Pixie Dust & Profits: Recent Episodes
Nicole Boucher & Yasmine Kashefi Spencer | Business Strategists
Pixie Dust and Profits is a podcast for small business owners who LOVE DISNEY and want to SPRINKLE SOME OF THAT MAGIC onto their own businesses.
Join us as we explore the mouse's $69.5 BILLION-DOLLAR operation and break down exactly how you can apply these concepts to your 4-5-6+ FIGURE BUSINESS.
Join us as we unveil the magic of internal promotion – not in ranks, but in marketing! And we’re not just talking about content repurposing. We’re diving into the rabbit hole to find how strategic promotion can help you sell your products from within your existing offerings. Drawing inspiration from how Disney cleverly markets new attractions within their parks, this episode is all about leveraging what you already have to enchant and engage your customers further.
Listen now and discover: * How Disney uses The Haunted Mansion rides to promote its movies * Strategies for seamlessly guiding customers from one product to the next * The importance of creating a "rabbit hole" of related content to keep customers engaged * And so much more!
Your small business takeaways: Just like Disney creates a sense of anticipation and connection between rides and movies, small businesses can create seamless pathways for customers to discover more products. By integrating mentions and promotions of other offerings within each product or service experience, you not only increase the customer's awareness of your range but also build a sense of a cohesive, interlinked brand universe. Remember, every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to subtly guide them to the next magical experience with your brand.
As we gear up for our next Pixie Dust LIVE event, we reflect on how Disney theme parks consistently surprise and delight their regular visitors. From limited-time treats at the parks to the clever marketing strategies Disney employs, we discuss how small businesses can take a page out of Disney's playbook and share some advice on how businesses can create their own “limited-time offers" to entice and retain customers. Plus, get ready for a bit of an unexpected debate about Disney merchandise.
Listen now and discover: * The brilliance behind Disney's limited-time merch and its ability to create a buzz. * Disney's adaptable strategies, from exclusive credit card designs to novel ice creams. * The business side of limited-time offers and how businesses can incorporate "drops" to attract and retain customers. * And so much more!
Your small business takeaways: Much like Disney continuously innovates to keep its recurring visitors engaged, businesses too can craft limited-time offers, seasonal products, or exclusive experiences to keep their customers intrigued and coming back for more. This strategy not only creates anticipation but also adds value by making customers feel special and catered to. Whether it's through exclusive product drops or limited-time educational content, there's always an opportunity to delight and surprise your customers.
In this episode, we discuss the changes to the Genie+ system at Disney, sharing our experiences – both successful ones and not-so-successful ones. Though the fluctuating prices of Genie+ can be frustrating, a dash of strategy here and a sprinkle of Pixie Dust there, and you'll conquer these parks without breaking the Genie+ bank to make the most of your next Disney visit.
Listen now and discover: * How Genie+ replaced Fast Pass at Disney parks, offering Lightning Lane passes for popular rides either through individual purchases or with Genie+, allowing one ride reservation at a time. * Why some parks like Animal Kingdom and Epcot may not require Genie+ due to shorter wait times or individual Lightning Lane passes for specific rides. * Nicole and Yasmine’s personal experiences, including times when the value didn’t meet their expectations * And so much more!
Your small business takeaway: By understanding and adapting to customer needs and preferences, like Disney, you’re able to recognize the complexity and customer feedback to changes in systems and respond in ways that enhance the customer experience. Everything from listens acknowledging customers' needs, adapting offerings accordingly, and continuously seeking ways to improve and simplify the customer experience are best practices of good business.
In this episode, we discuss a seemingly peculiar design choice of Disney Parks: the bathroom mirrors. More specifically, how they’re intentionally placed away from the hand-washing stations for a very conscious reason—and it’ll make so much sense once you hear it! (No one preens like Gaston, after all.)
Listen now and discover: * How intentional design can help run your business more smoothly and prevent bottlenecks * The importance of identifying and addressing these obstacles to enhance efficiency and productivity * Why effective communication and delegation within teams is imperative for autonomous decision-making and empowering team members to contribute and take action * And so much more!
Your small business takeaway: By focusing on identifying and addressing bottlenecks in business processes, you’ll be able to streamline tasks, delegate responsibilities, improve communication within a team, and easily be able to identify and move past obstacles that hinder productivity and flow. And by understanding the intentional design behind the absence of mirrors in Disney bathrooms, you can examine your own businesses and implement changes that promote efficiency and keep things moving smoothly.
In this episode, we discuss the concept of content multiplication using Disney's "One Day at Disney" as an example. We can’t get enough of how Disney strategically planned and executed multiple forms of content from a single project, including a coffee table book, a documentary, and short episodes.
Listen now and discover: * The importance of intentional content planning and structuring to maximize output across different platforms * The difference between content multiplication and repurposing * Why pre-planning and considering the unique requirements of each platform * And so much more!
Your small business takeaway: By thinking ahead and structuring your content to be easily segmented, any small business can maximize the value and reach of its content across various platforms. This involves considering the specific format and requirements of each platform, such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc., and tailoring the content accordingly.
In this episode, we discuss the concept of the lifetime value of a customer. Case in point: Disney and Universal. Both are theme parks that illustrate different pricing models. Disney focuses on encouraging longer stays and offers discounts for multi-day tickets, while Universal caters to shorter visits and prices accordingly. Tune in to discover how these insights into different pricing strategies can be applied to pricing services in the business world.
Listen now and discover: * How Disney’s “loyalty” creates an ecosystem that speaks to their specific target market * How Universal’s employs an opposite strategy that works great for them * What the lifetime value of a customer is and how to tailor pricing strategies accordingly * And so much more!
Your small business takeaways: Your goal when it comes to pricing is to align yourself with the lifetime value of your customers. Understand their behavior, tailor pricing to customer engagement, focus on long-term relationships, create a value ecosystem, and continuously evaluate and adjust. Balancing short-term revenue with long-term customer retention is crucial for small business success.
In this episode, we’re discussing the ongoing battle between Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, and Disney. It all started when Disney spoke out against a bill in Florida that restricts school children from talking about the “don’t say gay” bill. Disney has been striving to be more inclusive and representative in their content and employment practices. In alleged retaliation, Governor DeSantis threatened to remove Disney's special district status, which would shift the cost of managing Disney's infrastructure onto taxpayers. Tune in to discover how Disney is mitigating this and what you can learn from this in your own small business.
Listen now and discover: * How crucial it is for business owners to feel empowered to express their opinions without facing retaliation from the government * Where consumer rights stand when it comes to supporting brands that align with their values * The need for businesses to consider the ethical implications of their actions and decisions, beyond just providing products or services * And so much more!
Your small business takeaway: Every small business has the right to exercise free speech and express their values – even if it means taking a stance on social issues – however, they should be prepared with a responsible plan for any fallout that might come with it.
We’re kicking off summer with a brand-new series! Join us as we discuss the highly anticipated return of the Disney Dining Plan. While it may seem more expensive than paying out of pocket, we explore why people still love it. The convenience of upfront payment and the elimination of worrying about expenses make it a popular choice. We discuss ways you can incorporate convenience into your business offerings, such as offering automated payments and additional services. Tune in to discover how you can make your customers' lives easier and boost your business in the process.
Listen now and discover: * Business and marketing strategies for slower seasons when focus shifts, and how to implement them * All about the convenience and prepayment benefits of the Dining Plan * Comparison of different Dining Plan tiers and the upselling strategy employed by Disney * Our personal experiences with the Dining Plan and its various options * And so much more!
Your small business takeaway: Consider incorporating convenient payment options and additional services to make customers' lives easier and enhance the overall customer experience.
Want to mastermind with other business owners in The Happiest Place on Earth?
Pixie Dust Live is a live business retreat held at Disney World, designed for anyone who needs to find breakthroughs in their biz. During this mastermind retreat, you’ll work with industry experts (that’s us!) and other business owners like you to find 1:1 support and guidance for anything you might be struggling with, or growing towards, in your own biz.
Plus — we have a lot of fun at Disney too (yes, we ride all the rides and see all the sights, mouse ears at the ready!).
Want to see if this is a good fit for you? Listen to this week’s episode to get all the details!
Resources mentioned:
Pixie Dust Live application: https://pixiedustandprofits.com/live-2023
In part 2 of our series on leadership lessons from Bob Iger, we dig into what curiosity, fairness, integrity, and thoughtfulness look like as a business owner.
If you missed part one, we encourage you to go back and listen to that episode first! There, we talk about some of Iger’s greatest achievements and how his unwavering optimism played a role in forging some of the most successful years in all of Disney history.
Resources mentioned:
The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company: https://www.amazon.com/Ride-Lifetime-Lessons-Learned-Company/dp/0399592091
Frustrating Your Fans: A Cautionary Tale About Disney: https://pixiedustandprofits.com/episodes/frustrating-your-fans-a-cautionary-tale-about-disney/
During Bob Iger’s 15+ years leading Disney, he’s given small business owners something to look up to and learn from.
In this first episode of a two-part series, we’re taking the leadership lessons Iger discusses in his book, The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
We’ll dive into each of the 8 lessons that Iger shares and explain how you can also use these lessons in your own small business!
Have you ever wondered how Disney has trained over 75,000 Cast Members to create magic each and every day? They don’t tell their team exactly how to do it — they give them the resources and uniforms and trust their employees to be an evangelist for the brand. And it works!
Wondering how you can bring this into your own business when you hire a team member? In this episode, we’re talking all about teams, leadership, and the importance of autonomy to build culture. Tune into find out how your team can create magic at every turn.
If you’re a perfectionist like us, you want to see a project through to the very end. But in business, not every project is going to make it. And if you’re not careful, something that was meant to be fun and exciting could very quickly turn into a money pit.
So, how do you know when you should or should not abandon a project, and what are some ways you could avoid that fate? Listen to this episode to find out!
I don’t think ANYONE could have predicted the latest news — Bob Iger is back!
After stepping away for 999 days and telling us that he wouldn’t be returning as CEO, Iger has returned to replace Bob Chapek, the CEO with arguably the rockiest reputation in Disney history. So, why did this happen, and what can we as business owners learn from it? Listen to this episode to find out!
Have you ever had a magical credit card onboarding experience? Probably not, huh?
It always feels boring at best, and stressful at worst, to sign up for a new credit card. Unless, that is, you’re signing up for a Disney credit card!
They’ve managed to make signing legal disclaimers feel fun with a few simple elevations to their onboarding packet — and they included gifts! Let’s talk about how you can implement a similarly fun experience into your own customer onboarding process, with client gifts and thoughtful touches.
Have you ever wondered how Disney manages to make you feel like you’re having the most exclusive and individualized experience, even when you know thousands of other people are being treated the same way? We did, too! So today, we decided to break down what Disney does so brilliantly and how their exclusive inclusivity works so well.
You want clients and customers to keep coming back for more — but how do you keep the magic alive for them? Recently, a trip to Disney World left Nicole a little less than satisfied. Listen to this episode as we discuss how to keep the magic alive for your long-term clients and customers!
Managing your client's expectations can be a day job in and of itself. In this episode of Pixie Dust and Profits, we’re talking about how Disney does this so well and how we can do the same in our own businesses!
You know how going to any Disney property is absolutely magical? It’s all thanks to the amazing cast members!
So today, we thought we’d extend the lessons of that podcast and talk about some times that cast members went above and beyond their duties for us… and how you can apply that to your own business!
We talk about how Disney meets disabled guests with kindness and accommodations, how even the littlest guests have an amazing experience, and more. Then, we share THREE key strategies you can take from Disney cast members to apply to your own business.
Yes, ANY business can give their customers or clients a truly magical experience — no cast members or rollercoasters required.
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business.
In this episode, we’re discussing that time Nicole ended up with a postive COVID test during her vacation… yikes!
Listen now and discover how the situation was handled and why crafting a good client experience isn’t only about a single interaction or a single event. A great experience can even turn a disappointing situation into one that’s not-so-bad in the end.
Revisiting Disney’s Trajectory Over the Last Two Years
We’ve got a Super Summer Series Surprise for you! For those who have been following along, or those who have just arrived (welcome!!), this summer we’ve been revisiting our favorite Pixie Dust & Profits podcast episodes from seasons past.
So far, we’ve had such an amazing time listening back to these popular episodes AND giving you updated information from our 2022 perspectives on the topics. This week, though, we’re giving you something a little extra! ✨
When we decided to revisit Episode 020: Balancing Priorities & Surviving in the Day-to-Day, we immediately knew it was going to be different from other Summer Series episodes. We recorded this episode in April 2020, right after the lockdown started. This was deep in shutdown, and we had just begun to see some of the biggest business shifts in history happen right before our eyes.
Of course, things have changed considerably since COVID first came on the scene, and it might not make sense to look BACK at this episode… so instead, we made a new and improved version of the episode!
So, let’s discuss what’s happened with Disney since July 2020, and what we can take away from their projects and operations to support our businesses through hard times.
Disney does “new normal” in unexpected ways
On March 15, 2020, Disney closed its magic gates (so very sad) only to reopen them four months later in July of the same year, but with some pretty strict rules in place for returning park guests.
They began with “soft” launches, each park receiving a different day to reopen with attendance capped and a new reservation service in place for all guests. This service included all areas of the park from attractions, to restaurants, to stores, to modes of park transport. Some of the new major safety measures that were instituted included:
✅ Temperature checks & required face coverings were mandatory for all visitors and cast members
✅ Magic bands were used whenever possible to facilitate mobile interactions rather than face-to-face (specifically in dining locations).
✅ An increased use of plexiglass barriers between guests and cast members
✅ Annual passes were no longer available for purchase; only existing annual pass members could renew.
✅ And the hardest pill to swallow: No parades, fireworks, or character meet-and-greets, and yes, that included character dining. 😭
Despite it all, Disney still remained confident that they could give their guests the same magical experience they’re known for. They even created the “social distancing squad,” a group of friendly cast members trained to enforce safety rules in a fun, energetic way. In all, Disney did a great job “protecting the magic” of the parks in a post-COVID existence. And hey, some form of Disney is always better than no Disney at all!
Now that it’s been two years since their reopening, Disney has done away with a lot of the stricter guidelines: masks are optional, and parades, fireworks, and character dining and meet-and-greets have all returned. However, there are still some things that remain changed.
✅ Annual passes are very hard to get, and when you can, the prices have increased from previous years.
✅ Disney’s reservation system remains in place and is looking like it’s here to stay. You still have to reserve the park you want to visit on the day you plan to.
✅ You cannot “park hop” until after a certain time of day (2 pm most days, but it may vary). Gone are the days of spontaneity!
Disney Genie+: Pros and cons
After over a decade, the FastPass system is a thing of the past. Move over and make room for the new kid on the block, Disney Genie+.
Genie+ works a lot like the old method. You purchase the add-on ($20 a person) and have ultimate access to the Lightning Lane on 19 different Disney attractions. But there are limits to this magic, of course. When you choose to use a Lightning Lane on an attraction, you cannot reserve another Lightning Lane spot on a different attraction until you’ve either already completed your previous ride or have waited 2 hours. On top of that, you cannot use Genie+ repeatedly for any of the rides. So, if you plan on riding Haunted Mansion 20 times in one day, be prepared to wait in line for at least 19 of those rides.
It is interesting that Disney used the time that they were closed to innovate something like their line system. If the parks never closed, would something like Genie+ even exist? We don’t think so! While Disney does address some visitor pain points with this new method, a drawback of the Genie+ system in comparison to the FastPass system is the inability to choose a specific time to return to the attraction, which might leave you racing across the park madder than the Mad Hatter.
The “new normal” for your small biz
When we talk about our “new normal,” we’re seeing so many changes. We saw a ton of businesses pivot — especially ones whose services or offers were mostly held in person. We also saw that many people had to decide how to grow their business while kids were at home, family members needed care, and if spouses or partners were laid off.
It was a time of rapid change, and we’re still feeling the ripple effects today. As we navigate a post-COVID world, there are a couple things to take from Disney’s decisions:
☝ Be aware of the current inflation situation.
Inflation is at a record all-time high, and you need to respond accordingly! Is it time to raise your rates? Do you need to raise your team members’ pay? Remember, what you’re paying yourself right now isn’t what you were paying yourself even a few months ago. If you don’t want to increase rates, how can you decrease your expenses?
✌ Be flexible – on a whole different level.
One of the things we’ve realized is that we want to ENJOY more of what’s going on around us. Don’t miss out, be intentional in slowing things down to open yourself up. Some of this means personal expense choices, like diverting savings or not making investments you planned to make. It’s okay to do this! Life is short, make it sweet.
We want to hear how your priorities have changed in this “new normal”//“post-COVID” world!
Reach out to us, we love receiving and answering Instagram DM’s!
If you’re interested: we are currently taking applications for the next Pixie Dust Live event, click here to submit yours today!
And if you’re planning a trip to Disney soon, and want to understand more about programs like Genie+ before you get there, visit our good friend Wish Upon a Planner® for all the ins and outs you’ll need for your next magical adventure with the Mouse! 🏰🐭
Episode 65: Revisiting Episode 014: Growth by Collaboration Our Summer Series continues this week with another back-to-the-basics episode from Pixie Dust’s past! As you might already know, we’ve been spending the summer revisiting some of our favorite episodes and also providing some much-needed updates from a 2022 perspective!
This week, we revisit Episode 014, where we discussed the successful collaborations that Disney has created — with some unexpected brands. We dig into Disney’s versatility and ability to leverage any and all opportunities, while also providing some insightful information about how to make brand collabs work for YOUR biz.
Minnie Vans: Disney + Lyft If you’ve visited Disney recently, then you might have seen the world's cutest car cruising around Disney property – the Minnie Van! These red buggies, decorated adorably with Minnie’s well-known white polka dots, are Disney’s answer to skipping long bus lines at the end of a long day and receiving faster transport back to your hotel.
But, no, it’s not actually Minnie’s car. The Minnie Vans are a collaboration between Disney and Lyft Services. Disney knew that they didn’t need to build their own proprietary system for this, but they also knew they had a really strong brand that could attach itself to something already established. Enter: Lyft! 🚗
But what’s special about the Minnie Vans? What makes them different? That’s where Disney’s brand comes in. The Minnie Vans themselves are owned by Disney, operated by Disney employees, and only run during park hours/on park property. This adds a level of safety and security to both Disney and their patrons.
So really, the only part that truly uses Lyft Services is the app itself. This is how Disney maintained their high bar of quality/safety experience within the partnership.
The Disney/Lyft partnership is an important example of how to be strategic in your collaborations. They recognized a pain point (people wanting a faster, safer way to get around Disney’s properties) and met it in a way that was mutually beneficial to both parties (Disney got what they needed, Lyft got more subscribers to their mobile app).
How do you apply this to your business? Thinking about the collaborations or partnerships you can find even in the most unlikely places.
You find a brand that is complementary to your field/industry and leverage their audience to sell your product – Presto! You’re in a partnership!
With a joint venture or partnership, the other person/brand already has credibility with their audience, and that trust they’ve built bleeds into your brand, increasing conversion rates and revenue. The percentage that you end up paying out to affiliates or partners is something that you’d be spending anyways in marketing and promos, but without doing all the audience-building work.
If you’re thinking a collaboration might just prove lucrative for you, think about the right brands or people for your business. It’s not selfish to think about you, and make sure their branding and visions align with yours. Think about it like this: Even if you are a nutritionist who serves mostly moms, you can still pair up with a local bike shop if they want to help more moms get active. It isn’t necessarily the most logical fit (unlike if you paired up with a prenatal nutritionist, let’s say), but the collab still works — and can prove really fruitful!
Disney & Target: A match made in heaven The Mickey Mouse clubhouse has officially moved venues – but don’t worry, it’s to another simply magical place most of us know and love: Target!
In October 2020, Disney and Target worked together to launch 25 mini-Disney stores inside Target locations. They also launched this on their online stores so others in the U.S. and outside it could get the goods.
This was a seriously smart move for Disney. They ended up getting foot traffic that drive sales, but didn’t have to handle distribution, retail, or hiring new employees. They leveraged Target’s infrastructure and assets to sell their exclusive products.
In return, Disney agreed to open a Target store in Orlando in 2021 on Disney property. For Target, this was definitely a win in itself. The added convenience of having a store like Target is an awesome perk for vacationers who don’t feel like having to go off-site of Disney property for much-needed necessities.
We all know the benefits of a good Target run, after all! 💓
How does this relate to your small business?
This example is for all of our favorite product-based small businesses! Consider your platforms – do you sell your products on Etsy? Sell your designs to sites like Minted? Maybe you self-published through Amazon, it’s essentially the same idea!
What you’re doing is taking advantage of someone, or some site, with a bigger audience and a larger platform in order to sell your product. They receive a cut of the sale, but you’re getting more visibility and more traffic.
If you were to have your own site, you have to do a lot of work to drive traffic there – they don’t just come because you built it! But starting on a bigger platform and working your way up is a good way to leverage an audience of your own. And you can always have both, too! So many product-based small businesses use one site to boost the other, like using your Etsy to drive people to your website.
What’s changed: Exclusive episode updates! Well, it’s pretty obvious that things have changed – remember that whole global pandemic thing?
Because of COVID, the Minnie Vans went away for TWO years! But don’t worry, they’re back this summer and Disney’s partnership with Lyft is still going strong. Disney also has maintained their collab with Target stores and has officially shut down a large majority of their standalone Disney stores.
But things certainly have changed for the…well, we’ll let you decide!
- We’ve noticed that Disney’s collabs have become a little more expensive than in the past. Disney has partnered with high-end brands, such as Gucci and Coach, to sell Mickey & Minnie-covered purses and apparel at super high price points. They even recently collaborated with Drake (yes, that one!) to create a collection for his OVO Fest called the “Nostalgic Capsule Collection.” It’s an interesting choice, but it’s definitely getting the Disney brand out there, and making it accessible to people from all walks of life. Disney is becoming chic, trendy, and desirable, all at very high price points.
- Another new brand collab technique that Disney has been sporting is the renovated Disney Springs outlet. Downtown Disney has officially been reinvented into a high-end, more luxurious-styled boutique waterfront outdoor mall. What this does for Disney is that in order to have a store in Disney Springs these high-end brands (think Lilly Pulitzer) need to be onboard with Disney’s technology (think Magic Bands, Disney Gift Cards). There’s certainly value on both sides, but Disney continues to elevate their brand status!
Now think about the potential collabs you can have: are they pretty casual? High-end? Both? Look at opportunities from all sides. Ask yourself: How can I serve both our audiences best and how will it benefit everyone involved? There may be different audiences you can reach with a higher-end collaboration, while you may be able to reach even more people with a more casual connection. It’s all about assessing opportunities to see what’s beneficial for everyone.
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! 💗💛💜
Episode 001 aired all the way back in May 2019 when we were just two Disney lovers with a dream for this podcast. We love seeing (and hearing!) how far we’ve come, and hope that you’ll enjoy and get inspired by revisiting the beginning of it all with us!
To recap: Episode 001 talked all about Disney’s data collection skills using their Magic Bands and how our favorite place on earth makes something like shudders metrics actually FUN and interesting to study!
We also pivot from Disney to discuss how YOU could use measurements to grow and understand your business.
Disney Magic Bands are the hypothetical keys to the kingdom! 🏰🔑✨ But physically, they are used to unlock your magical stay while on your Disney vacation. They do so many things once you’re on Disney property: unlock your hotel room, act as a pass (with no lines!) into the parks, get you onto rides and into attractions quicker, and even act as a personal Disney wallet with a quick card-free transaction for any and all Disney park purchases.
But what’s so amazing about them from a business perspective? Well, let’s go on a little ride of our own through Magic Band history…
- 2008: A challenge was created to help create “magical ease” when scheduling, planning, and executing your Disney vacation. Disney wanted to streamline the process – less waiting times, easier access to facilities, and an overall better experience for families who had waited so long to experience the magic of Disney World.
- 2010: A single system was born, seamlessly connecting all park systems together: the Magic Band. A Disney engineer spent six months creating the band so that its design would be inclusive to all guests. Then, the Disney board of directors had to approve the 1 BILLION dollar project in order to put the system in place.
- 2012-2013: A full-scale demo & public testing of the Magic Band system took place in the parks! At first, people complained! There were obvious kinks to work out. But overall, the niche group of wristband wearers inspired other guests to say “hey, I want one of those too!” (I was one of those guests!)
The pros of Magic Bands were crystal clear after the public testing, Disney knew they hit the jackpot with this costly venture. 💰 Because the Magic Bands are connected to your hotel room and your debit/credit cards, the cashless system made purchasing in the park so simple and easy that the bill would rack up without the slightest thought.
Disney’s business intelligence element was flawless, no surprise there!
The bands created a tracking system that collected data on how guests navigated Disney websites, where they spent their time in the parks, and even what they were buying. All that data was golden delicious in Pooh’s honey pot, Disney was able to use the data to create future plans for offerings & promotions tailored individually to their guests.
(This is why we use Disney, everyone! Pure genius! 💡)
Disney’s “path to purchase” tool is powerful in its design by not only tracking what a guest will buy, but the pattern that the guest uses before deciding to purchase.
How can you use this for YOUR business? We know that not everyone has one billion dollars to spare like Mickey Mouse & the gang. But the history of Magic Bands does prove something invaluable: measure, measure, measure! 📐
Use less expensive tools for your website, like Google Analytics, to start tracking your own goldmine of data. Use this tool, and so many others like it, to track where your clients are spending time on your site.
Metrics is a scary word – but think of it like this, all that it is is information meant to be gathered. Information that you can then take to and turn into leads, purchases, and new clients!
New takeaways from Ep. 001:
- Magic Band Madness: So what ever happened to Magic Bands? Well, as of January 2022, Disney stopped offering them as free inclusions with your hotel stay – but they are still available to get for a discounted price! This is because the My Disney Experience app took on a lot of the same features as the bands. This is actually a good thing though – it proves that Disney is capable of keeping up with the shifting tides of technology. Everyone has a smartphone and everyone has access to an app, but still purchasing your own Magic Band gives a unique experience to Disney, and always will. We can’t recommend them enough – despite the changes!
- Metrics, always! Yes…unfortunately metrics are just as important as when we aired this episode three years ago! Maybe even more so now with the constant changes in the economic world due to Covid. We want you all to remember: data is just numbers! Evaluate it and look at the causes and effects. A bad trend in sales may not continue, and one number doesn’t mean everything. Always look at the BIG picture.
We’re back with a little help from our former selves to recap and revisit another popular episode from the past!
Episode 007 (not to be confused with Bond, James Bond) aired almost two and a half years ago. In Covid years that must be something like a decade, right? This episode was so important to us, and to all of you, because we talked all about meeting your clients where they’re at and the steps to take to ensure equal presence and opportunity amongst your client base. We want to recap and also feature some new, exclusive content for you all to expand on these super important ideas.
Once upon a time, in Episode 007, we began a conversation about meeting clients where they are by discussing the levels and tiers of Disney hotel rooms.
Disney has over 30,000 hotel rooms ranging across 27 different resorts (and that doesn’t even count the off-park hotels and rooms!) The resorts are split between three important categories:
- Value resorts make up about 30-40% of the overall rooms in Disney. They’re great for families on a budget who still want that magical Disney experience.
- Moderate resorts are slightly bigger, slightly more expensive, and include some extras that value resort rooms don’t have (private bathrooms, less walking from the park shuttles for the end of those long days when you’re dogs are barking real loud).
- Deluxe resorts are the quintessential Disney hotel experiences, including fan favorites like the hallmark Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Disney vacation club. They make up about 20-25% of the overall rooms in Disney and are the top-of-the-line, bucket-list type experience.
Disney’s hotel room level system aims to get all guests where they are so that everyone can enjoy Disney magic no matter what the circumstances may be. So what does this breakdown mean for your business?
Breaking down the ascension model This is called an ascension model, which works like a ladder of different valued opportunities for your clients! Your ideal client is someone who WANTS to work with you, and if that person can’t afford certain services it’s important to meet them where they’re at using this model.
Here’s the gist:
Create a ladder of different value offerings that can grow WITH your client. As they advance their business, opportunities to work with you further also advance and become available to them.
This episode also discussed how you can reward loyalty for your client base. At Disney, they use the Disney Vacation Club (which we are both proud members of!) Maybe you are trying to sell someone into a deluxe model of your business offerings, add in something extra or a special value that you’ve already built into the pricing on the backend. This will give the appearance of a loyalist reward that won’t break your bank. 💰
Such great information, right?! But we have even more in this updated episode, here are some ways we’ve been reflecting and creating ideas on this subject over the last 2.5 years:
- We still very much believe in the ascension model, and even see it working for clients as recent as a MONTH ago. That said, we want to remind you that there’s a lot of strategy that goes into an ascension model – ask yourself what step does your client need before this product, and what step do they need before they’re ready for this product: this is how you can create a model.
- Yasmine shared her personal experience with this model that she uses in her product-based business as owner of Lunar Drift Apothecary. She talked about ways that she ensures having products that serve everyone at any point in their crystal journey. Most importantly, she recommends a range in pricing for your products, much like the range of prices that you can find Disney ears in at the parks!
It’s so weird listening to episodes that aired in “pre-COVID times.” Episode 13 aired over two years ago! It seems like so much of the world, and how we work within it, has changed. We wanted to revisit this important episode, and the tips we shared in it, to remind you and ourselves that maybe things aren’t as different as they feel. To recap: Episode 13 discussed the importance of knowing business trends and how to prepare for the slow seasons throughout the year.
When we look at the Disney Parks model it shows that December is the busiest month in the parks and late August is the slowest due to hurricane season. If we follow that trend, you can almost never find discounts for Disney in December, but see a lot more in line with the slower months. Obviously, this is no coincidence, and the tactic is meant to drive up foot traffic during the quiet months.
We also discussed offers that hit consumer “pain points,” such as Canadian exchange rates, and how Disney offers too-good-to-ignore deals that make expenses much easier to swallow for their Canadian guests. 💰
What’s most important to us with this Summer Series is to provide YOU with updated information and data from the first time you listened to these episodes.
That said, we did have some important things to add knowing what we now do about living through such unprecedented times:
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If you’re a new business owner, DON’T look at 2020 as a sales comparison point. If you have data and sales from 2019 that is where you’ll want to make your estimates because the last two years are definitely no reflection of how the next two years will look!
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Think about what you CAN do to ensure consistent sales, such as smaller, more consistent promos, or regular coupon offers. Think micro, not macro, and remind your audience that you are still there during your slow season.
The new takeaways from Ep. 13:
- Business won’t be apples to apples when referencing your pandemic sales, don’t reflect on those numbers and begin preparing for busier times.
- When it’s slow – don’t check out!
In this new episode of Pixie Dust & Profits, we discuss how Disney has made their 50th anniversary an event you won’t want to miss – and can’t miss, even if you tried!
Inspired by our last trip through the Orlando airport, we were blown away by the effort Disney made to ensure their 50th-anniversary “sticks” in the minds of visitors and, honestly, anyone who travels through the Orlando airport.
Tune in as we break down this marketing magic and discuss how you can apply the same “stickiness” that Disney perfected and implement it into your very own business, too.
Listen now and discover:
- How Disney is promoting their 50th Anniversary
- What you can do to make your business “stick”
- Why you need to talk about your business more than you do
Your small business takeaways: * Consistent branding and incredible customer experiences will make your business “stick” in the minds of your customers.
Links:
- The Profitable & Productive Party
- March 24th, 2022 Masterclass
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. This week we’re joined by Misty Henry, the creator of The Makers Resource Shop who is on a mission to help makers build successful and safe businesses. If you’re a small shop, you won’t want to miss Misty’s golden nuggets on compliance and consumer safety laws, especially if you sell goods used by children. As a member of our Profitable & Productive Party, she also shares how she’s seen incredible business growth an increase in revenue! We talk about how accountability and support really helps when you’re looking to reach that next stage in business.
Listen now and discover:
- The first steps to take when creating a product for children
- Regulations for compliance and safety laws of children’s products
- How Misty doubled her business revenue multiple years in a row, and what you can find inside the Profitable & Productive Party
- Questions to ask yourself as a business owner when making decisions
Your small business takeaways: * How to get your business ready for growth through improving your product and operations * You can create more impact by doing less and focusing on the next best step for your business.
Links:
- The Maker’s Resource Shop
- The Profitable & Productive Party
- Find Your Focus Masterclass
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re talking about how important it is to do the pre-work before you make your trip to Disney and how you can apply this to your business launches. Tune in as we discuss the planning we do before we take a trip to Disney and how doing this same pre-work can benefit your business. If you have launches coming up, or you’re planning for major growth this year, you’ll want to tune in! Listen now and discover: * The three questions we ask to plan our Disney trips * How to apply this same pre-work concept to your business launches * Why this strategy will create long term business growth for you and your team
Your small business takeaways: * Doing the pre-work before a business launch is vital to your success!
Links: * Wish Upon a Planner * Pixie Dust & Profits Masterclass * Join our Patreon
Each week, we come to you with ideas for how you can better run your online business like Disney — and even a few things that you don’t want to do like Disney! This episode is about the latter, for once. In this episode, we’re discussing the seemingly endless construction at Disney World, specifically at Epcot. When we visited in October 2021, we were shocked by how much construction was happening in full view of the park goers! This was OK for us because we’ve been so many times, but we couldn’t help but think how this would affect someone who was making their first trip to the parks. It also made us think about small business owners, and how they often are a “work in progress” in full view of their clients and customers. If you’re always working on something in your business, and it’s affecting the experience people have when they visit your site or buy from you, it’s time to get focused! Tune in as we hash out the 6 phases of business, which pillar you need to focus on, and how to avoid the chaos of construction! Listen now and discover: * The endless construction at Disney, specifically at Epcot * Impact of COVID on Disney’s projects and timelines * Avoiding “Squirrel Syndrome” during construction * 6 phases of business
Your small business takeaways: * Choose the business phase you want to focus on and execute it well!
Links: * Stop Chasing Squirrels
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing Disney’s newest rides: Ratatouille, Rise of the Resistance, and Mickey's Runaway Railway. If you are thinking about starting something brand-spankin' new in your business, listen now to hear how you can use things you already have in your business instead. This way, you can stop chasing the “new and shiny,” and instead get results for your audience and your bottom line. Listen now and discover: * Disney’s brand “new” rides and what we think about them * The Rise of the Resistance and the trackless ride system * How to use things you already have to influence your next decisions * How to revisit old products or offers to see new potential
Your small business takeaways: * Amplify the things that are already working in your business rather than taking on brand new projects!
Links: * Stop Chasing Squirrels * Profitable and Productive Party
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re talking about the steep learning curve that is booking a Disney World vacation. First-time visitors to Disney World are faced with unfamiliar lingo, important (and unknown) deadlines, and ever-changing rules. Listen now to hear why it’s so important to make your products easy to understand and use.
Listen now and discover: * The lexicon of WDW knowledge we drew upon to be able to hit all the headlining rides at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios * Our early impressions of Genie+ and Lightning Lane
Your small business takeaways: * Design your post-purchase experience around your most basic, entry-level customer * Revisit your audience’s points of entry with your brand with the eyes of a newbie
Links:
- Squirrel Syndrome Workbook
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing how Disney+ is leveraging home viewings to distribute their theatrical releases. We’ve all had to majorly pivot our offerings over the last two years due to the shutdown. Listen now to hear how you can appeal to different audiences by expanding your current offerings.
Listen now and discover: * The benefits of being able to watch movies in your own home and why Disney will continue to make this a reality for a specific audience * Why it’s so important to consider verbiage in your contracts to provide “wiggle room” for circumstances like coronavirus * How we pivoted with our Pixie Dust LIVE events because of the shut down and why it (positively) changed the game for our future events * A few ideas on how to shift your current offerings so that it appeals to more audiences
Your small business takeaways: * Sometimes risks aren’t a bad thing (when you’re protected by contracts and terms of conditions, that is) * Appealing to multiple audiences can help your revenue tremendously
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing rulebreakers who abuse Disney’s convenient guest experience policies… and how Disney has pushed back. If you have pushy customers that don’t respect your policies, listen now to hear how you can place strong boundaries in your own small business so that you aren’t being taken advantage of.
Listen now and discover: * Why the Disney disability policy has been so highly abused by customers...and how they’ve made changes to it to keep this from happening * How to put strict boundaries into place so that customers can’t take advantage of you * Easy ways to protect your business (especially if you’re a digital service provider) from pushy customers
Your small business takeaways: * Always state your boundaries and rules up front...customers can’t fault you for this when you’re honest and transparent.
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re hashing out the recent updates to the classic Disney ride, Jungle Cruise. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of the DisneyParks brand. We’ll cover what changes have been made and why. Skip(per) on over to hear why it’s important to always be thinking about small tweaks and changes you can make in your own small business.
Listen now and discover: * The brand new updates to the classic ride, Jungle Cruise * How most changes to the new experience are addressing their racist origins and creating a more inclusive feel… and where we think they fell just a tad short * Why it’s important to take a look at your business to make sure you’re standing out from what others are offering * How to refresh and improve, even if you’ve been in business for a short time
Your small business takeaways: It’s okay to grow and change!
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re revealing what we know about the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience. Despite its guarantee to be an out-of-this-world experience, our sticker shock was still astronomical. Listen now to hear how Disney prepared their audience well to buy into this experience, and how you can do the same with your customers.
Listen now and discover: * The shocking price tag for the brand new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience * How the price per person can be justified by the huge operational undertaking * The different ways this experience stands out from other hands on experiences at Disney (and whether or not we plan to take part) * How to get your customers prepared financially to make upcoming purchases in your business
Your small business takeaways: * Leak your offers as early as possible to prepare your audience
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode we’re discussing the not-so-welcome changes to Disney’s Annual Pass program. Price increases and less perks that we no longer get access to without having to pay even more money? Ew. Listen now to learn better ways to prepare your customers for upcoming changes.
Listen now and discover: * The return of Disney’s Annual Pass and why we’re frustrated with the changes * The perks we love, the extras we don’t * How the prices have changed and why it no longer feels like a “no brainer” renewal for us * Why we believe Disney is targeting a different audience than they used to
Your small business takeaways: * Price increases don’t always equate to more money in your bank account * Consider your audience before making big changes in your business
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re looking at Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration. New rides, limited-edition merchandise, and once-in-a-lifetime fireworks displays await inside! Listen now for tips on building excitement and anticipation with your customers.
Listen now and discover: * What you can expect to see during The 50th Anniversary celebration * The different ways Disney builds FOMO and gets their customers excited * How to hype up your products and make a huge celebration in your business * Our tips on how to make easy updates in between different seasons or celebrations in your biz * Companies we love that excel at repurposing the same product, but with a different look year after year
Your small business takeaways: * Consider releasing your most beloved products, but with a new look. It will excite your customers to see a new, but familiar product.
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we marvel at Disney’s ability to reimagine their characters, rides, and movies in new (and profitable) ways. The latest is Behind the Attraction, a new Disney+ series telling the stories behind the iconic rides at Disneyland and Disney World. We also discuss the upcoming Jungle Cruise movie, live-action remakes, and Disney’s ability to weave together universes through multiple mediums.
Listen now and discover: * Our excitement for the brand new Disney+ series, “Behind the Attraction” * Why Disney continually refreshes their intellectual property * How to create compelling stories from fresh angles
Your small business takeaways: * Gather feedback, without paying a penny for it * Share new angles to old stories with your audience * Repurpose, reuse, and consider new formats for existing content
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re getting real about one of our biggest Disney frustrations —the phone lines. It’s not always pixie dust and magic, but we can learn a thing or two during the wait (or really, really long hold). Listen now to hear about why you should be caring for your current and most loyal customers in your small business.
Listen now and discover: * Some sneak peek experiences we’re planning for our LIVE event happening at Disney in the fall * Why ticket prices are significantly higher for this special after-hours bash * The frustration in trying to purchase tickets and why we’re not so forgiving of this operational hiccup * Why you should be caring for your loyal customers just as much as you care about obtaining new business
Your small business takeaways: * Create a happiness metric and survey your customers to see if they have any solvable frustration points * Treat your existing customers as well as your new ones * Take your resources into account when you plan your promotions
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing one of the ways Disney protects their public image. Have you ever made a decision in your small business but thought to yourself afterwards, “was that really a good idea?” In this episode, we’re here to help you navigate safety and risks in your small business, and why you should be conscious of both.
Listen now and discover: * Creative ways Disney facilitates their parks and experiences to create the safest route possible for guests * Why they’re so protective over their image, and why you should feel the same way about your own business * The one thing we think every single business should always prioritize over anything else * How interactions online can negatively affect your small business (and how to avoid this!) * Why costs will always rise with bigger risks and why we think it’s best to say “no” to these
Your small business takeaways: * Safety really does lead to sustainability in your small business * Always think about what you put out into the world before it’s visible * Never invest what you can’t afford to lose
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing new changes that Disney is implementing in their journey to becoming a more inclusive corporation. More than 200,000 people are employed by Disney, and it’s their mission to make each of them feel like they truly belong. Listen now to hear about how they’re paving the way in inclusion and how you can use these ideas in your own small business to represent, educate, and empower. Listen now and discover: * New specific changes that Disney is making so they can be more inclusive to their cast members * How Disney shows their representation and diversity at the corporate level (check it out here) * The mission behind “counting everyone in” * How to look outside of your own box and consider different perspectives when making new hires or joining new programs * Why we are so passionate about being able to employ and support other female business owners
Your small business takeaways: * Take a look at who you’re hiring and ask yourself: Does this new hire represent the population I’m serving? * Review your old policies and consider if they need revising- chances are if they’ve been around for a while, they could use a refresh * Follow people outside of your own box and increase your circle
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re geeking out over the brand new experience for Star Wars lovers, the Galactic Starcruiser. Even if you don’t consider yourself a Star Wars mega-fan, the innovation employed in the overall experience will be jaw-dropping. Listen now to learn more behind the brand-new resort, how they’re using innovation and upsells to delight their customers and how you can use these same tactics to enhance your customers' experience, too.
Listen now and discover: * Why we’re geeking out over this brand-new resort hotel experience that will be unlike any other lodging we’ve ever stayed at * How Disney used their knowledge of cruise ships to bring this same concept to a on-land experience * The unique perks that will be included in this specific hotel experience...and the price you might expect to pay for it * Ways you can enhance the experience for your customer through one purchase to generate more revenue * How to upsell to your customers and build their loyalty and trust with your small business
Your small business takeaways: * Consider extra offerings for your customers to upgrade to a more “premium” experience * It’s easier to sell to a customer that already trusts you * Leverage the things that are working in your business to create whole new experiences
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re joined by Diane Barrowsmith of SixCastleCompany to discuss Disney’s innovative new offer—U.K. Staycations with Disney’s Magic at Sea. Disney Cruise Lines are famous for enhancing the high seas, but recently they have launched a brand new Staycation experience based out of the U.K. Listen today to hear some sneak peek thoughts about this new venture launch and get inspiration on creating new revenue streams out of existing resources.
Listen now and discover: * What makes Disney Cruise Line so unique to any other cruising experience * How to tweak your product for your specific audiences so that it reaches a wider range of people * Why creating scarcity can be an effective marketing tactic to create excitement...and how Disney did it well with the Staycation launch * How you can bring a similar strategy to your own company for increased engagement, and more sales
Your small business takeaways: * Don’t forget about your secondary audiences when marketing your products * If something isn’t selling, don’t count it out. Look at the environment that it’s in first before deciding on whether or not you want to continue offering it * Don’t underestimate the power of a gut feeling
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing how quickly Disney parks are getting booked up and why planning ahead is an absolute must. When Disney closed their parks last year, nobody knew when they’d get back to “normal”... but as vaccinations rise and capacity remains capped, we’re seeing less and less resort availability for the tail-end of 2021. Combined with a once-in-a-lifetime 50th anniversary celebration, well, Disney has the perfect storm for demand. Listen and learn how urgency and scarcity can speed along the purchase decision for your customers.
Listen now and discover: * The new Park Reservation rules at Disney and why planning ahead is an absolute necessity right now * Which parks hit capacity first and why they’re so in demand * Honest ways you can help your customers understand that your offer is limited in quantity or time * Smart marketing tactics to increase scarcity and urgency… without being scammy or dishonest
Your small business takeaways: * Take a step back and look at the supply and demand of your industry to understand the current purchasing environment for your customers * Make it a no-brainer for your customers to purchase in the moment * Understand that honesty and integrity is the backbone of a great customer experience that leads to future sales and raving fans, never create fake urgency or scarcity
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we discuss how to build an effective team. If you want to make sure all of the dreaming, planning, and doing actually gets done, you’ll want to listen now and discover the 3 types of people you need behind the scenes of your business.
Listen now and discover: * The difference between a Finder, Minder, and Grinder, or a Visionary, Integrator, and Doer, as we like to call them. * How to use your zone of genius to determine which roles you cover and which you need to fill * What can happen to your team dynamic (and major deliverables!) if you don’t have each of these members represented
Your small business takeaways: * Take a look at your team and see which roles you have filled and where you may have a gap * Care for your doers well because they help to make the magic happen!
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. We all know that Disney prioritizes safety and customer experience for their guests, from how they design their rides to how they control the mosquito population in the swampy lands of Florida. Today, we're getting to the bottom of pesky mosquito management in the parks. Listen now and learn why it’s important to use metrics to make targeted, impactful decisions in your small business.
Listen now and discover: * Why the topic of mosquitoes is what first made us truly geek out over Disney operations * The natural methods used throughout the parks to keep pestering mosquitoes away * Why it’s a must as a small business owner to keep track of your business data * A few small ways you can begin to take a deeper look if you aren’t yet tracking your metrics * Why it really is better to be profitable and productive
Your small business takeaways: * Measure your data first, then say goodbye to things that are no longer supporting your business well * Think about future problems you may experience and design your business to eliminate them * Make sure you have pixels installed on your website so you can have data in the future!
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode, we’re discussing how to get your business prepared for the future by cutting expenses and planning ahead like our friends over at Disney do best.
It’s no secret there have been some major cut-backs to the magical experience we all know and love. Listen today to hear about all of the pretty hefty cuts that Disney has had to make due to coronavirus and how you can take these helpful cuts back to your own small business.
Listen now and discover: * The shocking amount Disney has saved just by cutting out daily fireworks show... and why it ended up being a major financial game changer * How to determine what investments actually make sense to your business in the long run * Practical ways you can take advantage of the courses and programs you’re already in to help save you from spending extra $ elsewhere * Tips you’ll want to consider when you’re thinking about making your next big financial investment
Your small business takeaways: * Only invest in courses that you need right now in your business, otherwise it could lead to wasted money * Be sure your goals match up with the financial investments you’re willing to spend your hard earned money on * Remember: Sometimes saying “yes” to something potentially means saying “no” to something else
Each week, we come to you with ideas from the Mouse on how you can better run your online business. In this episode we discuss preparing for the future by looking at trends, cutting expenses, and planning ahead like our friends over at Disney do best. It’s no secret there have recently been some major cut-back announcements to the magical experience we all know and love. Listen today to hear about how Disney has used the pandemic as an opportunity to reduce or eliminate unprofitable activities.
Listen now and discover: * The shocking amount Disney has saved just by cutting out their daily fireworks shows * Construction projects that have had to take a major pause in the parks * How to determine which investments actually make sense to your business in the long run * Practical ways you can take advantage of your existing investments (and save you from spending on the next big thing) * Tips you’ll want to consider when thinking about your next big financial investment
Your small business takeaways: * Only invest in offers that you need in the immediate future, otherwise it could lead to wasted money when something you “think” you need turns into another unfinished project * Be sure your goals match up with the financial investments you’re willing to spend your hard earned money on * Remember: Saying “yes” to something often 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
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