The Yogipreneur » Marketing

The Seasons of Business – Summer

yogipreneur — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:01:23 +0000

Every business is seasonal. For most of us, the summer is traditionally a slow time. Kids are on vacation, people are traveling, and routines are more relaxed. With a little planning, you can learn to use this time to grow your business and position yourself to have an incredible fall and winter!

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So you want to teach yoga…Part IV

yogipreneur — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:53 +0000

You’ve done all the prep work. You know exactly what kind of student you are hoping to teach. You’ve brainstormed a few different locations to teach. So how do you approach an organization to set up a class?

Create a proposal

A well-crafted proposal is an essential tool to gaining entry into the “non-yoga” world. If you are trying to start a class anywhere but a gym or studio, a proposal helps you to create:

Clear expectations The location knows exactly what you are offering, options for payment, and how the program will be run.
Professionalism A written proposal maintains a level of professionalism. Too many yoga teachers start a program with just a conversation and nothing in writing. A written proposal shows dedication and will increase the support from the organization.
Education Most of the people you will talk to know nothing about yoga – and what they do know is often wrong! Educate them on the benefits of yoga. Provide clear points that answer the question “Why do the people here need yoga?”.

What’s in a proposal?

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Creating a Business Plan…Part II

yogipreneur — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:29 +0000

…Creating a Business Plan Continued…

Now that you’ve established the kind of business you will operate, the services you will offer, and the clientele you will serve, let’s dive into bringing this business plan into reality with marketing, operations, management, and financial planning.

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July Business Bootcamp

Allow The Yogipreneur to guide you through the process of creating a functional, results-oriented business plan. This series of 4 webinars will take you through each section of a business plan with a bonus session on creating systems to allow you to achieve more of your goals with less time and energy!

Two Week Series | Tuesdays & Thursdays 1PM – 4PM | July 14 – 23 2009
Creating a five year strategic action plan for your business.
Read more and Register Online

Creating a Business Plan…Part I

yogipreneur — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:00:54 +0000

As a yoga teacher, you take time to prepare for a class. You set the intention for the class. You look for inspiration from your teachers to impart on your students. A sequence is developed to prepare the body to reach a specific posture. Each class builds on what you taught in the previous class.

So it surprises me that many yogis begin on the journey of a yoga business (teaching or owning a studio) without a goal in mind. They spend more time planning classes than planning for their business.

Without a clearly defined purpose, the business is more likely to be unfocused and lack direction. When opportunities or roadblocks arise, how do you decide what to do or what not to do if you don’t even know where you are going?

A business plan is a tool that can bring clarity to decision making in your business. This is not a static document – a functional business plan is a dynamic plan that is consistently reviewed and updated. It keeps the business on track so that you can achieve the vision for your ideal life.

What is in a business plan?

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July Business Bootcamp

Two Week Series | Tuesdays & Thursdays 1PM – 4PM | July 14 – 23 2009
Creating a five year strategic action plan for your business.
Read more and Register Online

So you want to teach yoga…Part III

yogipreneur — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:00:14 +0000

Submit a resume to your local gyms and studios, but don’t limit yourself to only these locations. In these economic times, there are dozens of alternative locations looking to add more to their menu of services. Once you have identified your ideal student, brainstorm other places your student might frequent.

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So you want to teach yoga…Part II

yogipreneur — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:33 +0000

You are now a yoga teacher! With a RYT certificate in hand, you start applying to gyms and yoga studios; however with the current economy you quickly realize there are few openings for new yoga teachers. So how do you find students and places to teach?

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So you want to teach yoga…Part I

yogipreneur — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:55:38 +0000

You started a yoga practice to reduce stress, reconnect with yourself, or maybe even get back that pre-baby body. Somewhere between your first down-dog to mastering a handstand, a transformation took place. You became addicted to the yoga class after-glow. Suddenly, your new passion for yoga is the main topic of conversation.

This is how many yoga teachers seem to discover their career path. A passion for practicing yoga turns into a passion for sharing yoga. Life as a yoga teacher seems idyllic – flexible hours, comfortable clothing, relaxing atmosphere. Not to mention that most yoga teachers seem to have found the fountain of youth.

So what does a career teaching yoga look like? How do you get started? Can you afford to live off of teaching yoga?

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Confessions of a Yogipreneur…

yogipreneur — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:30:47 +0000

You are dreaming of the day when you can walk into a tranquil space, welcome new students (who are coming in droves) and share your passion for yoga. You have taken teacher trainings, workshops, and numerous classes to build your knowledge and understanding of this ancient practice. Owning a yoga studio has been your dream and maybe even now is a real possibility.

Owning and running a successful studio requires more than knowledge of yoga. It requires more than knowledge of business. A yogipreneur embodies a unique set of skills and traits required to endure the roller-coaster of running a business. Do you have what it takes to be a spiritual entrepreneur?

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Creating a lasting impression

yogipreneur — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:47:19 +0000

I could teach you a million incredible techniques to attract new students – but the most crucial measure of success comes once the student has walked into your class. Why do students come to yoga? Because they are lacking something in their life. They may be hurting physically or mentally. They may be seeking a connection to other people, to themselves or to their Higher Power. They might not even realize why they are there – they might simply be drawn to the practice by the influence of others in their life.

It is an awesome responsibility. You are guiding souls towards their greater purpose.

Consider the experience you currently provide your students. Think about the moment they walk through the door – what do they see, hear and feel as they step on the mat? How to you personalize their experience? Do you take the time to talk to them and learn about them as individuals? Do you give them tools to deepen their practice or achieve their goals?

If your only interaction with your students is the time in class, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to deepen relationships and develop a devoted student.

This will activate the law of attraction. If you give an abundance of value to your students, they will return the abundance. They will continue to attend classes. They will bring their friends. They will promote you! But you must continue to create a lasting impression for each soul that walks through the door.

Attracting your ideal student

yogipreneur — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:25:10 +0000

A common thought in the yoga community is since everyone can benefit from yoga, you should market and offer yoga services to everyone that you come across. Often this leads to unfocused marketing campaigns that are ineffective and expensive. It also leads to students who simply are not a good fit – they are demanding of your time and energy and are often the same students who are asking for you to discount your services!

Focusing on a specific type of student allows you to become more efficient, create a stronger personal and professional brand and expand your business. Does this mean that you turn away students who do not fit this “ideal student” profile? Of course not! But you are more likely to attract the students to appreciate and value your teaching.

The law of attraction is a simple concept: like attracts like. So what kind of student are you attracting?

When I think of myself as a yogini and yoga teacher, there are several personal qualities that resonate with a specific type of student. I am very focused on my health and fitness, but I also value a relaxed lifestyle that is focused on friends and family. I eat organic and vegetarian most of the time, but I love a family cookout and a glass of wine. Staying in shape is important to me, but I don’t like to run. So the students I’m looking to attract work hard and play hard – they are looking to develop a yoga practice that provides energy, focus and personal growth in their life.

Another example could be a friend of mine who teaches Gentle Yoga a few times a week. She is a more mature woman with a sparkling personality and calm demeanor. Her voice is very soft and soothing. Her full time career is demanding; she prefers a relaxing and soothing practice. So her ideal students are a similar demographic – more mature, career oriented people who are looking for a practice that will be relaxing and soothing.

When you focus on attracting students who you resonate with, amazing things begin to happen. People feel that you have created a class just for them! Students share their positive experience with friends. Word of mouth is the most effective marketing – so create an amazing experience!