The Profitable Play Podcast

Michele Caruana
The Profitable Play Podcast

If you own or manage an indoor play center, play cafe, indoor playground, family entertainment center, mobile soft play rental business or really any business that serves local children and families, and you want to operate with more EASE and JOY, all while making the living you dreamed of– I created the profitable play podcast just for you. Join me, your host, Michele Caruana, for small but mighty tips every single weekday that will all add up to a BIG impact on your mindset, your business, and your bottom line. Stick with me to keep the PASSION and GROW the profit in YOUR play-based business

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    323: 10 Things I'd Do If I Needed To Book More Birthday Parties NOW

    FREE Book More Birthdays Challenge: https://www.michelecaruana.com/birthdaychallenge BLOG for this Episode: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/increase-birthday-party-bookings If you're an indoor playground owner looking to increase party bookings, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help fill up your calendar. Birthday parties are one of the most profitable revenue streams in your business, but if bookings are slower than you'd like, don't panic! In this episode, I walk through 10 things I would do right now, next month, and over the next quarter to boost party reservations. If you’re looking for proven ways to increase party bookings and maximize revenue, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and start filling your party calendar today! OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    46 min
  2. 10 FEB

    322: Recorded Coaching Call With Meghan Hopkins, Owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe in Virginia!

    Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy Welcome back play makers! I'm excited to bring you another insightful recorded coaching call today with Meghan Hopkins, co-owner of Jungle Jamz Play Cafe. At the time of this recording, Jungle Jamz had been open for just over 3 months. In this episode, we cover: Strategies for booking more summer birthday partiesTips for increasing café sales during parties and eventsUsing email marketing and blogging to boost bookingsBest practices for Facebook and Google adsHow to utilize testimonials effectivelyWeighing the pros and cons of paid events vs. free activities during open playThe joys (or lackthereof!) of bringing your kiddos to workand MUCH more!Whether you're aiming to boost your summer bookings, increase café sales, or improve your marketing efforts, Meghan's insights and Michele's expert coaching will provide you with valuable strategies to implement in your own play cafe. Join our Play Makers Society community on Facebook to share your thoughts and questions. Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Jungle Jamz Website: https://www.junglejamzplaycafe.com/ Jungle Jamz IG: https://www.instagram.com/junglejamz_playcafe/ Jungle Jamz Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meghan_hopkins OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    1h 5m
  3. 27 JAN

    321: Recorded Coaching Call With Stem Spot Owner Ashima

    Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice (WellnessLiving): https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy I am excited to bring you another recording coaching call with a very-soon-to-be indoor playground owner! Today we are speaking with Ashima who is located in the Boston area and recently signed her lease to open a business called Stem Spot, which you can hear more about in Ashima's own words if you tune in. Ashima is finalizing all of her pre-opening details and so in this call we focus on things like: Ways to generate revenue since her buildout has been delayed and her rent will be kicking in sooner than expectedBecoming the face and voice of your business versus having a more professional, company feel to your branding and online presence and the pros and cons of eachBirthday party packages, pricing, semi private versus private, time slots, logistics and staffing, and more This episode is perfect whether you are opening a new business or looking to refine your current business! Stem Spot Website: https://www.stem-spot.com/ Stem Spot IG: https://www.instagram.com/stem_spot RESOURCES MENTIONED: Episode 245 How To Increase Prices Effectively: https://bit.ly/4chHlZb OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    1h 8m
  4. 20 JAN

    320: 16 Sweet Valentine's Day Ideas For Your Indoor Play Space

    In this episode, I'm sharing 16 creative and profitable ways play cafe owners can celebrate Valentine’s Day while uplifting their customer base. From Mom "speed dating" to parent-child craft workshops and “Date Night Drop-Off” services to themed play dates, these ideas are designed to boost revenue and strengthen community connections. Tune in for actionable tips to make this Valentine’s Day a memorable and rewarding one for your business and your customers! Read this information on the blog and see picture examples: https://www.michelecaruana.com/blog/valentines-day Resources Mentioned In The Episode: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Why We Quit Kids Night Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OCwa3aocU&t=33s Monkey Around IG: https://www.instagram.com/monkeyaroundplaycafe/ OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    33 min
  5. 13 JAN

    319: Recorded Coaching Call With Jordan And Alexis, Owners of Play Cafe Nurture To Play

    Today I have a coaching call for you to listen in on with business partners Jordan and Alexis of Nurture to Play which is a soon-to-be play cafe in Minnesota. YouTube video of today's interview: Jordan and Alexis are deep into the planning phase of their business and back when this was recorded were about to sign their lease so in this call, we talk about things like: -how to space plan effectively, particularly for a strangely shaped piece of property -money making square footage versus non money making square footage and when it makes most sense to prioritize each -optimizing space layout to combat business seasonality and create enough revenue stream options to get through the slower traffic months -crowdfunding and pre-selling things like memberships and play passes during the build out phase -business sponsorships and the best way to network with local business owners to get some of your attractions funded through mutually beneficial agreements -and finally we also touch on something that is unique to Jordan and Alexis’ situation which is that they are actually outsourcing the cafe operation in their business ot another local coffee shop owner Nurture to Play IG: https://www.instagram.com/nurturetoplaymn/ Nurture to Play Website: COMING SOON! OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    1h 3m
  6. 7 JAN

    318: 8 Trend Predictions For The Indoor Play Industry in 2025

    My annual TRENDS prediction episode is here! From custom gross-motor structures to more classes and online offerings, I am detailing what I expect more businesses will (or should!) do in 2025. Thanks to ALUVII for sponsoring this episode! Book a free demo and get our exclusive discount when you use this link: https://aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy 2024 Trend Predictions: https://bit.ly/4j3Q853 2023 Trend Predictions: https://bit.ly/4a9bJoH 2022 Trend Predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG02UbNRciQ&t=13s Series on Accommodating Autistic Kids: https://bit.ly/423lKBG Chat with Inclusivity Specialist: https://bit.ly/4gGakIA OTHER RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2024 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    46 min
  7. 30/12/2024

    317: Can A "Dry January" Have A Positive Impact On Your Play Cafe Or Indoor Playground Business?

    Schedule an Aluvii Demo And Unlock the Play Maker Discount: aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy In this episode, I’m sitting down with Casey McGuire Davidson, a Life & Sobriety Coach and host of The Hello Someday Podcast for Sober Curious Women, to talk about how alcohol can affect both our personal and professional lives. We’re diving into Dry January—what it is, who it’s for, the benefits it can bring to your life and business, and some tips for making it through an alcohol-free month successfully. Whether you’re curious about cutting back or supporting someone you care about, this conversation will give you plenty of insights and inspiration to reflect on your own relationship with alcohol and consider a healthier, more intentional path forward. Casey's Podcast - https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/podcast/  Connect with Casey on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/caseymdavidson/   https://www.facebook.com/HelloSomeday/   https://www.pinterest.com/hellosomedaycoaching/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeVIxEe2MC9sPUaDh74sdWQ  https://www.tiktok.com/@hellosomedaysober Free Masterclass Take A Break From Drinking With These 5 Secrets - http://www.hellosomedaycoaching.com/class PROFITABLE PLAY RESOURCES: Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Getting Started YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYkEnvPJdo&list=PLKNxpFOU7ITc6BrH_EHl4DuHqWqdUoTZU What's Working 2025 Guide: http://bit.ly/3GwXQAS Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Socity: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Fund Your Indoor Play Business: http://bit.ly/38KbYbz Courses & Consulting: http://bit.ly/3N7bPAI Indoor Playground Business Courses: https://bit.ly/37yCxAC Michele’s Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Ia4PTK Michele’s Website: https://www.michelecaruana.com YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3JDkSe7 FREE 14-DAY Active Campaign Trial: https://bit.ly/3rjp5bP ETSY Template Shop: https://bit.ly/40RF5D4 Recession Prep Playlist: https://www.michelecaruana.com/recessionprep Schedule an Aluvii Demo: aluvii.com/play-cafe-academy Play Cafe Academy & Play Makers Society: http://bit.ly/3HES7fD Questions and Support: Support@michelecaruana.com  Simplify and Scale with 50% OFF My POS System-Of-Choice: https://discover.wellnessliving.com/playcafeacademy

    49 min

About

If you own or manage an indoor play center, play cafe, indoor playground, family entertainment center, mobile soft play rental business or really any business that serves local children and families, and you want to operate with more EASE and JOY, all while making the living you dreamed of– I created the profitable play podcast just for you. Join me, your host, Michele Caruana, for small but mighty tips every single weekday that will all add up to a BIG impact on your mindset, your business, and your bottom line. Stick with me to keep the PASSION and GROW the profit in YOUR play-based business

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