5 Steps to Pilates and Yoga Business Success

If you’ve been teaching Pilates or Yoga for a while, you may have started to think about “going out on your own”.

It’s not that you don’t love teaching where you are now. Your boss is great, you love the clients and you’re getting paid pretty well.

But your heart’s desire is to establish business that truly reflects you!

But unfortunately, many Pilates and Yoga Instructors fall into the trap of the “Field of Dreams” business model. They find a space to work from, spend time, energy and money setting it up and then open the door. This business model can work for a while. However, in many cases this “build it and they will come” approach leads to physical, emotional and even financial burnout.

So what’s the alte
ative to this business model? Use this 5-step plan as your business foundation.

Step 1: Be clear on the WHY
Just like you’re always clear on the “why” behind prescribing exercises, you must have clarity around the “WHY” of establishing your own Studio.

Do you want to start your own business because:
• You want a business that can financially support your lifestyle?
• You want to work hours that fit in with your family demands?
• You want to experience the challenge and exhilaration of developing a successful and thriving Studio?
• You want to have the freedom of working with your Ideal Clients?

Once you have clarity around your “WHY”, you will be able to set goals and action plans to create your business success.

Step 2: Be really clear on your mindsetr
You know that your mindset is important in all areas of your life. However, the mindset required to create a successful and thriving Pilates or Yoga business requires a more focused approach.

Firstly, you will be working by yourself in many different roles that you may never have experienced before. These roles include:
• Business owner,
• Instructor,
• Administrator,
• Marketing expert,
• Social Media expert, and
• Book-keeper.

Of course, you may outsource many of these roles, however, you still must be aware of what’s happening in every part of your business.

Secondly, your mindset can be easily swayed by:
• The “doom and gloom” surrounding small business in the media,
• Your family and friends who may have conce
s about you “going out on your own”, or
• Your own internal belief systems that may not have experienced the ups and downs that happen when you run your own business.

Remember, to think differently, you must believe and feel differently. Your mindset health is just as important as your physical health, so make sure you invest time and energy into keeping it healthy.

Step 3: Finding accountability partnersr
As a professional Instructor, you know the importance of going to regular classes with your mentor. You view the time and money that you invest in your own classes as a non-negotiable, “no-brainer”! You learn new exercises, you get a chance to re-connect with your mind and body, and you are given a space to be challenged.

Having a business mentor is just as important when you run your own business. The temptation to “have a go” by yourself will be there. But wouldn’t it make more sense to get guidance and support, through proven systems and strategies? And how wonderful would it be to have a supportive space for you to step into so you can expand and grow?

Surrounding yourself with the right people will make your journey as a Studio owner a smoother and more enjoyable one.

Step 4: Step away from being an Instructor to being a marketing expertr
Marketing is one of those business terms that can make you feel like sticking your head in the sand and screaming. However, if you’re serious about creating a successful and thriving Studio, you must learn how to market effectively.

Yes, you will receive word of mouth referrals from some clients and you may break-even in your Studio through relying on this. But if you want to create a business that is growing and is fulfilling professionally and financially, you must focus on marketing.

Step 5: Get clear on WHO you want to work withr
Remember the old adage, “If you try pleasing everyone, you’ll end up pleasing no one”? It’s true! So to create a successful and thriving Pilates or Yoga business, you must start working with your “Ideal Clients”.

Your Ideal Clients are:
• The clients who you love teaching so much that you don’t even feel like you’re working,
• The clients who pay on time and don’t worry when you increase your prices,
• The clients who you feel comfortable around and who have similar values, interests and passions, and
• The clients who regularly refer new business to you,

Use this 5-step foundation and set up your Pilates or Yoga Studio with confidence, rather than “hoping it will all fall into place”!