In many ways, yoga rules are applicable to business. It’s important to create a stable base, work on your balance and realize that when starting out, you may fall once or twice. It’s all part of the journey.

When it comes to succeeding in a competitive industry (and let’s face it, the popularity of yoga in recent years means that there are now more yoga practitioners than ever), you’re going to need to be flexible, organic and willing to evolve or otherwise allow for changes in your environment.

All good leaders possess the ability to foresee pitfalls. All great ones have the skills to implement constant changes, especially during crises, to ensure the business remains stable. For example: Amazon is the second most admired company in the world because it has consistently changed with the times.

But what else can be done to improve success? Let’s consider the following:

Be different

When the competition is tough, the only way to keep your head above the water is to offer your customers something different. All it takes is just one small element to set your yoga business apart from the rest.

In addition to being unique, you might find that people are often happy to pay more when they feel that what they are getting in return is something they won’t find elsewhere. It might be worthwhile doing a little bit of research to see what your competitors are getting right before thinking up new and exciting ways to put an innovative twist on how you deliver your classes.

Get to know your customers

The biggest pitfall in business is a failure to understand the market. If you don’t know the needs and wants of your potential customers, you will not be able to meet their demands. This is the final nail in the coffin for any company, regardless of its size or industry.

One of the best ways to grow a yoga business is to offer a personal touch. When new students attend, you should always make an extra special effort to make them feel a part of your community. Ensure that they’re shown around and know exactly where to go and where to be. After the class, send them an email to thank them for trying out your studio. These small gestures can go a long way.

Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself

While it can be tempting to relax and get comfortable while business simply ticks over, it can be difficult to improve growth when you adopt the adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Just as yoga encourages people to push boundaries, you too should also be seeking out alternative ways to innovate or offer something better than your competitors. This sort of work ethic is the reason why companies like Google have been so consistently successful over the years.

By remaining at the forefront of your industry, it becomes easier to dominate. Ultimately, it’s a case of adapt or die – so keep evolving.

Photo by Dominik Wycisło on Unsplash