Pixie Dust & Profits

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.

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!

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 this package as “The Disney Bundle” in order to make it more enticing for potential customers, despite the content on these platforms not being exclusive to Disney.  Things that have changed:  The obvious first change is the price, which has increased to 7.99/month, 79.99/year, and 19.99/month for the Disney Bundle. These price increases do reflect the inflation of other streaming services, and the bundle still saves you about 32% if you were to have each subscription separately. Something else Disney+ changed is reducing the delay from getting something that was in theaters to the platform. It's now only 45 days. (Remember having to wait MONTHS for this??) Reasons for this could be because viewership at cinemas is still low due to COVID, but also Disney is benefiting from building off the hype of the theatrical release, boosting engagement and subscription rates (because you'll be locked in, not just a one-time payment for seeing a movie like at a theater).  Let's be honest, who doesn't want Disney+ in 2022? With all the MCU exclusive Disney+ shows, the lowest turnaround time from theaters to your living room (for Turning Red it was only 3 weeks!), and they even gave Jeff Goldblum a show for him to talk about…literally whatever he wants! If you're not tuning in, you're probably experiencing some definite FOMO.  Stay tuned as we cover the rest of our Summer Series and revisit some of our best episodes!

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!

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.

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.

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 has 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! 

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