When I graduated from college, I dove headlong into restaurant work in order to survive. I had a degree in Visual Communications and a minor in Art from an un- prestigious college, but near the end of my studies I'd begun playing bass in a band and wanted to see where that would take me. I spent the next 11 years of my life in the food service industry. I went from dishwasher, to waiter, to prep cook, to weekend manager during that time. I took advantage of the flexible hours and free meals; in large part because of this, I was able to make records and tour early on. In later years I would use my days off to record people at my home studio, up until my recording schedule overtook my work schedule. I've always been thankful for my time spent working in restaurants, catering, and pubs for the valuable lessons I took away.
For almost 17 years now I have owned a commercial recording studio, and I see it as a continuation of my career in the service industry. Anyone with a credit card or some extra cash can throw a bunch of audio gear in a room and call it a "studio." But a room full of wires and boxes doesn't run itself, and how one decides to organize and present their studio is the key in separating their place from the pack. But the most important element in all of this is the clients and customers.
If there is any studio that has made and sustained a stellar reputation solely on recording equipment, location, or a fancy website, then I'd like to hear about it — because I sincerely doubt such a place exists. Every aspect of a studio's success hinges on the experience that the musicians have while working there. It's so obvious — and it's been said a thousand times — but word of mouth is king. Forget advertising your studio; make your clients happy and they will tell other musicians to come in, and they in turn will tell even more people. And a studio full of musicians is a successful studio.