In need of inspiration!

[Samantha]

Hi all. I am a newly certified teacher who has recently moved to Las Vegas. I finished my certification out of state just before moving, and it is really hard to find a place to teach without knowing anyone and without a lot of experience! I'm also not your stereotypical yoga body. I am fairly flexible, but I've run into employers who want the super-yoga bendy show. I know that's not what yoga is about, but it's hard to make a qualified impression at entry level places like gyms where the interviewers often aren't yogis themselves. Straight from the mouth of an interviewer I saw last week: "I just figure if they're super-flexible then they must be experts."

Anyway, I'm not too worried about the money aspect yet, just wanting to share yoga and to build experience and trust with my students. I've thought about using Craigslist to advertise private lessons for beginners or groups. I have several problems keeping me from making the decision:

1. I don't have the funds to rent out studio space right now.
2. I'm not sure if it's safe to invite people into my home, or to go into theirs
3. Do I need insurance, and if so how much?

In short I feel confident in my passion for yoga and sharing it with others. I am less confident about the business end. Anybody have any ideas? I've been to several interviews and gone to several studios...it's hard to keep moving past the rejection! I need a lift.

[Administrator]

Hi Samantha.

Welcome to our forum.

Craigslist is a great way to find privates. We'll be showing you lots more ways to find clients in the weeks to come.

1. Don't worry about rental of studio space now. It's ok to start by visiting clients in home or office or having them come to you.

Yes, there is a chance you will meet someone creepy but it's rather small. It's been our experience that the undesirable clients usually identify themselves during an initial phone call.

They may ask to see a picture.

They may ask if "anything else" is included with the yoga.

They may ask if you are married.

These are all warning signs and you should trust your instincts.

2. You do need insurance because people can injure themselves during yoga and we live it a society that loves to sue.

(I'm still nursing a boo-boo from a fall forward from crow pose but I didn't sue Sara. Can you hear that sigh of relief? :-) )

Insurance can come from yoga alliance or yoga international. The costs are bound to be really inexpensive for a year's peace of mind.

I don't believe you have to work for a studio to make money in yoga.

Sara has finally listened to me and given up almost all of her classes.

At this point, she can not accept even one more client on her schedule
and is looking for additional yoga teachers to hire to handle private clients.

And I'm going to share these tricks with you as well.

So cheer up. As a relatively new practitioner of yoga, let me assure you
that I care more about the results than what my yoga teacher looks like.

I've gone to many classes but have never made a choice to go back based on the figure of the teacher.

It's a non-issue for most folks.

Let people know what yoga can do for them.

List the benefits of yoga in your ad.

And follow this board closely for suggestions.

May your business go to new and higher levels of success and be a blessing to all who come in contact with you.

Peace.

[Samantha]

Thanks so much for the advice regarding my need for inspiration bit! I am trying to get up an rolling. I have designed an ad for craiglist. Any feedback would be much appreciated. I am a beginning instructor, so I thought I should target beginner students. Should I list prices?

**Curious about yoga?**

Compassionate, qualified yoga instructor available for private lessons especially for beginners.

Why try it?
~Explore yoga while reaping the benefits of personal attention and guidance.
~Build strength and flexibilty as you tone and slim your body.
~Relieve stress and improve focus and concentration.

When and Where?
~I bring yoga to you almost anywhere in Las Vegas! (home, office, etc.)
~Call now to book a preferred time slot morning, afternoon or evening.

What is it?
~Yoga is a journey. It means something different to everyone, so let's get started on your yoga!
~Lessons will consist of flowing vinyasa sequences designed to fit your body and your life.
~You control the intensity level, gentle to moderate or even power.

Currently booking slots - call now to book at your convenience!
Samantha (702) 595-0015

**Explore yoga and find yourself!**

[Administrator]

Here's a million dollar reply to you.

**Curious about yoga?**

Instead of this headline, try offering a specific benefit.

A Little Known Way To Melt Off Fat
Here's The Secret To Reducing Your Stress
Relieve Your Lower Back Pain

One of our students has had success on Craigslist with:

Are You Man Enough For Yoga?

People reading this will have no clue as to what a Vinyassa is.

Never use yoga jargon in your ads. Avoid even the use
of Namaste.

Mention hotels too. Lord knows the number of times
I was in Las Vegas and couldn't find someone do to yoga.

(I'm hooked on privates).

Now test with different headlines but be consistent.

Post at least 3 times a week.

Vary your subject lines or headlines.

Test, test, and test again.

Use what works.

[HipYogaChic]

I'm so excited for you! Your ad is definitely on the right track, and with Sara and Harlan's help, you're going to be happily swimming in opportunities very soon!

I hope you give yourself credence and stay on your personal development as a teacher by reading and meditating about the yoga path everyday so that when you teach, you will teach from a place of inner knowing, and it will unfold easily and swiftly before your very eyes.

The path of the yoga teacher is a beautiful journey. Remember there are many aspects to the path. A way of understanding this is in three parts: cognitive, symbology and sensory.

The cognitive aspect is the left-brain, right-brain function that allows you to acquire the knowledge you need to teach.

The symbology aspect is the Artist within you transmuting the information you know about yoga into a dynamic and transformative art-form each time you teach it.

And the Sensory aspect is the blend of the above two in action as you and your students demonstrate and live it on and off the mat, and take time to reflect on each experience and how it enhances and changes your lives.

I respect and honor your developing path, Samantha!

[Administrator]

Thanks for reminding us what this is all about.

I'm the marketing guy who wouldn't be doing this if not for the impact
yoga has had in my life.

Yoga teachers everywhere - no matter what branch, style or flavor
you are, I salute you.

[Samantha]

Thank you both so much. The advice and encouragement was just what I needed. I posted my ad, and now we'll see what unfolds. It is scary being in a new city, without family and friends to support me as I begin sharing yoga. The responses I have recieved in this forum help make that easier and remind me why I started my journey in the first place.

Namaste, Samantha

[Administrator]

Hi Samantha,

Remember marketing is not a one time effort.

I'm frequently in Vegas for seminars. Next time
I'm out there, you can make me sweat for a few hours.

I'm happy I know someone who will do privates there.

[Samantha]

I'll keep plugging away at the marketing. That's good advice.

I'd be happy to help you out why you're in Vegas!

[Administrator]

Please PM me your contact information for reference.

Thanks and looking forward to meeting you in Vegas.