Chapter 1: A New Beginning Amidst Challenges

During the Covid years, I dedicated $13,000 towards enhancing my online yoga business from 2020 to 2021. Here's a detailed account of my expenses:

• $7,000 for an exceptional Small Business Coaching Program led by a talented group of wellness experts.
• $4,000 for an advanced yoga teacher training program with world-class instructors.
• $800 for additional pre-recorded classes from remarkable professionals in small business coaching.
• $1,300 on various educational workshops focused on professional growth and setting up my online platform.

Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information I had absorbed, I found it challenging to process everything effectively within just two years. However, I recognized that to thrive, especially during a pandemic, I needed to elevate my game significantly.

Previously, I had been juggling five different jobs while also renting a small space to teach Ashtanga in my spare time. My passion for yoga has always been profound; it is my life's calling. Yet, I yearned for a more liberated existence, one devoid of constant financial anxiety—one where I could dictate my schedule, all while being rooted in yoga.

When the pandemic struck, I was abruptly let go from all my yoga positions. Faced with unemployment, a mortgage, and the responsibility of raising my daughter, I resolved not to let my passion dissipate. I took a leap of faith to believe in my abilities and committed to being my own boss full-time.

Even though I'm still navigating a paycheck-to-paycheck existence, I hold onto hope. I often reminded my clients during my time as a small business consultant that achieving sustainability typically requires five years for most small enterprises. Year three is often pivotal, as it’s the moment when many owners decide whether to persevere despite potential losses or abandon their dreams for traditional employment. Surviving five years usually indicates a business can sustain itself beyond that point.

As I enter my third year amidst ongoing pandemic challenges, my online business continues to see fluctuations in income, and I understand the necessity for a financial boost. A few months ago, one of my small business coaches candidly advised, "You need a cash injection. Consider getting a job." While her words stung, they were undeniably true.

Despite this reality, I am optimistic about my business's growth trajectory, and I'm eager to share my aspirations for 2022, stemming from the investment of time and resources.

The first major training I undertook was a prestigious 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training with a select group of instructors rooted in the Ashtanga lineage, led by its founder in Mysore, India. I felt incredibly honored to be accepted into such an exclusive program, especially since Ashtanga training does not meet the minimum requirements set by Yoga Alliance. Traditionally, one must travel to India annually to study for at least a month and demonstrate commitment to the practice to earn full certification.

However, due to the pandemic, our program was the first and only one credited by the lineage holder for online advanced teacher training. I’m immensely proud of this achievement, especially since it allowed me to learn from revered teachers during such challenging times.

This advanced training was a worthy investment; it vastly expanded my understanding and made me a significantly better instructor. I'm grateful for this opportunity and the small business strategies I gleaned from my mentors, which I plan to discuss further.

As I have mentioned in previous writings, engaging with advanced teachers is one of the best forms of professional development. Investing in knowledge is invaluable, especially when the instructors hail directly from your area of interest. While these seasoned teachers aren't cheap, I was willing to invest in genuine learning.

If you're seeking low-cost options, be mindful—you often get what you pay for. I wanted authenticity and was prepared to pay for it. I strongly encourage others who are serious about advancing their careers to pursue similar paths.

When working with self-directed small business programs, exercise caution. Many provide just fragments of information, leaving you to fill in the gaps. This may be convenient for coaches with multiple offerings, but be wary—ensure the coaches you select have successfully generated income using the systems they advocate.

One critical point many programs overlook is that you, as the entrepreneur, must handle all marketing and sales efforts while becoming proficient in these business areas to cultivate a following and generate consistent sales.

My background as a small business consultant gave me an advantage over many other yoga instructors, as I had already started building a following before the pandemic. I possessed a basic grasp of essential concepts like email marketing, social media utilization, scheduling, and community engagement.

However, I recognized the need to expand my knowledge, so I enrolled in a six-month small business school that focused on creating online yoga programs.

I was drawn to my coaches from the outset—they were yogis and wellness professionals genuinely committed to helping solopreneurs like me amplify their reach. They instructed us on how to grow our Facebook following, utilize email lists effectively, structure social media posts to market our offerings, and target potential students with compelling copywriting to drive immediate growth.

Implementing some of these tactics immediately, I successfully filled my first yoga program, which not only boosted my confidence but also invigorated my bank account. I was thrilled to witness my students engaging in something innovative and foundational, and I branded my yoga school with an attractive name that signaled a new direction.

After launching and teaching three different yoga programs through my school in 2021, I learned immensely—much of it through trial and error—and I can confidently say I found success with my current students.

Nevertheless, I felt somewhat shortchanged by the small business program, despite the substantial financial investment. While it promised to help grow my yoga business, my student numbers didn’t reflect that growth. Personally, I had advanced as a teacher and small business owner, and my theoretical understanding expanded. Still, my sales and marketing knowledge lagged.

I suspect I’m not alone in this; despite my coaches' efforts to assist, I required a structured, step-by-step guide. This was where I stumbled.

Partly, I bear responsibility for this; I was inundated with new information while simultaneously pursuing my advanced yoga teacher training, all while managing my business and caring for my daughter. Yes, my attempts at multitasking backfired.

One major obstacle to my growth stemmed from my inability to expand my social media reach, which was a key promise of the program. The Facebook Group I established failed to gain traction, and despite my active engagement and provision of free content, it remains stagnant. To be frank, my experience as an entrepreneur has led me to grow frustrated with Facebook. The platform's constant changes have created unnecessary confusion for users, and I believe it’s no longer effective for businesses. (If you disagree, I’d love to hear your perspective—please share in the comments!)

My entrepreneurial instincts now urge me to consider severing ties with Facebook altogether.

I wouldn't have uncovered these hard truths had I not experienced significant downturns in my business. I've realized that sometimes a slow decline is necessary to clarify the next steps.

Participating in these expensive programs was essential for uncovering key insights. Leaving my success to chance was never an option, and it still isn’t.

Through this journey, I recognized a vital connection in 2021: the primary teachings of my small business coaches and advanced yoga instructors revolved around mindset. While I was deeply engaged in my yoga studies and the wellness entrepreneur journey, the mindset training laid the groundwork for greater success. Without it, I likely would have thrown in the towel by now.

However, some aspects felt misaligned with my values. Despite my inherently hippy nature, I found certain practices—like spontaneous virtual dance sessions during workshops—uncomfortable. While I respect my coaches' authenticity, it wasn't a fit for me. My yoga instructors would never conduct a session in that manner, so I questioned why my small business coaches did.

From the outset, I understood these instructors had good intentions, but we simply weren’t aligned. I craved tools and structure—no nonsense, just clear guidance on how to grow my business. I didn’t need a kumbaya circle to validate my journey. I had already been openly sharing my life and practice on social media, so I should have vetted this small business program more thoroughly.

Regardless, I persevered, and six months later, I graduated as a more accomplished and knowledgeable yoga entrepreneur.

Here are some valuable lessons I gleaned from both training experiences:

• I now write for Medium, a suggestion from my small business coach. This platform helps connect with my ideal audience and fosters learning from others.
• Consistent social media posting is crucial. Not just any post—make it engaging, such as a reel. This is vital for visibility.
• Social media followers do not automatically translate to sales. Genuine engagement and authentic interactions are key. It took me too long to realize that following back and engaging with others was essential to nurturing trust, leading to potential sales.
• Having something valuable to sell is imperative. I’m currently offering a 6-Week Course: Handstands & Power Challenge and exploring new platforms to streamline my branding and marketing.
• Professionalism is non-negotiable. Quick responses to student inquiries and genuine interactions build a solid foundation for success.

Additionally, studying and emulating successful businesses in my field has proven beneficial. My yoga instructors maintain robust social media presences and attract a global following. I’m actively learning from their techniques and continuously refining my approach, particularly on my YouTube Channel.

• Stop underestimating yourself. The only path to growth is moving past your self-imposed limitations, following the lead of successful professionals in your field.

Many instructors express concerns about posting their own content due to fears of negative attention or shyness. Yet, I urge you to push through that discomfort. Share your practice or highlight your students (with their consent). Maintaining visibility is crucial for attracting and retaining students. Utilize various platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to maximize your outreach.

• Embrace discomfort. Take one bold step today that challenges you. It’s essential to remain active online to enhance discoverability. SEO and algorithms favor consistent engagement, so share your journey and build your email list in tandem.
• Be unapologetically YOU. Your students are drawn to your unique story. You are the only person with your experiences, and that authenticity is invaluable.

You don’t need to be light years ahead of your students to lead; just a few steps will suffice. Many new entrepreneurs mistakenly believe they must be certified in numerous programs before sharing their knowledge. This mindset can hinder progress. Trust in your expertise and experience—your students value the insights you've gained along the way. They prefer to learn from you rather than navigate the same path themselves.

I continue to learn daily and cherish the growth opportunities that have arisen during these challenging times. Despite the ongoing pandemic, optimism prevails. The mindset training I received has empowered me to believe in myself in ways I never imagined were possible. Though I may not have needed these programs to succeed, I’m grateful for the growth they facilitated.

Looking ahead, I am committed to my small business journey and eager to share my experiences with you. Thank you for following along.

Practice with me live at linktr.ee/jennisolyoga and don’t forget to check the links in my story.