The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
222: How to Craft a Great Sales Page with Sarah Guilliot
Description:
Do you have a sales page to promote your yoga offerings? An important part of sharing the work that you are doing with the world, is marketing and selling - and there are ways to do it without being salesy! Sarah Guilliot has some tips on how to craft a great sales page so that you can share your offerings with the people they are designed to help.
Sarah Guilliot is the founder of Sarah Design and expert on Sales Pages. She worked as a professional designer in the corporate world for 20 years, before switching gears to focus her energy on helping coaches, course creators, and podcasters create amazing sales pages for their launches. Today, Sarah works 1:1 with clients to create customized and unique sales pages that truly reflect the quality of their expertise and drive more sales.
From the words and images to use, to the mistakes to avoid - Sarah breaks down what exactly makes a sales page great. She also shares her checklist of things you should include in your sales page, as well as how you can get inspiration for your sales page from other websites and your own students.
This is a great episode for every yoga teacher with a website - it will definitely help you refine your sales and shop pages so that you can get more students in your classes, retreats, trainings and more!
Key Takeaways:
[8:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Sarah Guilliot.
[9:21] How did Sarah get into creating sales pages for websites?
[10:34] What is a sales page?
[12:59] Yoga teachers might create sales pages for higher ticket items like a yoga teacher training that they offer.
[14:25] What is the goal of a sales page?
[16:38] Yoga teachers worry about being slimy and salesy on their sales pages. Sarah has some advice around getting into the right mindset for creating a sales page.
[19:28] What are some of the mistakes people make with their sales pages? What are some considerations to keep in mind?
[22:16] How many images should you be using for your sales page?
[26:43] You could also show short videos of what your actual class will be like.
[27:46] Sarah shares a checklist of things to consider when creating a sales page.
[34:46] If you would like to see Sarah explain some sales page examples, check out the live video interview (link below).
[35:16] What are some of Sarah's suggestions in terms of looking at other websites to help us design our own?
[36:47] Get in touch with Sarah via her website to do a one-day design intensive for your sales page.
[38:19] Some sales pages don't have an option to return to the main website. What are the benefits of that?
[41:26] What are your key takeaways from this interview?
Sales Page Checklist:
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Sukhasana Chair (Code: TCYT10).
Quotes from this episode:
“Make sure your language and your plan for how you're selling to people aligns with what feels good to you.” - Sarah
"Try not to use too many words. Keep your headlines short and punchy. Small paragraphs, and bullet points are your friend." - Sarah
"Try and find ways to use pictures as much as you can, and also try to find pictures that really represent the experience that you in particular offer." - Sarah
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
221: Choosing to Teach Online Yoga with Colin Hall
Description:
Teaching yoga online is not something most of us want to do, and for many people around the world where lockdowns are still in effect or are in place again after being briefly lifted, they don’t really have an option. However, despite being able to teach yoga in person, Colin Hall decided to close his yoga studio and offer virtual classes instead.
Colin is the co-director of Bodhi Tree Yoga and Bodhi Tree Yoga College in Regina, Saskatchewan, which he opened with his wife Sarah in 2004. Colin contributes to the yoga world both through teaching and writing, and his podcast The History of Yoga on Yoga International. In addition to his regular classes at the Bodhi Tree, Colin gives workshops and teacher trainings on asana and yoga philosophy. Apart from his work with yoga, Colin is also a lecturer at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada, where he teaches courses on yoga, religion, and sociology.
In Saskatchewan, there were no restrictions put into place about in-person yoga, but in December 2020, Colin chose to teach online yoga instead of continuing with in-person classes. He shares more about how and why he made this decision, and the reactions in his community. Shannon and Colin also discuss yoga philosophy and our moral responsibility as yoga teachers to the people around us.
This is a great episode to listen to if you’re wondering if you should go back to teaching in-person yoga in the present climate, and some considerations to keep in mind.
Key Takeaways:
[7:31] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Colin Hall.
[9:05] What does Colin do and who does he do it for?
[11:26] What made Colin decide to open a yoga studio?
[13:09] In December of 2020, Colin decided to close his yoga studio even though there were no official requirements to do so. What was that like for Colin?
[18:00] How have things been since Colin decided to close his yoga studio?
[23:52] Shannon shares a little about her preferred brand of shampoo and conditioner, High End Hippie.
[25:13] What are the restrictions like in Saskatchewan at the time of recording?
[28:55] How has yoga helped Colin in making tough decisions for his yoga business, and as a person living through a pandemic?
[30:18] Colin has never had a job till now!
[35:41] What is Colin's plan going forward with the studio?
[39:22] How can we look at the philosophy of yoga with regards to the choices we are making now?
[42:19] How are we connected to other yoga teachers and studios? How does our competitive nature come into play here?
[48:43] What does Colin suggest for yoga teachers who are faced with hard decisions in their business?
[54:31] We have a moral responsibility to our communities to keep everyone safe, not just as yoga teachers, but as human beings.
[57:53] Check out Colin's online yoga classes via his website, and his courses on Yoga International.
[61:38] There are two live interviews per month for you to check out via YouTube or the Facebook group.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"I think that sometimes there's a very wide gulf that exists in between what you're allowed to do and what you should do.” - Colin
"It's very easy to lose perspective. It is really, really easy to think that what's happening now is this new reality that is going to last forever and you are screwed." - Colin
“I feel like my plan is to just continue kind of scrapping away and hopefully at some point come out on the other side of this thing." - Colin
"Your actions as an individual, what you perceive of as your freedom to do whatever you want, is intimately connected with the lives of so many other people around you." - Colin
"Anything you do that creates harm in the universe is harming you." - Colin
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
220: Alternatives to Namaste with Shannon Crow
Description:
How do you close out your yoga classes? Many yoga teachers say “namaste” to end a yoga class, but maybe you’ve learned more about cultural appropriation in yoga and the teachings of yoga, and are no longer comfortable using “namaste” to end a class. Or, maybe your usual closing is starting to feel stale and repetitive, after repeating it a couple of dozen times a week.
Thanks to yoga teachers in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group, we’ve compiled some alternative ways for you to end your yoga classes. For the full list of alternative phrases and closings, check out the article 20+ Ways to Close Your Yoga Classes, or the two Facebook threads in the links below.
Key Takeaways:
[2:28] How do you close out your yoga class?
[4:19] Allison shares Schedulicity's hot tip of the week.
[5:45] What are some alternatives we can say to close out our yoga classes?
[6:49] Expressing gratitude is a favorite among yoga teachers to close their yoga classes.
[8:12] Sharing an uplifting message or affirmation is another way to end a yoga class.
[9:21] Another way to close out the class is to bring the focus back to breath.
[11:01] Shannon used to close her yoga classes by saying "namaste" but has chosen to change how she ends classes as she has learned more about cultural appropriation and the teachings of yoga.
[11:40] Caroline Holmes, one of the teachers in our Facebook group, shared a unique way to end virtual yoga classes - by asking students to close the class.
[13:54] How do you end your yoga classes, and what are the unique words you use to close out a class?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
“One favorite inside of The Connected Yoga Teacher group was sharing gratitude, expressing gratitude in giving thanks.” - Shannon
“I used to close my class with “namaste” in place of “thank you”, and I switched it out as I got to learn more about cultural appropriation and about the teachings of yoga.” - Shannon
“Caroline Holme shared that she uses the closing of her class as a time to build and strengthen the relationship with and between her students by allowing the students to close the class.” - Shannon
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
219: Yoga for Abundant Bodies with Dianne Bondy
Description:
In recent times, yoga has become a very exclusionary practice that’s limited to the privileged few - wealthy, thin, young, flexible, white and able-bodied people. However, yoga has benefits for people in all bodies, regardless of shape, size, age, ethnicity or ability. In this episode, Dianne Bondy shares more about how we can be more inclusive in yoga spaces towards people in larger bodies.
Dianne Bondy is Founder of Dianne Bondy Yoga, and a firm believer that Self-Love is a Revolutionary Act. She is a speaker, social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and the leader of the Yoga For All movement. For more than twenty years, Dianne Bondy has been empowering students to come to the mat as they are, educating teachers on the need for inclusivity in yoga and how to bring that into their classes, and leading systematic change within the yoga industrial complex. Dianne is also the author of the international best selling book, Yoga For Everyone: 50 Poses for Every Type of Body and co-author of Yoga Where You Are: Customize Your Practice for Your Body + Your Life.
Dianne shares some really important insights about the harm we can cause with our words by inadvertently using offensive terms when referring to people in abundant bodies in our yoga classes, or other yoga spaces. She explains how to be more mindful of the words we use and choose, and how to ensure that we hold space for the bigger people in our classes in a way that is respectful, welcoming and non-judgmental. Dianne also has tips on what to do when students who aren't aware come into our yoga spaces and cause harm.
This episode is an excellent complement to episode 218 on body positive yoga, and is a must listen for every yoga teacher who wants to create inclusive and safe yoga spaces.
Key Takeaways:
[6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dianne Bondy.
[8:17] Dianne shares a bit more about her latest book, Yoga Where You Are, as well as her previous book, Yoga For Everyone.
[10:52] What is the work that Dianne does?
[12:06] What are Dianne's thoughts on using words like "obese" and "overweight" in yoga spaces?
[15:27] We are used to hearing such language on the news, or being used by medical professionals, and we think this language is acceptable. Dianne talks about the impact the language medical professionals use has.
[20:04] Shannon and Dianne discuss using the word "fat" to describe people in larger bodies.
[22:40] Language is so powerful in our interactions with other people.
[23:30] How else can we think about making someone feel welcome and safe in our yoga space when they come in in an abundant body?
[27:05] How can yoga teachers address other students who may not be contributing to a safe and inclusive space for people in abundant bodies?
[30:43] What tips does Dianne have to call out unkind comments about people in larger bodies that we may encounter?
[33:00] How can we take the "food and diet" language out of yoga?
[38:54] Find out more about Dianne's work on her website, and on Instagram.
[41:25] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"We don't get to determine who is overweight and who isn't. We don't get to determine who is healthy and who isn't. We don't get to determine who is obese and who isn't." - Dianne
"Your intention doesn't matter as much as your impact in these spaces." - Dianne
"[Larger people] is one of the groups of people in the world that we get to openly discriminate against, and language is one of the number one ways we discriminate." - Dianne
"Language has the power to elevate. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to connect. But on the flip side of it, it has the power to shame and humiliate and other people. So we need to decide - How are we going to use the power of language?" - Dianne
"The struggle is part of the practice. It's not called yoga perfect, it's called yoga practice." - Dianne
"Everybody's body is doing the best that it can. Can we not just celebrate that?" - Dianne
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
218: Body Positive Yoga with Gillian McCollum
Description:
Body positivity as a social movement has been gaining traction in recent years. In yoga, we aim to empower individuals regardless of their physical weight or size, and focus on accepting all bodies, regardless of their physical ability, their size, their gender, their race, their appearance, as well as challenge the ways in which society presents and views the physical body - all elements of body positive yoga. Gillian McCollum shares more about body positive yoga, and how we can adopt a more accessible approach in our classes.
Gillian is an anti-diet food and body freedom coach and body positive yoga teacher. She came to yoga as a way to cope and find peace and freedom with food and her body, and since 2017, has been helping people get off the diet roller coaster and start feeling good in their bodies. Gillian describes her mission as helping women find lasting peace and freedom with food and their body. Through her group and private coaching sessions as well as Body Positive Yoga, Gillian aims to create spaces where all bodies are celebrated and respected, and to be particularly supportive for those who struggle with body confidence and self-acceptance.
What exactly is body positive yoga? What does it entail? Gillian McCollum answers these questions, and more. She explains why body positive yoga is a way to create accessibility in yoga, and shares what it means to create truly inclusive and accessible spaces for our yoga students. Gillian also highlights some of the challenges and mindset issues that we may have around sharing body positive yoga, and how we can start sharing more accessible yoga in our classes.
This episode pairs really well with next week's episode about body positive yoga and how to approach yoga students with abundant bodies in our classes, so be sure to tune in next week as well.
Key Takeaways:
[6:33] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Gillian McCollum.
[7:44] What does Gillian do and who does she do it for?
[8:59] There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the yoga world in terms of what yoga practitioners need to look like, or certain practices they have to follow. Gillian highlights a few of them.
[11:46] What does body positive yoga mean?
[16:36] Do people who teach body positive yoga have to be in a larger body or teach people in larger bodies?
[18:30] What are some trainings on accessibility that Gillian recommends for teachers?
[23:46] Having a sample class is a great way to increase accessibility for people who may feel hesitant about trying yoga for the first time. How does Gillian offer sample classes?
[27:23] What is Gillian's response to yoga teachers who are reluctant to do videos because they think they don't look the part of a yoga teacher?
[32:51] What is the reaction that Gillian gets when she shares videos of herself?
[36:43] Shannon challenges yoga teachers offering 200hr Yoga Teacher Trainings to think about how accessibility can be included in these trainings.
[37:47] What does Gillian think needs to be included in a 200hr Yoga Teacher Training about accessibility?
[39:04] Shannon and Gillian discuss how making yoga accessible should come first, and everything else comes after that.
[42:07] Yoga looks different for different people in different bodies, and even on different days, and we need to honor that.
[44:02] Gillian highlights some of the misconceptions and preconceived notions that people bring to yoga.
[45:39] How can you work with Gillian?
[50:45] What is Gillian's advice to yoga teachers who may feel afraid to put videos out?
[54:56] Your imperfections and flaws are what make you inviting, and welcoming - not your perfection.
[57:09] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Gillian.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"I have students and coaching clients who are terrified to even enter the space because they feel like it's just not for them." - Gillian
"To feel shame around your body isn't exclusive to people in bigger bodies." - Gillian
"If this is the posture or the pose or this is the part of the body or this is the theme for today's class, how can I take that and make access, make it accessible for these folks with these different injuries or conditions or whatever it might be and you're only limited by your imagination." - Gillian
"Rather than feeling the yoga, we're seeing the yoga and that can be really distracting." - Gillian
"We have to see things to believe it and see things to give ourselves permission." - Gillian
"It not only shows people that you don't have to fit the stereotype to practice yoga, but it gives other people the permission." - Gillian
"[Accessibility] needs to be the culture, not a component." - Gillian
"You've maybe been doing yoga for years or your whole life, but you've never done yoga in this moment. " - Gillian
"Your message is bigger than yourself and your body." - Gillian
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
217: The Yoga of Trans* Affirmation with Avery Kalapa & Maygen Nicholson
Description:
The trans and gender non-binary community is one that has often been marginalized and made to feel unwelcome in many places, including yoga spaces and communities. Back in March 2021, a prominent podcaster and yoga teacher, J Brown, released an episode that contained some harmful, inaccurate and hurtful content around gender and trans people (trigger warning: transphobia). However, an important part of yoga is ahimsa (not harming others and non-violence). In line with that, and with the aim of sharing the correct information about this group of people who are often misunderstood and misrepresented, this podcast episode focuses on sharing insights from people from this community.
Avery Kalapa (they/them) is a yoga teacher, community weaver, organizer, and educator with 20 years experience. They hold special certification in Yoga for the Pelvic Floor, which they completed in 2014. Avery's approach is rooted in anti-oppression, and they focus on yoga for inner healing and collective liberation. They love creating healing spaces that cherish and center queer & trans folks, that don't require assimilation. In addition to that, Avery is involved in various yoga equity projects, such as ABQ Queer Trans Community Yoga.
Maygen Nicholson (she/they) is both a former yoga teacher and dancer. Maygen has seen the Queer and Trans exclusion and discrimination in both yoga and dance spaces. This is what led them to educate within these industries to create access, equity, and inclusion for their LGBTQIA+ siblings. Maygen believes that the systems that harm all marginalized people actually harm us all, and they specialize in LGBTQIA+ inclusion and validation education with the aim of helping liberate hearts and minds free of biases and beliefs that inevitably hold us back from our true, authentic selves.
In this open, and honest conversation Avery and Maygen share more about what it means for yoga teachers to create anti-oppression, inclusive yoga spaces, and how to create such spaces. They also explore the resistance cis people have toward trans and gender non-conforming people that shows up in their interactions, the impact of these interactions, and how we as yoga teachers can learn together and do better moving forward.
Key Takeaways:
[4:19] Shannon shares about the open letter she wrote to J Brown.
[6:49] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Avery Kalapa and Maygen Nicholson.
[9:28] Shannon reads the open letter she sent to J Brown.
[13:23] Avery leads an opening for the podcast.
[19:00] Maygen and Avery introduce themselves and the work that they do.
[23:37] How can yoga teachers create anti-oppression, inclusive yoga spaces?
[27:59] Avery highlights that anti-oppression work isn't separate from yoga.
[31:53] There is some sort of awkwardness that happens when cis people are around gender non-conforming people. Avery explains the need for people to shift and change how they are showing up.
[35:22] Why does this awkwardness exist in interactions between cis and gender non-conforming or trans people?
[38:41] Avery speaks to why cis people may have resistance to letting go of the false idea that gender is strictly binary.
[47:49] What are Maygen's thoughts on the J Brown podcast episode?
[55:41] We need to move beyond acceptance into something much more than that. Avery touches on the idea of the false sense of scarcity that we hold.
[1:02:28] Where can we learn more about the difference between biological sex and gender?
[1:07:03] Avery opens up the conversation about how we can approach people's bodies in yoga.
[1:11:34] Find out more Maygen and Avery's offerings in the links below.
[1:19:38] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this episode.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Sketching Yoga Sequences with Eva-Lotta Lamm Workshop.
Quotes from this episode:
"It's really important that we are acknowledging where we have privilege and where we are marginalized, so it just really informs how we show up in this work, and also how we show up for ourselves in this work." - Maygen
"Biases are inherent in all of us. Transphobia lives in all of us. These are conditionings we have been taught that have been passed down to us. It is deep internal work to release all of these things that hold us back from being able to love others fully, but also to be able to fully love ourselves." - Maygen
"Anti-oppression work isn't separate from yoga." - Avery
"We don't always realize the ways that we uphold those norms that say some people belong and some people don't." - Avery
"On some form, you're going to have to check your biases for the rest of your life." - Maygen
"What do cis people really have to lose if trans people are cherished?" - Avery
"There's room for everyone in the gender justice extravaganza. You might not get to be the big star of the show if you're cis, but there's room for all of us in this process." - Avery
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
216: Corporate Yoga [Part 2] with Samantha Harrison
Description:
Is corporate yoga still relevant now that many businesses have moved online because of the pandemic? Absolutely! What’s more - there are even more opportunities available for yoga teachers in this space. In Part 2 of this series on teaching corporate yoga, Samantha Harrison shares how being virtual has changed the corporate yoga space.
Samantha Harrison is the founder of Samantha Harrison Yoga and the creator of the Online Corporate Yoga Teacher Training. Samantha found yoga as a burned out, stressed out pre-med student, and realized that her true calling was to help her fellow over-achievers and time-crunched professionals experience the benefits of yoga on and off the mat. Today, Samantha is a full-time corporate and private yoga teacher in Greenville, NC and also leads an annual 200-HR YTT. To help other yoga teachers offer corporate yoga as well, Samantha has consolidated all her knowledge into a practical, action-oriented training - the Online Corporate Yoga Teacher Training.
What is it like to bring yoga to the various business spaces in your community, not just in-person but also to the broader corporate community online? Samantha shares her experiences in adapting her business to the COVID-19 pandemic measures, and how moving online has opened up new opportunities for her. She also shares the different types of offerings for coroporate yoga, including one she didn't think would exist until the pandemic hit. Samantha also talks about her corporate yoga teacher training which includes email templates, how to create contracts, how to teach, and marketing to businesses.
This episode is perfect for yoga teachers looking for ideas to expand their offerings into their community or businesses around the world.
Key Takeaways:
[10:50] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Samantha Harrison.
[12:27] What does Samantha do and who does she do it for?
[13:13] How has COVID-19 changed the corporate yoga landscape?
[14:59] Is Samantha still working with corporate clients in person?
[16:06] What are some things that Samantha is doing differently in her in-person yoga classes from before the pandemic?
[18:15] Samantha shares a little about the opportunities that have opened up as a result of the pandemic.
[19:05] What is Samantha's setup for her virtual classes?
[20:03] How does Samantha balance classes where she has students in-person and online at the same time?
[20:48] What is Samantha's policy for students who miss classes?
[21:21] Samantha shares how she discovered a new offering for corporate clients during the pandemic.
[23:35] Why are companies drawn to hiring yoga teachers to teach their employees?
[24:45] What is the training that Samantha has put together for yoga teachers who want to get into the space of teaching corporate yoga?
[27:17] How does Samantha help yoga teachers in her training reach out to businesses and get started with teaching corporate yoga?
[28:18] Samantha also covers pricing as a part of the course.
[29:00] Does corporate yoga refer specifically to a certain number of employees or does it include any business?
[29:49] Samantha shares a bit about her mini-training and the coupon code to get a discount on her training.
[:31:27] Shannon and Samantha discuss the budget that companies have for wellness programs.
[32:06] What is it like to live in an area where there isn't a lot of yoga around, and how does this impact teaching corporate yoga?
[33:02] Samantha's yoga teacher training includes a section on marketing. How and why did she decide to include this section?
[36:50] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this episode.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Sketching Yoga Sequences with Eva-Lotta Lamm Workshop.
Quotes from this episode:
"We've actually seen an increase in participation in some situations because people don't have to drive, people don't have to worry about location." - Samantha
"Everyone's used to being virtual and doing so much on Zoom anyway that what used to be a barrier, is now an opportunity." - Samantha
"Now, the options are endless in a way." - Samantha
"You can't wait to feel confident to do something. Taking action is how you get confident." - Samantha
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
215: Corporate Yoga [Part 1] with Samantha Harrison
Description:
If you have been teaching yoga for a while and are wondering how you can start teaching corporate yoga, and how you can get in front of different businesses, especially now that a lot of businesses have moved online - Samantha Harrison has the answers for you.
Samantha Harrison is the founder of Samantha Harrison Yoga and the creator of the Online Corporate Yoga Teacher Training. Samantha found yoga as a burned out, stressed out pre-med student, and realized that her true calling was to help her fellow over-achievers and time-crunched professionals experience the benefits of yoga on and off the mat. Today, Samantha is a full-time corporate and private yoga teacher in Greenville, NC and also leads an annual 200-HR YTT. To help other yoga teachers offer corporate yoga as well, Samantha has consolidated all her knowledge into a practical, action-oriented training - the Online Corporate Yoga Teacher Training.
Teaching corporate yoga is not like teaching at a yoga studio or a gym. Samantha highlights some of the biggest differences to keep in mind when teaching corporate yoga, as well as how yoga teachers can get into this space. Shannon and Samantha also dig into what to charge, what to do when things don’t go according to plan and the rest of the nitty-gritty details of offering corporate yoga.
This episode is perfect for anyone wanting to get into the corporate space teaching yoga, and Samantha has just the tips you need to get started.
Key Takeaways:
[11:05] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Samantha Harrison.
[12:42] How did Samantha choose corporate yoga as her specialty?
[14:14] A lot of Samantha's initial clients were through relationships she had developed over time.
[14:38] Samantha shares a bit more about how her classes are organized.
[15:34] A big part of our marketing really boils down to communication and having interactions with people.
[17:00] How many classes does Samantha teach per week? She shares more about how she runs her business.
[18:28] What are some of the biggest differences between teaching yoga in a corporate setting vs. in a studio?
[21:20] What is the biggest pain point that people in offices have that yoga helps them with?
[23:28] How does Samantha recommend yoga teachers set up relationships with people leading organizations?
[26:01] What is the payment structure for corporate yoga?
[27:45] How does Samantha price her offerings?
[33:13] Samantha has a few tips on how to make teaching corporate yoga work.
[35:12] Samantha explains what she offers in the Online Corporate Yoga Teacher Training.
[40:26] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this interview with Samantha.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Sukhasana Chair (Promo Code: TCYT10).
Quotes from this episode:
"When the head of the organization, the President, or someone in the executive office sees the value in it, that makes a huge difference." ~ Samantha Harris
"It's helpful for yoga teachers to just always have in mind 'How can I be helpful to someone?'." - Samantha
"You just always have to be ready to improvise." - Samantha
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
214: Yoga Class Bloopers with Shannon & Sinead
Description:
As yoga teachers, we’ve all had those moments while teaching a class. When we get our left and right mixed up, or our brain thinks of something to say but our mouth gets it all wrong, or you get completely confused with your sequence, or any other number of awkward, embarrassing, and often absolutely hilarious “bloopers” - it’s all a part of the teaching experience!
On this episode, Shannon and Sinead O’Connor read out some of the funny stories and anecdotes Connected Yoga Teachers from The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group shared. They also share a few of their own personal stories of embarrassing and strange things that have happened in their yoga classes.
If you’re in need of a good laugh, this episode is for you.
Special thanks to Mary Donovan for posting the original thread that sparked all these comments, and to all the Connected Yoga Teachers who shared their stories!
Key Takeaways:
[:17] Happy (belated) April Fool's day!
[1:44] Shannon is hosting a workshop about Pelvic Girdle Pain.
[3:19] Shout out to Mary Donovan who inspired this episode, and Sinead O'Connor, member of The Connected Yoga Teacher podcast team for joining Shannon on the episode!
[4:45] We've all had funny moments in our yoga classes. Shannon and Sinead read out some of the "bloopers" yoga teachers have shared in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group.
[17:35] Sinead shares an embarrassing moment she had from teaching online.
[18:59] Shannon shares a few of the weirdest moments she's experienced in a yoga class.
[21:58] Send in your stories! We'd love to hear them!
[23:04] Connect with Sinead via Instagram to find out more about her yoga offerings.
[23:38] Want to learn how to draw yoga sequences? Sign up for the training by Eva-Lotta Lamm!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"We hope that you get to laugh along with us!" - Shannon
"We're laughing together on this!" - Shannon
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
213: Work Life Balance with Dawn Vason
Description:
Almost everybody struggles with work-life balance. We have so many things to do in our yoga business, our personal life, our community and more, in addition to dealing with a pandemic. We may find ourselves wondering if work-life balance is a myth and an unattainable goal. Should we even be striving for balance in our lives? Dawn Vason tells us we should, and how to achieve it in this podcast episode.
Dawn Vason is a mindset and manifestation coach and yoga teacher. After some personal challenges, Dawn turned to holistic study and discovered the power of healthy habits and plant based remedies. In order to share what she had learned with others, she created JaviWellness: Holistic Health and Plant Based Solutions. As a success and self-care coach at Holistically Whole: Wealth & Wellness Coaching for Women, Dawn empowers and equips women to balance life and business while practicing good self care. In addition to her business ventures, Dawn is also a mother of four children whom she homeschools.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Dawn has some practical tips around planning time for both life and work. She also shares her insights about how to build a business while raising a family, particularly in this time of working from home and homeschooling. Shannon and Dawn open up about dealing with parenting (or other) guilt, and explore what it takes to really balance work, your business, parenting, and all the different pieces that make up your life. Hint: Balance is not a destination, it’s a journey!
If you have been wondering how you can feel less worried, and more calm and organized in life, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[10:40] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dawn Vason.
[12:31] What is the work that Dawn does and who does she do it for?
[14:20] Dawn shares a little about her family and some of the challenges that have brought her to where she is today.
[15:42] Is it possible to find work-life balance?
[18:15] What are some of the things that have helped Dawn manage her life?
[24:20] Dawn elaborates on the idea of having systems over goals.
[27:42] Shannon and Dawn explore how we can use systems to reach our goals with the example of growing an email list.
[31:39] How can we use systems to find balance in our lives?
[41:25] A lot of us feel guilt around our actions and inactions. What are some of Dawn's tips to deal with that guilt?
[44:30] Shannon highlights how important mindfulness is for her in helping to ease the guilt. Dawn has some tips around self-talk that can help.
[48:48] Knowing what "enough" is can be super powerful, but we think we haven't done enough, it can hinder our progress. Dawn speaks to this.
[52:05] What are some small steps we can take to move toward creating a self-care routine?
[56:23] What helps Dawn come back to balance amidst juggling all the different parts of her life?
[58:49] Find out more about Dawn and the work that she does via her website and social media.
[1:00:38] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"I do believe that we always need to seek balance." - Dawn
"Balance is achievable, but it's a constant give-and-take for it." - Dawn
"It has to be systems over schedules and goals." - Dawn
"Allow yourself grace to find what works for you." - Dawn
"You are enough. Everything that you need is within you." - Dawn
"All of the things that we say we don't have time for - those are the things you need to make time for." - Dawn
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
212: Menopause Myths and Facts with Shirley Weir
Description:
A topic some people might not feel comfortable talking about is menopause, yet this is something that concerns not just people who menstruate (about half the world’s population!) Chances are, even people who don't menstruate live with or support people who do. However, a lot of menstruating people often start perimenopause and reach menopause with no idea about the changes their bodies are undergoing and how to deal with them. Shirley Weir, Menopause Chick, is ready to bust some of the common myths surrounding menopause and share the facts about this “taboo” topic.
Shirley Weir first began experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause more than 10 years ago, and was unable to find answers to her questions. Feeling confused, overwhelmed and alone, she realized other people must be struggling with the same issues, and launched MenopauseChicks.com to empower people to talk openly about perimenopause and menopause, to navigate midlife health information, and to connect to health professionals in this area. Since then, Shirley has spoken at conferences internationally, received awards for her work, and been featured widely in publications. She also authored MOKITA: How to Navigate Perimenopause with Confidence & Ease, which reached #1 on Amazon.ca in women’s health.
Did you know that menopause is only one day? Shirley shares the difference between perimenopause and menopause, and what is “normal” or common and what’s not during perimenopause leading up to menopause. She also shares useful information when to talk to your doctor, and about how to educate yourself in case your healthcare team isn't up to date with research in perimenopause. Shirley and Shannon discuss how yoga can be helpful in bringing relief to people experiencing symptoms and some of the things to be aware around perimenopause and menopause as yoga teachers.
Key Takeaways:
[8:05] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shirley Weir.
[9:30] A note on gender-neutral language in this topic, and why this topic is not just for women.
[11:36] How did Shirley get into the work of highlighting information around menopause?
[15:43] Shirley shares a lot of great information about menopause in her Facebook Group.
[18:07] What is menopause? What is perimenopause?
[24:09] When does perimenopause start?
[26:39] Shirley touches on the topic of hot flashes and the symptoms during perimenopause, and how we as a society deal with them.
[30:40] We can't blame the medical system for the lack of information around perimenopause and menopause.
[31:45] What are some of the myths around perimenopause and menopause that yoga teachers need to be aware of?
[35:30] The message that women are often told is that this will get better with time. Shirley challenges this message.
[40:47] When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, your healthcare professional may not always have all the answers.
[45:27] Shirley shares some other things to note that could empower yoga teachers in working with perimenopausal people.
[49:04] Do changes in hormones play a part in our happiness?
[50:27] What does Shirley say to support people who are struggling in this phase of life?
[55:01] Learn more about Shirley's work on social media and her Facebook group.
[55:29] Shirley shares more about her book, MOKITA.
[59:10] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"Menopause is one day. It's the 12th month anniversary of your final period." ~ Shirley Weir
"Stress significantly impacts female hormones." ~ Shirley Weir
"Perimenopause and menopause are not medical conditions. They're phases of life." ~ Shirley Weir
"There's a lot of innuendo around women's health that we are meant to suffer." ~ Shirley Weir
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
211: How to Draw Yoga Stick Figures with Eva-Lotta Lamm
Description:
As a yoga teacher, how do you plan your classes? When it comes to planning the actual sequences, poses, and themes, do you go with the flow with little or no planning, or have a mental plan, or refer to detailed notes? In this episode, Eva-Lotta Lamm shares another technique you can use to plan yoga classes - drawing out yoga sequences. The best part is you don’t have to be good at drawing or have artistic talents; you only need to be able to draw stick figures!
Eva-Lotta Lamm is an independent Designer, Visual Thinking Expert and Trainer and yoga teacher. She helps companies to visualise complex problems to see things from new perspectives, and teaches teams and individuals to be more visual in their thinking, communication and collaboration. Eva-Lotta’s illustrations have been published in several books, and she is also the author of Yoganotes – Sketching Yoga Stick Figures. Eva-Lotta used sketching and visual notes extensively during her own yoga teacher training in India, and eventually, combined her love for yoga and her profession as a designer to create products that help yoga practitioners and yoga teachers to learn, structure and teach yoga with visual tools.
Eva-Lotta shares more about the unique system for drawing yoga stick figures she created, and breaks down how she teaches other people to draw their own yoga stick figures and adapt them to their own needs. Shannon and Eva-Lotta also discuss the benefits of sketching, as well as why drawing and visual tools can be a great addition to your toolkit as a yoga teacher. Eva-Lotta even shares how she self-published a book on yoga.
Listen to the end of the episode to find out how you can participate in a giveaway of Eva-Lotta’s personalized books for two listeners!
Key Takeaways:
[10:00] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Eva-Lotta Lamm.
[12:24] What does Eva-Lotta do and who does she do it for?
[14:07] Eva-Lotta shares more about her work in helping people visualize complex problems to see them from a new perspective.
[16:34] How does Eva-Lotta teach yoga teachers to use drawings in planning their yoga sequences?
[18:00] Eva-Lotta shares some of her tips and tricks for drawing out complex yoga sequences with stick figures.
[20:20] What other tools does Eva-Lotta use to guide her plans for yoga sequences?
[22:25] Eva-Lotta's drawings have noses to show direction! She shares how detailed her drawings can get.
[24:34] What are some pointers Eva-Lotta has for yoga teachers who want to get started drawing sequences?
[30:04] How did Eva-Lotta find her niche in teaching yoga teachers to draw stick figures?
[34:13] What is Eva-Lotta's work in the yoga world now?
[38:13] Eva-Lotta is excited about what else can come from the intersection of her work with design and drawing and yoga.
[40:34] How did Eva-Lotta self-publish her book?
[45:13] Check out Eva-Lotta's book on her website.
[47:53] Shannon and Eva-Lotta are doing a giveaway!
[49:29] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"I teach yoga teachers to draw so that they can plan their sequences even when they don't have any artistic talent or they think they can't draw at all." - Eva-Lotta
"If you look at sketching as a communication and thinking tool, then I like to compare it to learning how to write." - Eva-Lotta
"My goal is to teach people how to draw like writing so that they can write their own stories and their own flows and whatever their creativity wants to express." - Eva-Lotta
"Images and words are like best friends. ... They both have different strengths and weaknesses, and you want to use them in combination because then they are truly wonderful together." - Eva-Lotta
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
210: The Future of Yoga with Amber Karnes
Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, and the yoga industry has changed dramatically. Studios have closed, some permanently, classes and YTTs are online, and for many of us in-person classes and trainings are not possible. All of these changes have a lot of yoga teachers asking - What does the future look like for yoga? And what does that mean for yoga teachers? Amber Karnes shares some insights.
Amber Karnes is the Founder of Body Positive Yoga and the creator of the Body Positive Clubhouse. She is a big proponent of the Health At Every Size approach to wellness, focusing on joyful movement, intuitive eating, and self-care. Amber is also the co-creator of the Yoga for All Teacher Training with Dianne Bondy, and she also leads trainings for Accessible Yoga. In her work, Amber is dedicated diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and helping empower people live life without shame or apology.
With yoga classes and teacher trainings being moved online, what will happen when the pandemic ends, and people can be together in person again? Amber shares her thoughts on how being online has shifted expectations around yoga, and talks more about how this shift has made yoga more accessible for some people. She also highlights some of the barriers that marginalized populations may face at an in-person studio. Shannona and Amber discuss what online classes are lacking and how we can address those shortcomings, as well as what yoga teachers can do to create community in online yoga classes.
If you are looking for insights and perspectives on how to navigate the current situation, as well as explore ideas around what it really means to teach yoga, this interview is sure to inspire you and give you tools to move forward in a productive and meaningful way.
Key Takeaways:
[3:41] COVID-19 has changed the way we share yoga. This episode explores what the future holds for yoga and yoga teachers.
[6:48] Shannon gives a shout out to sponsor Schedulicity and reads a review from a listener. Have you left a review yet?
[10:05] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Amber Karnes.
[11:43] Shannon does a check-in with Amber.
[13:43] What is helping Amber get through the upheaval in the world these days?
[16:54] What is the future of being a yoga teacher?
[23:42] Yoga has become more accessible to people because it is now being shared online. Amber shares more about the accessibility of yoga, fitness and movement practices in this time.
[32:15] How has moving yoga online impacted some groups of people like children and less tech-savvy seniors?
[35:54] What are Amber's thoughts around new yoga teachers getting certified to teach yoga online and going on to teach classes online, and only working in the online space?
[38:00] We have an opportunity to reset the expectations around what a yoga class looks like, and to really examine what it means to teach Yoga.
[43:59] There are thoughtful ways to change and tweak how we teach yoga to give the responsibility back to the student to listen to their bodies.
[47:49] Teaching yoga online can feel lacking in community. How can we create connections and community online in creative ways?
[53:48] Amber shares some thoughts around what could really help yoga teachers right now.
[59:51] Shannon reflects on how important it is to center yourself around your "why".
[1:00:35] Will Amber ever run for office?
[1:02:09] Find out more about Amber and her work via the links below.
[1:03:59] How does Amber deal with the pressure of having a large audience?
[1:06:33] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsors Schedulicity and Sukhasana Chair (Code: TCYT10).
Quotes from this episode:
"I think a lot of folks are going to change the way that they are practicing yoga in community going forward." - Amber
"This moment is a unique opportunity for us to be imaginative, as both yoga practitioners and teachers of how we can reset some of the expectations around 'What is a yoga class?'." - Amber
"We can look at what the opportunities are coming out of this to create classrooms and teaching spaces and community spaces that are more equitable for all of us." - Amber
"When we approach [teaching online], we have to start to approach it as if it were a viable alternative and sometimes, a preferred alternative for some of our students." - Amber
"With accessibility, the question that I like to encourage teachers to ask is 'Where does the power live right now?'." - Amber
"Yoga is a personal practice that we do in community." - Amber
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
209: Online Yoga Teacher Training with Jivana Heyman
Description:
One of the things yoga teachers all around the world have had to navigate recently is the shift to sharing yoga online because of the coronavirus pandemic. A lot of yoga teacher trainings have also moved online, as well as conferences, seminars and other aspects of continuing education for yoga teachers. Like teaching yoga online, they come with their own set of challenges, and Jivana Heyman shares more about his experience moving everything online.
Jivana is the founder and director of Accessible Yoga, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to yoga teachings. Jivana is also the co-founder of the Accessible Yoga Training School, and the author of Accessible Yoga: Poses and Practices for Every Body. As a yoga teacher, Jivana has specialized in teaching yoga to people with disabilities with an emphasis on community building and social engagement.
As a result of the pandemic, Jivana had to move everything he was working on to an online format, including the entire Accessible Yoga Conference and his yoga teacher trainings. This was a big undertaking, and Jivana talks about how this transition went - what went well and what did not, how he managed the tech element of this transition, and most importantly, how he retained the quality of it all when he moved to the online format.
Key Takeaways:
[5:24] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Jivana Heyman.
[7:58] Jivana is working on his second book. What are some of his tips for yoga teachers trying to write a book or manual?
[9:48] In 2020, Jivana moved the Accessible Yoga Conference and his yoga teacher trainings online. Which offering did Jivana move online first?
[11:55] Would Jivana continue with offering trainings online if the pandemic ended tomorrow?
[14:03] How is Jivana dealing with missing interaction with people?
[16:16] What technology is Jivana using for the conference and his trainings online?
[18:23] How does Jivana deal with accountability and watching people teach when the training is online?
[22:52] Props are an important part of accessible yoga. How does Jivana deal with attendees having the props necessary?
[25:06] Has Jivana included aspects of how to teach online in the training?
[26:56] How has Jivana managed the sound and tech for all of the presenters and teacher trainers he has been dealing with in the conference and trainings?
[29:08] Jivana speaks about the challenges of accessibility.
[32:29] Jivana shares how to caption for accessibility on images in social media.
[34:59] In terms of accessibility, being online has helped Jivana reach more people who could not attend in person events.
[38:32] Digital access can also be an issue when people don't have access to the internet, a computer or have the time to be online.
[40:45] What are Jivana's tip for using different props for students who can't get down to the floor?
[48:53] Jivana share a bit about the Accessible Yoga Community on Facebook.
[53:28] What is Jivana's new book about?
[56:59] Where can you find out more about Jivana and his work?
[59:45] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Teaching Yoga Online Episodes:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"What I miss the most is that at the trainings, I got to watch people meet each other and form bonds and communities." - Jivana
"It's more tiring to teach online." - Jivana
"What's amazing about being online is that we have international groups all the time." - Jivana
"For our community, participating in online classes can actually be really beneficial." - Jivana
"Being online is more accessible generally." - Jivana
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
208: Four Years of Podcasting with Shannon Crow
Description:
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is celebrating its fourth anniversary! In this special episode, host Shannon Crow answers questions inspired by listeners and members of The Connected Yoga Teacher community.
Shannon opens up about her inspiration for starting the podcast and what her journey has been like through the years of podcasting. She also shares a behind-the-scenes look at getting sponsorship for the podcast, and her advice on how to handle companies who approaching you with sponsorship offers. Shannon gets really vulnerable and shares some of the mistakes she made along the way, her thoughts on the community of Connected Yoga Teachers, and gives us a sneak preview of some projects she has in the pipeline.
For anyone who’s wanted to get a glimpse behind the curtain of The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast, this is the episode for you.
Key Takeaways:
[1:20] The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is celebrating its fourth anniversary!
[2:52] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor of the podcast - Schedulicity.
[4:33] Shannon thanks YOU for listening to the podcast!
[6:40] Shannon reflects on the previous podcast anniversary episode.
[9:39] If you still have questions for Shannon, send her a voicemail!
[10:12] How did Shannon decide to start podcasting, and what was her journey to starting a podcast?
[13:32] Shannon talks about her experiences in niching down, choosing a specialty and moving online.
[19:50] There have been some huge challenges that have come up in Shannon's business recently.
[21:33] How did Shannon get a sponsor for the podcast?
[29:06] Shannon has some tips about if you're getting approached to get sponsored.
[34:48] Think about also highlighting your own paid offerings when putting out free content.
[35:42] What are some of the mistakes that Shannon has made?
[39:16] What is Shannon's underlying "big Why" for starting the podcast and Facebook group?
[44:19] What's next for Shannon?
[50:55] Shannon shares some of her final thoughts and reflections on yoga today.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"I wanted yoga teachers to see that collaborating together, supporting each other as professionals could really bring us all forward." - Shannon Crow
"How can you create the blue ocean for yourself?" - Shannon Crow
"If you start focusing on what you're really interested in, what you're really good at, and what people are really asking you for, it will evolve. Your niche will come out of that!" - Shannon Crow
"If you want to create yoga offerings for a population that cannot pay, look for a company that can." - Shannon Crow
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
207: Biopsychosocial Model & Yoga with Carolyn Vandyken
Description:
Many people come to yoga to seek relief for a specific pain or to regain strength and mobility after recovering from an injury. The biopsychosocial model of care is a great way to look at how we’re using yoga to help our students. By adopting a whole-person approach to health and wellness, the biopsychosocial framework gives us a more holistic approach in regard to pain, function and movement. Carolyn Vandyken, expert in the biopsychosocial model, shares more about what the model is and how it applies to yoga.
Carolyn Vandyken is one of the Co-Founders of Reframe Rehab. She has practiced in orthopaedics and pelvic health for the past 33 years, and has been heavily involved in post-graduate pelvic health education, and research in lumbopelvic pain. She speaks at numerous international conferences and has written extensively on the topics of pelvic health, orthopaedics and pain science for the past twelve years. Carolyn’s mission in her practice is to break down the silos in clinical practice between musculoskeletal pain, pelvic pain, pain neuroscience education, and psychology by providing learning opportunities from the world's leading clinical educators on these topics.
Why do we need to understand the science of pain, and how can we use this understanding to better help our yoga students? Carolyn breaks down some of the elements of the science of pain, and the best steps for yoga teachers to take when a student approaches with a specific pain. Shannon and Carolyn also discuss the language we use related to pain, and how to look for other specialized healthcare professionals who can help support students who are coming to us with pain and injuries.
Key Takeaways:
[16:26] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode Carolyn Vandyken.
[17:52] What is the biopsychosocial framework?
[19:41] We don't often consider the social aspect of things. Carolyn and Shannon discuss how COVID-19 has made more people consider the importance of social factors in wellbeing.
[20:18] What is the work that Carolyn does and how did she get started in this area?
[26:31] Pain is all in the brain, but how can we communicate that without coming across as saying "it's all in your head"? Carolyn explains more about the science of pain.
[34:31] What are some things that yoga teachers can do to help a student who approaches them with pain?
[38:45] Shannon often refers people to PTs or physiotherapists for persistent pain. How does she manage that?
[42:15] Asking questions is a powerful tool to help people look inward and reflect on what can help their pain.
[46:05] Why does Carolyn recommend yoga and taichi for people with persistent pain?
[53:55] How can language and messaging influence the pain experience?
[1:00:02] Carolyn shares some additional perspectives for yoga teachers around the biopsychosocial framework and pain.
[1:05:29] If you have been dealing with persistent pain, Carolyn has some tips for you.
[1:09:24] Find out more about Carolyn's work and how to work with her via her website, where you can also sign up for courses.
[1:14:09] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Related Podcast Episodes:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals.
Quotes from this episode:
"Pain is an output of the brain, so if it's an output of the brain we have to consider all the potential inputs if we're going to help our clients change that experience." - Carolyn
"The social isolation of COVID for a lot of people has been a real challenge." - Carolyn
"Really, our bodies heal themselves." - Carolyn
"Pain is a brain thing. The brain creates pain to protect us." - Carolyn
"Everybody's pain is real. ... Pain is always personal." - Carolyn
"Pain is sensory and emotional." - Carolyn
"We can't just look at tissue health when we consider pain, we have to look much broader at everything that is going on in that person's life." - Carolyn
"1 in 4 people, after they have an acute injury, even though the tissues have healed, go on to have persistent pain." - Carolyn
"The more variability we have in our mapping options, the less likely we are to have pain." - Carolyn
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
206: Get More Private Yoga Clients with Megan Spears
Description:
A common question among yoga teachers is “How can I get more private yoga clients?”. Many of us feel like we lack the confidence and knowledge to teach private yoga, but that shouldn’t stop us from diving in. In this episode, Megan Spears shares how she felt the same, but eventually took the plunge and grew her private yoga business from 0 students to 15 per week.
Megan Spears is a Private Yoga and Movement Coach based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Megan began practicing yoga in 2005, and teaching in 2014. In addition to the E-RYT 500hr Yoga Teacher Training, Megan is also trained in Trauma Informed Yoga Therapy, Functional Yoga, Radiance Sutras Meditation, and other specializations. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Health Promotion and Exercise Science at Oklahoma State University. Megan describes her mission as empowering athletes, yoga beginners, and those recovering from an injury to be strong in their practice, and she focuses on helping co-create a practice with her clients that truly fits and enhances their lifestyle.
Despite having the same fears and mindset issues around teaching private yoga when she first started, Megan decided to push ahead with 1:1 sessions. She shares how she gained the confidence and knowledge to teach 1:1, and how she transitioned from group classes to private yoga. Megan also reveals her strategy for dealing with no-shows and cancellations for private bookings, as well as her unique marketing strategy to get new private clients, while looking after her existing clients.
If you have been thinking about shifting to teaching private yoga, or are just wondering what you can do to get more new private clients, this is a great episode.
Key Takeaways:
[9:15] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Megan Spears.
[11:07] What does Megan do and who does she do it for?
[11:50] When did Megan make the switch from teaching group classes to 1:1 sessions?
[13:50] Why did Megan feel unprepared to teach 1:1 yoga and what helped her prepare?
[16:20] What is different about teaching private yoga compared to group classes?
[17:22] How did Megan go from one private client a week to 15?
[19:40] What does Megan's yoga offering look like now?
[21:19] How does Megan deal with people who do one private session with her and never follow up?
[22:35] Does Megan do in-person or online classes? What was it like before COVID?
[23:25] How does Megan deal with teaching online?
[28:40] What is Megan's process with new clients?
[31:08] How does Megan remember to do follow ups with her students?
[32:15] The doors are open to Pelvic Health Professionals!
[32:54] What makes Megan's 1:1 sessions unique?
[34:30] Megan explains a bit more about how she shares content with her audience.
[36:16] Does Megan do postural analysis with her clients?
[38:55] When transitioning from group classes to private, how did Megan deal with the pushback from students who either don't want to do private or don't want to pay?
[40:47] How does Megan deal with mindset issues around charging more for private yoga sessions?
[44:09] A listener asks - I get a lot of inquiry about private yoga but nobody has actually followed through with it. I have also had some last minute cancellations or no-shows. How do you deal with this?
[46:33] What is Megan's cancellation policy?
[47:53] The videos that Megan shares on her social media is what prompts some people to reach out to her. Megan talks about her current marketing strategy.
[51:38] What was Megan's marketing plan when she was building her private yoga business?
[52:55] How often does Megan email her list?
[54:26] What does Megan suggest to yoga teachers who are thinking about bringing in more 1:1 students?
[56:03] Many yoga teachers may think they don't have all the answers for their students when teaching 1:1. What is Megan's response to that?
[58:05] Find out more about Megan and her work via her website, email or Instagram.
[59:17] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways from this interview.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and The Sukhasana Chair (Code: TCYT10).
Quotes from this episode:
"There's more conversation and more adaptation within a private session." - Megan
"Because I made it known that I was a private yoga teacher and that I was taking on private clients, ... I could be top of mind." - Megan
"Generally speaking, I would say the first session is maybe 1/3 conversational intake, the second third movement, and then questions." - Megan
"A really helpful part of being an individual or private yoga teacher is creating content for the client that relays something that they learned in the session, and that content can be shared widely." - Megan
"I continued to teach a variety of group classes while hosting my private students as well so that there were options for people." - Megan
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
205: Tech Guide for Online Yoga with Dominique Gauthier
Description:
The pandemic has forced all of us to adapt and change how we share yoga with our students, and for many of us, that has been a shift to teaching yoga online. Figuring out the tech and equipment to teach online has been a steep learning curve for many of us. In this episode, Dominique Gauthier shares some of her tips and tricks for sharing yoga online.
Dominique Gauthier is a personal trainer and yoga teacher, as well as the Founder of Body Mind Fitness. She is a core and pelvic floor specialist who works with clients to provide specialized training to manage and prevent symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, improve overall pelvic health and allow them to lead an active lifestyle. Dominique’s passion is helping women build and reclaim their strength and confidence from the inside out with movement, education and a body positive sustainable approach.
Shifting to teaching online can be pretty overwhelming, particularly if you’re not “tech-inclined”. Dominique opens up about the challenges she faced as a teacher and some of the struggles of her students in getting set up for online yoga, and shares the things she learned along the way. Dominique has also figured out how to stream her classes to Zoom and YouTube at the time, and if you have to teach hybrid classes (a mix of online and in-person classes) - Dominique also has some strategies to create the best experience for your students.
If you have been looking for ways to streamline your tech for teaching yoga online, or are looking for some tips on how to manage hybrid classes, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[8:39] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dominique Gauthier.
[10:01] What has Dominique's experience in the Pelvic Health Professionals membership been like?
[13:16] Dominique shares how challenged she felt with having to teach yoga both online and in-person at the same time, with additional restrictions for COVID-19.
[15:36] What has Dominique's set up with for her tech to teach online?
[17:36] Dominique shares some of her initial struggles with uploading videos to YouTube and the burnout she experienced.
[21:38] Dominique highlights her priorities when teaching online.
[23:48] How did Dominique adapt when people started returning to in-person classes and she had to teach hybrid sessions?
[28:23] Use what you have first!
[29:20] Dominique highlights some considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a camera.
[32:57] Dominique summarizes her tech set up.
[35:49] How does Dominique care for her Zoom students so they don't feel left out in hybrid classes?
[38:01] Dominique shares some words of encouragement.
[42:10] Check out Dominique's website for some inspiration.
[43:11] How did Dominique ease her students into using Zoom?
[44:26] When given a choice between in-person and Zoom sessions, what were most of Dominique's students picking?
[45:39] What is Dominique working on adding to her tech for teaching yoga online?
[46:53] Shannon shares her key takeaways from this interview with Dominique.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"Online isn't going anywhere. I don't think ever." - Dominique
"I have cried so much during these learning curves." - Dominique
"Use what you have first! Try that as much as you possibly can before you go out and purchase something." - Shannon
"We are our own toughest critics... but our clients, our students are so forgiving." - Dominique
"If you're going to get into online teaching, now's the time to do it." - Dominique
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
204: What to Charge for Online Yoga with Shannon Crow
Description:
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many yoga teachers have moved their offerings online. With this shift from in-person to virtual yoga classes, a question that often came up is – how much should I charge for online yoga classes?
To answer this question, Shannon Crow shares her thoughts and insights around the factors to consider, not just when pricing online yoga classes but in-person classes, workshops, courses or other offerings. Shannon explains more about perceived value in pricing, the hidden costs of running a yoga business, and how undercharging for your yoga classes can impact the whole yoga industry. She also digs into money mindset issues that we may face, and shares some tips to challenge these restrictions we may place on ourselves.
If you have beens struggling with figuring out what to charge for your yoga offerings, this episode is a great starting point.
Key Takeaways:
[:53] Many yoga teachers reached out with questions around pricing their online yoga classes when the pandemic first hit.
[1:41] Before you ask how much to charge for online yoga, consider how much you're charging for in-person yoga.
[2:41] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[4:44] How do you choose a price for your yoga classes? Remember that perceived value is a big factor in your pricing!
[5:46] A good starting point to decide on a price for your yoga classes could be the prices other similar service providers charge.
[6:38] What are the hidden costs of teaching yoga?
[9:10] Money mindset can be a challenge for many of us.
[12:08] What impact does undercharging have on the yoga industry?
[13:05] Focus on your niche, and consider what it feels like to be receiving services.
[14:53] Take into consideration all of the factors before pricing your yoga classes.
[16:48] Please remember to increase your rates!
[17:06] You can create your yoga business in the way that you want and that is aligned with your beliefs and values.
Links:
Teaching Yoga Online
Pricing
Growing Your Yoga Business
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"One hour in front of your students is not the same as an hourly wage job. This is not just one hour of your time." - Shannon Crow
"I want yoga teachers to be viewed as professionals." - Shannon Crow
"Take into consideration all of the factors that are part of this pricing." - Shannon Crow
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
203: Do Politics Belong in Yoga? with Chara Caruthers & Maria Kirsten
Description:
Politics can be a sensitive and divisive topic, and we may avoid talking about it even with our most trusted friends and family because it is often controversial or uncomfortable to talk about. However, in light of the current political and social landscape, it is important for us to be aware, informed, and engaged - and our yoga can influence that. Chara Caruthers and Maria Kirsten are back on the podcast to share their insights about yoga and politics, and how to navigate the current political and social climate through the lens of yoga.
Chara Caruthers is a registered yoga teacher (Yoga Alliance E RYT-500) and certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) who has been practicing yoga since 1993. She is the founder of Bliss Body & Soul, where she offers ayurveda Courses, workshops, and an Ayurvedic living Community, in addition to her work as a wellness coach. Maria Kirsten has been teaching accessible yoga to grownups and beginners since 2000. She is the founder of Yoga for Grownups, and is committed to principles of inclusion and to making yoga safe and accessible for everyone. Maria also does work in the area of yoga for mental health and yoga therapy. Together, Chara and Maria host the Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast, where they discuss how to live, age, parent, and “grow up” in a way that feels balanced and authentic.
How does your yoga inform your politics? Chara and Maria share their insights about where yoga and politics intersect sometimes in some surprising ways, and how the foundations and philosophies of yoga really ties in to all aspects of our lives. In these tumultuous times where we still have to continue in life with yoga classes to teach, and people looking towards us as community leaders and for guidance, Chara and Maria shed light on how we can find a balance between yoga and politics.
Key Takeaways:
[5:25] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Chara Caruthers and Maria Kirsten.
[6:59] What is the work that Maria and Chara do?
[9:55] Shannon shares a bit of context for the interview.
[11:31] Where do Chara and Maria live and how do they vote?
[13:48] How do politics, voting and yoga go together?
[21:01] Chara and Maria share more about ahimsa, yamas and niyamas and how they tie into our relation to others and ourselves.
[24:11] How are Chara and Maria bringing these topics into their classes?
[29:21] Where does the discomfort come from for yoga teachers who are trying not to be political?
[35:02] Politics can wind us up a bit. How do we find the balance between taking action but also taking a pause?
[43:27] Why is it sometimes difficult to engage in productive conversations with people who have different perspectives from us?
[46:00] How can you stay informed without getting overly triggered, particularly by social media or the news?
[51:07] Check out the Live Like You Love Yourself Podcast to hear more from Chara and Maria.
[51:28] What is Yogins United?
[53:15] Conversations are a powerful medium to share ideas.
[55:39] Chara and Maria share some closing thoughts.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"I think yoga has a huge role in politics because it empowers people to sense what's right and good and safe and comfortable and what sits well with them." - Maria
"For me, my yoga has been a reminder of the way that I want to be in the world." - Chara
"Being human is a practice, and as part of that practice we have to be willing to engage with the world around us because it defines who we are and who we can be." - Chara
"It is our responsibility to ourselves and to our communities who we are a part of, who we are in constant relationship with, to take action, to be in action." - Chara
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
202: Yoga and Masks with Clare Kelley
Description:
One of the things we’ve had to adapt to recently in our yoga businesses is the COVID-19 pandemic. As public spaces like our yoga studios open up again and we transition back into in-person yoga classes, you may be wondering about how to approach using masks in your classes. Clare Kelley shares her expertise in this area and clears up some of the doubts and confusion around using masks in yoga, as well as how public health relates to yoga from a broader perspective.
Clare Kelley is the Founder and Director of Wild Wisdom, a platform that exists at the intersection of science, movement, nature, and lived experience. Clare has completed her graduate studies in both public health and health research and program design, monitoring, and evaluation, and has over 8 years of experience working as a health consultant. Clare’s work is helping people connect to their nature and the nature around them for the health of both. Via her Patreon, Clare shares live movement classes and nature therapy walks, meditations and visualizations, movement and relaxation videos, public health explainers, essays, and more.
Clare addresses the confusion about wearing masks at the start of the pandemic, and explains why best practices have evolved over time. She also shares insights about mask usage and safe distancing in yoga classes, and four types of risks involved. Clare tackles some misconceptions about mask-wearing, transmission of the virus and gives us some tips about how we can reduce risk as yoga teachers.
This episode is a useful resource to give you the information you need on this topic so that you can be empowered to make the right choices for you, your yoga business, and your yoga students.
Key Takeaways:
[6:31] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Clare Kelley.
[8:11] What does Clare do and who does she do it for? How does public health and masks fit into her scope of work?
[10:08] Clare explains how public health differs from medicine, and how it ties to individual efforts and actions such as wearing a mask.
[13:05] What is health science?
[16:29] There have been different messages around masks and best practices in relation to the pandemic. Clare explains why information has been constantly changing.
[21:40] Clare explains more about how the virus spreads and how mask-wearing can help reduce transmission.
[28:46] How important is mask-wearing in a yoga class? Clare explains the risk factors at play.
[33:00] Is it dangerous to wear a mask all the time because it limits oxygen to the brain?
[37:35] What is the distance we should be maintaining with other people?
[40:16] Clare shares more about the Swiss cheese model.
[44:57] What is Clare opting to do for her yoga classes?
[49:17] Clare talks about four concepts of risk.
[51:45] What do we say to people who are denying the pandemic?
[55:02] What is aerosol spread?
[58:19] Clare explains why it is important to create a sense of collaborative community.
[59:32] What are the Clare's recommendations for yoga classes with regard to safe distancing measures and mask-wearing?
[1:06:45] Find out more about Clare's work via Patreon.
[1:08:37] Clare addresses a question from The Connected Yoga Teacher Group - Why am I still getting sick if I took all the precautions?
[1:11:12] What will 2021 look like?
[1:18:04] Shannon shares some of her biggest takeaways from this interview with Clare, and gives a personal update.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"Our own individual efforts protect us, but also how we look at health individually affects the community." - Clare
"No death is better than some death. Less death is better than more death. Less illness is better than more illness." - Clare
"This is a time to err on the side of caution. The masks are only one aspect of the mitigation of the risk. They're not perfect." - Clare
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
201: Leaning Into Hope Happy New Year with Shannon Crow
Description:
Happy New Year, Connected Yoga Teachers!
What a year 2020 has been for all of us, as people, as yoga teachers and as business owners. All of us have been profoundly impacted by everything that 2020 has brought. At a business level, we’ve had to completely reimagine our yoga businesses - by moving classes online, or dealing with teaching physically distanced yoga with restrictions in place. Some of us have faced closure of our yoga studios, or have fewer students. On a personal level, we may have had to deal with the loss of loved ones, social isolation, worries around finances, and the general anxiety and stress that comes with living through a year like 2020.
It’s been a tough year. But Connected Yoga Teachers, if you are listening to this episode, it means that you’ve made it through everything 2020 has thrown your way, and survived. And that is something definitely worth celebrating.
In this episode, Shannon shares an email from Gretchen Schutte. In her email, Gretchen shared a bit about some of her struggles in 2020, but more importantly, she took the time to share and celebrate what she has accomplished, despite everything.
What are you celebrating about 2020?
Key Takeaways:
[:12] Happy New Year!
[:40] What a year 2020 has been. Shannon reflects on 2020, and all the things that have happened.
[3:43] A shout out to the sponsor of the podcast, Schedulicity.
[5:27] Shannon shares a side note from Crunch.
[7:29] Gretchen Schutte sent Shannon an email towards the end of 2020 about her struggles and achievements for the year.
[10:25] Gretchen's email inspired Shannon to look at what she has achieved. What are some of the things you can celebrate about 2020?
[13:54] Go beyond looking at traditional accomplishments, and acknowledge all of the things you have been able to do. Celebrate that strength!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"Surviving the pandemic and the crapshow that was 2020 is achievement enough for this year." - Crunch
"We all win the award for making it through 2020." - Shannon
"Despite all of the challenges, I'm still growing and moving forward." - Gretchen
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
200: Practice, Parenting & Perfectionism with Judith Hanson Lasater & Lizzie Lasater
Description:
We’re celebrating 200 episodes of the Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast! On this episode, mother-daughter duo, Judith Hanson Lasater and Lizzie Lasater, share more about their yoga journey, parenting, and running a yoga business.
Judith, Ph.d. and physical therapist, is a well known figure in the yoga world, and one of the leading yoga teachers in the US. She has been teaching yoga for 50 years, helped found a nationally-known yoga teacher training program in San Francisco, CA, which has trained thousands of teachers since 1975, and collaborated with other yoga teachers to start the Yoga Journal magazine. Judith has authored 10 books, including her latest: Yoga Myths - What You Need to Learn and Unlearn for a Safe and Healthy Yoga Practice, and specializes in restorative yoga.
Judith has three children, and one of them is Lizzie Lasater, who is a mother of twins, and also a yoga teacher in her own right. Lizzie learned yoga from her mother, and now teaches restorative yoga teacher training globally via her virtual platform. In addition to sharing her work through live online events, curated digital trainings and her Sunday Savasana Series newsletter, Lizzie also has a heartfelt spirit jewelry collection. Together, Judith and Lizzie share a variety of courses such as Living Your Yoga, Yoga Myths, Savasana Intensive and more on their combined online platform - lasater.yoga.
In this interview, Lizzie shares her insights about what it was like growing up with a yoga teacher for a Mom, and how that has influenced her in journey of teaching yoga and running a yoga business. Judith and Lizzie discuss “being enlightened”, how yoga translates into their daily lives, and holding boundaries. They also talk about their own personal experiences with parenting, and why we all struggle with the idea of perfectionism and not being able to be “perfect parents”.
This is an incredible interview about how yoga relates to parenting, perfectionism and your own practice - from the unique perspective of a mother-daughter team.
Key Takeaways:
[10:29] Shannon introduces her guests for this episode - Judith Hanson Lasater and Lizzie Lasater.
[12:38] For Judith, what does it feel like to have been teaching yoga for 50 years, and what does she see in the yoga world now?
[15:51] Lizzie shares a bit about how growing up with yoga all around influenced her to become a yoga teacher.
[17:55] Did Judith's children ever rebel and move away from yoga? She shares how she held space for her children apart from yoga.
[21:22] Lizzie talks about what it was like to grow up with a yoga teacher as a parent, the feelings she encountered as a teenager, and how that has influenced her own parenting style.
[25:36] What is it like for Judith and Lizzie to work together as yoga teachers now?
[31:06] Judith shares her perspectives on the idea of "becoming more enlightened" through the practice of yoga.
[36:12] Lizzie reflects on her working relationship with her mother and the boundaries she holds with each of the roles she has with Judith.
[37:40] Judith explains how setting and holding boundaries spills into the teaching of yoga and personal relationships.
[42:48] It is important to remember not to hold ourselves up to the standards of the yamas and the niyamas, or some sort of perfection.
[47:53] Do parents now face more pressure to be perfect?
[50:45] Shannon, Lizzie and Judith reflect on what it's like to parent their children.
[55:12] How much of Judith's experience in the yoga world has been translated into her latest book, Yoga Myths?
[57:01] What are Lizzie's thoughts on teaching yoga for a shorter time and reading Judith's book?
[01:00:25] Judith explains why cueing is not a practice she recommends, and what she suggests instead.
[1:03:23] How will moving yoga teacher training online impact the level of yoga?
[1:10:14] Lizzie shares some thoughts around impermanence, and Judith shares a short poem to end off.
[1:15:25] Find out more about Judith and Lizzie's work via their websites.
[1:17:19] What is your biggest takeaway that you will implement?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Sukhasana Chair.
Quotes from this episode:
"Yoga is a life-changing, soul-changing, body-changing practice, but its power is predicated upon choice and intention." - Judith Hanson Lasater
"What is the point of this practice on the mat, this pranayama, this meditation, if it has no effect in the world?" - Judith Hanson Lasater
"The most important question to begin with is not 'What am I going to teach?'. The most important question is 'What is going to be the relationship I have with my students?'." - Judith Hanson Lasater
"I'm finding that [parenting] is so much more full mind-body-spirit than any of the books I read led me to believe." - Lizzie Lasater
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
199: Creating Inclusive Yoga Spaces with Erin Ajayi
Description:
As yoga teachers, many of us have the intention of creating inclusive yoga spaces. However, we may not know what that looks like or feels like from the perspective of a BIPOC yoga student. Erin Ajayi joins Shannon in this episode to experience her own experience of being a yoga student of color (from the perspective of a Black woman).
Erin Ajayi is the Senior Director of Development at I Live Here I Give Here, a nonprofit organization with the mission to make Central Texas the most generous community in the nation. Erin is also a part-time yoga teacher who has taught in studio spaces, and college and university spaces. Erin came to yoga as a result of a running injury but since then, her relationship with yoga has evolved. Today, Erin teaches restorative yoga "to help her students show up to the moments in their lives."
Erin also opens up about some of the adverse personal experiences she has had within the yoga world and shares some deep insights about how mainstream yoga perpetuates exclusion, or even racism. She also has some suggestions on what inclusive practices studios and practitioners can adopt as alternatives, and how yoga teachers and studios can hold space and give voice to this marginalized group within our community.
Key Takeaways:
[6:02] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Erin Ajayi.
[7:37] What was Erin's yoga journey and how did she get into teaching yoga?
[10:20] How did Erin and her mom do yoga together?
[11:10] What is the work that Erin does now, and who does she do it for?
[12:51] How does Erin feel about the fact that the world is finally waking up to the idea of creating inclusive spaces for BIPOC?
[15:15] What are some of the things Erin wishes yoga teachers were more aware of?
[18:31] How can we be more inclusive in our greetings to our students to make everyone, across the board, feel welcome.
[20:28] Shannon and Erin discuss the defensiveness that yoga teachers may feel when confronted with anecdotes of BIPOC being othered.
[23:36] How can we invite more Black people and other vulnerable populations into our yoga classes?
[26:59] People are becoming more conscious of representation and the current global situation has opened up possibilities to connect with people of all different backgrounds, modalities, etc.
[29:15] How can we connect with people from marginalized groups in an authentic way?
[33:28] What are some other instances in which Erin felt uncomfortable as a Black yoga student?
[36:46] Shannon wonders if giving a discount to BIPOC would help draw them in to events or festivals or studios.
[40:21] There is no quick fix to this situation. Erin shares some strategies for yoga teachers to create more inclusive spaces.
[43:19] Erin has some other suggestions of things that yoga teachers and studios can consider.
[46:12] Erin shares some final thoughts around creating inclusive spaces for yoga students.
[49:32] Check out the resources Erin recommended to Shannon in her original email in the links below.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"With yoga teachers, that relationship that they're building with students is really important." - Erin
"I know the importance of representation in advertising and in literature." - Erin
"If you're having trouble attracting a diverse student population, there's an opportunity to do the deeper reflection and start to think - where can I have representation in other areas?" - Erin
"Don't start with the assumption that Black people or people of color need a discount to attend your yoga class." - Erin
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
198: Share Your Yoga Specialty with Megan Mulrine [Consultation Call]
Description:
Specialization is an ongoing process, and times of change and uncertainty can be just the push you need to niche down and specialize in something that really lights you up.
Megan Mulrine is the founder of Yogatrotter and a yoga instructor who has trained more than 600 yoga teachers in 200 and 300hr YTT programs in Bali. Through her years of practicing and teaching yoga, and discovering more about Buddist meditation, Hindu philosophy and the history of yoga, Megan discovered her passion for Hindu mythology as it relates to Yoga. She has studied Hindu epics like the Mahabarata and the Ramayana) and shares these stories with her classes to deepen their understanding of the history, legends and culture contained within the yoga asanas.
When travel restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic forced Megan to close down her in-person Yoga Teacher Trainings, she quickly put up an online training. It sold well at first but has started to slow and Megan is now worried about being able to sustain her yoga business while supporting her team of teachers as much as possible.
In this consultation call, Shannon helps Megan peel back the layers of her business by digging into where her true passion lies and how she can specialize to share her passion with more people. Shannon also advises her on how to build a sustainable business that serves her audience, while also supporting her lifestyle and finances.
If you have been thinking about creating a more sustainable yoga business, and questioning whether specialization and niching down is the way to go in the midst of all the uncertainty, give this episode a listen.
Key Takeaways:
[5:44] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Megan Mulrine.
[7:15] What does Megan need most help with in her yoga business? She shares her biggest challenges as a result of the pandemic.
[8:58] Who is Megan's audience? When was she planning to host the next 200-hr training (if COVID hadn't happened)? Shannon digs into some of the details about Megan's offerings and her plan for her business.
[12:38] When Megan first switched to online courses, they were selling well but her numbers have dropped off since. Are people getting tired of being on their computers so much?
[15:29] Which specialty would Megan choose if money was not a consideration?
[17:29] As important as picking a specialty is making sure that people know about your specialty.
[20:01] Megan struggles with sharing what she does and her specialty with her audience. Shannon coaches her on how to phrase her offering.
[22:53] Shannon advises Megan on how best to repel people who would not be a fit for her offering but also attract people who would be interested.
[26:40] Shannon shares some strategies with Megan on how to build her audience.
[30:22] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity.
[32:05] Is there a "freebie" in your yoga business that you should be monetizing into a paid offering? Listen to Megan talk about her "freebie" that Shannon recommends repackaging into a paid offering.
[34:33] When you love what you're doing, showing up and doing the work for free can feel easy, but that doesn't mean we should. Megan and Shannon discuss a bit about her money mindset.
[36:41] Shannon shares some ideas for Megan to showcase her community and build deeper connections even virtually.
[39:54] Shannon recommends that Megan figure out her minimum viable income and how much she wants to make financially -- and why she should do that.
[44:32] What happens when yoga teachers fail to see the unique gifts that they have and share them with others?
[46:42] Shannon and Megan do some brainstorming around what her freebie should be and how she can put out a call to action more often to monetize.
[50:25] Megan offers her training in a rolling sign ups format, but isn't seeing a high number of completions. Would having a fixed start and end date add accountability and be more effective from a marketing perspective?
[1:00:06] Shannon and Megan discuss more ideas for her content to show up more in search engines.
[1:02:41] Find out more about Megan and her offerings via her website or Instagram.
[1:03:42] What were your key takeaways from this consultation call?
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity.
Quotes from this episode:
"You find the specialty and those people will find you." - Shannon
"The more niche you make your offering, and the more people hear about that niche, the more people will gravitate toward you." - Shannon
"When people don't pay, they don't show up." - Shannon
"I want our yoga teachers to be making loads of money, because they really support amazing things when they do." - Shannon