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LET'S GET STARTED 
ABOUT US 
YOUR SUCCESS
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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 SUCCESS
tips for building your following

A new class at a new studio can be exciting!  You have a lot to offer, and students have a lot to gain from your teaching.  But it can also be a little nerve-wracking waiting for new students to discover your awesomeness and begin to fill your classes.   

SYNERGY IS THE KEY
It would be great if all teachers needed to do was to teach a great class to have a robust following.  But that’s not the world we live in.  Connecting with your students off the mat is as important to developing a loyal community of students as being a great teacher. 

What helps is synergy.  When your efforts combine with our efforts the results are exponentially greater.  Mountain Yoga works hard to ensure the success of our new teachers, and we need your participation.  Otherwise, it's a bit like the sound of one hand clapping! 
 
MATERIALS FOR YOUR USE
​
OUR LOGO + MISSION STATEMENT

HELPFUL MOUNTAIN YOGA LINKS
Always include the words "First Class is Free" and this LINK when posting.
 
Website homepage       Class page       Pricing page        Instagram        Facebook
 
​
MATERIALS FOR OUR USE
Please send us the following within the next 3 days — the sooner we get it, the sooner we can start introducing you to potential students!  And remember, the better the materials you give us, better impact our efforts will have in building your student following.   
 
A SHORT BIO 
The bio format we use is up to 90 words, written in the first person, and includes the following:(See staff page on website for samples.)

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)

TWO PHOTOS: HEAD SHOT AND "YOGA SHOT"
 It’s important your photos express you are a yoga teacher, but even more that they capture YOU. Try for a dynamic shot (not a static posture) 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
4. Express your personality

SEND US:

• Your website address
• Your Instagram page
• Your Facebook Page
• And sign us up for your professional email list (using info@m-yoga.org)

ONE: GETTING STUDENTS TO TRY YOUR CLASS
The most powerful thing you can do is to get in front of as many Mountain Yoga students as possible during your first month to sample your wares.  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 — first class is free!

Posting Guidelines
When posting about Mountain Yoga and its community members we ask that you respect  the following social media posting guidelines:

• content be relevant and appropriate 
• demonstrate respect for Mountain Yoga and its community
• do not divulge Mountain Yoga's confidential information
• do not engage in harassing, discriminatory or defamatory comments  
• provide a link to appropriate Mountain Yoga website page
• post in compliance with all applicable laws, including but not limited to, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, copyright, trademark, and harassment laws.

TWO: INSPIRING  FIRST-TIMERS TO RETURN TO YOUR CLASS
You have one chance to connect with someone who visits your class for the first time — which is especially challenging over Zoom.  Here are some tips for helping to establish a relationship with your first time students and inspire them to return.  Remember, your class may be the best event of your student’s week!
 
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 them.  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.

THREE: STUDENTS NEW TO THE STUDIO GET EXTRA CARE:


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

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

3. LISTEN and confirm you've heard 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!"

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

5. ASK IF YOU CAN SPEAK AFTER for you to touch base with them.   

6. CHECK IN AT CLASS END.  Ask how it was for them, how they feel, were there any parts that were confusing, etc.

7. OFFER SUGGESTIONS FOR THEIR NEXT 2 CLASSES. Most new students attend their first class as part of the New Student Special: 3 classes for $30.  Ask if they are looking for anything in particular (strenghtening, meditative) and help point them in the right direction.  This is simply another way to create connection while being helpful.
8.  SAY GOOD-BYE! “Great to meet you. Look forward to seeing you in class again one day soon!" People are busy. Keep it brief — short and sweet!

9. EMAIL SARA about your new student so she or Ann can follow up!