When I first started teaching yoga, one of my first thoughts was: "I've been working in education, where I know I wasn't paid much, but this can't be what yoga teachers are making in my area. How can anyone live off of this?!" And I am in no way meaning any disrespect to yoga studios, other yoga teachers, or anyone else in the field, but I knew that this was not a profession I could, in a healthy way, live a sustainable lifestyle just by teaching yoga. The amount of classes I would have to teach each week to make a living wage would have left me in a state of burnout in no time. So I saw it as a nice side job to deepen my practice and benefit from being able to continue my own personal practice at the studio where I was teaching.
It was when I realized there are options out there to grow your business (as a yoga teacher, typically you are an independendent contractor/self-employed business owner) and I want to share ways to grow your student following, increase your income, and enhance your class experiences. The following are 3 examples I used to grow my business and found success as a new yoga teacher (and these examples can be used for new and experienced yoga teachers looking to grow their business).
First, put yourself out there and reach out to other local businesses! There's a demand for yoga teachers at breweries & wineries, reach out to inquire about teaching a class! Other options are clothing boutiques (so many specialty boutiques are open to the idea of hosting different events), local event spaces, animal shelters, bars/restaraunts, golf courses...The possibilities are endless! The worst that can happen when you reach out is that they say no, and then you move onto the next! There are negotiations that will take place when it comes to your class, so have an idea when making your calls or visits what you would like to earn per class and remember, the business needs to benefit from you being there as well in terms of sales so pitch yourself and why adding an event or class to their schedule would benefit them!
Next, find a way to set your class style apart from others. One thing I like to add to my classes are simple sound healing techniques. For example, at the end of class during my students final savasana when it is time for them to reawaken, I will gently guide them out of their practice with the use of chimes, by playing a native flute, or through the use of a drum. Taking this time to be intentional with your students as their asana practice comes to a close, adds tremendous healing power to your class and students enjoy the extra musical treat.
And the 3rd idea to help you grow your yoga business is to teach a free/donation based classes at a local park or in your own backyard! There are many people in your community that can benefit from a yoga asana practice, but due to financial circumstances may not be able to afford a studio membership or class. This option is also a great way to meet others in your community who may want to practice but are intimidated by a studio setting.
I hope you found these ideas helpful to begin growing your business! Have ideas you want to share? Comment on this post! Want to dive in deeper or need assistance working through ideas and pricing specific to you and your offerings? Reach out to me and lets schedule a time to chat, I love connecting with other yoga teachers to help them brainstorm and build their community of students and build their business!
Have a great day! ~Elizabeth
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