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Karma, Yoga and Business

Karma, Yoga and Business. How to succeed as a yoga and wellness center in our challenging economic times Molly Lannon Kenny The Samarya Center Seattle, Washington www.samaryacenter.org. A brief history of The Samarya Center. Samarya means community Started in 2001 $6000 start up donation

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Karma, Yoga and Business

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  1. Karma, Yoga and Business How to succeed as a yoga and wellness center in our challenging economic times Molly Lannon Kenny The Samarya Center Seattle, Washington www.samaryacenter.org

  2. A brief history of The Samarya Center • Samarya means community • Started in 2001 • $6000 start up donation • Two teachers: licensed speech-language pathologist and licensed clinical social worker • Began as a wellness center and an Ashtanga yoga studio • Granted 501 (c) 3 status in 2003

  3. Samarya Center Mission Yoga is a state of knowing peace through connection to self, others and the universe. The Samarya Center is a community that fosters individual growth as a means to global transformation. Because the state of yoga is the birth right of every individual, The Samarya Center's mission is to provide access to the practice and teachings of yoga to all people, regardless of perceived barriers.

  4. “Instant Karma’s gonna get you Gonna knock you off your feet Better recognize your brothers Everyone you meet Why in the world are we here Surely not to live in pain and fear…” ~John Lennon

  5. What is Karma? • The Yoga perspective: Karma as action • The Buddhist perspective: subtle impressions • Giving up the fruits of your actions • The “long view” • IshvaraPranidhana

  6. Karma as a business model • It might be scary! • Lower prices mean more access • More access means more people • More people means more access

  7. The Diamond Cutter • The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life ~Geshe Michael Roche • Monthly study group and abundance meditation

  8. Poverty mentality • It’s not going to work • When I ask, the answer will be no • I’m not going to be able to pay my rent • Giving away my services diminishes my value

  9. Abundance mentality • There’s always enough • Time is on my side • I’m paid in all kinds of ways • It’s going to work • I am supported by the Universe • Aparigraha • The answer will be YES!

  10. Many more currencies than money • Recognition • Joy • Time • Experience • Referral sources • Networks • In-kind donations

  11. Yoga is a state of knowing peace through connection to self, others and the universe. The Samarya Center is a community that fosters individual growth as a means to global transformation. Because the state of yoga is the birth right of every individual, The Samarya Center's mission is to provide access to the practice and teachings of yoga to all people, regardless of perceived barriers.

  12. What are the “perceived barriers?” • Cultural • Physical • Financial • Gender • Sexual orientation • Location/access • Emotional • Social • Exposure

  13. We connect with these communities through direct outreach and marketing • Transexual/Transgendered/genderqueer • Ethnic minorities • People with chronic conditions • Returning vets • AIDS/HIV • People with larger bodies • Everywhere we see a need!

  14. That’s nice. AND good business • Diversity scholarship • Direct marketing campaigns • Web site language and photos • Photos and language in all printed material • Creating and maintaining a strong internal culture This all means more money!

  15. How can YOU do this? • Clear vision • Start small, grow intelligently, be patient • Trust • Foster community! • Generate enthusiasm and belief in the vision within your community • Utilize volunteers • Membership incentives • Obama style fundraising

  16. Ask for what you want • Lower prices (ours are $8!) • Offer free classes • Consider sliding scales • Re-evaluate why you would turn someone away • Be flexible • Volunteer • “Robin Hood”

  17. You can make more money by charging less. • You can affect more lives by charging less • You can live your yoga and make your living by charging less

  18. “Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear…”

  19. “And we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun. On and on and on and on.” ~ John Lennon

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