WELCOME
LET'S GET STARTED 
ABOUT US 
YOUR SUCCESS
CUSTOMER SERVICE
​COMMUNICATION
CONTACT INFO + HOUR
PROCEDURES 
PROGRAMMING 



"Hurrah for Bett’s
first class…she
does several
things very well,
such as her pacing,
her integration
of breath work,
and she is
especially gifted
in her awareness
of me as a student observing her
on a screen! I'll
​be back!"
​~ KM
OPERATIONS MANUAL
YOUR CLASS
tips for getting your new class off to a good start
We have found the most effective tool in building your class is synergy.  When your efforts and our efforts toward your success dovetail the results are exponential! Mountain Yoga puts in the quite a bit of work to get your class off to a solid start, and we can use your to help — otherwise, it's a little like the sound of one hand clapping.

There's a lot you of simple things you can do to build your class.  Of course, the most important thing you can do is teach a great class!  It would be nice that were all, but in reality connecting with your students off the mat is as important to developing a loyal community  as being a terrific teacher.   Here are a few suggestions, having to do forming a team with us, basics of professional promotion, and class conduct to inspire students to return to your classes over and over. 

YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
​Being a yoga teacher is a calling — and a profession.  Like any profession, there are a few standard professional tools.
​
The basics :
  • have great yoga photos of yourself and a lot of them
  • have a professional website that is up to date and includes your Mountain Yoga acitivies
  • have a social media account you interact with at least 3 times a week
  • put out a monthly newsletter
  • announce your activities in class

Don't forget to:
Friends 4 Free Promotion. 
Once or twice a year we have a promotion where you can invite students in your community unfamiliar to MYoga to attend your class FREE.  This is a great time to remind them of your class by sending them a free coupon  for class (which we provide you!) 
​

For your use...here are copies of our logo and mission statement should you have use for them.

JOIN FORCES WITH US
Let's get the word out about your awesome new class together.  Please send us the following within the 3 days of being hired so we can get started! The quality of your photos, videos and copy will determine just how effective our efforts are at promoting you.  — the sooner we get it, the sooner we can start introducing you to potential students.  Please forward:  
 
1) A short bio Up to 90 words, written in the first person, and including the following.  Please look at our faculty page for examples.
  1. What you aim to accomplish in your classes
  2. Your key credentials (e.g., 500RHYT, taught for 12 years, etc)
  3. A distinguishing characteristic (e.g., teach Veterans, study philosophy, sing in class,  bilingual, etc.) 
  4. Your website address, email or phone (optional)

2) Two photos: a "head shot" and a "yoga shot"
Photos that capture your essence as a teacher AND a person! Something dynamic where YOU shine. Looking directly into the camera, while not essential, can be a strong choice. Some samples below
  1. Large file (min 1200x1800 pixels)
  2. Color
  3. Dynamic and/or expressive
  4. Express your personality
3) Your promo info
  •  Website address
  • Instagram page
  • Facebook Page
  • And add Mountain Yoga up for your email list!

​
CONDUCT THAT SUPPORTS SUCCESS
Your want to attract students to your class, then keep them coming back to your class.  

1 : GETTING STUDENTS TO TRY YOUR CLASS
The most powerful thing you can do to build your following  is to get in front of as many students as possible during your first month .  Here are a few ways:
 
Avoid absences  
It takes a lot to get a student to try something new. If a new student makes the effort to try your class only to discover you are not there, you may have missed your chance with that person. 

Sub classes.  This is the #1 way to introduce yourself to lots of new students at Mountain Yoga. A chance for them to connect the eNews article they saw with a real person, for you to share who you are, for them to sample your teaching.  
 
Take classes.  You are entitled to unlimited free classes your first month at the studio.  (As part of the onboarding process our studio manager will load your Mindbody Account with once month unlimited classes to use as you like.) Please use these classes to familiarize yourself with our community, meet fellow teachers, and show your face.  Our teachers will introduce you as a new teacher and may even invite you to teach a small segment.
 
Tell your community about your new class. We encourage you to share your new class with your community by including it on your website, emailing an announcement to your community, and posting on your social media. If you do, be sure to let them know — THE NEW STUDENT SPECIAL!

2: INSPIRING  FIRST-TIMERS TO RETURN TO YOUR CLASS
You have one chance to connect with someone who visits your class for the first time .  Here are some tips for sparking a relationship with your first time students that will inspire them to return.   

Learn your students’ names and use them.  
The first step of any relationships is to learn each other’s name.  Use your students' names throughout the course of class.
 
Share a bit about who you are how you came to yoga, what teaching means to you now.  People connect through stories.

Ask them to share a bit about who they are.  What brought them to yoga?  What do they enjoy?  What is challenging?  How are they doing today?
 
A mat, a strap, a blanket and a block are the only props our students will be arriving to zoom class with. Plan your classes accordingly.
 
Teach students, not poses. You may come in with a lesson plan that does not suit students who actually show up for your class. Let go of your agenda and teach the people in front of you.
 
Be flexible. Students may have a certain way of doing things that is different than the way you teach.  It may be the way their previous teacher did it, or out of modesty, or any number of reasons. Be flexible and give options, while gently encouraging them to try something new. 
 
Ensure everyone succeeds.  Ever been to a class where the only one in the who can do the pose is the teacher? We have!  What could be more demoralizing. Teach so everyone can enjoy a little sense of a challenge but not leave feeling like a failure!
 
Give feedback and encouragement.  This is especially important when Zooming.  Make a point of looking at the screen periodically and let your students know they are seen by giving encouragement and constructive feedback.

3: GIVE EXTRA ATTENTION  TO STUDENTS BRAND NEW TO THE STUDIO  

Identify new students in Mindbody by the green star next to their name.   

Initiate a conversation before class starts.  Ask about THEM: “How did you get into yoga? “What are you looking for in your practice?"   

Listen and confirm you're hearing them. “I’m sorry to hear you’ve been in pain!", “I know what it’s like to be the stiffest in one in class!"

Reassure them "you’ve come to the right place…” And tell them why.. 

Ask if you touch base after class then do!

Check in at class end   Ask how they feel.  How was the level?  Is whatever was ailing them feeling any better? Be prepared to answer questions about signing up for their next class.  Should they get a membership?  A class pack?  Is your class the right level for them?  How often should they come (answer: twice a week!)
​
Offer suggestions for their next classes.  Most new students attend their first class as part of the New Student Special — which means they have two more classes on their plan.  Ask if they are looking for anything in particular — strengthening, calming...— and help point them in the right direction.  Create connection by being helpful.

Say good-bye!  Sounds obvious, but sometimes new students wander out the door feeling self-conscious.  Make sure you acknowledge them by saying "Great to meet you. Look forward to seeing you in class again one day soon!" Short and sweet!

EMAIL SARA about your new student  Sara personally reaches out by phonen to say welcome to every new student.  If you have a little info about a new student you can pass along prior to her call, that can be very helpful!   

MOUNTAIN YOGA PICNIC.  We have a very popular Community Picnic once a year that is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to  students.  You can also sign up to teach the open air class at the picnic (you will be paid) as another way to introduce our community  to what you can do.