Much of the COVID-19 coverage focuses on how it harms businesses, employees, and business owners. What about the nimble business owners who have changed focus to meet their customers where they are?
Tippi Toes Dance Company owners Megan Reilly and Sarah Nuse saw the pandemic as a chance to invest in their 35 franchise owners and add to their business offerings.
They realized dance classes are one of the many services that were no longer available face-to-face, so they pivoted: They pulled long days and nights to quickly set up an online offering of weekly dance classes.
Their mission is to shine light and bring joy to kids from 18 months to 8 years old, but as they pivot to reach their customers, they are reaching far more people than they anticipated. Older kids – brothers, moms, dads, and even grandparents have been joining in the fun.
This is a heartwarming story of uplifting kids’ and parents’ spirits. This is also a how-to on using today’s environment not as a death sentence, but as an opportunity for your business.
Megan and Sarah expanded their business in a way that means surviving the pandemic, and thriving as things return to “the new normal.”
Tippi Toes was a national franchise of dance studios before COVID-19, but they now also offer virtual dance classes to children around the world. This is a service that didn’t exist three weeks ago.
“We were happy to find a way to pivot our business during the pandemic so that our 35 franchise owners could continue to serve their customers,” said COO and co-owner Megan Reilly.
There are two big generosity and mindset lessons businesses can learn from the success of Tippi Toes during this pandemic. They concentrated on helping their franchise owners stay open and keeping their tiny clients entertained, but Megan and Sarah were also determined to continue to add value. They focused their mindset on finding solutions, which created an opportunity that will stay long after COVID-19 has become a part of history.