I don't like to market my class. I could tell you it's because I think commercialism is killing the soul of yoga, but that would be a lie. The truth is, I just don't have it in me. It's not that I'm lazy, it's just that after working 40+ hours a week doing my regular day job I am tired. And there hasn't been a large enough return on my past efforts at making Myspace accounts, distributing flyers, and posting ads on Criagslist to justify doing it. So about six months ago, I just stopped trying. Amazingly, some folks found my class anyway.

I thought I had found the key to prosperity as a yoga teacher. The bonus, I thought, is that I didn't have to actually put forth any effort. My marketing plan was to just show up with good intentions and let the students find me. Unfortunately, that's not working so well for me during the summer months.

I realized the absurdity of my "marketing plan" last week when I led a special workshop for a group of girls from a local summer camp. (BTW, this was SO MUCH fun!) This was the biggest class I'd ever taught—there were probably 17 people total, all new students for me. When they were leaving, the camp counselor who coordinated the workshop asked if I had business cards I could give to her so she could distribute them to the campers. I didn't. On my way home, I realized I had also forgotten to announce when my normal class was! It's one thing not to go out of your way to promote yourself, but it's completely ridiculous not to when the perfect opportunity arises.

Posted by Erica Rodefer at 07:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how I had the opportunity to teach my first ever workshop. I was so excited because it sounded like such a great chance to reach out to new students and for my regular students to go a little deeper than they get to in our 1-hour classes. It seemed like the perfect time to have a workshop. Class attendance was up. Summer break was about to begin. The students who were coming were excited and motivated, and many of them had blossomed—from a basic, beginning practice to a more sophisticated practice. It's sure to be a success story, I thought.

Ironically, as soon as the workshop was added to the schedule, my class attendance dropped dramatically. As it turns out when students get a break for summer, they also take a break from yoga. To add to that, several of my regular students will be studying abroad in the next few months. The workshop was scheduled for Saturday, and as of now, it looks like we'll have to cancel it because no one has signed up. So I'm down, but not out.

Just as my dreams of facilitating an amazing summer workshop were fading fast, another opportunity came my way. Next week, I'll be exposing group of about 15 summer campers to the wonderful practice of yoga for the first time. (With any luck, a few of them will fall in love with yoga and start coming to my class, too!)

Isn't it funny how things work out?

Posted by Erica Rodefer at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This week as I walked into the yoga studio ready to teach my class, I was armed with a new sequence. I remembered my sign-in sheet, pen, and even my tingsa bells. I was so excited to be teaching again after a two-week hiatus that I felt like a kid on the first day of school. I sat nervously as I anticipated the arrival of my students. I couldn't wait to see my girls!

The feelings were not mutual.

In my absence, my students must've forgotten all about my class. I know that teenagers have a shorter attention span, but com'on!!! Not one of them showed up! This was the first time this had happened in probably a year. And I'll be honest, I was a little devastated. I'm still learning not to take it personally when the numbers aren't there to validate me as a teacher, but it's not easy.

Logically, I realize there are so many scenarios that can keep people (particularly teenage people) from yoga class that do not involve suddenly realizing a hatred for the yoga teacher. I will now list OTHER possible excuses in an attempt to try to make myself feel better about life.

1. It's the first week of summer! I think I'd rather hang out with my friends this week instead. I'll be back next week for sure... and I'll probably bring my friends.

2. Now that it's summer, I have to catch up on all my doctor's appointments. My mom forgot I'm supposed to go to yoga and scheduled a dentist appointment for the same time. I'm still mad at her.

3. I was injured water skiing so I decided to give my body time to heal.

4. I usually come with a friend, but my friend had a doctor's appointment during yoga class.

5. I was studying for the SATs.

6. All of my yoga clothes are dirty.

7. I had soccer practice.

8. I decided I'd rather practice yoga with fancy, new Wii Fit. (I'm sure I'll be tired of it by next week and come to class.)

9. We had family visiting from out of town.

10. I took a nap at home instead.

Help me add to the list!

Posted by Erica Rodefer at 09:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)