Following the passion she felt which continued to grow, Jodie Dodd pursued her calling and became a yoga teacher. Her interview inspires us to get clear on our long-term goals to prevent burn out and ultimately lead the life we love.
What inspired you to become a holistic entrepreneur?
It was a calling, a passion that continued to grow and evolve, so I continued to follow it. I was also inspired by friends who have created their own businesses and the freedom that they have to control their own schedule and finances.
Tell us about your business or practice.
I am a yoga teacher. At this point I mostly teach public classes, and occasional private sessions. I am evolving my business to include more yoga therapy and integrative wellness guidance.
What is your current business model?
I currently teach public classes, and occasional private sessions.
What has been one of your favorite moments as a business owner thus far?
Some of my favorite moments have been when I teach private sessions in a beautiful natural environment and get to really authentically connect with the student, clarifying their needs and intention for the practice.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in running your business or practice?
Time management, Learning to budget and understand finances.
Learning how and when to say “No” and take care of my own health and wellness needs.
Learning to have a work/life balance while I am working to grow my business.
How have you overcome those challenges?
– I have taken on some part time work to support my finances while I work through the details of business expansion and growth
– I have learned to structure and schedule my time to complete desired tasks to stay on track and focused
– I have become more clear on what my long term goals are, so saying “No” in the short term makes more sense
How do you find new clients?
– To be honest, some of it is luck, being in the right place at the right time, jumping at opportunities and saying “YES!”
– Referrals from friends and subbing classes for friends or other yoga teachers has helped me make connections
– Facebook advertising
– Meeting people in a public class who are looking for more: private sessions/one-on-one guidance
What have you found to be most effective in securing new clients to sign up for your services?
So far, word of mouth (I live in a small town) and in-person interaction with clients.
What do you do to keep your existing clients engaged in the long term?
I am constantly doing research, attending other teachers classes, doing what I can to stay inspired, so that I can provide them with a strong, engaging, challenging and educational experience EVERY TIME.
As your own boss, what is your best strategy for staying focused and productive during your workday?
I have been using Google Calendar to schedule my time, so that each of my tasks has an amount of time allotted for completion. I take breaks when I need it so I stay fresh and inspired. I do my best to schedule my time realistically, to avoid feeling ashamed and disappointed in myself if I don’t accomplish it all.
If you could start your business over again from the beginning, what would you do differently?
I would jump into it whole-heartedly from the beginning. I would start with more clarity and intention, knowing that I was creating a business. My current situation just evolved from years of saying “yes” and evolving into a yoga instructor, and essentially a self-employed holistic entrepreneur.
What were some of the first mistakes you made that you would tell a new holistic entrepreneur to avoid?
I burnt myself out, a lot. I was not clear on my long term goal, and I did not take the time to create clarity on my intentions and my desired outcome. I was spinning my wheels, burning the candle at both ends for a long time, until I realized what I was doing and that it was time to make some clear, intentional choices. I know that it is wise to say “yes” and be open to potential clients and growth in the beginning, I think self-preservation and care is essential, and it is ok to say “No” sometimes, and trust that another opportunity will come along.
What are the top three business tools or resources you couldn’t live without?
B- School
Facebook – for connection and sharing information
In person interaction: engaging and connecting with students
What has been your most effective method for growing your business?
– Persistence, consistency, building a relationship and trust with students over time
– Doing my own deep inner work, and letting go of resistance to success and growth
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever for done for your business?
When I was saying “Yes” to every opportunity that came my way, and still trying to make ends meet as a waitress… I would work until 1:30 am, wake up at 5:00 am… drive 2 hours to see one or two potential Yoga therapy clients, drive 2 hours home, and teach 2 evening public classes.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Red Wine, Coffee, Chocolate
Most exotic thing you’ve ever eaten?
Duck Confit
Most memorable place you’ve ever visited?
Brazil
Last book you read?
Women who Run with the Wolves
If you could only have one kind of food for the rest of your life, it would be…
Pizza
What is your go-to breakfast?
Granola, Yogurt and fruit
What do you find most fascinating about the human body?
The subconscious inner intelligence and it’s ability to heal and balance… and the nervous system!!
What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
I get to work on something that I really love, something that I care to become educated and learn about. I get to share my energy and passion in a creative way to help others!
Jodi Dodd is a yoga instructor based out of Whistler, British Columbia. You can find out more about Jodi and her business, Armonia Yoga & Integrative Wellness, at www.jodidoddyoga.com
