What Yoga Studios Can Learn From Other Businesses
I have always said that there is always something to learn from others. Whether it be flora, fauna, or human we can always take in a lesson. As a business we tend to pattern our company standing with other moguls who have “made it”, so to speak. Not `copy´ but take bits and pieces of what we like about studios and teachers we admire to make it our own. After all...
'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' — Oscar Wilde
I have worked in several other industries before I became a Wellpreneur (Entrepreneur in the lifestyle and wellness industry). I have also used many online platforms in my daily life such as travel, and security. There were aspects I adored as well as abhorred. To stay on a useful note, I will share the positive side of these professional fields and their use for the Yogic profession.
1. Airline Companies
Having a good and user friendly website is one of the most important touchpoints for airlines. When there is a problem, there is a way to contact a real person to chat with. This is something that is slowly disappearing in today's´ High Tech world. Mobile phone corporations make you go through so many buttons on your device before you actually have a human person with a name to attend to you. I hate that. An airline platform usually has a chat window option for you to talk to someone who will be sensitive to your needs.
As I clicked on the chat option, I was immediately greeted by a woman, and asked about my complaint. An instant connection. Suddenly I felt that the company really did care.
Take Emirates airlines for example: I had a problem with my flight miles. As I clicked on the chat option, I was immediately greeted by a woman, and asked about my complaint. An instant connection. Suddenly I felt that the company really did care. As she processed my request I patiently waited in ease knowing that my problem was being handled personally. After my issue was addressed, the chat window saved a transcript of my conversation with Marta for me to download and keep on file. I was assured. Not only was my problem fixed within 15 minutes, I was given valid proof of human connection. To fit this into our business our bottom line should be about an uncomplicated online experience for our clients from online bookings to troubleshooting.
2. Security
At our house, my husband had to take security measures to ensure our safety. We use a service called Securities Direct, a Spanish enterprise. In our initial orientation we were assigned a case manager to assure the safety of us and our house. He alone is responsible for handling our case. If the alarm goes off or our security does not work we call on him. We build a rapport with this one person thereby gaining our trust in him and the company in time. After 3 years, we highly recommend this company to friends and family.
3. Hotels
Most of the leading hotels or chains use the TQM Approach to management. By definition : (TQM) Total Quality Management describes an approach to long–term success through customer satisfaction. In a TQM effort, all members of an organisation participate in improving processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work. Therefore, businesses need to evolve to serve the needs of the clients as it grows. In lifestyle, clients look into offers, constant promotional efforts, activities, etc. The bottom line is to keep the client engaged, moreover entranced by your services.
4. Academies
I was an English teacher 3 years ago before I got into yoga. I used to work for Berlitz Language Academy. What I loved about working for them was while they were client focused, they never forgot the professional growth of their teachers. They always made sure to give us opportunities in the Language sector to help our careers grow. Seminars, Supplemental trainings, Other certifications to nurture our development. The company broadened our horizons. As an employee, they gained my loyalty.
5. The Theatre
In theatre, the competition is brutal and you have to keep on honing your craft. Doing classes and learning as a student is wonderful but it is up to you to sharpen your talent. A director takes bits and pieces from your skillset and works it into the show, meanwhile he or she always has the right to change it up so you have to think on your feet. Be cool under pressure so you never let the audience see that you lost character for a moment.
What can we learn from all these lines of business that we can adapt to Yoga? In Airlines and securities, a straightforward online experience and a personal touch is necessary to keep client loyalty. In hotels/resorts, do everything to keep their quality up to par to ensure that their customers are experiencing the best of the best. Academies, offer personal and professional growth by presenting supplemental certifications to our teachers so they could stay with the company. Lastly, the theatre offers the lesson of adaptability. As we grow into our field increasing our skill set, we need to be able to face any problem that may come up without losing face. In the Wellness line, our mission is to serve. Which is true for other businesses that offer the same non-tangible product. So what can set us apart from that? We need to CARE.
Capability
Authenticity
Resourcefulness
Evolution
We need to know what we are doing, be real about it by establishing personal rapport with our clients furthermore our employees, cater to their individual needs, most importantly we must be updated to their ever expanding ethos.
