biz: how make a name for yourself in the crowded yoga industry

yoga is a $6+ billion per year industry.  yes, that's billion with a "b".  yoga is everywhere -- around the corner at the gym, down the street at 3 different studios, on our laptops, smartphones, iPads, on our TVs, and even in our schools and workplaces. with so much yoga out there, it can be almost paralyzing to think about how to distinguish yourself from every other yoga teacher out there, and enjoy your piece of the multi-billion dollar yoga pie. but there is a tried-and-true method that will continue to work for ALL yogapreneurs, no matter how crowded the yoga world becomes.

the popularity means there's room for growth, expansion, and success.  it means there's room for YOU.  nearly everyone you talk to does, has done, or wants to do yoga, which means you are needed and necessary for this amazing yoga revolution to occur.

your authentic, special, one-of-a-kind yoga voice is a necessary part of the intricate and beautiful international yoga community.

ok, so there's room for you, but how to you get seen?

be yourself -- no one else can be you, teach like you, talk like you, joke like you, sequence a class like you.  the number one most important thing to establishing your unique yoga brand is to teach and speak as authentically as possible.

don't try to imitate others' teaching styles.  don't try to emulate other people's success.  find what works for you -- even if that means doing something that's different or maybe has never been done before.

when you teach yoga, infuse your personality into every aspect from the music to the theme to the asanas you choose to the workshops you offer to the weekly newsletter you send out.  the more you there is, the more you'll differentiate yourself from every other teacher out there.  no one else can be you.  and you can't be anyone else (so don't try to be!).

think about what you love, and bring that into the yoga classroom.  for example...

• if you love art -- host a special art-lovers' yoga class in a museum or gallery space
• if you love vegan cooking -- have a vegan potluck brunch once a month after your sunday morning class
• if you love kids -- offer to start-up a toddler yoga class at your studio during a timeslot when their moms are taking another class
• if you love wine -- bring your students to happy hour after your thursday early evening class to mix & mingle
• if you love hip-hop music -- design a hip-hop yoga workshop for others who share your passion

hope these ideas got the wheels spinning, and remember...

put YOU in everything you do.

yogi: appeal to the senses - 3 things you need to do before teaching yoga class

hi yogis!  if you're a yoga teacher, setting the scene is a big part of class planning.  and that's why it's so important to arrive 15 minutes or so before class begins so that you can take care of creating your ideal "backdrop" before students start arriving.  if you want your students to get the most out of your classes, creating the ideal environment for them to practice in is key.  so, the next time you're heading to the studio to teach, make sure you allot a few extra minutes to take care of these essential items. 1. check the temp -- a room that is too cold (or too hot -- unless you're teaching bikram) can be uncomfortable.  instead of students focusing on their breath, they'll be distracted by their chilly toes and stiff muscles.  when you get into the room, notice the temperature, and if it needs adjusting, handle that immediately so the temp has time to regulate before the students arrive.

2. look at the lighting -- next, adjust the lighting to meet your preferences.  are you teaching a gentle, restorative class that calls for low lighting and candles?  or have you planned a rockin' vinyasa class that requires brighter lighting to keep the energy up?  upon entering, the lighting will subconsciously alert your students to the energy level and mood you're looking to generate.

3. put on the tunes -- if you like to instruct to music, get your playlist going so that the ambiance is complete when students enter.  also, remember that the tunes you select can mirror the flow of the class -- start with slow mantra chants, amp it up with some mc yogi, and then pair savasana with slower, soulful sounds.

these subtle elements may seem like an afterthought, but pairing your class plan with these other sensual elements will allow your students to enjoy their practice on a deeper level.

now, it's yoga time!

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