Stop Writing To Yourself!

[Administrator]

Hi it's Harlan for http://www.buildyouryogabusiness.com

As you read through the many posts on our forum from yogis and yoginis requesting advice and feedback on their marketing materials, you'll find
something in common.

Most of the ads and websites are written in such a way as to be unintelligible to the average prospective client.

Think about it...

Would an outsider recognize terms such as Kripalu, Ashtanga, Anasura, Iyengar?

No.

And so what does including them in your marketing piece do for you?

Nothing.

In fact, it distances you from your market.

It produces a big fat yawn.

What are the benefits of doing yoga? That's what people want to hear about.

And don't just make a list.

Explain it to them.

What do the words "relieve stress" mean?

Very little.

But if you explain exactly how yoga works in simple terms - without talking about Asana, Vinyassa, Pranayama etc - you'll find a receptive audience.

I believe the world would be a better place if more people started doing yoga.

And I believe more people would start doing yoga if yoga teachers spent more time thinking about how to talk to their prospective clients.

Really connect with them on the deepest levels.

You will change their world and the world around them.

Peace.

Harlan

[Kiwiyogini]

Hi Harlan
When you point it out and I look at my results with what I've done... it makes me laugh

So a new approach.

The craigslist that you mention, is new to me and I don't think is very popular in New Zealand, where I'm based. I could be wrong, it happens

I've found some alternatives, which are popular and listed a couple of adds, I'll see how they go

Thanks
Karen

[jane hb]

Hi Harlan & Sara,
First, thanks for all that you do for the yoga teaching community. I am a yoga instructor and will soon begin training for my next yoga endeavor, thai massage. I was thinking about offering a discounted price for friends once my training is complete. Obviously, so that I can get lots of hands on training/experience and also offer the wonderful healing benefits of thai massage to loved ones. Where I live, typically, an hour and a half session seems to range from $80 - 130.00. Although there does not seem to be too many thai massage therapists in my area. I was thinking about charging $20.00 for a 30 minute session, for reasons stated above. However, I don't want to make a move until I hear your advice, and any other thoughts you may have about this. Thanks again for everything. Peace.

[Administrator]

First, just go ahead and find clients when you are ready.

Thai massage goes for $150 for a session in Florida.

Valarie, my Ashtanga teacher also does Thai Massage.

She's very talented.

I don't like the idea of charging less because it trains your mind
to ask for less.

Go get some good clients.

One of my former teachers Dashama also learned Thai Massage
and does very well on Craigslist.

If you look in Florida in West Palm Beach, search for Thai Massage
under therapeutic and you'll find her ads.

Technically the word massage is reserved for licensed massage therapists.

People get around this by saying they do Thai Yoga Therapy.

Stay within the law.

Let us know what happens.

Shanti.

Harlan

[jane hb]

As always thanks for the suggestions and legal implications. I realized (once again) that I have this tendency to sell myself short - I thank you for the reminder. Peace.

[Administrator]

Just reading this reminds me to call Valarie for a Thai massage (whoops I mean Thai therapy...)

[jane hb]

Right on Harlan! Don't you think Thai Therapy is just wonderful? I use it sometimes with my students in classes and their response is so appreciative. I would love to hear your take on it. Thanks

[Administrator]

Sometimes during the standing series of Ashtanga, Valarie will use some of her Thai knowledge for some amazing stretches.

I know it's working because now I can touch my toes with my legs straight.



Namaste.

Harlan

[Richards T]

So far no calls from Craig's list. I am like Sara was teaching 7 classes a week at various places. I have run about 3 variations on craigs list, under two catagories. The only response I have gotten is from those that want to sell me something.

Open to suggestions

[Sara]

Namaste Richard,

Are you trying to build a private client base or group classes on your own. I am going to assume you want some privates as you are teaching at a lot of studios.

Sometimes it is hit and miss on Craigs List. Don't give up. Maybe take a break from Craig's list but continue playing with your ads and keep posting.

Search on our forum for other ways to market yourself.

If you have a chiropractor or doctor or friends with health related businesses, then go to them with a made up brochure or flyer and make a deal with them. Ask for them to refere you and you will give them a % of what you make or the whole amount of the first session.

You could also give out a discounted first time private card to your existing students. Especially, if they have never tried a private session before. this may give them insentive to come to you.

Do you have a website. This is a great way to market yourself, espesially if you have done a good pay per click campaign.

Let me know what you think and if you try any of these. Visualize what you want and know you can manifest anything you put your mind and heart into.

Best of luck,
Sara