18/02/2024
This one is for teachers - if it's useful for you please share with your teacher friends.
I want to share 4 points that seem like common sense when you’ve been teaching a while but that new teachers sometimes forget.
1. Get ready for spring – the New Year resolution influx is a myth, I have never had a big increase in enquiries in January. In January it’s dark and cold in mornings and early evenings; people don’t want to get up earlier to get a morning class and after work in the dark and bad weather they just want to get home safely to relax. In addition to the weather effect, their tummies are full of Christmas food and so are the cupboards so they need to finish the comfort eating and get warm enough to peel off the extra layers before they will even consider a class.
Hundreds of years ago New Year’s Day was 25th March and people are still more likely to feel like a new start as days lengthen – spring is when the new influx starts. As I write this it is 18th February and I have had 12 new enquiries in the last few days alone. The days are getting longer, the extra sunshine gives people more energy and now they want to get rid of the winter cobwebs – so plan for new classes to start in spring not winter. (PS there is always another influx around late October early November as the nights draw in and the outdoor exercisers look for indoor options.)
2. ‘Horses for courses’. Some people are absolutely passionate about the benefits of 5km run first thing in the morning and others are invigorated by a cold wild swim – not my idea of fun. Not everyone who gives it a try will fall in love with yoga – and that’s OK, it has nothing to do with the teacher. When you start a new class maybe 10 people turn up, and maybe only one or two come back – that’s normal. Over the weeks many people will come and go but slowly one here, one there will stay long term. The hard sell only works for one off purchase so don’t waste time trying to talk people into doing something they don’t enjoy – keep space for the ones who will stay because they really enjoy the class. Make it easy and friendly for people to feel they are not under any obligation or long term commitment and they are more likely to give it a try; and if they decide it isn’t for them be proud you succeeded in encouraging them to try something new.
3. You don’t know what is going on in their world. Sometimes people who seemed really keen suddenly stop coming to class or only attend on very rare occasions – always remember you don’t know what is going on in their world. I have been guilty of being judgmental or annoyed by people who keep booking then cancelling last minute only to regret my thoughts on discovering they maybe have a chronic illness or are a carer for someone in need – or maybe they have mental stresses that mean they struggle to maintain routines. It’s easy – just be kind in thoughts and speech, and remember it’s probably not about you, and that’s OK.
4. A flower doesn’t compare itself to other flowers – it just blooms. Do it your way and you’ll attract your fans. You might notice a teacher with a different style to you has lots of full classes – this is most likely because they have been running their classes for a long time and not because the whole world wants their type of teaching. Copying someone else’s style, faking, is tiring and stressful – just do it your way and you will attract your fans.
Last note – if you can hold an image firmly and clearly in your mind for 17 seconds it becomes reality – regularly practice picturing in front of you a full class of happy clients and before you know it they will find you.
