free yoga
Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Last night was my first FREE class to celebrate National Yoga Month. It was super successful! I had 21 students and the studio was packed! I really couldn't believe that many people showed up. My heart was absolutely swelling out of my chest.
Of those people only three were brand new to yoga. Although quite a few were new to a flow style of yoga. So, I taught a really slow flowy class. I even got them to chuckle a couple of times!
After class, and even when I asked permission from the studio, I got a lot of comments about how "generous" this was of me.
Hmmm.
I suppose it is generous, but in an entirely self serving way. I am all about spreading the yoga love and getting as many people as possible to try it. Healing one back at a time! Giving someone one hour of peace in their hectic day! But, honestly, this is me advertising for my class.
I had been doing an evening class and a $5 Saturday morning class at the studio for a few months. And, I wasn't really getting a lot of students. I would get two or three in the evenings and about six on Saturdays. I looked at placing ads in the newspaper (which I would be totally pissed to give the paper here any money. barf.) but it is expensive. I started a little Facebook fan page in the hopes of finding some students with an ad for it. Most of my Facebook "fans" are not even from around here. I have a website that is ready to go, but not yet online. And, I did all the yoga teacher marketing 101 staples: cards with a free class, posters, and emails to the DLC list.
I just know people would love me if they gave me a chance! he he he!
I read about National Yoga Month and thought, "hey, I'll create the chance for them."
So, see, it is completely self serving. I'm flat out fishing for students. Hopefully it is working.
And, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't like all the comments at the end of class. That is totally the frosting for a yoga teacher. If you ever take a class, be sure to tell the teacher THANK YOU and if there was something about him/her or the class that you really liked, be sure to mention that too. I know as yogis we are trying to overcome that silly ego. But, comments like this FEEL so damn good.
I will be interested to see who returns and if the class grows or shrinks during the month.
What about you? Any clever ways to find students? Any clever ways that teachers have found you?
Reader Comments (3)
Building students is a process and a lesson in patience. You might try leaving business cards around and keep collecting friends on Facebook. Don't be afraid to post something every day on Facebook! I own a yoga studio and we go through many students before we find someone who "sticks".
Just be who you are and speak from YOUR heart, following your own voice and it will attract hose who need your message.
Namaste'
Way to go Barb! I think it's great. Like I commented in an earlier post, I think people are interested but can make up a hundred reasons not to go to a class. You've just eliminated a big one - money!
@deanna--thanks for the comments! and the advice. i really appreciate it.
@julie--thanks for all of your support!