If You Build It, They Will Come
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.
Comments
It sounds like you've had the same "marketing" experience that many other small businesses have. When it's only you, you really have to get the most bang for your buck and that means either:
Good luck to you!
Posted by: Jennifer Breazeale | June 30, 2008 10:52 PM
Market Yoga classes can be fun. Besides that, this is a modern way to help people finding Yoga.
Posted by: Yôga em Goiânia | July 1, 2008 05:19 PM
Hey Jennifer! I hear ya. I'm always busy with work and it is really hard to keep yourself motivated. To help market your yoga school you could sign up for a free yoga studio listing at www.yogaschoolfinder.com
Posted by: yogi | July 7, 2008 02:29 PM
I made up 4x6 cards instead of business cards because they can be used in many ways. Plus I made them beautiful so people would want to use them as a postcard or an inspiring image to put on their fridge.
Also, you never know where free marketing will come from. I was honest with the add salesman from the local weekly paper. Today he called to see if I wanted 1/2 off a back page add. When I said couldn't even afford it half off he put me in the education section of a special issue for free! One never knows where good things will come from.
Posted by: Jessica Rigney | July 8, 2008 07:42 AM
I soooo feel you, Erica! Marketing can completely overtake your mind, or totally slip it. I'm in the midst of scaling back and allowing time, intention and preparation to do their work...you can read about my most recent experience of abundance at yogaeveryday.wordpress.com!
This has become my mantra: "Self-possessed, resolute, Act
without thought of success or failure,
this equanimity is yoga."
(the Gita, of course!)
Posted by: Christine Stump | July 25, 2008 09:32 PM