| As a newly qualified yoga teacher, you have invested | | | | Making money, earning a living from teaching is a fair |
| a lot of time and effort to become a yoga teacher. | | | | exchange for your time and effort. Money enables |
| The next step, is to step out and teach yoga. | | | | you to invest in further training, maybe employ a |
| Starting your own business can be a daunting | | | | virtual assistant to cover routine administrative tasks. |
| prospects. You may be thinking of teaching yoga | | | | This frees you up to share your spiritual wealth to a |
| classes in your local yoga centre or offering yoga to | | | | wider audience. |
| businesses. Maybe you wish to own your own yoga | | | | 3. Be passionate about your work. Live and breathe |
| studio and develop an on-line business selling yoga | | | | yoga. Greet your students and potential clients with a |
| clothes, yoga bags and yoga mats. | | | | smile and twinkle in your eye. Let them feel the |
| Starting your own business can be challenging. As a | | | | beauty of yoga as they talk with you. Your energy |
| yoga teacher, your focus may primarily be to | | | | and vitality will encourage clients to sign up and |
| develop your teaching skills and provide a safe and | | | | personally experience your joy. |
| nurturing programme and environment for your | | | | 4. Be creative. Seek out creative ways to work with |
| students. | | | | clients. Instead of running weekly yoga classes in a |
| However to build a successful business you also need | | | | yoga studio, you might be interested in teaching in |
| other tools and skills. For example, you will need to | | | | less traditional settings; perhaps you could approach |
| design business cards and flyer's to promote your | | | | local businesses and offer lunch-time or after-work |
| services, specialist marketing information to target | | | | Stretch and Relax Classes; or your local hospital may |
| clients, a book keeping system to help you manage | | | | allow you to run Gentle Yoga Exercise Groups for |
| your finances, plus a level of IT competence to email | | | | patients and staff. I teach children in local schools and |
| potential clients and set up a web presence. All of | | | | also run classes for a Community Mental Health Team |
| this takes time, energy and love. | | | | and at a prison for Prison Officers. |
| To Grow a Wealthy Yoga Business You Must Look | | | | 5. Communicate regularly with clients. A regular |
| After Your Inner Well Being | | | | newsletter, either in print form or on-line is an ideal |
| Learning to balance the physical needs of your yoga | | | | way to let people know about you. Your newsletter |
| business with your personal and spiritual values can | | | | can cover topics such as yoga postures for different |
| be a delicate act to sustain. Some yoga teachers feel | | | | ailments, breathing techniques to help you sleep and |
| it is unethical to earn money from teaching yoga. | | | | even a question and answer forum. Set up a blog, |
| However, you may be like me and have teenage | | | | sign-up on any of the social networking sites, or send |
| daughters, plus a mortgage and utility bills to pay. | | | | out a regular Inspirational Quote via text message |
| Some times, you may be so busy teaching and | | | | are all useful ways to connect with others. |
| planning yoga classes, you do not have time to care | | | | 6. Keep a vision board and use it to help keep you |
| for yourself. If this is the case, it is essential you | | | | focused on your goals and intentions for your |
| take the necessary steps to balance the demands of | | | | business. Remember your business is a reflection of |
| teaching with caring for your inner wellbeing and | | | | your inner well being. So, make sure you include lots |
| spiritual growth. | | | | of colourful and rich images which nurture your inner |
| Follow the seven tips below to ensure you have the | | | | core. |
| time and energy to nurture your self and give your | | | | 7. Commit to your daily yoga and spiritual practice. |
| best to your clients. | | | | Regular self practice keeps you in touch with the |
| 1. Care for your health. As a Yoga Teacher, it is vital | | | | essence of yoga and reminds you that everyone is a |
| you are strong and healthy. Your students expect | | | | "student." The more in touch you are with yourself |
| you to mirror what you teach. Therefore, take time | | | | the greater your capacity to give to your students |
| to eat well, drink lots of water and rest during the | | | | and potential clients. |
| day. You will attract more clients if your energy is | | | | Building your business takes time. As a yoga teacher, |
| clear and vibrant. | | | | it is important to make sure you look after your inner |
| 2. Honour yourself. The more you care and value | | | | health to ensure the success of your business. Let |
| yourself, the easy it is for you to set a fair and | | | | me know how you get on - I would love to support |
| realistic price for your services. Negotiation is a skill. | | | | you grow a healthy yoga business. |