The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
Shannon Crow
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast is a place where yoga teachers can tune in each week to learn, connect with community and gain inspiration. After a yoga teacher training it can feel like being left out in the wilderness for yoga teacher entrepreneurs. The business side of yoga is often not talked about as much as philosophy, anatomy and other topics covered in a yoga teacher training. This podcast addresses the questions and challenges that yoga teachers face. Hear interviews with yoga teachers and other professionals on a variety of topics.
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108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
03/18/19 • 43 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
108: Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga with Shannon Crow
Description:
How can we use inclusive language in a fertility, prenatal or postnatal yoga class so that our students feel heard, seen, accepted and welcome? This episode is a mini-training on how we as yoga teachers can make our classes more accessible and inviting through the words that we use.
Inclusive language is not something a lot of us think about or consider when we are teaching yoga. However, it is an important part of creating welcoming spaces where our students feel accepted and safe. This can be particularly complicated in a prenatal, postnatal, fertility, or baby & me yoga class.
On this episode, Shannon shares more about the different aspects to consider when it comes to inclusive language. Starting with your core values and beliefs, to your promotion and marketing materials (yes, even the images!), to the language you use during the class - Shannon dives headfirst into the kinds of inclusive language you can use in your classes, with tips, examples and templates for you to tap into.
Whether you’re trying to be more mindful of the language that you use to create a safe space for your students, or you’re wondering how to keep up with the times and include different students in their birth journey, this episode will give you plenty to think about.
Key Takeaways:
[3:57] Shannon almost backed away from doing this episode - she shares why it was so difficult for her.
[5:15] This episode is all about inclusive language.
[5:47] Inclusive language begins with your core beliefs and values. Shannon has an exercise - the "I Believe List" - for you to try out.
[9:29] Your core values and beliefs get communicated through all your promotional and marketing materials, not just through language but through your images as well.
[11:08] Getting to know your students helps you use appropriate and inclusive language. Shannon recommends a waiver form and suggests some of the topics to ask about to better understand your students.
[14:51] The next part of using inclusive language for prenatal yoga ties in with the "Welcome and What to Expect" portion of the class. Shannon shares an example that she might use to welcome students in a prenatal yoga class.
[22:15] In class with your students, what is the inclusive language that you can use?
[22:47] The first two categories of inclusive language have to do with acknowledging and including baby, and on the flip side, acknowledging self and space for the pregnant student. Shannon has some examples of how you might cue this in your class.
[25:39] In your prenatal yoga class, choose empowering and encouraging language.
[26:55] It's important for us as yoga teachers to learn the medical language, and then to choose what you don't want to use.
[28:14] Get comfortable talking about pelvic anatomy and different conditions that the prenatal yoga student may have.
[28:48] Part of inclusive language in a prenatal yoga class is using gender-neutral language.
[34:20] Another important part of inclusive prenatal yoga classes is being inclusive of all family dynamics, beliefs and choices.
[35:35] Shannon touches on the topic of postnatal and parenthood inclusive language.
[38:38] Birth circles are a time for new parents to share their birth story, with no judgment.
[39:53] Shannon leaves us with some final thoughts about this topic.
Links:
- MamaNurture Prenatal Yoga School
- Just Breathe Yoga, Bermuda
- Inclusive Language for Prenatal Yoga 4-page printable PDF
- How to Find Royalty-Free Yoga Images
- Canva
- Yoga Student Waiver Forms
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 092: Accessible Yoga Begins with Language with Elliot Hodge, Chantel Ehler and Katie Juelson
- The Genderbread Person
- Spike in demand for treatment of transgender teens, CBC News Article
- 9 Reasons Why I Call It Chestfeeding (And You Should, Too), by St...
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184: Is Yoga Cultural Appropriation? with Shailla Vaidya
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
09/07/20 • 85 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
184: Is Yoga Cultural Appropriation with Shailla Vaidya
Description:
It is common knowledge that yoga originated from India, and has been practiced in India and South Asia for millennia. It is only recently that yoga has gained popularity in the Western world. Over time, people within the yoga space have adapted it to cater to different needs and trends, and today, there are many different forms of yoga that exist which can be very removed from the original practice of yoga as it was intended. This leads to the complex question - Is yoga cultural appropriation?
Dr. Shailla Vaidya joins Shannon as someone who is of South Asian descent and was raised in the yoga tradition to share her perspectives. Dr. Shailla Vaidya is a Physician and Yoga Therapist, who practices Mind-Body Medicine in Toronto, Ontario. Shailla teaches medically-informed therapeutic yoga to yoga therapists internationally, and offers a variety of programs that combine the science of Western Medicine with the Eastern Mind-Body practice of Yoga.
In this eye-opening and straight-from-the-heart conversation, Shailla really opens up about her own personal experiences of what it was like to grow up in the culture of yoga and then to step into a Westen yoga class. She also talks about what we can do to honor the tradition of yoga and share it in a way that is respectful of its heritage and history, and the culture it comes from, while acknowledging the challenges that come with it
Being respectful, culturally sensitive and appropriate is something we all constantly need to learn and work on. This interview is a great starting point to think about some of the issues around yoga and cultural appropriation.
Key Takeaways:
[7:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Dr. Shailla Vaidya.
[8:32] Shannon and Shailla share some context about the situation at the time of recording.
[11:51] Shailla shares a bit about her background.
[18:59] How does Shailla combine yoga and medicine?
[24:55] Where did Shailla's journey begin with the understanding of cultural appropriation with regard to yoga?
[29:38] Shailla shares the experience of when she really felt the pain of cultural appropriation in yoga.
[34:02] Colonization is a part of India's history, and there is trauma carried by people of this heritage and culture, as a result of that.
[36:55] Shailla defines cultural appropriation.
[38:38] Shannon and Shailla discuss why she felt like an imposter in a yoga class and at yoga conferences.
[41:55] What does Shailla wish yoga teachers knew? Shailla shares some of the practices that exist in the Western yoga community that are inappropriate.
[48:45] Un-learning things we have always done can be difficult, but it is something that we need to do. Shannon shares her experience of trying to un-learn saying 'namaste' at the end of a yoga class. We need to always be questioning and learning.
[52:49] It is also important to recognize when we're profiting off somebody or someone's culture.
[56:07] Shannon and Shailla discuss some ideas on how we can be a part of the solution.
[1:01:02] Who should we be seeking to learn from?
[1:07:25] How can we respect and honor the traditions of yoga as we bring it into our lives?
[1:12:13] Shailla shares some of her struggles around how people practice yoga in Western cultures.
[1:18:24] All of us need to do the work as we learn what's okay and what's not okay.
[1:20:22] What are some questions coming up for you after listening to this interview?
Links:
- Dr. Shailla Vaidya
- Adverse Childhood Experience Score
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 137: Yoga and Brain Injuries with Ann Green
- Biopsychosocial Model of Care - Dr. Carolyn Vandyken
- Race-based Traumatic Injury - Dr. Gail Parker
- Symposium for Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR) by International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)
- Yoga Therapy: Yoga, Body, Breath and Mind, by Mohan?
- Gandhi (movie)
- Herniated Lumbar Disk Discussion - The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 116: Pain...

179: Get Confident with Video with Alicia Berruti
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
08/03/20 • 69 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
179: Get Confident with Video with Alicia Berruti
Description:
Video is a really amazing tool, and particularly in this time where a lot of us are encountering a lot of physical distancing, video is the best way to really reach out and form connections with people. Yet, a lot of us struggle with video, and with being confident enough to put ourselves and our message out there. We shouldn’t be missing out on opportunities to use video because we lack confidence, so Alicia Berruti is her eto share with us her take on doing videos confidently.
Alicia Berruti is the National Speaker at BombBomb, a video enablement platform that helps people communicate face-to-face via video. They are focused on bringing back the human side of communication to the virtual world, by making it easy to record, send, and track videos, allowing you to be “in person” with those who matter most to your business at any given time. In her role at BombBomb, Alicia teaches and inspires people to use simple videos to ReHumanize business communication and get face-to-face with clients and prospects more often.
"I don't look good on video." "I can't figure out the technology for videos." "I get so nervous doing videos." If this sounds like you, you need to listen to this episode. Alicia and Shannon dive into overcoming fear around videos and gaining confidence to do them. Alicia also shares why video is an important communication tool, not just for social media, but to actually talk to people and build a deep connection with them. She talks about how we can move past some of the hang ups we may have around putting ourselves out there to show up on camera, and how we can get started with using videos more effectively and intentionally.
Key Takeaways:
[9:25] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Alicia Berruti.
[11:58] What does Alicia do and who does she do it for?
[13:36] How did Alicia start helping people get comfortable with being on video?
[15:31] What did Alicia's journey of loving her own body and feeling comfortable in her own skin?
[20:50] Alicia shares about the power of gratitude in her own life and changing how she sees her body.
[21:30] Feeling confident is a process, and it's something we have to work on constantly.
[25:43] Video is effective because it gives people an opportunity to get to know, like and trust you.
[29:44] Think about what the world would have missed out on if Oprah had waited to be comfortable in her body to get get in front of the camera.
[31:13] What is Alicia's response to some common reasons people have for not doing video?
[39:11] Shannon and Alicia discuss why we should be sharing on video because of the value we bring.
[43:06] What is BombBomb?
[49:08] Video can help convey tonality, which is often lacking in our emails and text messages!
[52:22] Shannon sometimes replies to people on Instagram and Facebook messenger on video, and it makes such a difference.
[54:46] There is a 14-day free trial of BombBomb available for you to check out how it could work in your business.
[1:01:36] Find out more about BombBomb on the website, or get connected with Alicia on Instagram.
[1:04:26] What do you think about a live video challenge? Share your thoughts with Shannon!
Links:
- Alicia Berruti on Instagram @al_berruti
- BombBomb
- 14-day Free Trial with BombBomb
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 167: How to Make a Recruiting Plan with Reneé Clair
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 088: Creating Professional Yoga Videos ith Kira Sloane
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 086: Live Video for Yoga Teachers with Ian Gray
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 139: Grow Your Yoga Business via Email with Tarzan Kay
- Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Time Blocking 101 with Renee Clair - Code: TCYT
Quotes from this episode:
"The #1 thing that keeps people from doing video is this uncomfortability with being on camera." - Alicia
"Video is effective and video works because it gives people an opportunity to build 'know, like and trust' with you." - Alicia
...
182: Yin Yoga vs Restorative Yoga with Nyk Danu
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
08/24/20 • 52 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
182: Yin Yoga vs Restorative Yoga with Nyk Danu
Description:
Slower styles of yoga such as Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga are becoming more popular as people are seeking balance in their hectic, fast-paced and stressful lives. However, while Yin and Restorative yoga are often used interchangeably, and may even seem similar externally, there are many differences between the two. Yin Yoga expert (and a member of The Connected Yoga Teacher Team) Nyk Danu shares more about these two types of yoga.
Nyk Danu has been teaching yoga for 15 years, and is a Yin Yoga expert and teacher trainer. She is also a Yoga Therapist who helps people with back pain, particularly those she describes as “yoga misfits” - people who don’t feel at home in mainstream Yoga circles. As a teacher trainer, Nyk also offers Yin Yoga modules as a complement to existing teacher training programs and 1:1 Yin Yoga apprenticeships for teachers. She is also currently in the planning stages of an online Yin Yoga Teacher training.
Despite appearing similar, these two practices differ greatly. Nyk shares more about the origins of each of these styles of yoga and the intention behind them, as well as some of the key differences in the length of poses, counter poses, and use of props. Nyk also has some great insights about the internal perspective - physiologically, emotionally, and how each type of yoga impacts the nervous system.
If you are considering taking specialized training on Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga, or are wondering who each type of yoga is suitable for, or just want to deepen your understanding about these two practices, this episode is perfect for you.
Key Takeaways:
[4:16] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Nyk Danu
[6:19] What does Nyk do and who does she do it for?
[7:34] Nyk shares where her definitions and frameworks for Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga come from.
[9:26] Nyk explains how yin-yang theory ties into Yin Yoga.
[11:32] What is Yin Yoga? What is Restorative Yoga? What is the difference between them?
[16:48] Nyk gives an example of how a post could be done in Yin vs Restorative yoga.
[19:22] What are the intentions of each type of yoga practice?
[21:25] Nyk explains more about the resonance or echo of a pose in your body, which is unique to Yin, and about the meditative elements of Yin Yoga.
[24:39] Who would Nyk recommend Yin Yoga to?
[29:48] Different teachers have different approaches to Yin Yoga.
[32:19] What are the differences in the emotional landscape between Yin vs Restorative Yoga?
[34:15] How long are poses held in Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?
[35:31] What is the usual duration of classes for these practices of yoga?
[38:34] How long are Nyk's Yin Yoga classes?
[39:46] Nyk explains how she guides students through her Yin Yoga classes.
[41:17] Which practice has more talking through each pose?
[44:04] Does Nyk use music in her Yin classes?
[48:55] Get in touch with Nyk via her website, or on social media.
[50:50] Nyk has a special gift for you, Connected Yoga Teachers!
Links:
- Nyk Danu
- Nyk Danu (Portal for Teachers)
- Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Nyk Danu
- 50 Hour Yin Yoga Training with Nyk Danu (Online)
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook Group
- Paul GrilleyYin Yoga (as taught by Paul Grilley)
- Restorative Yoga (as taught by Judith Hanson Lasater)
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 098: Many Layers of Fascia with Gil Hedley
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 019: Restorative Yoga with Andrea Peloso
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity
Quotes from this episode:
"Part of understanding Yin Yoga is having a good understanding of yin-yang theory." - Nyk
"When I look at the biggest difference between the two, it's a matter of degrees, and intention." -Nyk
"One of the primary differences between Yin and Restorative, is that in a Yin practice, we are trying to feel sensation. In a Restorative practice, we're not." - Nyk
"It is the intention behind the pose and what the person is feeling in the pose that wo...

181: Grow an Online Yoga Business with Nikki Naab-Levy
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
08/17/20 • 55 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
181: Grow an Online Yoga Business with Nikki Naab-Levy
Description:
In recent times, many of us have had to make the leap to shift our businesses online. Whether it's creating the foundation to sell online classes or courses, or figuring out what to share on social media or the videos to put up on YouTube, most of us could do with a little help. Nikki Naab-Levy has some insights on how we can leverage the online space in our yoga business to bring yoga to more people and grow our businesses at the same time.
Nikki Naab-Levy is a Pilates teacher and certified functional strength coach with over 10 years of experience helping clients build strength and overcome injury. Apart from her work with fitness and movement, Nikki also provides business consulting and copy writing services for movement teachers, particularly yoga and pilates teachers, to help them build their businesses and get better at marketing. Nikki Naab-Levy runs her movement-based business almost 100% online, and she has some great insights about what it takes to transition your yoga business to the virtual world.
If you are asking, “How can I stand out online when we’re all teaching the same thing?”, “What should I post on social media?” and “How can I get past the fear of putting myself out there?” - Nikki has some answers for you. Shannon and Nikki also discuss figuring out which online products to offer or which workshops will sell best, and the technology needed to run a successful yoga business online. (Hint: you don’t need fancy tech to be successful!)
Key Takeaways:
[6:34] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Nikki Naab-Levy.
[7:43] What does Nikki do and who does she do it?
[11:42] What was Nikki's journey in taking her business online?
[15:09] Nikki's strategy is to build relationships with people over a long period of time. She explains how she has done this authentically over time.
[17:48] Nikki's other strategy was to get into Facebook groups and help people.
[20:30] Building relationships with potential clients is like dating!
[21:35] Why is email marketing more powerful than social media?
[24:33] Getting your business online is a lot of trial-and-error to figure out what works.
[25:25] Why does Nikki feel more confused now than she did four years ago?
[28:50] What are some things that Nikki knows now that she wishes she had known from the beginning?
[30:30] Part of Nikki's branding is ... fishnets! How did she come up with that idea?
[35:30] If Nikki could choose only one platform for video, what would it be?
[38:13] What content should you start with to begin building your audience?
[43:40] Nikki has some final bits of advice for someone looking to move their business online.
[47:44] Follow Nikki online via her website, and check her out on social media.
[50:23] Shannon shares some of her key takeaways. What were yours?
Links:
- Nikki Naab-Levy
- Nikki Naab-Levy on Instagram (Fitness), Instagram (Marketing) and YouTube
- The Mentor Sessions Podcast with Francesca Cervero Episode 065: Marketing for Yoga Teachers with Nikki Naab-Levy
- How to Create Professional Looking Video with an Iphone, by Nikki Naab-levy
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 100: Cultivating a Community of Professional Peers with Linda Sparrowe
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 179: Get Confident with Video with Alicia Berruti
- Yoga for Pelvic Health Teacher Training
- Work with Shannon
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity
Quotes from this episode:
"If people can't understand what you're saying, then they don't understand how to use the information or how you can help them." - Nikki
"I very quickly realized I need a network to be successful." - Nikki
"The best way you can get on someone's radar in a positive way is to show up and be helpful." - Nikki
"Instagram isn't where my money is. Email is." - Nikki

180: Sticky Note Secret for More Students with Shannon Crow
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
08/10/20 • 23 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
180: Sticky Note Secret for More Students with Shannon Crow
Description:
Do you have a new event, training or yoga offering and are wondering how to fill it? Perhaps you’re trying to get more students into your classes or sign up new 1:1 private students. You’re in luck because Shannon has a secret method to get more students - the sticky note secret.
Shannon shares her sticky note secret to getting new students and outlines the different steps to ask yourself along the way. She encourages you to set a minimum number and maximum number to fill your yoga offering as well as challenges you to think about your ideal class size. How do sticky notes come into the picture? Tune in to find out how you can use the humble sticky note (or even a piece of paper!) to get more students and fill your yoga offerings.
Key Takeaways:
[1:32] Shannon has a secret to getting more students to sign up for your yoga offering.
[3:00] The first step is to think about the minimum number of people you would like to have in your yoga offering.
[5:04] You also need to consider the maximum number of people you would be comfortable teaching.
[6:59] Setting a minimum and maximum number to fill your yoga offering helps you get closer to your goal.
[7:50] Shannon gives Schedulicity a shout out!
[9:20] If money were not a factor, what would your ideal class size be?
[10:02] Shannon addresses some of the road blocks that people encounter.
[11:30] For those of you who prefer to teach 1:1 private yoga, Shannon has some advice about planning your week.
[13:41] Shannon explains how she uses sticky notes to keep track of filling her yoga offerings, but you could do the same thing with a piece of paper.
[17:44] Ask yourself: How can I fill these spots?
[19:57] The last step should be about getting people to sign up, not the first!
[20:28] Shannon does a quick recap of the steps of the "sticky note secret".
[21:32] Share your sticky note wall or spot-filling list with Shannon on social media!
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity
Quotes from this episode:
"We definitely want to take a look at the money side of things in this, but we also want to take a look at 'what does it feel like to show up and teach this number of people?'." - Shannon
"What is the feeling you want your yoga students to walk away with?" - Shannon
"You are going to get better at this, you are going to figure things out." - Shannon
"Ask yourself 'Can I think of anyone right now who's either told me that they're interested in this offering or who I just think is a great fit?'." - Shannon
"When you don't hear back from people, it is not 'no!'." - Shannon

183: How to Plan a Productive Week with Shawn Radcliffe
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
08/31/20 • 48 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
183: How to Plan a Productive Week with Shawn Radcliffe
Description:
As a yoga business owner, there are so many things to do that we may feel overwhelmed by our to-do lists, and left wondering how to get everything done and where to start. That’s where productivity comes in, and no matter where you are in your yoga teacher journey, we could all use some tips around improving our productivity. Shawn Radcliffe has some tips on how to use a 15-minute planner to get organized and plan a productive week.
Shawn Radcliffe is a health and science journalist based in Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in a variety of print and digital publications. Shawn has also been teaching yoga since 2009, and offers students a dynamic mix of Hatha yoga and viniyoga, with a special focus on helping people develop mindfulness.
With just 15 minutes a week, Shawn has mastered the art of staying on top of his professional and personal life. He shares how he first discovered the 15-minute planner, and breaks down how he uses it to keep track of and prioritize all his projects, tasks and activities. He also has some other tips around planning a productive week and working effectively.
If you’ve been wondering how to make better use of your time or how to keep track of all the projects you have going on, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[5:33] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Shawn Radcliffe.
[6:41] What does Shawn do and who does he do it for?
[8:43] When did Shawn start using the 15-minute planner?
[11:43] How do you start with the 15-minute planner? The first step is setting aside 15 minutes to plan, every week.
[13:17] Shawn explains the concept of the 15-minute planner using the rocks, pebbles, sand analogy.
[14:53] Step 2 is to do a brain dump.
[17:54] Why is it so important to make a list of things to get done, instead of just doing them?
[19:45] What happens after the brain dump? Shawn and Shannon discuss putting the "rocks" into the planner.
[24:25] How do you choose the "pebbles"?
[27:45] The next step is to put these activities into your calendar.
[33:00] Shawn explains what happens to the "sand".
[34:59] What has Shawn learned along the way that he would like to share?
[36:53] What is Shawn's strategy for dealing with things that just pop up suddenly?
[38:24] Shannon shares about the difference between her brain dump and her “idea parking lot”.
[39:13] Shawn highlights how different planning methods work similarly, and things to keep in mind when planning.
[42:17] What are some things Shawn has been able to accomplish using the 15-minute planner method?
[44:16] Get in touch with Shawn via his website, or on Twitter.
Links:
- Shawn Radcliffe
- Shawn Radcliffe on Twitter
- Steph Crowder (Courage & Clarity) - 15-minute Planner Method
- Trello
- Asana
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 122: Productivity for Yoga Teachers with Amber De La Garza
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 123: Habits for Health & Business with James Clear
- Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy
- The One Thing, by Gary Keller
- Crickets to Customers Workshop by Steph Crowder
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity
Quotes from this episode:
"A lot of times we get so fixated on our to-do lists that we just do things as they come up, and a lot of things that we're doing are busywork - they're small things that aren't really driving our business forward." - Shawn
"Sometimes we don't know what we need to get done, or don't know what we've already agreed to do." - Shawn
"When you just start working, you're not always working effectively." - Shawn
"Being busy feels good, but it's not always effective." - Shawn
"What do I need to do to make my business grow, and survive, and thrive?" - Shawn

178: Tired of Social Media? [Consultation Call] with Devon Pelto
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
07/27/20 • 71 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
178: Tired of Social Media? [Consultation Call] with Devon Pelto
Description:
Are you feeling frustrated with social media? If you've been posting on social media but not getting engagement, or you're spending so much time on social media and are wondering where else you can focus on to create connections - you are not alone. Devon Pelto was recently feeling the same and posted in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group, which led to this consultation call to dig into social media.
Devon Pelto found yoga, tarot and meditation in 2012 as a new mother in need of tranquility and balance. Through these practices, she discovered a new depth of healing from her own childhood trauma in addition to support and mental stability. Today, these practices guide her in her life and the way she shares yoga and life coaching. Devon focuses on self-care, mental/emotional health and community in her corporate and 1:1 yoga classes and life coaching sessions.
Social media has become a key way of connecting with others, particularly during this pandemic, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Shannon and Devon dig into how she can connect with clients and potential students via email, alternative channels for building connections, and tapping into her network. It can also be a real challenge to teach niche yoga, and they work through some of the difficulties of sharing the benefit of your offering as a coach or wellness advocate.
Whether you’ve mastered social media for your yoga business or are looking for other ways to connect in this time, this episode with Devon Pelto will be really enlightening.
Key Takeaways:
[4:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Devon Pelto.
[8:10] Devon shared a post in The Connected Yoga Teacher Facebook group about how to step away from social media but still be actively marketing to prospects and staying connected with current clients.
[11:35] What does Devon do? Shannon and Devon discuss the core elements of her messaging around her work.
[18:27] Do you have to be on social media?
[21:31] Devon is trying to do some email marketing. Shannon digs into how effective her email newsletters are in generating clients.
[24:38] Shannon shares about a test she did in her own business about email marketing vs social media.
[27:07] Tapping into your network and leveraging word-of-mouth can be an effective way to reach more people.
[31:38] Devon and Shannon discuss niching down in her business.
[34:15] Schedulicity has a tip for you!
[35:20] The pandemic has taken away the usual channels in which we connect with others. Shannon encourages Devon to explore other avenues that she could use instead.
[40:39] Shannon explains how she uses videos to connect with clients virtually.
[41:54] What are some other ways that in her community that Devon could connect with her ideal clients?
[44:57] Shannon brainstorms some ideas for Devon to get visibility for her business while getting paid.
[48:12] Devon has an upcoming event - Shannon helps her walk through how she can fill the event.
[54:30] Devon brings up some of her hesitations and misgivings with social media.
[1:00:39] Shannon and Devon talk about some other ways she can share her personality and knowledge with others.
[1:03:27] Get in touch with Devon to work with her via her website or email newsletter.
[1:04:32] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this consultation call with Devon.
Links:
- Devon Pelto
- Devon Pelto on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
- Consultation Call with Shannon Crow
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 177: How to Connect (aka Network) with Natalie Eckdahl
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 176: Email Marketing Strategy with Jessica Stansberry
- Devon's Post in Facebook
- Loom
- BombBomb
- 5 Day Content Challenge
- Pitch Perfect: Be a great pitcher and podcast guest

177: How to Connect (aka Network) with Natalie Eckdahl
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
07/20/20 • 49 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
177: How to Connect (aka Network) with Natalie Eckdahl
Description:
No matter where you are in your yoga teacher journey, one of the things we need to run a successful business is a good network of connections. Thankfully, networking doesn’t have to be awkward, or boring, and Natalie Eckdahl has just the tips on how to manage networking online.
Natalie Eckdahl is the founder of BizChix, Inc, and a business strategist and coach. She is dedicated to helping high performing women build, grow, and scale their businesses while avoiding overwhelm. As the host of the BizChix Podcast, Natalie showcases the expertise of hundreds of industry experts, and shares actionable tips and strategies to help her listeners and clients grow their businesses.
We often jump straight to getting on social media to get in front of people or building our email list, but on this episode we're going right back to the basics of networking. Natalie explains why it’s so important to connect with others and grow our network, and how to make the whole process less awkward and more authentic. She also shares more about how to track whether our networking efforts are paying off, and how networking can work for you even virtually.
If you are struggling to get yoga students to your classes, workshops or trainings, this episode is sure to be a helpful resource.
Key Takeaways:
[5:54] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode - Natalie Eckdahl.
[7:39] What does Natalie do and who does she do it for?
[9:08] What is networking?
[13:03] How can we connect and network online?
[17:51] How can we ease the awkwardness and reduce the "weird" factor?
[21:05] This is a good time to start reaching out to your students to see how they are doing.
[22:30] How can we measure or track whether our networking efforts are paying off?
[26:37] Shannon and Natalie discuss how being in conversation with someone can help "make the sale".
[30:02] Natalie shares a little tip around mindset and being paid.
[31:31] It is important for us to hold boundaries during our networking sessions as well.
[35:10] Reframe the word 'networking' to connecting. How can you connect with people in your network? Natalie shares some of her tips and strategies, especially using video!
[41:09] Yoga teachers, people are looking for you - make it easy to be found, and make it easy for them to connect with you.
[43:05] Natalie highlights the importance of connecting with complementary service providers.
[0044:59] Shannon shares her biggest takeaway from this interview with Natalie.
Links:
- Natalie Echdahl, Biz Chix, Inc.
- BizChix Podcast
- Stacking Your Team Podcast
- Live and Online Yoga Class Directory
- The Connected Yoga Teacher on Instagram
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 160: Milestones of My Yoga Business with Shannon Crow
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 041: Generating Profit with Natalie Eckdahl
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode005: Set and Achieve Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity
Quotes from this episode:
"What I see networking being is something that helps your network know what you're doing, and having visibility in your network." - Natalie
"If our network doesn't know what we do and who we do it for, then the people that they're connected to cannot work with us or find out about us." - Natalie
"We can seek to create community virtually." - Natalie
"Circle back with old clients. It's never too late to pull someone back in." - Natalie
"Video is one of the best ways to connect." - Natalie

185: How to Get Booked as a Podcast Guest [Part 1] with Shannon Crow
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
09/14/20 • 31 min
The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
185: How to Get Booked as a Podcast Guest [Part 1] with Shannon Crow
Description:
Being a guest on a podcast is a great way to showcase your offering or expertise, while connecting with more of your ideal client. But with podcasters getting hundreds (or thousands) of pitches, how can you stand out from the crowd and get booked as a podcast guest? Seasoned podcasters Amanda Kingsmith, Mado Hesselink, and Amanda McKinney join Shannon to share their tips and insights to get yourself on some podcasts.
Amanda Kingsmith is the host of MBOm: Mastering the Business of Yoga, World Wanderers and Matcha Mornings. Mado Hesselink hosts Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast, and Amanda McKinney who hosts Marketing Yoga with Confidence. Together with Shannon, these ladies have a wealth of experience to help you navigate getting booked on a podcast.
They share their best suggestions to take your podcast pitch to the next level, what topics you should be talking about, and even which podcasts you should be reaching out to. Tune in to find out more about how to be a great guest on the podcast after you get booked, how to promote the episode when it goes live, and more.
If you have ever wanted to be on a podcast but didn’t know how or where to start, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
[1:51] When did you start listening to podcasts? Shannon shares how she got into podcasting, and some of the benefits she has seen from it
[3:01] Amanda McKinney explains why one of the bonuses of being on podcasts is connecting with the podcast host.
[4:45] Shannon has a gift for you!
[8:12] Want a shout-out on the podcast? Leave Shannon a review!
[9:47] Think about the podcasts you love listening to, and what draws you to them. The first step to pitching a podcast is listening to them to make sure you have something to offer the listeners and that it's a good fit for you.
[10:25] Mado has some tips on where to start with your search for a suitable podcast.
[11:12] Once you find some podcasts, make a list of these podcasts.
[11:57] What topic will you be speaking about as a guest?
[16:05] What are some ideas to stand out when making a pitch to be a podcast guest?
[18:09] You can easily pitch to be on a podcast on your own! Amanda Kingsmith has some tips.
[19:59] How should you prepare for the interview on a podcast?
[22:07] Avoid being a boring guest - Amanda Kingsmith shares how.
[24:07] Marketing the episode will serve your business and the podcast host! How can you market and share your episode?
[28:36] Mado gives us a summary of how to get booked as a podcast guest.
[29:41] Shannon shares some final thoughts on getting on a podcast.
Links:
- Pitch Perfect Masterclass / Training How to Get On a Podcast - Discount Code: TCYT50
- Amanda Kingsmith
- MBOm: Mastering the Business of Yoga Podcast
- World Wanderers Podcast
- Matcha Mornings Podcast
- Mado Hesselink
- The Yoga Teacher Resource Podcast
- Amanda McKinney
- Marketing Yoga with Confidence Podcast
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 177: How to Connect (aka Network) with Natalie Eckdahl
- Loom
- BombBomb
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 179: Get Confident with Video with Alicia Berruti
- Shannon Crow on Instagram
- Podcast Application Form (The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast)
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 054: Launching a Podcast and Facebook Group with Shannon Crow
- The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast Episode 005: Set and Achieve Big Goals with Natalie Eckdahl
- 1:1 Consultation w...
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