How to Nail Your First Corporate Yoga Client

Breaking into the corporate yoga world can feel like navigating uncharted waters. My first corporate yoga client was through a friend of a friend. I got my next client by walking up and down the building and knocking on office doors until security quickly escorted me out of a building for soliciting (I share the embarrassing story in the Yogaland podcast here). I used to throw spaghetti at the wall and see what stuck. Unfortunately, that strategy led to many awkward, unprofessional moments and wasted time and energy. 

Your process doesn’t have to be as embarrassing as mine. With a clear strategy, confidence, and a playful yet professional approach, you can land your first client and set yourself up for success. Here’s a guide to help you ace the process and impress your future corporate yogis.

1. Understand the Corporate Yoga Landscape

Before pitching your services, dive deep into the corporate environment. Companies prioritize employee wellness like never before, aiming to reduce stress, boost productivity, and foster team morale. Know when companies are looking for yoga services, and share how employee well-being benefits their bottom line. Understanding these priorities will help you position yourself as the go-to solution.

Pro Tip: Look for industries already embracing wellness, like tech and finance, or companies with existing wellness perks. They’re your low-hanging fruit.

2. Polish Your Elevator Pitch

You’re not just a yoga instructor; you’re a Business Owner who brings calm to the chaos of corporate life. Develop a pitch highlighting how your office yoga classes improve employees’ well-being while aligning with the company’s broader goals. Keep it short and sweet—you never know when you’ll have the moment to make your case.

Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a certified Office Yoga instructor specializing in corporate wellness. My sessions help employees de-stress, refocus, and recharge, leading to happier, more productive teams. I’d love to bring these benefits to your workplace. Do you have 10 minutes this week to connect?” Don’t forget to link your calendar with available times to chat!

3. Create a Standout Proposal

People are busy and respond faster to clarity and structure. Present your services in a professional, easy-to-read proposal that includes:

1. A short and engaging introduction about you and your qualifications. 
2. The benefits of office yoga (sprinkle in some stats for extra punch!).
3. A sample class outline (keep this high-level).
4. Flexible pricing packages (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly options).
5. Testimonials or case studies, even from private clients.

Pro Tip: For a sample proposal with structure and guidelines, see Chapter 6, “Professionalism,” in the Office Yoga Training account. 

4. Network Like a Pro

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If you’ve been banging your head against the social media wall, this is your permission to stop. The corporate world thrives on personal connections—and so should you. Start with your network: friends, family, students, and even former coworkers might know someone whose company needs wellness programs. Attend local networking events, wellness expos, or even yoga teacher meetups to expand your reach. 

Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn to find HR managers and wellness coordinators. Send them a personalized message that stands out (no canned pitches allowed!).

5. Offer a Corporate Yoga Starter Series

Want to hook a client? Let them experience your magic firsthand. Offer a short starter series to showcase your style and the immediate benefits of yoga. Keep it fun, beginner-friendly, and engaging to leave a lasting impression. Use this opportunity to gauge interest and gather valuable feedback to tailor your approach.

Pro Tip: Launch surveys at the end of each session or series to collect testimonials and feedback for the client contact. Use the sample surveys in the Office Yoga Training account as a resource. 

6. Be Flexible and Professional

Interested in Office Yoga tips and inspiration? Check out our programs.

Wells Fargo hired me to lead a 30-minute Stretch Break during an all-day company meeting. The prior session ran late, and we were in a much smaller room than we had initially discussed. I ended up teaching for 12 minutes in a room so small that Mountain Pose felt like its name. 

Corporate schedules and spaces can be unpredictable, so go with the flow. Be ready to adapt your class times, styles, or lengths to fit their needs. Above all, professionalism is non-negotiable—polished communication, clear contracts, and reliable follow-through are your best allies.

Pro Tip: Be clear about your terms and agreements in advance (a practice in sayta). Clarity protects you as a business owner and allows you to provide the best possible services for your client. See the ‘Special Event’ and ‘Client Agreement’ templates in your Office Yoga Training account. 

7. Follow Up Like a Boss

After your demo or meeting, don’t leave them hanging. Send a warm thank-you email reiterating how your services align with their goals. Address any questions or concerns, and include your proposal as an easy-to-reference attachment. Add any testimonials or quotes you received during the session. 

In a recent feedback form, I asked participants what they loved most about the Office Yoga sessions. One employee responded, “I love yoga, but changing clothes midday is not always doable.  Desk yoga is great. The break was much needed. I would love to continue these sessions moving forward.” I sent this feedback to the client contact and my calendar to discuss how they would like to proceed. 

Pro Tip: If they don’t respond, don’t hesitate to follow up in a couple of days or a week. People are busy, and they appreciate the reminder! 

8. Seal the Deal with a Contract

Once they’re ready to commit, make sure everything’s crystal clear. Your contract should outline:

1. Session frequency and duration.
2. Pricing and payment terms.
3. Cancellation and rescheduling policies.
4. Liability coverage (pro tip: get yoga teacher insurance!).

Pro Tip: In 2023, I saved over $11,700 because my agreements had clear terms and conditions. I can’t emphasize the importance of a good contract; it will save your business! I share the contract templates I use for Special Events and long-term agreements in the Office Yoga Training account. Use this as a starting point for your negotiations. 

9. Deliver an Unforgettable Experience

The hard part’s over—now it’s time to shine. As a corporate yoga teacher, you’re the outsider in a space where everyone knows each other. Have a plan, but read the room and tailor your classes to the group’s needs. Offer modifications for all levels and keep the vibe light and inviting. A consistently great experience will keep them coming back for more. 

10. Ask for Feedback and Referrals

After a few sessions, check in to see how you’re doing. Positive feedback can turn into glowing testimonials (hello, marketing gold!), and don’t be shy about asking for referrals. Corporate wellness circles are tight-knit, and word of mouth can do wonders for your business.

Landing your first corporate yoga client is an exciting step into a rewarding niche. With preparation, persistence, and a little yoga magic, you’ll build a career that’s as fulfilling as it is impactful. Namaste, and here’s to your first corporate success!

Want to take your corporate yoga career to the next level? Enroll in Office Yoga’s Teacher Training program and learn how to bring wellness to workplaces with confidence and ease. Together, we’ll transform offices into mindful spaces—one stretch at a time!