{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F07f8825f-9b1b-4690-8f52-1c33eae5cbfb","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"MVP010: Battling the Minotaur Inside Labyrinth Games","description":"
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\nThe double digit episode of the Manaverse Podcast is here. Today I talk with Kathleen Donahue and Judy Thomas. Kathleen owns Labyrinth Games &\u00a0Puzzles in Washington, DC and Judy handles the Magic side.. \"Labyrinth Games is a family-friendly, community-focused store\u00a0featuring a wide selection of non-electronic, specialty games, puzzles,\u00a0and mazes\" to quote their website.
\nKathleen has created a business that provides a unique experience for her customers. The family friendly atmosphere plays into the focus on games like chess and puzzles and is a haven for younger players. Magic is just one piece of the puzzle (badoom-tish) that makes Labyrinth Games a successful shop.
\nDuring the course of the episode we talk about:
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\n* The importance of hiring people who have the knowledge you don't
\n* The difficulties\u00a0in running an LGS in a metropolitan downtown area
\n* How local schools can increase your business
\n* Dealing with a bureaucracy
\n* Finding a balance in your business, for your customers and yourself
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\nOne thing I find funny having talked to quite a few game store entrepreneurs at this point is that when asked for stories, most people draw a blank initially. A few seconds after saying their not sure they have any a flood of awesome stories hit them. Personally, I find the stories we share with each other\u00a0to have some of the deepest meaning. Game stores are a gold mine for great stories which leads to the questions of the day.
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