8 Ways to be a Successful Yoga Professional

Teach what you preach and all else will fall into place.

The yoga industry is growing at rapid speed, we can all feel it. This means a career as a yoga instructor is more competitive than ever before. It's time to take your yoga business seriously in order to be the most successful and inspiring teacher, making you stand out from the rest!

I've gathered the below tips through research, workshops, and interactions with other yogis and yoga instructors to develop a list of the top essential tools to help you increase your student following and class sizes - ultimately bringing your career as a yoga instructor to the next level.

1. Recognize that your students are paying clients, you are technically a walking business
Every class you teach should benefit your students in some form because they are expecting to be satisfied with their purchase just as in any other business industry.

2. Be genuine and authentic inside and outside of the classroom
You are a role model for your students and whether you realize it or not, they will continually look to you in this way. You act as a guide for every individual in your class as they embark on a very transformational and personal journey. Be your true self and people will undoubtedly want more of what you have to offer.

3. Stay educated and knowledgeable in every class you teach
Ensure that your students are always moving from each asana safely and intentionally. This requires being in tune with any students that may need special attention or assists due to injuries or physical limitations. Your students will gain trust and respect for you if you're putting their physical needs at the forefront.

4. Get involved in your yoga community
Take classes at different studios, enroll yourself in workshops, and participate in fundraising and charity yoga events. Make a presence for yourself, this will allow you to make connections with other yogis and yoga instructors

5. Keep your class sequence and themes inspiring
If you're feeling uninspired, take a class with your favorite instructor or look for new material in your favorite yoga book or podcast. Your students will notice and appreciate when you take the extra effort to continually make their experience fresh, new, and exciting!

6. Brand yourself
Create a Facebook Business Page and Instagram account. As soon as you take on the new role of a Yoga Instructor as a career, you should be promoting yourself as such. Stay true to who you are in your posts and share the knowledge that you have of the yoga industry.

7. Know your students
Scan the room before class, if there is a new student that you don't recognize - introduce yourself. Make them feel welcome and comfortable. Always teach to the level expected to be sure that your students feel supported and energized by your class.

8. Exude confidence as you speak
If you make a "mistake", own it and move on. We are all human and nobody is perfect. Teach what you preach and all else will fall into place.