So do you have a Plan B?
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I know, that’s such a “Dad thing” to ask, isn’t it? I can feel my teenage self rolling her eyes (DEEP) into the back of my head.
But I think so many of us are having to learn this lesson the hard way, so as “corny” or hard as it is to talk about… we must.
And here’s why…
Making Money During a Crisis
It’s really hard to see so many friends and colleagues struggling so personally with the current COVID-19 situation. Studios are closed; people are out of work and there’s a very real sense of uncertainty in the air.
But let me be clear, this isn’t just virus-taking-over-the-world-related (don’t worry, it’s not REALLY taking over the world). This can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons.
And I know because it happened to me.
So now, as I watch everything unfolding on my TV and social feeds, I feel like I’m watching myself a few years ago, scrambling to figure out a work situation when the rug was pulled out from beneath me. While my experience was more individual instead of universal like it is now, I still had to listen to my Dad and figure out… yep, a Plan B.
No Pilates studio to open. No place to teach. No childcare. No opportunities to do what I had been doing for the past 14 years.
So what did I do?
+ I went back to school to become a certified nutritional therapist.
+ I started my blog.
+ I created my brand as a wellness expert.
+ I took my Pilates practice online.
And the thing I did that made the most positive financial impact?
I ventured into the world of affiliate marketing—and by ventured, I mean stumbled. I had no idea what I was doing, but it sounded like a good way to bring in a few extra dollars.
So hey all you Pilates, barre, yoga, (other) fitness instructors out there, listen up!
I don’t know if you realize this, but YOU are a wellness expert. Your clients and your community value your opinion when it comes to anything health & wellness related. Think about it…
… How many times have your clients asked for your opinion on what wellness products you suggest?
…. Or have come to you to pick your brain regarding nutrition or movements for their body?
…. Heck, I bet they’ve asked about the brand of yoga pants you prefer.
Literally all the time, right?
Affiliate marketing gets a bad rap… there’s no denying it… but it’s basically getting paid for sharing with your community the things you love and use yourself. Most of the time, it’s the stuff you’re already educating them about—just not seeing any money for it.
And when it’s with the right company, it’s a no-brainer.
How Affiliate Marketing Works
You build a community of like-minded people who value your opinion because they know, like, and trust you. (Sound familiar? It’s the people you teach and interact with daily anyway!)
——>> Next, they ask you for suggestions and/ or you tell said people about #AllTheThings. It could be about makeup, skincare products, cleaning supplies, oils, foods, vitamins, clothes, WHATEVER.
——>> And what do they do? They hop online and purchase… and YOU make a percentage of that purchase.
——>> Your people love all the things they buy and keep buying the things. (Sounds basic but it’s really that simple. Don’t you repeat buy your favorite things?)
——>> You continue making money every.single.time they place an order.
——>> This income continues to grow… even when life happens and you can’t show up to teach (hello, global pandemic, personal crisis, vacations, etc.)
And suddenly your “Plan B” is turning into quite the lucrative side hustle. So much so, that many women make it their full-time hustle… but you love teaching, so you do you! (And just keep making money on the side.)
Your dad would be so happy!
Let me reiterate something… and really drive it home. This DOES NOT have to replace Plan A—otherwise known as the thing you feel called to do and most passionate about.
Nor is this a quick, get-rich situation. Like anything worth doing, it requires time and effort to make it sustainable and profitable.
But you can add it into the life you’ve already created to bring in significant income and afford you job security in the future.
There are so many stand-up companies out there producing wonderful products that align with our mission of delivering health and wellness to our clients.
I’m sure you can probably think of a dozen right now off the top of your head that you personally use and love. But if you want to know the ones I recommend or believe make the most sense for instructors and studio owners—plus how to get started without jumping through hurdles like I did—fill out the email below and I’ll send you something to look at that I’ve been working on.
There’s no catch with this—I literally just want everyone to have that solid Plan B for rainy days, life changes, or the occasional pandemic.
