Hello everyone, here are the results from the survey
about Free Yoga Day, March 14 2008.

(Please keep in mind not all centres got back to
me, so the numbers will be greater)
(if you still haven't, please do).

 
In total 43 centres were listed as participating,
including Silent Deaf Classes in Melbourne,
Classes on the beach in Queensland, 
classes at 4 centres in Canada, and Macao!

This was the first time the event expanded
from National to International.
This was exactly the development hoped for.
While obviously this is still a small event,
it has maintained a growth momentum.

78 classes were given for free(67 in 2007),
and 795 people came to these classes (593 in 2007).
349 were new students (44%) (140 in 2007);
and 22 media mentions (50% of centres) (10 in 2007).

Almost everyone was happy with the day,
and intended to do it again.

 
Many centres felt more promotion would be better next time.
Some felt themes could work.
Some felt beginners classes should be specified.
Some wanted better or different flyers.
One centre needs to book a larger venue!

 
Only a few weren't sure if love was generated,
and many felt exuberantly Yes!

 
In summary,
it is great to see the numbers increased from last year,
and some centres really got the concept and expanded it,
with great success.

It is wonderful to see the event become
international, and the sky is the limit now.

It became glaringly obvious that the centres who got
motivated to promote and reach outside their centre
into the community, really got fantastic results.
Myself, I have seen a huge shift
in my understanding of promotion,
and ever since this day my own centre's business
has gone up 25%, as has my willingness to market.

 
I hope the centres who felt disappointed (there
were a few) that they look at how much publicity
they generated themselves.
The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga in
Mermaid Beach, Qld, ran 11 classes and had
brilliant exposure and media mentions.
They should be commended on their passion,
as well as organisation.

All of this came out of nothing, and I want to
thank all involved for being positive, open, and active.
It was very pleasing to notice the way it was an
easy thing, for many of those who joined up.
I was so glad to see such instinctive generosity and willingness.

 
In summation, a couple things seemed clear:


The Yoga community in Australia often has a
tendency to remain isolated from each other.

Some Yoga teachers are still very worried
about their financial reality.

Next year, I will be inviting as many centres
around the world as I can.
It is time to really go global.

 Next year I encourage teachers to take on gathering up
more media, and also other local Yoga centres
that you know of. This is a group effort.

Also, next year I recommend you all try to teach
a class outside your normal centres. This breaks
the isolation concept, and takes you further into
your community. Schools, local community centres,
retirement centres, parks, public arenas, for
example...

Again, thank you all.

Lots of love,
Toby Wallace
Land of Yoga
497 Plenty Rd Preston
Victoria 3072
0432 921 818