How to Pivot a Child Education Business During COVID

TL;DR

Michelle Oppelt and Samantha Mooney, co-founders of Smartycat Kids and SmartyCatTV, faced a massive challenge when COVID-19 halted their in-person education business. They took a step back, re-evaluated their mission, and decided to fully embrace digital transformation. By leveraging online platforms, they found new opportunities to expand their reach, offering interactive, educational content to children worldwide.

Transcript

welcome to the bigger pockets business podcast show number 72 welcome to a real world mba from the school of hard knocks where entrepreneurs reveal what it really takes to make it whether you're already in business or you're on your way there this show is for you this is biggerpocket's business how's it going everybody i am jay scott i am your co-h... Read More

Key Insights

• Michelle and Samantha transitioned from in-person to digital offerings due to COVID-19, recognizing the need to adapt their business model.
• They initially struggled with the idea of making their hands-on, interactive classes virtual but found innovative ways to maintain engagement.
• The duo utilized free resources from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for guidance on navigating the new business landscape.
• Their new business model includes free content on YouTube and a subscription service for more in-depth, interactive lessons.
• They emphasize the importance of returning to core values and mission when faced with business challenges.
• The founders advocate for seeking expert advice and maintaining an open mind to new possibilities and perspectives.
• By embracing change, they found opportunities to scale their business globally, reaching children beyond their local area.
• Michelle and Samantha highlight the value of strong partnerships and clear communication in overcoming business obstacles.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Michelle and Samantha pivot their business during COVID-19?

Michelle and Samantha transitioned their in-person child education business, Smartycat Kids, to a digital platform called SmartyCatTV. They embraced online content delivery, offering free educational videos on YouTube and a subscription service for more interactive lessons. This pivot allowed them to reach a global audience and continue their mission of making learning fun and engaging for children.

Q: What challenges did Smartycat Kids face due to COVID-19?

Smartycat Kids faced the immediate challenge of losing all in-person class contracts as schools and recreational centers closed. This sudden halt in operations required Michelle and Samantha to rethink their business model entirely, moving from a B2B to a B2C model and finding ways to deliver their hands-on, interactive content digitally.

Q: What role did expert advice play in their business transformation?

Expert advice was crucial for Michelle and Samantha as they navigated their business transformation. They consulted with digital marketing experts who helped them see new opportunities in the online space, like creating a subscription service. This guidance enabled them to shift their mindset from simply adapting to actively seeking growth opportunities in the digital realm.

Q: How do Michelle and Samantha plan to maintain engagement in their digital offerings?

Michelle and Samantha plan to maintain engagement by offering interactive and fun educational content that encourages children to explore, experiment, and create. They aim to replicate the energy of their in-person classes through engaging videos on SmartyCatTV and by fostering a community where children can share their projects and participate in live Q&A sessions.

Q: What is the new business model for SmartyCatTV?

The new business model for SmartyCatTV involves offering free educational content on YouTube to engage children and build an audience. In addition, they provide a subscription service that offers more in-depth, interactive lessons and activities. This model allows them to reach a wider audience while generating revenue through subscriptions.

Q: How did the founders' partnership contribute to their business success?

The partnership between Michelle and Samantha was pivotal to their success, as they complemented each other's strengths. Michelle's big-picture thinking and creativity, combined with Samantha's execution and tactical skills, allowed them to effectively navigate challenges and pivot their business model. Their strong communication and shared mission were essential in overcoming obstacles.

Q: What advice do Michelle and Samantha offer to other business owners facing similar challenges?

Michelle and Samantha advise business owners to maintain a focus on their core mission and values when facing challenges. They emphasize the importance of seeking expert advice, being open to new perspectives, and embracing change as an opportunity for growth. They also highlight the value of strong partnerships and resourcefulness in navigating business transformations.

Q: How can parents and children access SmartyCatTV's educational content?

Parents and children can access SmartyCatTV's educational content through their YouTube channel, where they offer free videos that make learning fun and engaging. For more in-depth and interactive lessons, parents can subscribe to their service through SmartyCatTV's website, which provides additional resources and activities for children to explore and learn at home.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Michelle Oppelt and Samantha Mooney transformed their in-person learning business, Smartycat Kids, into a digital platform, SmartyCatTV, in response to COVID-19. They embraced change by creating engaging online content for children, maintaining their mission of making learning fun and interactive. Their new model includes free YouTube content and a subscription service, allowing them to reach a global audience.

• The founders utilized resources like the SBA for guidance and focused on their core mission to navigate the business pivot. They highlight the importance of expert advice, adaptability, and strong partnerships in overcoming challenges.

• By shifting their perspective from merely adapting to seeking new opportunities, Michelle and Samantha turned a potentially devastating situation into a chance for growth, demonstrating resilience and innovation in their business approach.