Working on Ourselves to Increase Class numbers
/Today in Office Hours I’m going to talk about seasons and the ebb and flow of students and what we can do to increase class numbers specifically what we can do in our own personal practice.
We all know class numbers fluctuate and at times it feels busy and other times studio numbers feel so low and so do you.
Have you noticed that when your classes are busy you feel confident, positive about your teaching and ability and you feel ‘liked’
Have you noticed that when your class numbers are small you feel confused, disappointed, lack confidence in your teaching, and your energy drops?
I can relate to this. Yes the ego is at play and this is when we have to use the tools of yoga to support us, or it is a downward spiral.
Do you realize your students pick up on your energy and how you are feeling.
So if you are bummed that you only have 3 students booked into a class and this eats away at your confidence and feelings of worth, your student will pick up this energy and to be honest it’s not very attractive, compelling energy and they may not come back if you are dragging your feet.
However if you can let go of being popular, having big classes and just focus on being grateful for who has come to your class, serve them and be positive, your students will also pick up on that energy and they will appreciate it and come back for more. They will probably even tell their friends and the next week you will have more students.
What I think is really important to remember when it comes to class numbers is there are multiple factors.
The style of class, the time, the teacher, and the students.
As teachers we are quick to doubt and question ourselves and not acknowledge these other factors at play.
The biggest being the student. Our students do not practice yoga like they eat and sleep. It is not a given that they will do their yoga class, actually they are more often than not hopeless at being regular and consistent and they are victim to the busyness of life's demands, this is more often than not why they are not in your class.
Remember that when class is small don't take it to heart. Just be positive, do your best with whoever is in the room and your class numbers will grow.
My tip for today is
Don’t have a knee-jerk reaction when your classes are small.
Teach those who have showed up they came for you and what you have to offer
Catch your negative thoughts about yourself and squash them. If you catch yourself saying ‘They don’t like the way I teach’ switch it to ‘ no matter what or how I teach everyone will get something good from it’
In my next video, I’m going to talk about what we can be doing in our marketing to increase class numbers, but we need to work on ourselves first right?
If you liked what you heard and want more tips like this come and join my private Facebook group Yogandbusiness where yoga teachers from around the world are gathered to support each other in the business of yoga.