February 15, 2008: I leave a brief stint in magazine publishing after having a disastrous relationship with my boss. I’ve never tried so hard to get along with someone and failed so thoroughly.

February 16: Started yoga teacher training after many years of teaching without formal qualifications. Heart opens. I start to wonder ‘what if?’ Speak with John Ogilvie of Byron Yoga Centre who expresses that he’s looking for a writer. Could this be my first client?

February 18 – 22: Involves me musing out loud to my partner on whether there’s a market for yoga teachers and natural therapists who want to present themselves more professionally in order to attract more clients. He’s encouraging. I become increasingly confident and register the Yoga Reach business name and domain.

March: first project and invoice for Byron Yoga. I’m in business.

April:

5

clients, all of which become retainer clients.

 

July ’08: first web design job.

May ’09: first bubba girl born (Charlie).

June ’09:

I turn

30

We have a huge party. Crazy fun.

November ’09: We start to get an increasing number of requests for Facebook pages and training on Facebook.

January ’10: After writing, designing and sending out countless E-news for clients, we finally decide it’s time to make time for our own monthly E-news. Ta da!

May ’10: Start Tweeting every day for Jump On It for

13
months. Every day.
(Did I mention every day?)

June ’10: After creating countless Facebook pages for clients, we get around to creating our own.

September ’10: Start giving inhouse training on business and marketing – to Mark Breadner’s Yogacoaches.

February ’11: Second bubba girl born (Indi).

August ’11: Give my first big presentation on online marketing at Australian Day Hospitals national conference. I shake in my boots until I get there, check out the room, relax, and have a ball.

February ’12: Digital marketing face-to-face course offered to the public for the first time.

We turn:

4

What I learned:

  1. Say yes to everything.
  2. Then start saying no.
  3. Regular, month-in, month-out clients make the world go around.
  4. All the business you are likely to need is within your circle already. Ask for referrals and keep in touch with people.
  5. Twitter is great for meeting people that might become clients, referrers of clients, and friends.
  6. It’s not about you, it’s about your clients.
  7. I love teaching and training.
  8. The best time to market your own business is when you’re busy.