Pixie Dust & Profits

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 we attempt to maximize our work time with kids at home. Disney paves the way in customer experience, but even moreso, they know how to delight kids' senses and help them stay engaged. Channel your inner "what would Walt do?", and listen now for tips for balancing your time at home with little ones. Listen now and discover: How Disney cast members are always prepared (and why they carry fun trinkets in their pockets) Our favorite interactive ride lines and how they help pass the time and keep kids (& adults!) engaged Simple ways you can maximize your work time at home with babies and kiddos around Why you should always map out your weekly plan on Sunday night to have a successful week Your small business takeaways: Why it's important to honor that you may be in survival mode and not growth mode Write down one priority each day on a sticky note- when it's completed, throw it away! Even if it's 5 minutes of work at a time, be proud of that accomplishment. Juggling work and parenting is tough work

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your digital business. In this episode, we're sitting down with our first ever guest interview (she also happens to voice our intro!) Christina Scalera is the attorney and founder of The Contract Shop®, a place to purchase contracts and legal templates and get your small business legally buttoned up. Listen now to hear about copyrights protecting your business online. Listen now and discover: How to be highly inspired without copying someone else What "park bounding" means and the rules Disney has to protect their characters (and guests!) Creative ways that small businesses describe their products online so they're not infringing on Disney copyrights The real difference between trademarks vs. copyrights How Disney is making it easier for small shops to legally use their work Your small business takeaways: Own the niche you're in and pursue inspiration rather than copying Make sure your work is legally protected online

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business online. In this episode we're discussing the latest updates on how Disney is managing COVID-19. Disney continues to deliver a magical experience, but it hasn't been an easy ride for their bottom line this year. Listen now to hear about their financial losses and how they're planning to recover as the parks continue to re-open. Listen now and discover: Why Disney's stock prices have bounced back to pre-Covid levels How the parks are committed to operating safely so they can increase capacity (and revenue generation) The reason why airtight boundaries actually give your customers a better experience Interesting ways Disney is communicating their guest expectations and rules Your small business takeaways: Don't wait for a big issue to arise to have strong systems in place Reinforce your messaging often Under promise and over deliver!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business online. In this episode we're discussing how empowered team members can help your business soar to new heights. Disney's Cast Members are celebrated by fans around the globefor their ability to create magical guest experiences… because they are trusted and empowered to do so. Listen today to learn from why letting your team take ownership over their roles can lead to a better customer experience and also make them more dedicated team members. Listen now and discover: How Disney empowers their Cast Members to make a guests experience even more magical Some of the magical moments we've been blessed to have with Cast Members Why it's important to let your team members make mistakes and how it can make them even more committed to your brand Simple ways you can implement trust to your team members in your business today Your small business takeaways: Trust your team members and believe in their expertise Have clear boundaries so your team is not left confused Let go of the small things you can't control

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're answering listener questions from small business owners and digital entrepreneurs. We'll dive into questions like ways to gain exposure for your business, how to manage a waitlist as a booked-up service provider, and if Black Friday is the right time to launch that brand-new business. Listen now to hear our advice for entrepreneurs like you! Listen now and discover: Kim of Brand Kits, on ways to gain exposure for your business that don't break the bank. Amanda of Amanda Warfield, on how to manage a waitlist of potential customers who want to work with you. Angela, on whether or not Black Friday is the right time to launch a brand new business. Your small business takeaways: Stay connected to customers (and potential customers) so that you stay top of mind. Consider your audience when putting a new sale or promotion out there.

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're taking questions from small business owners and answering them in this 2-part Q&A. We will be diving into questions like how to know when a project is truly finished, ways to pivot your business to make more revenue (especially during a pandemic), and why small business finances are so important. Join us as we answer these questions in today's episode! Listen now and discover: Misty of The Maker's Resource Shop, on how to know when you're done with a project Bethany of Grey Loft Studio, on how to take your in-person photography business online Eva of The Funderista, around financing and fundraising for business owners Your small business takeaways: Budget, budget, budget! There is always someone out there who will want what you have to offer

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're discussing how to capture your customers online, by using tips from Disney's career page. As a small business owner, it's our job to connect with a variety of different customers. Using inspiration that we find around us, even from a career page, can help us capture the interest of potential customers. Listen now and discover: Why browsing Disney job openings will make you excited...no matter what type of business you have The 3 things you need to talk about when trying to convert a potential customer online How to give even the simplest page a quick makeover, and why it will matter to your customer Your small business takeaways: Think about your different customers' when writing description pages on your website Don't be afraid to show your fun personality!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're discussing the recent Walt Disney Co. layoffs due to COVID-19, and how sometimes there are parts of being a business owner that aren't easy or fun.. The Parks and Resorts division of Disney has been the hardest hit by the pandemic, and over 28,000 jobs are being eliminated as Disneyland continues to be closed and Disney World has reduced capacity. Listen now to hear our tips for how to best hire and let go of contractors or employees as an entrepreneur. Listen now and discover: How Walt Disney World is taking precautions for COVID so they can operate safely, and why Disneyland's continued closure has led to lay offs, even in Florida Why you should never rush into a new hire and how to determine if they'll be a good fit for your business Ways to support your new hire to ensure a successful first few weeks How to evaluate when it's time to let-go of an employee Why it's important to part ways on good terms Your small business takeaways: Understand that some days, you're going to have to do things you don't want to do or don't enjoy—it's part of being a business owner Take your time when considering adding a new team member Always end work relationships on a positive note, you never know when you'll work with them again

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're talking about what happens when things go wrong in your business, and why it's important to keep your customers happy. Even Disney, the billion dollar corporation, can have hiccups in customer experience, but that doesn't mean they abandon even their most loyal fans. Listen now to hear why you should follow their lead and continuously improve the processes to delight your customers. Listen now and discover: The times our Disney experiences felt not-so-magical and how they were resolved How to captivate and nurture your audience so they feel appreciated and continue supporting your business The value difference between customer retention and customer acquisition Why you should be spending ⅔ of your time caring for your current customers and how it will impact your growth What you can learn from business owners who have a loyal audience Your small business takeaways: Focus on your business model and notice where you spend your time and efforts Love your new audience as well as your current customers Small issues will always happen...improve and move on!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're discussing how to immerse your customers in a great experience when engaging with your business. From scents and sounds, to personalization and gifts, Disney gives us some of the very best customer experiences to 'wow' our senses. Listen now to hear how you can create a 360° experience that will enchant your customers. Listen now and discover: -The creative tools Disney uses to make you feel like you're in a different world -Why creating an immersive experience for your customers really matters -Simple ways to engage in interactions that will leave a lasting impression on your customers Your small business takeaways: -Step back and look at all of the ways you interact with your customers, audience and team members. -Create one new way to engage with your customers to show them they're important to you.

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're discussing our first experiences with Disney and how the magic kept us coming back. Disney spends a hefty budget on marketing to their customers, but it pays off...big time. Listen to this episode to hear some practical ways you can delight your own customers! Listen now and discover: The stories behind our Disney World obsessions and why our family vacations feel so magical Ways to hook your customer to keep them returning for more How Disney keeps their customers coming back and the surprise and delight techniques you can use in your own business The difference between a once-in-a-lifetime customer and a customer-for-life Why the goal really isn't to make a zillion dollars from your customers Your small business takeaways: Treat your customers well and they will keep coming back Choose surprise and delight elements that make sense to your business and brand Learn from your favorite companies on the ways they create a great experience for their customers Consider the bigger, longer-term picture and not just the immediate sale in front of you

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode we're discussing how to be 'uniquely you' in your business without always trying to replicate what's right in front of you. The creation of Shanghai Disneyland proves this model, as the park is filled with the magic of Disney, yet immersed in the Chinese culture. Listen now to hear how you can be uniquely you in your own small business! Listen now and discover: How Disney learned from their mistakes building Disneyland Paris and approached creating a new park in Shanghai with more collaboration and intention 3 ways Shanghai Disneyland incorporates Chinese culture into the park experience Tips for using the tools around you and customizing them for your own business and success metrics How we incorporate this concept into the Profitable & Productive Party where we help small business owners create their own unique path Your small business takeaways: Question everything you're taking in to see how it will impact your customer Learn the difference between replicating someone else's approach in your business because it "makes sense" vs. "it's easy" Embrace that step-by-step programs probably won't benefit your business if you follow them to a T Trust your own uniqueness and always apply it to your business: the world wants to hear your voice!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we're discussing Disney's public-facing strategies for re-opening during the pandemic. As they adapt and try to balance profits with safety, Disney continues to keep customers and Cast Members at the forefront of their minds. Listen now for strategies that you can apply to your small business too! Listen now and discover: How Disney is navigating re-opening during coronavirus The three key things that have changed at the Disney parks and the precautions they're putting in place to protect guests and employees Potential concerns going through customers' minds about the safety of themselves and their families How Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE is considering the needs of our customers and ways we are pivoting for everyone's safety The importance of transparency and honesty in your messaging to ensure your customer's expectations Your small business takeaways: Lean on your contract or terms and conditions to see what it allows you to do while adjustments are being made in your industry Think about your customer's perspective - what would you feel satisfied with, and consider how you can use that as a guide while implementing necessary changes You can't make everyone happy, all you can do is be fair and offer your best

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we're discussing the importance of experience for your customers with your business. Thinking about customer experience, touch points (both physical AND digital), and personalizing every point on the path to sale will help you create repeat and loyal customers. We give a great Disney example with the newest ride attraction, "Rise of the Resistance" - be warned, spoilers ahead (but you can skip ahead to avoid them!) Listen now and discover: The importance of immersion in your brand and products, using Disney's newest attraction "Rise of the Resistance" as an example (beware, there are spoilers!!!) - fast forward to the 9 minute and 13 second mark to miss them Ways to surprise and delight your customers, and how to pivot from an in person event to an online event An alternative software for community building for a course that isn't a Facebook group Why it's important to think about touch points you can have beyond an online platform with your attendees, customers, and audience How touch points can be both digital and physical, and the importance of them Why sharing behind the scenes or production photos is important in developing repeat customers Your small business takeaways: If you're moving your event online, think about how you can still make tangible moments for your customers that feel intimate and personalized Take the extra step to have extra communication with your customers, such as sharing photos of the product, or DM updates on Instagram Don't underestimate the power of sharing the behind the scenes aspects of your business, even if you're a service based business

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we're exploring strategies Disney uses to entice their customers to buy more. Upselling is a powerful strategy for your small business too, whether you are a service- or product- based business. Listen now and discover: Different promotional strategies Disney uses to entice upsells and cross sells How customer mentality and spending habits influence Disney's offers and options for each type of customer Why some customers opt for pre-paid packages, such as Disney's dining option, and why others choose to save money by opting out of these options The importance of testing your upsells for planning purposes Your small business takeaways: A variety of ways you can encourage more sales, whether you're a product- or service-based business owner How a customer journey map can help you decide what to sell, when, and to whom Create a variety of similar products at various price points to encourage your customer to buy more to reach a promotion or free shipping Why you should plot how to cross sell to your customers based on where they are and what they need

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we're exploring how you can meet your customer's objections and differentiate your product. Remember the importance of being true to your brand — if you are consistent, strong, and different from everyone else in your industry, your followers will remain loyal to your individualistic qualities and love knowing exactly what they can expect to receive as a customer. Listen now and discover: Disney's timeshare program and how it's unlike any other Why the Disney Vacation Club is so appealing to purchasers who would otherwise write off a timeshare investment How turning your customer's hesitations and objections into the key defining features of your program can pay off in big ways Why the lifetime value of the customer can be worth an initial big discount Insight into DVC's preparation and approach to a sales conversation with a potential new customer The importance of strategizing before you sign a contract — make sure you're getting the best fit for you and educate yourself beforehand Why it's important to see what your competition is doing content wise, and make sure to do it with your own spin, brand, and story (it's ok to amplify YOU) Your small business takeaways: Customers or clients will enjoy a contract that works with them and their needs, especially if it's a long term contract like a timeshare. Be sure to offer flexible options within certain large and long-term contracts... your customer will appreciate the benefit of that value even more Protect yourself as a business owner when utilizing long term contracts by creating rules to protect the value of the asset you are offering Think about the objections people have to your industry and how you can flip it on its head to make your product different and stand out

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we are sharing how Disney handled hard business moments in the past, and some of our own personal strategies for managing adjusting to our new life under stay at home orders. Life is very different for everyone right now - but there was a time before this, and there will be a time after this. We hope this little history lesson about Disney and our own strategies for pivoting in life and business will give you a glimmer of hope and bring a smile to your face. Listen now and discover: A little about the history of Disney going through hard events Tips and strategies to help you find focus again in your business How Disney navigated low park attendance and lower box office revenue around 2004 The CEO journey and transition from Michael Eisner to Bob Iger Our advice on defining a new normal that is still profitable for your business The difference between cash value and liquidity How Disney is handling their cash flow during the covid-19 pandemic How we are balancing and adjusting to quarantine life and making work, life, and being a mom and wife work for us The importance of having a support system Your small business takeaways: Extend grace to yourself and your team - we are all dealing with huge adjustments to life and business Implementing structure (hear us out!) can help keep you, your family, and your business sane If you're not a scheduler or find structure hard to implement, try thinking about your day in buckets - plan by the major tasks you want to accomplish each day (even if it's just cleaning the house!) Revisit your goals - they may have to be adjusted, but think about just one thing you can still do to move that goal forward

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we are giving real life examples of how Disney is pivoting their business in a strategic, and compassionate, way to ensure cast member and customer loyalty. We are also discussing how Disney continues to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, from their open-ended announcement that they'd remain closed "until further notice" to their on-going charitable support despite a significant loss of revenue. "I just thought of one thing that's permanent. Love." - Olaf, Frozen II Listen now and discover: What actions Disney is taking to pivot their business and how you can consider them for your own business Disney's projected re-open date, and the complications that may arise due to the airlines not recovering by then The amount of money Disney is loosing per day based off their 2019 financial report Disney's planned short term loses for 2020 as they launched Disney+ in order to make long term gains, and how covid19 is affecting those strategic plans Disney park's and cruise's projected losses The steps Disney is taking to take care of their team members and community, and the number of people employed in just the Orlando area impacted by the park's closure The financial sacrifices the people in charge of Disney are making in order to support their entire team Options to change how you are doing your payment plans for clients and customers Ways Disney is donating their now unused resources, such as food, to ensure the safety of people everywhere Your small business takeaways: Remember, we are in this together and we will see the other side Think about your team first if your own business has to make financial adjustments - do it with as much compassion and integrity as you can Meeting in the middle on contracts and pay isn't ideal, but the best thing we can do is agree to support each other through this pandemic in any way we can Strategies for how to push back contacts or projects if necessary for your business Ways to adjust your in person events, and deliver more than you originally planned, to maintain customer and brand loyalty Being flexible in the short term and working with your customers now will have lasting impacts on your business in the long term

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we're sharing strategies and ways to pivot your small business during these unprecedented times. Join us for tips, tricks, and creative ideas that we are implementing daily in our and our clients' businesses. Remember, we are in this together and supporting each other is how we will get through this! Listen now and discover: How Disney has responded to this worldwide pandemic The impact Covid-19 is having on Disney movie releases and the creation of movies The effects of the majority of the resorts also being shut down The business decisions we personally have had to face for the safety of ourselves and family Six things you can think about in your business while everything is rapidly changing Look at your email and paid advertising campaigns and decide if they need to be revised How to adjust your messaging and content to speak to your audience's current pain points Creative ways to support your favorite small businesses while maintaining mandatory social distancing Your small business takeaways: The importance of multiple revenue streams (Disney+ and product licensing is now a significant source of Disney's revenue!) Make sure to check in with your team and understand that there are a lot of adjustments Have grace with yourself, your team, and strategies you can use Adjust your expectations of your audience and sales - seasonal trends have basically been disbanded Check on your contract's terms and conditions and start creating contingency plans

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. In this episode, we're exploring how Disney makes waiting in line for a ride part of the overall experience to build excitement and engagement. Listen now to learn how you can build a 'waiting room' experience into your business and how having a contingency plan can reduce your risks when launching new projects. Listen now and discover: Our favorite examples of how Disney manages to make waiting an enjoyable experience for their guests The importance of building 'holding rooms' into your business processes The ways Disney has taught its customers to wait while also building excitement for the ride The importance of teasing out a product and ways you can keep potential customers engaged until their release or launch Why you still have to nurture the audience you've captured until they decide to purchase Why educating your audience and potential buyers is important - your warm leads are one of your best assets! How you can build some margin into your contingency plan without it being noticeable, especially if you are working with a larger team Your small business takeaways: Simple ways you can build in time for you to pivot quickly in case a launch doesn't go as planned Why contingency planning is something you should ALWAYS build into your project plans Remember to stay in touch with your clients leading up to an event or one on one time, especially if it's not happening immediately Think about the ways you can makes aspects of your business feel exclusive, fun, and accessible while future clients are waiting to work with you or purchase a product from you Remember, you can always not utilize your contingency plans and release products or services early!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. This week, we're talking about how Disney fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Inside, you'll find examples of how Disney pushes the envelope in big and small ways, how big risks sometimes don't pay off, and ways you can think about innovating in your own business. Listen now and discover: How Disney implements both small-scale and large-scale innovations to keep their guests coming back for more A few ways Disney balances the traditional, iconic Disney experience with modern culture and technology Why a workplace culture that encourages creativity and experimentation without fear of failure is key to staying ahead of trends Some of the new experiences that have popped up at Walt Disney World in the past year How the relatively new EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is simply a variant of other festivals that already existed in the park A look into the Disney Park expansions into China, Tokyo, and Paris… and the different success levels of each Your small business takeaways: How you don't need to reinvent the wheel to create something new in your business The importance of knowing your audience when making investments or reinventing your products Easy ways you can survey your audience or get a customer pulse on a new project Examples of disruptive innovation (the new iPhone) and incremental innovation (new iPhone models) Encouragement to not be afraid to adjust and experiment with your signature products How to plan for innovation in your business and how to know when it's the right time to invest in change Links: The Imagineering Story 3D Chalk Artist, Nate Baranowski Cinderella Castle Makeover Follow us on Instagram @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. This week, we're recapping and analyzing the Walt Disney Company's Q1 FY20 Earnings Call. Inside, you'll find discussion on Disney's recent successes, their unplanned setbacks, and insights on how they capitalized on collaborations and partnerships to hit their goals. Listen now and discover: What was discussed and revealed in Disney's Q1 FY20 Earnings Webcast Why a quarterly review process is important and how you can implement one in your own small business How Disney+ exceeded analysts' expectations and the marketing mix they used to gain 26.5 million subscribers The major ways Disney+ stacks up against Netflix, and how it leveraged good content to get where it is today The opportunities that can arise when you commit to doing things in a new or different way What a churn rate it is and how bundling can help keep your subscriber base high The importance of having a back-up plan for when things don't go as planned, such as the decision to shut down Shanghai Disney due to the Coronavirus (or when your first baby comes earlier than expected) Your small business takeaways: Even if you're a 'late-comer' to a marketplace, you can build on current industry knowledge and consumer habits to make your own platform or product even better Don't compare your start to someone else's finish Service providers can leverage a variety of distribution platforms (like virtual summits, etc) to increase their reach, visibility, and audience Product-based small business owners can leverage different sales platforms (such as Etsy, Amazon, your website, etc.) to increase their discoverability Know what metrics you want to track in advance and have the systems in place to measure them before you launch your product When you should realize your revenue Links: Our email subscribers get an extra sprinkle of pixie dust in their weekly emails—head to magic.pixiedustandprofits.com to join the list now! Follow us on Instagram @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your small business. This week we're taking a look at how you can leverage strategic collaborations to grow your business faster and reach new audiences. The inspiration behind this episode is Disney's recent partnership with Lyft and their upcoming joint venture with Target. Join us as we walk you through ways to better collaborate in your small business. Listen now and discover: How excited we are for Season 2 and our thoughts on making it even more magical What it means to embrace a collaboration mindset (over a competition one) How Disney sought to create their own ride sharing network, Minnie Vans, and leveraged Lyft's expertise to make it happen while still providing a true Disney experience Disney's upcoming joint venture with Target and what it means for both businesses The importance of choosing joint ventures that are aligned with your business goals, mission, and values How to best utilize joint ventures and tips on how to collaborate with another business or brand successfully Your small business takeaways: Brainstorm a few complementary businesses, industries, and brands that you would love to work with Leverage your relationships to create a joint venture experience. These types of events can increase your conversion rate, shorten your conversions window, and helps get you in front of a really targeted audience. Don't be afraid to leverage other networks and platforms, such as Etsy and shoppable Instagram. They have much bigger audiences and can help lead your target audience back to your website. Links: Our email subscribers get an extra sprinkle of pixie dust in their weekly emails—if you want to get your hands on the free Bonus Pitch Email Template, head to magic.pixiedustandprofits.com to join the list now!

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're breaking down how Disney mitigates traditional slow seasons with offers, new events and more. Tune in to hear practical business lessons that you can apply to your own quiet periods in your business to reduce the impact of the feast and famine cycle. We cover how and when to offer discounts, addressing customer pain points and creating new offers. Listen now and discover: How Disney ensures they never really have a "slow" season Why even hurricanes are no match for Disney's marketing prowess Why addressing your customer's pain points can help overcome their financial pain points That discounts aren't the only way that Disney drums up revenue during quieter periods Your small business takeaways: Knowing when the slow periods are in your business is the first step Carefully timing your offers in advance of slow periods can encourage your audience to purchase because they're still paying attention Sometimes a new offer can be a great revenue generator if it adds value or solves an important pain point Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/13 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're analyzing the successes and hiccups of the Disney+ launch. Tune in to hear practical business lessons that you can apply to your small business launches. We cover pricing and bundling your offers, why you need to have flexibility during a launch, and more in this episode! Listen now and discover: Business lessons learned from the Disney+ launch and how they apply to your small business Why a variety of bundling options are important for making the sale Why a plan during a launch should be treated like a guide instead of a finalized execution Why being able to deal with tech issues in a smooth, calm, and quick way will keep your customers happy How conversations about a product launch on social media can create FOMO (fear of missing out) for some customers and increase your sales The psychology behind being part of a bigger collective of people and why it's important Why sometimes you have to go through a launch in order to have revelations and new insightsBusiness lessons learned from the Disney+ launch and how they apply to your small business Why a variety of bundling options are important for making the sale Why a plan during a launch should be treated like a guide instead of a finalized execution Your small business takeaways: Whether you're launching for the first time or re-launching a beloved product, remember that your launch plan should be fluid and flexible so you can roll with the curveballs that come your way. Learn from hiccups and mistakes so next time you can optimize and focus on continuous improvement in your small business Implement a post-mortem after a launch - review the successes, the challenges, and areas that can be improved upon so the next launch runs more smoothly Make celebration part of the launch process! Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/12 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're exploring the variety of ways Disney provides fun and entertainment for all ages beyond just the rides. Listen and learn strategies for how you can replicate these Disney experiences for your current and future clients/customers. There are numerous ways to keep them engaged with your small business before and after working together! Listen now and discover: The multiples ways Disney keeps its guests entertained and actively engaged in the park outside of the rides How the Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom card game keeps various age groups entertained and involved with all areas of the park Info about the pin trading experience at Disney, the interactions it creates between cast members and customers, and the revenue it generates The excitement and exclusivity that is created around the pin trading phenomenon What 'Hidden Mickey' is and its importance - especially if you are waiting for someone to finish a ride you can't go on The experience the Play Disney Parks app creates for customers waiting in line Your small business takeaways: How you can replicate experiences outside of your small business to keep your audience engaged Showing your customers the behind the scenes work enhances the connection and anticipation of a product release What can you give to your upcoming clients/customers to give them an experience leading up to the work you will do together? (Things like intake surveys, etc) Bridge the gap between purchase and receipt of product Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/11 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're exploring how Disney's commitment to customer service ties into their payroll strategy for its 75,000 cast members. Listen and learn strategies for how you can successfully find quality contractors for your team, the pros and cons of hiring at various price points, and how you can have employees that are just as devoted and happy as those working in the Magical Kingdom. Listen now and discover: How many cast members Disney World employs and just how big an expense their payroll is (it's hard to believe!) One key driving factor behind the wages Disney sets for its cast members How hiring for your small business is done best with a purpose and a plan Strategies for setting yourself up to successfully hire quality contractors Why reaching out to your community and network for referrals are a great way to find quality team members How hiring from within your community can make the onboarding process easier, faster, and less costly The importance of setting daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly expectations for your new hire, and you Your small business takeaways: When you're ready to scale up and hire a contractor you need to have a purpose, plan, and budget to hire a quality team member There are roles you can outsource cheaply in your business, but there are others, such as customer support, that will be worth the extra money for the better overall customer experience Before hiring a new team member and delegating tasks, record yourself doing those same tasks so it will be quicker to train your new contractor Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/10 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're exploring Disney's variable ticket pricing strategy and how it enables them to better forecast revenue and plan resources. With revenue and crowd forecasting, Disney is better equipped to resource plan, which helps them maintain their excellent customer experience throughout the parks and hotels. Listen and learn how you can replicate these pricing strategies in your own small business. Listen now and discover: How Disney deals with demand by increasing or decreasing their ticket prices throughout the year How you can implement similar pricing strategies and techniques in your business Why planning for max capacity gives you more flexibility when it comes to promotions for your customers Other ways Disney incentivizes their customers to come during less popular times What resource planning and pre-forecasting are and how to utilize them to keep the customer experience as enjoyable as possible Fun tip: How to hack your Disney Snack Credits Your small business takeaways: Raise your prices in your business as you grow and gain more experience and expertise Supply and demand still applies as a service provider Planning revenue is about so much more than the $$$ signs… it helps your business forecast how many sub-contractors or employees your business will need. Know what your values are in your business so you feel aligned with your customers and yourself Explore the different pricing strategies mentioned in the episode, from the agency model to running and pricing a course or program Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/9 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're exploring ways to think sustainably about your business resources and how you can more efficiently use your time and money to create a bigger impact. Listen now and discover: Why Disney switched their iconic plastic Mickey Mouse shaped straw in favor of a more eco-friendly option How Disney plans to cut green-house gas emissions in half by 2020 The ways Disney is eliminating as much single-use plastic as possible throughout the parks and hotels How even your service or product-based small business can think sustainably How one piece of content or one product can be repurposed or shared to create more value for you clients and customers Your small business takeaways: Think about the content or products you're creating and how you can reuse them in order to reduce time creating new content or products in your business One piece of content can be repurposed and tailored to a variety of mediums, such as social media, newsletters, etc Reusing a piece of content can help you be seen as a thought leader in your industry because you are an expert in a specific area Leverage the bigger, more expensive content or products you have as stand alone products which makes the barrier of entry lower and more accessible Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/8 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're exploring the various tiers of hotel experiences Disney offers — whether you're on a budget or ready to spend those dollar bills there is an option for everyone. Disney has strategically created different hotel options and experiences based on a variety of customer's wants, needs, and loyalty. Listen to learn how you can replicate this model in your business. Listen now and discover: Our favorite Disney hotels and why there are so many of them The three main tiers the Disney hotels fall under How these hotel tiers relate and translate to your business How you can create a valuable experience for your potential customers that keeps them to the end of your ascension model How Disney and you can reward loyalty among your customers Our favorite hotels and the ones we can't wait to stay in Your small business takeaways: Disney is meeting every customer where they are at financially. Think of your potential customers and create a ladder of different value offerings that can grow with your client Everyone thinks you go to Disney for the parks, but there are so many more experiences you can enjoy (like the themed hotels). How can you incorporate this strategy into your own business? Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/7 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're diving into the world Disney has created for its guests—the strategic behind the scenes magic that makes the real magic happen in the park. Disney has analyzed every aspect of the park in order to create a completely polished experience for their guests. Learn how you too can create your own world and bring customers in. Listen now and discover: How creating your own world is beneficial for your business Why the Disney employees are called 'cast members' and the importance of the specific terminology Disney uses for every aspect of the park The culture and language that Disney has developed internally and its adoption by fans Examples of entrepreneurs who have successfully created their own world The importance of optimizing and improving your customer experience Your small business takeaways: You need to use your ideal customer's words to get them in, but once you have them in you can use your own language. Think about the show you are putting on for your customers in your own business. Always ask yourself what areas of your business need a little polish to enhance the customer experience. Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/6 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're diving into Disney's exclusive offers—the big ways they enhance your experience for a small additional fee. Disney is a master at funnels, order bumps, and special offers in ways that you may never even notice. Learn how the company creates enhanced customer experiences through exclusive offers and private access to the park after hours. Listen now and discover: What our great big Disney adventure is The two Florida business trips that inspired our upcoming Diz & Biz Retreat What we did together in Disney and think you would enjoy doing too Why it's worth the extra expense to attend a Disney After Hours Event Details about our financial report on the Peoplemover Your small business takeaways: Order bumps and one time offers can encourage customers who already pay for access to a product to invest more in an exclusive aspect of your business You can maximize your customer experience by offering an enhanced product or exclusive access to you Take your existing offers and add a higher touch point that your customers want to pay for (especially with a group program) Take your current, individual offers and bundle them together as an additional product for your customers in an intentional way Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/5 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're diving into the Disney Transportation Network—the system that supports their profit generating activities. The Disney transportation network is designed to improve the customer experience, enhance the happiness of customers, and tactfully keep all revenue within Disney World. Learn how their transportation systems and operations can be applied to your own small business and profit potential! Listen now and discover: Why the transportation system at Disney inspired us to start this podcast The importance of Disney's numerous transportation options and the newest addition to the Disney Parks transportation system Why Disney invested millions of dollars in the infrastructure of the parks and how it brings in more revenue What the "Disney Bubble" is The importance of the bus countdowns update on the My Disney Experience App Why Disney recognizes the importance of the Disney bus drivers and compensates them generously Info about the new Sensation Six buses and how they will elevate the customer experience Your small business takeaways: When you create an ecosystem that you can contain your customers within, you discourage them from heading to the competition because everything they need comes from you. A post consumption process (i.e., bonuses after an initial purchase that continue to elevate the customer experience) sets your customer up for success, but also re-engages them with your brand and products Consistently engaging with your audience/customer and giving them a wonderful experience build trust Offer tools and resources that compliment your core offering to keep your customers in your ecosystem longer (aka one stop shop) Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/4 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can grow your business. This week, we're diving into Disney Small Shops—the entrepreneurial industry created by pixie dust fans around the world. These shops sell Disney-inspired gear and accessories to gift to your favorite mouse-lover, to decorate your home, o r to wear in the Parks. In some cases, these innovative goods are meant to enhance your overall Disney experience! Listen now and discover: The entrepreneurial world Disney has inspired, and how Instagram and Etsy have been huge players in supporting this industry Examples of products you can find in Disney Small Shops The surprising and amazing world of Disney niches and industries created by fans The breadth of Disney products individuals and families are buying prior to vacationing in Orlando The differences in price, selection, and creativity of products produced by independent sellers compared to official Disney gear The innovative products independent sellers are offering to protect and display your Mouse Ears and runDisney medals The high-end apparel and accessories available for children and adults Your small business takeaways: Competition doesn't need to be scary—in fact, it can even spur your imagination and innovation Collaboration between independent and large companies can have a plethora of benefits for both businesses and their consumers Think about the things you've created for yourself and how you can market that to your potential customers Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/3 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Learn how Disney listened to (and watched!) how Disney fans engaged in the parks on Social Media, and used that information to cater to them to provide a more magical experience. Listen now and discover: How one Instagrammer turned the Purple Wall into a phenomenon and how Disney created an entire product line around it Disney's struggle to remain relevant with millenials and how they changed their marketing for a tech-oriented generation How Disney capitalized and monetized the Purple Wall phenomenon The ways Disney made the entire park experience entirely Instagrammable and social currency for their peers The way Disney makes the entire experience immersible (like with the Play Disney Parks App) Your small business takeaways: How you can capitalize on what your customers are asking for Look at the micro-trends and habits of your audience - how are they consuming content and tailor your content to that Strategies to get better understand your audience, their interests, and how to connect with them Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/2 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

In 2011, Tom Staggs, chairman of Disney's Parks and Resorts division, stood in front of his Board of Directors with a $1 billion pitch—the MagicBand system. Today, we're talking all about the MagicBand system at Walt Disney World and how revolutionary it is from a business perspective. Listen now and discover: The story behind and creation of the MagicBand system and the $1 billion pitch The major problem the MagicBand system solved for guests at Walt Disney World so no magical moments are missed How massive the scale of this project truly was for Imagineers—it needed to connect thousands of hotel rooms, point of sale systems, front desks, ticket systems, and more, to a single wristband The ingenious product design behind the 'one size fits all' design and optional customization of the MagicBand The sheer amount of data Disney is able to evaluate from the MagicBand system—primarily, the path to purchase where they can evaluate trends and patterns guests take before they make a purchase Why paying attention to customer experience and using every opportunity to surprise and delight your audience is worthwhile How creating a holistic system can reduce your customers' reliance on your support staff How all this relates to your own systems and processes so your business can be more profitable Your small business takeaways: Ask yourself, "What do I want to know about my customers?" Create ways to gather the data to answer your question—for example, add a field to your contact form, "How did you hear about me?" It's not enough to ask the question, you also need to measure it. Keep track of it somewhere and come back to it in a few weeks to see the results. Use these results to influence your business decisions! If every contact form response was "Instagram", you'd probably want to invest more time in your Instagram game, right? Resources Mentioned: Pixie Dust & Profits LIVE - Meet us in Orlando in August! If you're ready to get your ideas out of your head and into solid, scalable action plans... join us for our first official Pixie Dust and Profits LIVE business intensive! Get the details and register now. Show notes - pixiedustandprofits.com/1 Pixie Dust & Profits on Instagram - @pixiedustandprofits

Once upon a time, two princesses met in a beautiful castle. They stayed up all night talking about their dreams for the future… and now they're making them come true! On our first episode ever, we're sharing the story behind Pixie Dust & Profits and how you can get the most of future episodes. Listen now and discover: What Pixie Dust & Profits is all about and how it came to be Just who Nicole & Yasmine are… and why Disney holds a special place in their hearts What to expect from future episodes of the podcast