Hey you! What does that conjure in your mind when a voice calls out to you: "Hey you!"? Do you turn and point to your chest and question awkwardly; "who - me?" feeling unsure if they did in fact mean yes - you.

Have you been in a large class and heard an instructor command "Front row, purple top! Breathe". Find yourself clutching your blue top with relief that she didn't mean - you. Conversely, have you run into an acquaintance you've only met once and briefly at that - and she remembered your name? You were impressed, pleased and made to feel good through that remembrance. You asked yourself what you could do to be that way in your life, in your own business.

We take pains to care for our yoga business like a delicate growing flower, giving nurture, tending to its needs, keeping it clean and hoping it thrives. Nurture your yoga students the same way by the most basic and rudimentary way-name usage in class. Its human nature to respond positively when our names are personally called out – be it a positive: "Strong triangle Kate" or even a correction for Joe to focus more on keeping still. Students receive a lasting connection with the instructor through this individualized attention. It will set your facility apart from those massive fitness arenas where you are no more significant than the membership number on your plastic swipe card.

How to achieve the teacher/ student name connection:

- Talk! Simple interactions at the desk allow name with face connection.

- Have markers available to encourage students to write name on the end of mat.

- Encourage the sense of community through postings about fun contests for students to participate with tempting results - maybe a package of free yoga to the most moving essay about the definition of yoga. You will have students come out of the wood work to participate. You will have students sharing with each other.

As your students receive personalized attention from your teachers, they value the rapport that instills; it spills directly into their enjoyment of their practice, in fact increases the quality of their efforts and enthusiasm and comes full circle. Your studio is the haven for a student to experience optimal results through the yoga that is personalized to a ME and not a "hey you"!

Cassie Aitken

www.YogaBrain.com