We were in a tight spot and now we are able to do active debt reduction. The business is thriving and we are confident we’ll do well in the current economy.

Tone, a Pilates, Dance and Yoga Studio
in Santa Rosa, CA
Alyson Dobbert, Studio Manager
Monica Anderson, Studio Director

Tone is a local fitness facility providing innovative Pilates, Dance, Yoga and other movement instruction as well as a Pilates teaching certification program. This is the place for positive, safe movement to promote health and increased body awareness — no matter what level of fitness. Tone teachers are experienced, certified and dedicated to continuing education in the latest techniques of movement and body understanding. Centrally located with a variety of classes, teachers and instruction styles offered throughout the day and week, Tone is a place of laughter, compassion, dedication and respect.

How did you find out about Women Building Business?
Alyson: At a Connection’s meeting. I heard Cynthia speak and I liked her style.

What made you want to sign up to take a course with Cynthia?
Alyson: I liked Cynthia's straightforward approach. I'm very much a task-oriented planner person and Cynthia seemed to fit that same style.

What business problems were you hoping to solve/master?
Alyson: After I had done the six-month course, I knew that I wanted Monica more involved in the business development. I felt that Cynthia would be able to facilitate discussions and decisions between the two of us and add a third person clarity and perspective.

Which courses have you taken from Cynthia?
Alyson: I took a 4-hour “Introduction to the One Page Business Plan” class and then signed up for the six month course.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned?
Alyson: I've learned that looking at the financial statements is vital to the success of our business. Sometimes in the day to day of a business operation, you can lose sight of progress made. Updating our OPBP and reviewing financials on a regular basis has given me a sense of progress and momentum that inspires me.

The most surprising or unexpected thing?
Monica: That I enjoy the process! I like the meetings and look forward to them!
Alyson: Paying attention to the numbers, making a plan, and looking at projections actually does move us forward!

How have your business skills grown?
Alyson: I feel competent reading the financial statements. I know how to write a one page plan and how to use it as an ongoing tool. We use the one page format for our big picture business development and also know how to create a plan to explore new ideas we want to develop. This is a very empowering skill.

How has your business (and personal life) improved as a result?
Alyson: Look at our numbers! We were in a tight spot and now we are able to do active debt reduction. The business is thriving and we are confident we’ll do well in the current economy.
Monica: Working with Cynthia is having a trusted advisor that we can count on to support us and be with us through the ups and downs. I feel better being involved in the process of business development because she respects that my strengths lie in other areas.

Would you encourage others to work with Cynthia?
Absolutely!