Who are you and what do you do?
We are a dance company based in Bath providing dance hen parties, top class dance entertainment for events, wedding dance tuition, children’s parties and team building workshops. We cater for the whole of the U.K and work with professional dance instructors and performers. 
How have you found your start-up journey so far?
It has been a journey I must say! Up and downs for sure. We (my mum and I – she has helped dramatically with the marketing side) have worked hard to build up our contacts with people and going to every networking event possible! It was a slow start at first, but once all the marketing and branding came together, the ball finally began to roll!
What do you listen to whilst you work?
Being a dancer/dance instructor I am always listening to music! If I am sat in front of my laptop doing admin work I tend to like a bit of peace and quiet for a change! This helps me focus. Most of my work is choreographing routines – so I can’t get away from listening to different pieces of music all the time, but I do enjoy finding new tracks to listen to and it get’s me motivated for sure.
What drives you to get up in the morning?
I have just started a ‘morning routine’ and it has really made me more driven to get up and start the day. I make sure the night before I have made a ‘to do list’ of the things I want to achieve the next day. Knowing that I have this list and a goal to reach by the end of the day is what stops me from pressing that snooze button!
What three things can’t you live without?
My phone! Mainly for business as I need to respond to emails promptly as I believe this is important when starting a new company. Good food – being a fitness/dance instructor, this is what fuels me so having and maintaining a healthy diet is very important. Support from family/friends – Having a good support network means a lot to me. Its always good to ask advice on new ideas and get feedback – and having their encouragement every step of the way.
What’s your best time-saving trick?
Be in the moment. I feel like a lot of time is wasted thinking about what your going to do in an hours time. If your replying to emails for example, focus on that and that only to get the best response from clients. Also, having a clear goal of what you want to achieve for the day and how you are going to do it, therefore you won’t be easily distracted by other things that aren’t important.
What have you learnt that you’d like others to know?
I have definitely learnt to have more patience. Something that I don’t have a lot of, but I feel is key to growing your business. If something doesn’t happen immediately – it doesn’t mean you are doing that particular thing wrong. It means it needs time and consistency to develop.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 12 months?
I see myself at a point where I can take my business to the next level. I have had a successful run with hen parties so far this year and so I would really like to see the other parts of the business grow. These include the team building workshops and the corporate entertainment.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
To ask questions. I went to a seminar a few weeks ago and it was all about ‘not pitching your business.’ You need to ask more questions about what your potential clients want and how you can help them, instead of talking too much about you and your business. This then makes them feel like you want to understand and solve their problem the best way you can. The more they talk about what they want, and the more you listen – the better.
Fill in the blank. I’d like to see ___ answer these same questions!
Anyone with a small business – always interested in small start-ups!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Passion and ambition for your business is also key to building a successful business. You want to feel like you are not working every day, but doing something that you love and getting paid for it!
Check out AY Dance at amyyoung.co.uk
