able to identify and move past obstacles that hinder productivity and flow. And by understanding the intentional design behind the absence of mirrors in Disney bathrooms, you can examine your own businesses and implement changes that promote efficiency and keep things moving smoothly.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of content multiplication using Disney's "One Day at Disney" as an example. We can't get enough of how Disney strategically planned and executed multiple forms of content from a single project, including a coffee table book, a documentary, and short episodes. Listen now and discover: The importance of intentional content planning and structuring to maximize output across different platforms The difference between content multiplication and repurposing Why pre-planning and considering the unique requirements of each platform And so much more! Your small business takeaway: By thinking ahead and structuring your content to be easily segmented, any small business can maximize the value and reach of its content across various platforms. This involves considering the specific format and requirements of each platform, such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc., and tailoring the content accordingly.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of the lifetime value of a customer. Case in point: Disney and Universal. Both are theme parks that illustrate different pricing models. Disney focuses on encouraging longer stays and offers discounts for multi-day tickets, while Universal caters to shorter visits and prices accordingly. Tune in to discover how these insights into different pricing strategies can be applied to pricing services in the business world. Listen now and discover: How Disney's "loyalty" creates an ecosystem that speaks to their specific target market How Universal's employs an opposite strategy that works great for them What the lifetime value of a customer is and how to tailor pricing strategies accordingly And so much more! Your small business takeaways: Your goal when it comes to pricing is to align yourself with the lifetime value of your customers. Understand their behavior, tailor pricing to customer engagement, focus on long-term relationships, create a value ecosystem, and continuously evaluate and adjust. Balancing short-term revenue with long-term customer retention is crucial for small business success.

In this episode, we're discussing the ongoing battle between Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, and Disney. It all started when Disney spoke out against a bill in Florida that restricts school children from talking about the "don't say gay" bill. Disney has been striving to be more inclusive and representative in their content and employment practices. In *alleged* retaliation, Governor DeSantis threatened to remove Disney's special district status, which would shift the cost of managing Disney's infrastructure onto taxpayers. Tune in to discover how Disney is mitigating this and what you can learn from this in your own small business. Listen now and discover: How crucial it is for business owners to feel empowered to express their opinions without facing retaliation from the government Where consumer rights stand when it comes to supporting brands that align with their values The need for businesses to consider the ethical implications of their actions and decisions, beyond just providing products or services And so much more! Your small business takeaway: Every small business has the right to exercise free speech and express their values – even if it means taking a stance on social issues – however, they should be prepared with a responsible plan for any fallout that might come with it.

We're kicking off summer with a brand-new series! Join us as we discuss the highly anticipated return of the Disney Dining Plan. While it may seem more expensive than paying out of pocket, we explore why people still love it. The convenience of upfront payment and the elimination of worrying about expenses make it a popular choice. We discuss ways you can incorporate convenience into your business offerings, such as offering automated payments and additional services. Tune in to discover how you can make your customers' lives easier and boost your business in the process. Listen now and discover: Business and marketing strategies for slower seasons when focus shifts, and how to implement them All about the convenience and prepayment benefits of the Dining Plan Comparison of different Dining Plan tiers and the upselling strategy employed by Disney Our personal experiences with the Dining Plan and its various options And so much more! Your small business takeaway: Consider incorporating convenient payment options and additional services to make customers' lives easier and enhance the overall customer experience.

Want to mastermind with other business owners in The Happiest Place on Earth? Pixie Dust Live is a live business retreat held at Disney World, designed for anyone who needs to find breakthroughs in their biz. During this mastermind retreat, you'll work with industry experts (that's us!) and other business owners like you to find 1:1 support and guidance for anything you might be struggling with, or growing towards, in your own biz. Plus — we have a lot of fun at Disney too (yes, we ride all the rides and see all the sights, mouse ears at the ready!). Want to see if this is a good fit for you? Listen to this week's episode to get all the details! Resources mentioned: Pixie Dust Live application: https://pixiedustandprofits.com/live-2023

In part 2 of our series on leadership lessons from Bob Iger, we dig into what curiosity, fairness, integrity, and thoughtfulness look like as a business owner. If you missed part one, we encourage you to go back and listen to that episode first! There, we talk about some of Iger's greatest achievements and how his unwavering optimism played a role in forging some of the most successful years in all of Disney history. Resources mentioned: The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company: https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Lifetime-Lessons-Learned-Company/dp/0399592091 Frustrating Your Fans: A Cautionary Tale About Disney: https://pixiedustandprofits.com/episodes/frustrating-your-fans-a-cautionary-tale-about-disney/

During Bob Iger's 15+ years leading Disney, he's given small business owners something to look up to and learn from. In this first episode of a two-part series, we're taking the leadership lessons Iger discusses in his book, The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company. We'll dive into each of the 8 lessons that Iger shares and explain how you can also use these lessons in your own small business!

Have you ever wondered how Disney has trained over 75,000 Cast Members to create magic each and every day? They don't tell their team exactly how to do it — they give them the resources and uniforms and trust their employees to be an evangelist for the brand. And it works! Wondering how you can bring this into your own business when you hire a team member? In this episode, we're talking all about teams, leadership, and the importance of autonomy to build culture. Tune into find out how your team can create magic at every turn.

If you're a perfectionist like us, you want to see a project through to the very end. But in business, not every project is going to make it. And if you're not careful, something that was meant to be fun and exciting could very quickly turn into a money pit. So, how do you know when you should or should not abandon a project, and what are some ways you could avoid that fate? Listen to this episode to find out!

I don't think ANYONE could have predicted the latest news — Bob Iger is back! After stepping away for 999 days and telling us that he wouldn't be returning as CEO, Iger has returned to replace Bob Chapek, the CEO with arguably the rockiest reputation in Disney history. So, why did this happen, and what can we as business owners learn from it? Listen to this episode to find out!

Have you ever had a magical credit card onboarding experience? Probably not, huh? It always feels boring at best, and stressful at worst, to sign up for a new credit card. Unless, that is, you're signing up for a Disney credit card! They've managed to make signing legal disclaimers feel fun with a few simple elevations to their onboarding packet — and they included gifts! Let's talk about how you can implement a similarly fun experience into your own customer onboarding process, with client gifts and thoughtful touches.

Have you ever wondered how Disney manages to make you feel like you're having the most exclusive and individualized experience, even when you know thousands of other people are being treated the same way? We did, too! So today, we decided to break down what Disney does so brilliantly and how their exclusive inclusivity works so well.

You want clients and customers to keep coming back for more — but how do you keep the magic alive for them? Recently, a trip to Disney World left Nicole a little less than satisfied. Listen to this episode as we discuss how to keep the magic alive for your long-term clients and customers!

Managing your client's expectations can be a day job in and of itself. In this episode of Pixie Dust and Profits, we're talking about how Disney does this so well and how we can do the same in our own businesses!

You know how going to any Disney property is absolutely magical? It's all thanks to the amazing cast members! So today, we thought we'd extend the lessons of that podcast and talk about some times that cast members went above and beyond their duties for us… and how you can apply that to your own business! We talk about how Disney meets disabled guests with kindness and accommodations, how even the littlest guests have an amazing experience, and more. Then, we share THREE key strategies you can take from Disney cast members to apply to your own business. Yes, ANY business can give their customers or clients a truly magical experience — no cast members or rollercoasters required.

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing that time Nicole ended up with a postive COVID test during her vacation… yikes! Listen now and discover how the situation was handled and why crafting a good client experience isn't only about a single interaction or a single event. A great experience can even turn a disappointing situation into one that's not-so-bad in the end.

Revisiting Disney's Trajectory Over the Last Two Years We've got a Super Summer Series Surprise for you! For those who have been following along, or those who have just arrived (welcome!!), this summer we've been revisiting our favorite Pixie Dust & Profits podcast episodes from seasons past. So far, we've had such an amazing time listening back to these popular episodes AND giving you updated information from our 2022 perspectives on the topics. This week, though, we're giving you something a little extra! ✨ When we decided to revisit Episode 020: Balancing Priorities & Surviving in the Day-to-Day, we immediately knew it was going to be different from other Summer Series episodes. We recorded this episode in April 2020, right after the lockdown started. This was deep in shutdown, and we had just begun to see some of the biggest business shifts in history happen right before our eyes. Of course, things have changed considerably since COVID first came on the scene, and it might not make sense to look BACK at this episode… so instead, we made a new and improved version of the episode! So, let's discuss what's happened with Disney since July 2020, and what we can take away from their projects and operations to support our businesses through hard times. Disney does "new normal" in unexpected ways On March 15, 2020, Disney closed its magic gates (so very sad) only to reopen them four months later in July of the same year, but with some pretty strict rules in place for returning park guests. They began with "soft" launches, each park receiving a different day to reopen with attendance capped and a new reservation service in place for all guests. This service included all areas of the park from attractions, to restaurants, to stores, to modes of park transport. Some of the new major safety measures that were instituted included: ✅ Temperature checks & required face coverings were mandatory for all visitors and cast members ✅ Magic bands were used whenever possible to facilitate mobile interactions rather than face-to-face (specifically in dining locations). ✅ An increased use of plexiglass barriers between guests and cast members ✅ Annual passes were no longer available for purchase; only existing annual pass members could renew. ✅ And the hardest pill to swallow: No parades, fireworks, or character meet-and-greets, and yes, that included character dining. 😭 Despite it all, Disney still remained confident that they could give their guests the same magical experience they're known for. They even created the "social distancing squad," a group of friendly cast members trained to enforce safety rules in a fun, energetic way. In all, Disney did a great job "protecting the magic" of the parks in a post-COVID existence. And hey, some form of Disney is always better than no Disney at all! Now that it's been two years since their reopening, Disney has done away with a lot of the stricter guidelines: masks are optional, and parades, fireworks, and character dining and meet-and-greets have all returned. However, there are still some things that remain changed. ✅ Annual passes are very hard to get, and when you can, the prices have increased from previous years. ✅ Disney's reservation system remains in place and is looking like it's here to stay. You still have to reserve the park you want to visit on the day you plan to. ✅ You cannot "park hop" until after a certain time of day (2 pm most days, but it may vary). Gone are the days of spontaneity! Disney Genie+: Pros and cons After over a decade, the FastPass system is a thing of the past. Move over and make room for the new kid on the block, Disney Genie+. Genie+ works a lot like the old method. You purchase the add-on ($20 a person) and have ultimate access to the Lightning Lane on 19 different Disney attractions. But there are limits to this magic, of course. When you choose to use a Lightning Lane on an attraction, you cannot reserve another Lightning Lane spot on a different attraction until you've either already completed your previous ride or have waited 2 hours. On top of that, you cannot use Genie+ repeatedly for any of the rides. So, if you plan on riding Haunted Mansion 20 times in one day, be prepared to wait in line for at least 19 of those rides. It is interesting that Disney used the time that they were closed to innovate something like their line system. If the parks never closed, would something like Genie+ even exist? We don't think so! While Disney does address some visitor pain points with this new method, a drawback of the Genie+ system in comparison to the FastPass system is the inability to choose a specific time to return to the attraction, which might leave you racing across the park madder than the Mad Hatter. The "new normal" for your small biz When we talk about our "new normal," we're seeing so many changes. We saw a ton of businesses pivot — especially ones whose services or offers were mostly held in person. We also saw that many people had to d

Episode 65: Revisiting Episode 014: Growth by Collaboration Our Summer Series continues this week with another back-to-the-basics episode from Pixie Dust's past! As you might already know, we've been spending the summer revisiting some of our favorite episodes and also providing some much-needed updates from a 2022 perspective! This week, we revisit Episode 014, where we discussed the successful collaborations that Disney has created — with some unexpected brands. We dig into Disney's versatility and ability to leverage any and all opportunities, while also providing some insightful information about how to make brand collabs work for YOUR biz. Minnie Vans: Disney + Lyft If you've visited Disney recently, then you might have seen the world's cutest car cruising around Disney property – the Minnie Van! These red buggies, decorated adorably with Minnie's well-known white polka dots, are Disney's answer to skipping long bus lines at the end of a long day and receiving faster transport back to your hotel. But, no, it's not actually Minnie's car. The Minnie Vans are a collaboration between Disney and Lyft Services. Disney knew that they didn't need to build their own proprietary system for this, but they also knew they had a really strong brand that could attach itself to something already established. Enter: Lyft! 🚗 But what's special about the Minnie Vans? What makes them different? That's where Disney's brand comes in. The Minnie Vans themselves are owned by Disney, operated by Disney employees, and only run during park hours/on park property. This adds a level of safety and security to both Disney and their patrons. So really, the only part that truly uses Lyft Services is the app itself. This is how Disney maintained their high bar of quality/safety experience within the partnership. The Disney/Lyft partnership is an important example of how to be strategic in your collaborations. They recognized a pain point (people wanting a faster, safer way to get around Disney's properties) and met it in a way that was mutually beneficial to both parties (Disney got what they needed, Lyft got more subscribers to their mobile app). How do you apply this to your business? Thinking about the collaborations or partnerships you can find even in the most unlikely places. You find a brand that is complementary to your field/industry and leverage their audience to sell your product – Presto! You're in a partnership! With a joint venture or partnership, the other person/brand already has credibility with their audience, and that trust they've built bleeds into your brand, increasing conversion rates and revenue. The percentage that you end up paying out to affiliates or partners is something that you'd be spending anyways in marketing and promos, but without doing all the audience-building work. If you're thinking a collaboration might just prove lucrative for you, think about the right brands or people for your business. It's not selfish to think about you, and make sure their branding and visions align with yours. Think about it like this: Even if you are a nutritionist who serves mostly moms, you can still pair up with a local bike shop if they want to help more moms get active. It isn't necessarily the most logical fit (unlike if you paired up with a prenatal nutritionist, let's say), but the collab still works — and can prove really fruitful! Disney & Target: A match made in heaven The Mickey Mouse clubhouse has officially moved venues – but don't worry, it's to another simply magical place most of us know and love: Target! In October 2020, Disney and Target worked together to launch 25 mini-Disney stores inside Target locations. They also launched this on their online stores so others in the U.S. and outside it could get the goods. This was a seriously smart move for Disney. They ended up getting foot traffic that drive sales, but didn't have to handle distribution, retail, or hiring new employees. They leveraged Target's infrastructure and assets to sell their exclusive products. In return, Disney agreed to open a Target store in Orlando in 2021 on Disney property. For Target, this was definitely a win in itself. The added convenience of having a store like Target is an awesome perk for vacationers who don't feel like having to go off-site of Disney property for much-needed necessities. We all know the benefits of a good Target run, after all! 💓 How does this relate to your small business? This example is for all of our favorite product-based small businesses! Consider your platforms – do you sell your products on Etsy? Sell your designs to sites like Minted? Maybe you self-published through Amazon, it's essentially the same idea! What you're doing is taking advantage of someone, or some site, with a bigger audience and a larger platform in order to sell your product. They receive a cut of the sale, but you're getting more visibility and more traffic. If you were to have your own site, you have to do a lot of work to d

We're continuing our Summer Series this week. As usual, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business, but this Summer we're spending some much-deserved quality time with some of our older and most popular episodes. This week, we're revisiting In Episode 012, where we talked all about the launch of Disney+ and one of Disney's biggest Hot Mess Express launches. It feels weird to think about planning movie nights without the platform now, but during the launch, things got tricky, especially for Canadian streamers! But what that experience did provide was a pivotal example of what a launch might look like (read: not perfect), and the benefits of offering bundles while launching. The benefits of bundling When Disney+ was preparing to launch, they began sending their target audience (Disney pass holders/vacationers/club members) emails to build excitement and pre-pay for the streaming service ahead of launch day. This was a risky move because, well, there wasn't even a full or verified list of what was going to be ON the service yet! But, that didn't stop a lot of people from signing up – and that's because Disney sweetened the deal with exclusive bundle offers that made it pretty impossible to say no. Bundling, or stacking offers, is about paying attention to what people on your list are willing to buy that you can pair together for a better price point. The Disney+ subscription had two different options: The Disney+ standalone option for $6.99/month The Disney+/Hulu/ESPN bundle for 12.99/month This was a smart bundling move on Disney's part because ESPN is already under their ownership umbrella, and Hulu was a popular streaming service with an ever-growing streamer base. Plus, the bundling option saved streamers 33% if they had all of those three services on their own, so the possibility of cutting costs or saving that money was a big draw. Proof that launching isn't perfect The most important thing to remember about launching is that your initial launch plan is a guideline — and not everything will go as planned. There are always going to be things that happen that are out of control or that you didn't expect, and all of this is okay! You need to learn to be flexible and open to learning something new every single time you launch something. Let's go back in time – to 1955 – when Disneyland first opened its doors to the public. It was a MESS! Guests at the gate tripled expectations, people were making fake tickets to try and sneak in, rides were breaking down, and on top of all of that, Walt Disney was in a dispute because of a plumbing strike! He had to decide the day it was supposed to open whether or not the park was going to have working water fountains OR working bathrooms. He chose bathrooms and was criticized for doing it just so people would be forced to buy drinks. It was not smooth sailing. Cut to 2019 and the Disney+ launch. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, either. In the United States, those who pre-purchased and even those who paid on launch day experienced a TON of tech issues on the platform, including not being able to set up profiles and content being unable to load. In Canada, Disney fans were never even given the opportunity to pre-purchase, so everyone was forced to pay on launch day. They too experienced long wait times for the platform at significantly slower speeds. Our point? Disney's launches have been bumpy, too. We've seen ALL types of launches, and hiccups happen! It's frustrating at the time, definitely, but you learn from it and you optimize for next time, you don't give up. What if Disney decided all those difficulties were too much and he decided to not open Disneyland? The horror! Learning from the past When you're going through your next launch, think about the fact that Disneyland didn't have working fountains on the first day, and nearly didn't have working toilets! Disney+ had tons of streaming issues. Nothing was perfect. For your launches, it helps to know that something is GOING to happen, and it's how you turn it into a learning experience that matters. We recommend, above all else, having a post-mortem after your launch day. Which is when you sit down post-launch and review what went well, what didn't, your successes, challenges, and what you can do for next time. If a launch doesn't go well, or as expected, there are ways to redeem your offers: Market your offer some more! Tweak aspects of your offer that might not be working as expected Start collecting more testimonials to build credibility/social proof Get feedback on offers to make improvements Bundle what you can to offer deals Looking forward: Episode updates! There were so many great lessons to learn about launches from Disney+, and now, 3 years later, we're definitely able to see that despite the hiccups the platform is seriously successful! Things that have stayed the same: Disney is still very much pushing their Disney+/Hulu/ESPN bundle. They began referring to t

The nostalgia is REAL this week, folks! For the continuation of our flashback Summer Series, we're taking it as far back as we can this week with our FIRST. EVER. EPISODE! 💗💛💜 Episode 001 aired all the way back in May 2019 when we were just two Disney lovers with a dream for this podcast. We love seeing (and hearing!) how far we've come, and hope that you'll enjoy and get inspired by revisiting the beginning of it all with us! To recap: Episode 001 talked all about Disney's data collection skills using their Magic Bands and how our favorite place on earth makes something like *shudders* metrics actually FUN and interesting to study! We also pivot from Disney to discuss how YOU could use measurements to grow and understand your business. Disney Magic Bands are the hypothetical keys to the kingdom! 🏰🔑✨ But physically, they are used to unlock your magical stay while on your Disney vacation. They do so many things once you're on Disney property: unlock your hotel room, act as a pass (with no lines!) into the parks, get you onto rides and into attractions quicker, and even act as a personal Disney wallet with a quick card-free transaction for any and all Disney park purchases. But what's so amazing about them from a business perspective? Well, let's go on a little ride of our own through Magic Band history… 2008: A challenge was created to help create "magical ease" when scheduling, planning, and executing your Disney vacation. Disney wanted to streamline the process – less waiting times, easier access to facilities, and an overall better experience for families who had waited so long to experience the magic of Disney World. 2010: A single system was born, seamlessly connecting all park systems together: the Magic Band. A Disney engineer spent six months creating the band so that its design would be inclusive to all guests. Then, the Disney board of directors had to approve the 1 BILLION dollar project in order to put the system in place. 2012-2013: A full-scale demo & public testing of the Magic Band system took place in the parks! At first, people complained! There were obvious kinks to work out. But overall, the niche group of wristband wearers inspired other guests to say "hey, I want one of those too!" (I was one of those guests!) The pros of Magic Bands were crystal clear after the public testing, Disney knew they hit the jackpot with this costly venture. 💰 Because the Magic Bands are connected to your hotel room and your debit/credit cards, the cashless system made purchasing in the park so simple and easy that the bill would rack up without the slightest thought. Disney's business intelligence element was flawless, no surprise there! The bands created a tracking system that collected data on how guests navigated Disney websites, where they spent their time in the parks, and even what they were buying. All that data was golden delicious in Pooh's honey pot, Disney was able to use the data to create future plans for offerings & promotions tailored individually to their guests. (This is why we use Disney, everyone! Pure genius! 💡) Disney's "path to purchase" tool is powerful in its design by not only tracking what a guest will buy, but the pattern that the guest uses before deciding to purchase. How can you use this for YOUR business? We know that not everyone has one billion dollars to spare like Mickey Mouse & the gang. But the history of Magic Bands does prove something invaluable: measure, measure, measure! 📐 Use less expensive tools for your website, like Google Analytics, to start tracking your own goldmine of data. Use this tool, and so many others like it, to track where your clients are spending time on your site. Metrics is a scary word – but think of it like this, all that it is is information meant to be gathered. Information that you can then take to and turn into leads, purchases, and new clients! New takeaways from Ep. 001: Magic Band Madness: So what ever happened to Magic Bands? Well, as of January 2022, Disney stopped offering them as free inclusions with your hotel stay – but they are still available to get for a discounted price! This is because the My Disney Experience app took on a lot of the same features as the bands. This is actually a good thing though – it proves that Disney is capable of keeping up with the shifting tides of technology. Everyone has a smartphone and everyone has access to an app, but still purchasing your own Magic Band gives a unique experience to Disney, and always will. We can't recommend them enough – despite the changes! Metrics, always! Yes…unfortunately metrics are just as important as when we aired this episode three years ago! Maybe even more so now with the constant changes in the economic world due to Covid. We want you all to remember: data is just numbers! Evaluate it and look at the causes and effects. A bad trend in sales may not continue, and one number doesn't mean everything. Always look at the BIG picture.

We're back with a little help from our former selves to recap and revisit another popular episode from the past! Episode 007 (not to be confused with Bond, James Bond) aired almost two and a half years ago. In Covid years that must be something like a decade, right? This episode was so important to us, and to all of you, because we talked all about meeting your clients where they're at and the steps to take to ensure equal presence and opportunity amongst your client base. We want to recap and also feature some new, exclusive content for you all to expand on these super important ideas. Once upon a time, in Episode 007, we began a conversation about meeting clients where they are by discussing the levels and tiers of Disney hotel rooms. Disney has over 30,000 hotel rooms ranging across 27 different resorts (and that doesn't even count the off-park hotels and rooms!) The resorts are split between three important categories: Value resorts make up about 30-40% of the overall rooms in Disney. They're great for families on a budget who still want that magical Disney experience. Moderate resorts are slightly bigger, slightly more expensive, and include some extras that value resort rooms don't have (private bathrooms, less walking from the park shuttles for the end of those long days when you're dogs are barking real loud). Deluxe resorts are the quintessential Disney hotel experiences, including fan favorites like the hallmark Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Disney vacation club. They make up about 20-25% of the overall rooms in Disney and are the top-of-the-line, bucket-list type experience. Disney's hotel room level system aims to get all guests where they are so that everyone can enjoy Disney magic no matter what the circumstances may be. So what does this breakdown mean for your business? Breaking down the ascension model This is called an ascension model, which works like a ladder of different valued opportunities for your clients! Your ideal client is someone who WANTS to work with you, and if that person can't afford certain services it's important to meet them where they're at using this model. Here's the gist: Create a ladder of different value offerings that can grow WITH your client. As they advance their business, opportunities to work with you further also advance and become available to them. This episode also discussed how you can reward loyalty for your client base. At Disney, they use the Disney Vacation Club (which we are both proud members of!) Maybe you are trying to sell someone into a deluxe model of your business offerings, add in something extra or a special value that you've already built into the pricing on the backend. This will give the appearance of a loyalist reward that won't break your bank. 💰 Such great information, right?! But we have even more in this updated episode, here are some ways we've been reflecting and creating ideas on this subject over the last 2.5 years: We still very much believe in the ascension model, and even see it working for clients as recent as a MONTH ago. That said, we want to remind you that there's a lot of strategy that goes into an ascension model – ask yourself what step does your client need before this product, and what step do they need before they're ready for this product: this is how you can create a model. Yasmine shared her personal experience with this model that she uses in her product-based business as owner of Lunar Drift Apothecary. She talked about ways that she ensures having products that serve everyone at any point in their crystal journey. Most importantly, she recommends a range in pricing for your products, much like the range of prices that you can find Disney ears in at the parks!

It's so weird listening to episodes that aired in "pre-COVID times." Episode 13 aired over two years ago! It seems like so much of the world, and how we work within it, has changed. We wanted to revisit this important episode, and the tips we shared in it, to remind you and ourselves that maybe things aren't as different as they feel. To recap: Episode 13 discussed the importance of knowing business trends and how to prepare for the slow seasons throughout the year. When we look at the Disney Parks model it shows that December is the busiest month in the parks and late August is the slowest due to hurricane season. If we follow that trend, you can almost never find discounts for Disney in December, but see a lot more in line with the slower months. Obviously, this is no coincidence, and the tactic is meant to drive up foot traffic during the quiet months. We also discussed offers that hit consumer "pain points," such as Canadian exchange rates, and how Disney offers too-good-to-ignore deals that make expenses much easier to swallow for their Canadian guests. 💰 What's most important to us with this Summer Series is to provide YOU with updated information and data from the first time you listened to these episodes. That said, we did have some important things to add knowing what we now do about living through such unprecedented times: If you're a new business owner, DON'T look at 2020 as a sales comparison point. If you have data and sales from 2019 that is where you'll want to make your estimates because the last two years are definitely no reflection of how the next two years will look! Think about what you CAN do to ensure consistent sales, such as smaller, more consistent promos, or regular coupon offers. Think micro, not macro, and remind your audience that you are still there during your slow season. The new takeaways from Ep. 13: Business won't be apples to apples when referencing your pandemic sales, don't reflect on those numbers and begin preparing for busier times. When it's slow – don't check out!

In this new episode of Pixie Dust & Profits, we discuss how Disney has made their 50th anniversary an event you won't want to miss – and can't miss, even if you tried! Inspired by our last trip through the Orlando airport, we were blown away by the effort Disney made to ensure their 50th-anniversary "sticks" in the minds of visitors and, honestly, anyone who travels through the Orlando airport. Tune in as we break down this marketing magic and discuss how you can apply the same "stickiness" that Disney perfected and implement it into your very own business, too. Listen now and discover: How Disney is promoting their 50th Anniversary What you can do to make your business "stick" Why you need to talk about your business more than you do Your small business takeaways: Consistent branding and incredible customer experiences will make your business "stick" in the minds of your customers. Links: The Profitable & Productive Party March 24th, 2022 Masterclass

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. This week we're joined by Misty Henry, the creator of The Makers Resource Shop who is on a mission to help makers build successful and safe businesses. If you're a small shop, you won't want to miss Misty's golden nuggets on compliance and consumer safety laws, especially if you sell goods used by children. As a member of our Profitable & Productive Party, she also shares how she's seen incredible business growth an increase in revenue! We talk about how accountability and support really helps when you're looking to reach that next stage in business. Listen now and discover: The first steps to take when creating a product for children Regulations for compliance and safety laws of children's products How Misty doubled her business revenue multiple years in a row, and what you can find inside the Profitable & Productive Party Questions to ask yourself as a business owner when making decisions Your small business takeaways: How to get your business ready for growth through improving your product and operations You can create more impact by doing less and focusing on the next best step for your business. Links: The Maker's Resource Shop The Profitable & Productive Party Find Your Focus Masterclass

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're talking about how important it is to do the pre-work before you make your trip to Disney and how you can apply this to your business launches. Tune in as we discuss the planning we do before we take a trip to Disney and how doing this same pre-work can benefit your business. If you have launches coming up, or you're planning for major growth this year, you'll want to tune in! Listen now and discover: The three questions we ask to plan our Disney trips How to apply this same pre-work concept to your business launches Why this strategy will create long term business growth for you and your team Your small business takeaways: Doing the pre-work before a business launch is vital to your success! Links: Wish Upon a Planner Pixie Dust & Profits Masterclass Join our Patreon

Each week, we come to you with ideas for how you can better run your online business like Disney — and even a few things that you don't want to do like Disney! This episode is about the latter, for once. In this episode, we're discussing the seemingly endless construction at Disney World, specifically at Epcot. When we visited in October 2021, we were shocked by how much construction was happening in full view of the park goers! This was OK for us because we've been so many times, but we couldn't help but think how this would affect someone who was making their first trip to the parks. It also made us think about small business owners, and how they often are a "work in progress" in full view of their clients and customers. If you're always working on something in your business, and it's affecting the experience people have when they visit your site or buy from you, it's time to get focused! Tune in as we hash out the 6 phases of business, which pillar you need to focus on, and how to avoid the chaos of construction! Listen now and discover: The endless construction at Disney, specifically at Epcot Impact of COVID on Disney's projects and timelines Avoiding "Squirrel Syndrome" during construction 6 phases of business Your small business takeaways: Choose the business phase you want to focus on and execute it well! Links: Stop Chasing Squirrels

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing Disney's newest rides: Ratatouille, Rise of the Resistance, and Mickey's Runaway Railway. If you are thinking about starting something brand-spankin' new in your business, listen now to hear how you can use things you already have in your business instead. This way, you can stop chasing the "new and shiny," and instead get results for your audience and your bottom line. Listen now and discover: Disney's brand "new" rides and what we think about them The Rise of the Resistance and the trackless ride system How to use things you already have to influence your next decisions How to revisit old products or offers to see new potential Your small business takeaways: Amplify the things that are already working in your business rather than taking on brand new projects! Links: Stop Chasing Squirrels Profitable and Productive Party

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're talking about the steep learning curve that is booking a Disney World vacation. First-time visitors to Disney World are faced with unfamiliar lingo, important (and unknown) deadlines, and ever-changing rules. Listen now to hear why it's so important to make your products easy to understand *and* use. Listen now and discover: The lexicon of WDW knowledge we drew upon to be able to hit all the headlining rides at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Our early impressions of Genie+ and Lightning Lane Your small business takeaways: Design your post-purchase experience around your most basic, entry-level customer Revisit your audience's points of entry with your brand with the eyes of a newbie Links: Squirrel Syndrome Workbook

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing how Disney+ is leveraging home viewings to distribute their theatrical releases. We've all had to majorly pivot our offerings over the last two years due to the shutdown. Listen now to hear how you can appeal to different audiences by expanding your current offerings. Listen now and discover: The benefits of being able to watch movies in your own home and why Disney will continue to make this a reality for a specific audience Why it's so important to consider verbiage in your contracts to provide "wiggle room" for circumstances like coronavirus How we pivoted with our Pixie Dust LIVE events because of the shut down and why it (positively) changed the game for our future events A few ideas on how to shift your current offerings so that it appeals to more audiences Your small business takeaways: Sometimes risks aren't a bad thing (when you're protected by contracts and terms of conditions, that is) Appealing to multiple audiences can help your revenue tremendously

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing rulebreakers who abuse Disney's convenient guest experience policies… and how Disney has pushed back. If you have pushy customers that don't respect your policies, listen now to hear how you can place strong boundaries in your own small business so that you aren't being taken advantage of. Listen now and discover: Why the Disney disability policy has been so highly abused by customers...and how they've made changes to it to keep this from happening How to put strict boundaries into place so that customers can't take advantage of you Easy ways to protect your business (especially if you're a digital service provider) from pushy customers Your small business takeaways: Always state your boundaries and rules up front...customers can't fault you for this when you're honest and transparent.

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're hashing out the recent updates to the classic Disney ride, Jungle Cruise. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of the DisneyParks brand. We'll cover what changes have been made and why. Skip(per) on over to hear why it's important to always be thinking about small tweaks and changes you can make in your own small business. Listen now and discover: The brand new updates to the classic ride, Jungle Cruise How most changes to the new experience are addressing their racist origins and creating a more inclusive feel… and where we think they fell just a tad short Why it's important to take a look at your business to make sure you're standing out from what others are offering How to refresh and improve, even if you've been in business for a short time Your small business takeaways: It's okay to grow and change!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're revealing what we know about the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience. Despite its guarantee to be an out-of-this-world experience, our sticker shock was still astronomical. Listen now to hear how Disney prepared their audience well to buy into this experience, and how you can do the same with your customers. Listen now and discover: The shocking price tag for the brand new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience How the price per person can be justified by the huge operational undertaking The different ways this experience stands out from other hands on experiences at Disney (and whether or not we plan to take part) How to get your customers prepared financially to make upcoming purchases in your business Your small business takeaways: Leak your offers as early as possible to prepare your audience

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode we're discussing the not-so-welcome changes to Disney's Annual Pass program. Price increases and less perks that we no longer get access to without having to pay even more money? Ew. Listen now to learn better ways to prepare your customers for upcoming changes. Listen now and discover: The return of Disney's Annual Pass and why we're frustrated with the changes The perks we love, the extras we don't How the prices have changed and why it no longer feels like a "no brainer" renewal for us Why we believe Disney is targeting a different audience than they used to Your small business takeaways: Price increases don't always equate to more money in your bank account Consider your audience before making big changes in your business

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're looking at Disney World's 50th Anniversary celebration. New rides, limited-edition merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime fireworks displays await inside! Listen now for tips on building excitement and anticipation with your customers. Listen now and discover: What you can expect to see during The 50th Anniversary celebration The different ways Disney builds FOMO and gets their customers excited How to hype up your products and make a huge celebration in your business Our tips on how to make easy updates in between different seasons or celebrations in your biz Companies we love that excel at repurposing the same product, but with a different look year after year Your small business takeaways: Consider releasing your most beloved products, but with a new look. It will excite your customers to see a new, but familiar product.

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we marvel at Disney's ability to reimagine their characters, rides, and movies in new (and profitable) ways. The latest is Behind the Attraction, a new Disney+ series telling the stories behind the iconic rides at Disneyland and Disney World. We also discuss the upcoming Jungle Cruise movie, live-action remakes, and Disney's ability to weave together universes through multiple mediums. Listen now and discover: Our excitement for the brand new Disney+ series, "Behind the Attraction" Why Disney continually refreshes their intellectual property How to create compelling stories from fresh angles Your small business takeaways: Gather feedback, without paying a penny for it Share new angles to old stories with your audience Repurpose, reuse, and consider new formats for existing content

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're getting real about one of our biggest Disney frustrations —the phone lines. It's not always pixie dust and magic, but we can learn a thing or two during the wait (or really, really long hold). Listen now to hear about why you should be caring for your current and most loyal customers in your small business. Listen now and discover: Some sneak peek experiences we're planning for our LIVE event happening at Disney in the fall Why ticket prices are significantly higher for this special after-hours bash The frustration in trying to purchase tickets and why we're not so forgiving of this operational hiccup Why you should be caring for your loyal customers just as much as you care about obtaining new business Your small business takeaways: Create a happiness metric and survey your customers to see if they have any solvable frustration points Treat your existing customers as well as your new ones Take your resources into account when you plan your promotions

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing one of the ways Disney protects their public image. Have you ever made a decision in your small business but thought to yourself afterwards, "was that really a good idea?" In this episode, we're here to help you navigate safety and risks in your small business, and why you should be conscious of both. Listen now and discover: Creative ways Disney facilitates their parks and experiences to create the safest route possible for guests Why they're so protective over their image, and why you should feel the same way about your own business The one thing we think every single business should always prioritize over anything else How interactions online can negatively affect your small business (and how to avoid this!) Why costs will always rise with bigger risks and why we think it's best to say "no" to these Your small business takeaways: Safety really does lead to sustainability in your small business Always think about what you put out into the world before it's visible Never invest what you can't afford to lose

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing new changes that Disney is implementing in their journey to becoming a more inclusive corporation. More than 200,000 people are employed by Disney, and it's their mission to make each of them feel like they truly belong. Listen now to hear about how they're paving the way in inclusion and how you can use these ideas in your own small business to represent, educate, and empower. Listen now and discover: New specific changes that Disney is making so they can be more inclusive to their cast members How Disney shows their representation and diversity at the corporate level (check it out here) The mission behind "counting everyone in" How to look outside of your own box and consider different perspectives when making new hires or joining new programs Why we are so passionate about being able to employ and support other female business owners Your small business takeaways: Take a look at who you're hiring and ask yourself: Does this new hire represent the population I'm serving? Review your old policies and consider if they need revising- chances are if they've been around for a while, they could use a refresh Follow people outside of your own box and increase your circle

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're geeking out over the brand new experience for Star Wars lovers, the Galactic Starcruiser. Even if you don't consider yourself a Star Wars mega-fan, the innovation employed in the overall experience will be jaw-dropping. Listen now to learn more behind the brand-new resort, how they're using innovation and upsells to delight their customers and how you can use these same tactics to enhance your customers' experience, too. Listen now and discover: Why we're geeking out over this brand-new resort hotel experience that will be unlike any other lodging we've ever stayed at How Disney used their knowledge of cruise ships to bring this same concept to a on-land experience The unique perks that will be included in this specific hotel experience...and the price you might expect to pay for it Ways you can enhance the experience for your customer through one purchase to generate more revenue How to upsell to your customers and build their loyalty and trust with your small business Your small business takeaways: Consider extra offerings for your customers to upgrade to a more "premium" experience It's easier to sell to a customer that already trusts you Leverage the things that are working in your business to create whole new experiences

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're joined by Diane Barrowsmith of SixCastleCompany to discuss Disney's innovative new offer—U.K. Staycations with Disney's Magic at Sea. Disney Cruise Lines are famous for enhancing the high seas, but recently they have launched a brand new Staycation experience based out of the U.K. Listen today to hear some sneak peek thoughts about this new venture launch and get inspiration on creating new revenue streams out of existing resources. Listen now and discover: What makes Disney Cruise Line so unique to any other cruising experience How to tweak your product for your specific audiences so that it reaches a wider range of people Why creating scarcity can be an effective marketing tactic to create excitement...and how Disney did it well with the Staycation launch How you can bring a similar strategy to your own company for increased engagement, and more sales Your small business takeaways: Don't forget about your secondary audiences when marketing your products If something isn't selling, don't count it out. Look at the environment that it's in first before deciding on whether or not you want to continue offering it Don't underestimate the power of a gut feeling

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing how quickly Disney parks are getting booked up and why planning ahead is an absolute must. When Disney closed their parks last year, nobody knew when they'd get back to "normal"... but as vaccinations rise and capacity remains capped, we're seeing less and less resort availability for the tail-end of 2021. Combined with a once-in-a-lifetime 50th anniversary celebration, well, Disney has the perfect storm for demand. Listen and learn how urgency and scarcity can speed along the purchase decision for your customers. Listen now and discover: The new Park Reservation rules at Disney and why planning ahead is an absolute necessity right now Which parks hit capacity first and why they're so in demand Honest ways you can help your customers understand that your offer is limited in quantity or time Smart marketing tactics to increase scarcity and urgency… without being scammy or dishonest Your small business takeaways: Take a step back and look at the supply and demand of your industry to understand the current purchasing environment for your customers Make it a no-brainer for your customers to purchase in the moment Understand that honesty and integrity is the backbone of a great customer experience that leads to future sales and raving fans, never create fake urgency or scarcity

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we discuss how to build an effective team. If you want to make sure all of the dreaming, planning, and doing actually gets done, you'll want to listen now and discover the 3 types of people you need behind the scenes of your business. Listen now and discover: The difference between a Finder, Minder, and Grinder, or a Visionary, Integrator, and Doer, as we like to call them. How to use your zone of genius to determine which roles you cover and which you need to fill What can happen to your team dynamic (and major deliverables!) if you don't have each of these members represented Your small business takeaways: Take a look at your team and see which roles you have filled and where you may have a gap Care for your doers well because they help to make the magic happen!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. We all know that Disney prioritizes safety and customer experience for their guests, from how they design their rides to how they control the mosquito population in the swampy lands of Florida. Today, we're getting to the bottom of pesky mosquito management in the parks. Listen now and learn why it's important to use metrics to make targeted, impactful decisions in your small business. Listen now and discover: Why the topic of mosquitoes is what first made us truly geek out over Disney operations The natural methods used throughout the parks to keep pestering mosquitoes away Why it's a must as a small business owner to keep track of your business data A few small ways you can begin to take a deeper look if you aren't yet tracking your metrics Why it really is better to be profitable and productive Your small business takeaways: Measure your data first, then say goodbye to things that are no longer supporting your business well Think about future problems you may experience and design your business to eliminate them Make sure you have pixels installed on your website so you can have data in the future!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we're discussing how to get your business prepared for the future by cutting expenses and planning ahead like our friends over at Disney do best. It's no secret there have been some major cut-backs to the magical experience we all know and love. Listen today to hear about all of the pretty hefty cuts that Disney has had to make due to coronavirus and how you can take these helpful cuts back to your own small business. Listen now and discover: The shocking amount Disney has saved just by cutting out daily fireworks show... and why it ended up being a major financial game changer How to determine what investments actually make sense to your business in the long run Practical ways you can take advantage of the courses and programs you're already in to help save you from spending extra $ elsewhere Tips you'll want to consider when you're thinking about making your next big financial investment Your small business takeaways: Only invest in courses that you need right now in your business, otherwise it could lead to wasted money Be sure your goals match up with the financial investments you're willing to spend your hard earned money on Remember: Sometimes saying "yes" to something potentially means saying "no" to something else

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode we're discussing ways to determine your capacity, aka how many customers you can actually support at one time. Within each Disney park, different experiences can vary with how many customers can be accommodated at once. Between the types of products and services you offer and the bandwidth on your schedule, this episode will get you thinking about just how many people you can effectively support. . Listen now and discover: How Disney organizes each ride line to make it as efficient as possible for the guests waiting in line The reason why the underground tunnels at Magic Kingdom, known as Utilidors, were created, and how they help shape the flow of traffic in the parks today Why it's important to map out the realistic number of customers you're able to serve A simple way you can keep from overbooking yourself with an easy calendar hack Your small business takeaways: It's okay to say "no" to more work to protect yourself from burning out Take a continuous improvement eye to your business to look for ways to more efficiently support your customers

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode we're discussing Disney ending the annual pass program at Disneyland and Magical Express at Disney World. Making the decision to cut a product isn't easy… and doing it in a way that doesn't anger customers is even harder. Listen now to learn a few tips and tricks for discontinuing a product or service in your business. Listen now and discover: Why we have to say goodbye to the Magical Express, and what will be replacing it in the future How COVID has continued to negatively affect Disneyland and why annual pass holders will be refunded this year Ways you can keep your customers happy even when you decide to cancel programs or services How to update your purchase terms to protect your future self should you decide to discontinue them at a certain point Your small business takeaways: Look at the data to help you make decisions on which offerings to have in your business Be honest with your customers when removing a program and give them a new path to follow Always offer what feels right for you & your business!