The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
265: Teach LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Yoga with Gabi Parkham
Description:
We all want our yoga classes to be welcoming places for everybody, but sometimes, we unintentionally make some people feel excluded or unwelcome. One of those groups of people is the LGBTQIA+ community. Gabi Parkham shares how we can teach LGBTQIA+ inclusive yoga and create safer yoga spaces.
Gabi was born in Brighton (UK) and started practicing yoga during early childhood. She is passionate about finding equity and justice through yoga, consent in all aspects, and sharing yoga free from assumptions. Alongside teaching yoga, Gabi is an LGBTQIA+ equity educator and consultant helping yoga teachers and studios to make their classes more welcoming for the LGBTQIA+ community. Gabi runs regular online workshops about LGBTQIA+ "inclusion" and a 6 month online course for LGBTQIA+ yoga teachers to come together in community, learn from one another, and support each other. Gabi also co-founded Laviot, a social and supportive community LGBT+ Jewish non-binary people and women.
In this interview, Gabi explains what LGBTQIA+ means, the importance of sharing pronouns, and why creating spaces for this community is important. Gabi shares more about why it’s so important to get educated, then teach like there is a trans or non-binary person in your class all the time, and how to include that in marketing your classes. This is all part of a lifelong learning journey, and the work is always ongoing. Learn more about how to start creating safer, braver, and more inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ folks in your yoga class in this episode.
Key Takeaways:
[3:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Gabi Parkham.
[7:28] Shannon gives a shout out to OfferingTree.
[12:43] Gabi introduces herself and gives her social location.
[15:22] What does Gabi do and who does she do it for?
[19:16] Why is it important for yoga teachers to have LGBTQIA+ awareness?
[23:30] How does Gabi handle conversations about setting limits on offerings dedicated to LGBTQIA+ people?
[25:02] What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?
[27:07] Gabi isn't too keen on this wording. She explains why.
[28:29] How can we center the voices and experiences of people who have historically been marginalized?
[30:35] Shannon and Gabi explore what the world could be like if cisgender and/or heterosexual people took the time to explore their own gender and sexual identity and expression.
[33:40] What are Gabi's thoughts on pronouns?
[38:23] How can yoga teachers make it evident that they've been doing the work to learn about creating safer spaces for people in the LGBTQIA+ community?
[43:18] Gabi shares some examples of language that we can use and some steps we can take to make spaces more welcoming.
[49:15] Gabi and Shannon discuss a little about the use of masculine and feminine in the yoga setting, and why it's so important to be clear about what we mean with certain words we use.
[54:21] Gabi shares some final thoughts around creating braver and safer yoga spaces.
[57:01] Where can yoga teachers learn more from Gabi or other resources?
[60:44] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree.
Quotes from this episode:
"We want our classes to be welcoming and inclusive and as safe as possible."
"What I really would rather do is shift the focus and center the marginalized voices center the people who have been historically marginalized and minority sized"
"Learning about other people's experiences is a great place to start."
"Start teaching your class as if there is always a queer person, a trans person, a non-binary person in the room"
"Again, it's not easy, it's really hard to change this language and it takes practice and time and you will mess up and that's okay."
"Just because that's their intention doesn't mean that people inherently feel safe coming in."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
264: Solve the Problem for Your Students with Danait Berhe
Description:
As a yoga teacher, do you think of yourself as a problem solver? In fact, our yoga offerings are solving a problem for our students, and we need to talk about what problem we’re solving to attract our dream students! In this episode with Danait Berhe, learn more about why it’s important to talk about the problems you solve, and how it ties in with your messaging.
Danait is the founder and messaging strategist of The Asmara Agency. With her award-winning full-service agency, Danait helps mission-driven companies craft compelling business, brand, and messaging strategies. She brings a unique perspective to her clients, integrating her background in analytical research, marketing, and branding to help her clients soar their profit and their impact. The Asmara Agency is also committed to making sure that more women, especially Black women, enter the world of entrepreneurship and not only survive, but build brands they can leverage as an asset in order to build + create generational wealth.
Yoga teachers are often hesitant to talk about problems in their messaging, but Danait explains how you can do so with empathy instead of agitation, and without having to resort to sleazy sales tactics. She shares how we can think about our yoga offerings as solving problems for people, the importance of finding a niche and getting specific about who you help and how, and more.
If you’ve been struggling with getting clarity on your message, this interview with Danait is a must-listen!
Key Takeaways:
[2:38] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Danait Berhe
[8:27] Shannon and Danait share a little about the sponsor, OfferingTree, and how they got connected because of it!
[10:04] What does Danait do and who does she do it for?
[11:20] What do people most often struggle with when they try to create their website or share their message in some way?
[14:39] A lot of yoga teachers don't want to focus on the problem. How does Danait address that?
[21:31] Shannon shares an exciting message from OfferingTree.
[23:06] How can yoga teachers talk about the problem they solve in an authentic way, without seeming to be poking the problem more?
[28:36] What can yoga teachers do if they are struggling with their message? Danait has three questions to ask yourself to get clear on your message.
[35:47] You have to keep sharing over and over again, not just once and be done with it.
[39:54 - 39:54] Asking questions and getting to know your audience is a great way to get content ideas, but also to find people.
[40:58] The length of time it takes for someone to decide to buy something from you depends on the price of the offer.
[41:30] A quick message from Allison from the Yoga Teacher Conf.
[43:29] Timing is everything when it comes to promoting and selling an offer.
[46:45] What are some things that might make the process easier for yoga teachers who are putting together their website?
[53:29] It's important to get extremely specific with what you do and who you help, and why.
[56:40] What is your approach to yoga? Talking about your process helps to build trust.
[59:35] Danait helps a live listener get clear on her message.
[63:33] Find out more about Danait's work on Instagram or check out her website.
[65:48] Messaging is something that is always evolving and changing. That's normal.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
"Pricing can be solved by determining what is the problem we're solving and then how, how big of a problem is it for someone to pay and what are they willing to pay for that."
"What things do they need to know for them to be able to see that I am at the solution to that problem?"
"I believe that there is an empathetic approach to being able to solve problems without necessarily poking at the problem."
"We just want to call attention to the problem and then paint the picture of what's possible for them."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
263: Optimizing Your YouTube Videos with Victoria Levitan
Description:
Are you using YouTube as a way to get people to sign up for your offerings? YouTube is a powerful search engine, and with the right strategy, you could be growing your audience, getting new students, and really leveraging this platform to increase your visibility. Youtube and Video Coach Victoria Levitan tells us all about how to set up and optimize YouTube videos for your yoga business.
Victoria has over 4 years of video marketing experience, and currently teaches small business owners how to create videos, use Youtube to grow their business, and what to say on camera so that it converts their viewers. She aspires to help people film videos that cultivate human connection and stand out with ease.
Victoria explains why yoga teachers should be on YouTube, and how to get started - beginning with how to set up your own channel on YouTube! She also shares tips on setting up lighting, what to include in the video description, and how to get people to go from watching your video to signing up for your offering. Victoria has some advice on including a call to action in your videos, and promoting the video after you’ve created it!
If you are new to YouTube and have been wondering how it could fit into your marketing strategy, or are looking to jump back into creating optimized videos on YouTube, this episode is made for you!
Key Takeaways:
[3:53] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Victoria Levitan.
[8:38] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree.
[9:49] What does Victoria do and who does she do it for?
[10:32] What would Victoria say to someone just starting out with YouTube?
[12:12] Why is YouTube a powerful tool for yoga teachers to try to get students?
[14:47] How can yoga teachers start their YouTube channel? Victoria walks us through the steps.
[16:59] What are some lighting options for yoga teachers when natural lighting is not an option?
[19:34] What is Victoria's recommendation for the video description on YouTube? What is most important there?
[21:33] What are Victoria's tips for having good audio?
[21:55] What does Victoria think that yoga teachers could be doing to really get people to watch their Youtube video and then sign up for a paid offering?
[24:09] How often should you be talking about your paid offerings on YouTube?
[24:50] What are some calls to action that Victoria finds to be effective in building a business?
[26:04] What other things convert people from watching a free YouTube video to signing up for something?
[27:41] When recording a video, is it better to record on Zoom and upload it to YouTube or record directly in YouTube?
[28:37] Setting up a YouTube channel and figuring out the tech of recording, editing, and uploading videos can be really overwhelming. What are some of Victoria's tips for people who are just starting out?
[30:45] What is Victoria's preferred editor for editing videos?
[31:51] Victoria shares more tips on getting people to move from watching the video to signing up for something.
[33:20] How can yoga teachers figure out what keywords to use in their YouTube videos?
[33:57] How important is it to put a legal disclaimer in a YouTube video, especially when leading movement and breath?
[35:16] How often does Victoria end up copying part of her video description for each video?
[36:11] What should yoga teachers know about artwork for YouTube?
[37:48] How can yoga teachers check to see what's working with their videos on YouTube?
[39:19] How important is it to regularly put out content on YouTube?
[40:11] Shannon and Victoria discuss batch filming and scheduling as an option to get consistent with creating content for YouTube.
[41:26] How long should YouTube videos be?
[42:53] Shannon shares about the upcoming Yoga Teacher Conf. There's also going to be a virtual option!
[44:24] What are Victoria's suggestions for music that can be used in YouTube videos?
[45:27] How can yoga teachers create a paywall on YouTube so only certain students can see our videos?
[47:51] How can yoga teachers get more views on YouTube videos?
[51:45] How should yoga teachers think about their YouTube strategy?
[55:17] How can you get your YouTube channel monetized?
[57:21] Victoria shares some final tips for people feeling like putting out videos regularly is a challenge.
[59:14] How do YouTube ads work?
[60:43] Find out more about Victoria and her work at her website.
[61:37] Shannon reflects on how The Connected Yoga Teacher Channel has grown in the last few years.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
"From a more strategic level, YouTube ultimately is a search engine...uploading to YouTube is going to help grow your search engine optimization. "
"You want to start with a call to action at the beginning section of your video."
"You should promote your videos more than once because it goes back to that repetition. People need to hear it or see it a couple of times before they realize, oh, I should probably check this out."
"I think people really enjoy and resonate sometimes with the less polished versions of videos."
"You have to look at Youtube and video in a way that will work for your business."
"We've got to fully optimize what you already have created and give your audience the time to take action on it."
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
262: Run a Successful Yoga Membership with Allie Van Fossen
Description:
How can yoga teachers successfully leverage the membership model in their business? In this episode, Shannon chats with Allie Van Fossen about how she built and grew her membership to 1000 members, and what it really takes to manage a membership fo that size.
Allie leads the Body Mind Soul Studio, an online yoga studio that helps people leverage a holistic yoga practice to create transformation in their lives, both on & off the mat. Her mission is to empower yoga students with on-the-mat tools so they can confidently lead an off-the-mat wholesome, fulfilling life. At Body Mind Soul Studio, Allisson offers quarterly courses, weekly live events, and a variety of yoga classes and teachings, all via a yoga membership program.
Allie shares the nitty-gritty details about what it really means to run a yoga membership. She candidly shares about the challenges in her latest launch and how she dealt with them, as well as her strategy to retain members. Allie explains how she uses YouTube as her main marketing platform, and gives us some great tips on what elements to include in our membership program, and how to decide what to charge.
If you've been thinking about starting a membership or if you have a membership and are thinking about how to improve it, this interview with Allie Van Fossen is going to help you along this journey.
Key Takeaways:
[3:17] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Allie Van Fossen.
[6:20] Did you know that OfferingTree makes it really easy to set up membership sites? Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor OfferingTree.
[9:11] What does Allie do and who does she do it for?
[10:20] Allie has a large following on YouTube, as well as a large membership. What was the process like building these platforms?
[14:15] Allie shares some of the things she loves about YouTube.
[17:08] For many yoga teachers, YouTube may feel like more of a challenge than Instagram. For Allie, it's the opposite.
[18:51] What is Allie's membership like?
[21:34] What do Allie's members have access to within the membership?
[25:35] For many yoga teachers teaching online right now, sign ups are lower than they have been for the past couple of years.
[27:07] The Yoga Teacher Conf is coming up soon, 22-24 April in Denver, Colorado. Shannon shares some details about the event.
[29:07] Allie recently had a launch that didn't go as planned. What happened and what was that like?
[33:48] What were some of the reasons why Allie's most recent launch saw only 50% of the usual rates?
[35:32] From a different perspective, people are also in an in-between zone and may not be emotionally in the right place.
[38:46] The third thing that contributed to Allie's disappointing launch was a collection of smaller factors.
[41:02] Allie's next launch is coming up in spring, and she's prepared for it.
[44:27] What does Allie's team do to help retention in the membership?
[51:39] Allie shares some of her tips for starting a membership.
[54:00] What is Allie's advice for people who are new to the idea of having a membership?
[59:34] Find out more about Allie and the work she does by visiting her website.
[62:41] Shannon shares her key takeaway from this interview with Allie.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors, OfferingTree and Yoga Teacher Conf.
Quotes from this episode:
“YouTube is the primary traffic source that feeds our other revenue streams and I love it."
"It's been a massive learning lesson and ... being an entrepreneur, just putting yourself out there, letting yourself be seen and heard and be so visible, really requires you to go through your own metamorphosis."
"I started the membership really out of that desire to go deeper with my community."
"You can spend a lot of money getting people in the door, but then if they all leave just as quickly, you've got this really broken, leaky system."
"People say they want one thing, but they actually need something else."
"I'm finally embracing that entrepreneurship is experimentation and it can be joyous and fun, even when you've got tens of thousands of dollars invested."
"Go inward, connect with what has worked for you and been most moving for your own yoga journey as a student and let that be your springboard for creativity."