Behind every flexible & zen yoga instructor there is an employer that does all of the paperwork for them….or there is a busy ass instructor doing paperwork on her off hours of teaching (which she is not getting paid for). Can you guess which one I am? Huh? Have your answer? I’m about to blow your mind……I am both of these people. I teach at a total of nine different places, at 2 of those places I am employed and the other 7 I am independently contracted (I run four of them by myself paperwork and all). I do all the paperwork, emailing clients, updating client information, updating my facebook, twitter, instagram, linkedin, online store, and website. I do this while being a full time massage therapy student, work full time, run a small business, and tries to be a decent human being some of the time. Which can be incredible hard to manage my time, for example today I have a private client in about an hour. I should be working on some school/work stuff….but, I am shopping online (using one of my gift-cards I got for Christmas)…..well, I am technically doing working writing this blog post….so I guess not all hope is lost (for my own time management). For a 24 year old, this is a lot to juggle….but, I enjoy every minute of it….even though dealing have to deal with a lot of bullshit and not being taken seriously by lots of clients (due to my age), and just finding ways to fund my business. Running a startup business is extremely costly, so you have to find ways to fund-raise and give clients incentives on why they should come to class or buy a certain product from you. So, the real question is who do you go about doing this thing called making/raising money for a start up business? The first idea is barter. Barter for everything and anything you can. Advertise for free as much as you can, for example social media advertising is a glorious thing for a start up business. Find groups on Facebook that allow businesses to advertise on them, especially ones that will reach your targeted client base. Maybe, start a blog? I think it’s pretty fun to track my ups and downs in the journey of being a business owner. Maybe start a a campaign with Teesprings….go check out my new shirt by CLICKING HERE….and reverse your shirt today. See what I did there? I advertised! Another way to gain funds for your business is become a representative for a company or two. For example you can become a rep for PuraVida and get a percentage of commission for every person that uses your specific link….so the next time you want to place an order with PuraVida use LEAHRICHARDS20 to receive 20% off your order! Not a bracelet person? No problem! Get in touch with the amazing benefits of essential oils by CLICKING HERE, it will change you life and make you smell amazing!!! There are a bunch of ways to advertise and fund-raise for your small business, you just have to think outside of the box. Starting/running a small business is a lot of trial and error and frustration times ten, but I quite enjoying being the boss and calling the shots. I have high hopes for my yoga business, but even if I don’t reach the hopes I have, at least I know I love what I do and I do what I love. Until nest time, Namaste.
See you on your mat!!!
The Curvy Yogini