3 Truths No One Tells You About Starting a Yoga Business

in yoga, we're always talking about authenticity and openness. but when it comes to starting a yoga business (or any business for that matter), we're often only given half truths.
now, that's not because people are trying to mislead you -- they just don't want to discourage you, either!
but i know you can handle the truth.
i full-heartedly believe that YOU have what it takes to design your dream life+yoga career. but i also believe that budding entrepreneurs often have unrealistic expectations about how quickly and easily it will be to get their yoga business to take off.

crafting your yoga business -- just like developing a solid, reliable yoga practice -- takes time.

but you know that. you're different.
investing in your business and business education is the very thing that sets you apart from so many others. i know you're different and that you have what it takes because you are here with me, reading these posts and watching my videos.
let me say it again...YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.
you're committed to this process. and because of that, i'm gonna strip away the veil and share 3 truths that no one will tell you when you're first starting a new business.
no one likes the hard truth, but yogis, more than others, recognize that embracing a challenge head-on is much more effective and in-the-end more rewarding than simply ignoring it and hoping it gets easier or goes away.
are you ready? here are 3 yoga biz building truth bombs...

which "truth bomb" rocked your world the most? share it in the comments below.

 

 

stop sh#$%ing all over your business

you need to stop sh@#%ing all over your business.
ok, now that i've got your attention, let me explain... :-)
in case you're wondering...no, i'm not talking about that "s" word.
i'm talking about a different "s" word that you likely use A LOT in your business. actually, i can almost guarantee you use it (or think it) at least a half dozen times every day.
and, when you use this word a lot, it can have toxic effects on your energy, motivation, creativity and overall quality of life.
and the word is....
should
yup. that's it.
a seemingly harmless little word that you use often (am i right?). but when we "should" all over our business (and our lives), it can wreak havoc.
i should blog more.
i should organize my finances.
i should get more private clients.
i should get on twitter, instagram, etc.
i should meditate every day.
i should plan a workshop.
i should...i should...i should....
whew, i'm worn out just writing that list of examples.
when we "should" all over our businesses, we're setting ourselves up for resistance. when you should do something it rarely feels good. there's push-back and the option not to do the very thing you should do.
3 simple things to help you stop "shoulding" and embrace a new, more empowered way of moving through your business and life. check out the vid now!

do you "should" all over your business?

what is one should that you're going to give up? or, what's one that you're going to schedule? let me know in the comments below, or email it to me here.

My Favorite Design Tools to Build Your Best Yoga Website

i've been hearing from many of you in the CALM biz community that you definitely recognize the need to have a website, virtual products and even offer services (like coaching, meditation, etc.) online. awesome! bravo!
but clarity is different than action, right?
recognizing the need for having an online presence and actually creating one that you're proud of and "looks" like you is another story.
if you don't yet have a website. or, if you have website shame; meaning that your website looks and functions like it was built in 1995, then, my friend, it is time for some changes!
but, does the thought of overhauling or building your website have you running for the hills?
i get it.
creating a website or rebranding your online look can seem like a BIG & overwhelming project. (trust me, i'm going through this myself right now, which means CALM biz is getting an whole new online look & feel -- get excited!) but, it's also a worthwhile one.
{if you're uncertain if your website needs a facelift, check out THIS QUIZ to discover if it's time for a virtual overhaul.}
BIG projects, when you break them down into bite-sized pieces, are just a series of small projects that result in something wonderful {click to tweet}.
last week you took THIS QUIZ to discover if it's time to rework your website.
this week, i'm sharing my favorite website-building & design tools to help you create a website that looks & feels like you and your brand (for very little money!).

want some feedback on your website? post a link to your website below & i'd be happy to pop by for a visit :-)

here's a list of the resources I covered in the video:

wordpress.org
mailchimp
google docs
pic monkey
paypal

QUIZ: do i need a new website?

new website quizdo you have website shame?
you know what i mean...
do you hesitate to send people to your site because it's outdated?
or do you apologize for its lack of functionality or clunky graphics?
does it look like it was built before the 21st century?
don't be ashamed of your website shame! it's actually a very common thing.
even the most beautifully constructed sites will one day look "outdated" if they hang around long enough. and as our businesses and brands grow, it's only natural to outgrow your site!
first and foremost, congratulate yourself for recognizing the need to have a website. it gives you the ability to reach and teach people on a GLOBAL level. but, if you're hesitant to send people to your online hub because it's not an accurate reflection of you, your teaching or your brand, then it's not doing you any good!
wondering if it's time for a new look and feel for your site?
check out this quiz below.
QUIZ: Do I Need a New Website?
Round 1
1. Do you hesitate to send people to your website?
2. Do you ever apologize about the look or functionality of your site?
3. Are you tired of the look/colors/graphics?
4. Do you think it no longer "looks" like you or your brand?
5. Do you have outdated content? (i.e. blog hasn't been updated in 3+ months or write-ups about old events)
total your number of "yeses" to the first set of questions.
# of round 1 yeses: _____
Round 2
1. Can people sign-up for your email list on your homepage?
2. Can people buy your products/services/offerings directly from your site?
3. Do you regularly update your blog with valuable content for your ideal students?
total your number of "yeses" to the 2nd set of questions.
# of round 2 yeses:_____
find out your score:
now, subtract the number of "yeses" from round 2 from the number of "yeses" you had in round 1.
{Round 1 - Round 2 = Final Score}
here's what your final score means:
0 = way to go, yogi! your website rocks!!
1-2 = no need for an immediate change, but daydreaming about a rebrand could be fun
3-4 = it's time to plan a facelift! look at other sites for inspiration and work on a rebrand timeline
5 = your website is holding you back. it's time to rework it. (don't know where to start? in next week's post i'll be sharing my favorite design tools to build your best yoga website ever!)

share your score in the comments below & post a link to your website.

i'd love to check it out and maybe offer you a few tips :-)