Where do we see ourselves after the tech revolution happens?

Well, in one of the most thoughtful conversations I have had about this topic, Kimberly Searl and I get into it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

*How do we discern what is “Real” and what is not?  This is a huge question, and we need to unpack it.  Especially as we look at marketing and online representations of our field, what benchmarks are you using to tell AI-generated content from non-AI-generated content?  If you’ve never thought about it, maybe start paying attention to what you are seeing and have some mental guidelines for your online consumption of yoga content.

*IS the life cycle of our services ending?  How do we speak to a new generation of people?  I have joked more than once that “yoga teacher training” is a thing that millennials did, and let’s be honest, that is true.  So, how do we make ourselves relevant to a younger generation who are all more tech savvy, and also expect us to answer their need for real life to exist in two spaces–both IRL and online?  The answer to this question is going to define our future, friends.  So let’s talk about it.

*Kimberly’s quote: “Will I have enough interest in the service I offer to ride out the 4-6 years that it will take for people to realize I am still relevant?”  THIS is the question of the hour.  There is no doubt in my mind that what we offer, the human connection we cultivate, is vital to our existence.  But how many of us will be left by the time this realization reaches mainstream consciousness?

*We need to come up with solutions NOW for how we are going to work for the future.  Financially, how we are working isn’t acceptable for so many reasons.  Too many people in our industry are stuck in the 2010s, where it was easy for us to make money because we were the new, trendy, hot commodity on the wellness market.  Guess what?  We are not that anymore.  So now what?  Are we ready to stand up and shift our profession, or are we going to prove ourselves to be just a fad?  I love us and want us to thrive, and in order to do that, I think conversations about this are beyond necessary. 

*Can we agree that there needs to be some shifting in expectations on marketing and social media?  Cuz Kimberly is right, the most prolific posting people on social media are using AI, which often gives an unrealistic expectation of what we do.  Or uses bait-and-switch techniques in order to get people in the door.  In fact, I was trained many years ago to use a version of bait-and-switch when I was a budding yoga therapist.  We can do it differently, but we need to be realistic about how we show up.  

And dear god, have a private link to free content to get jobs.  I cannot say this enough.  If you are applying for a job or contract, have a link to a private video on YouTube that demonstrates who you are as a teacher or yoga therapist.  Let’s normalize having this with every single touch we give for new jobs.  Please, please, please.

*What is our relationship with the apps?  I really want to know what you are thinking about apps like Calm, etc.  Do you love ‘em?  Find a benefit for your students and clients?  Find their competition?  Seriously, I wanna know, so don’t hesitate to tell me!

*WHY DO WE NOT HAVE STANDARD BEST PRACTICES???  Dear god, if there is anything that our orgs could do, it would be to build best practices.  Just saying.  But since they aren’t doing it, I think I will.  So again, email [email protected] if you want to contribute to the discussion.  

SOURCES

Working In Yoga Website

Working In Yoga Newsletter

Tell Us A Story!  Funny Stories via SpeakPipe

Kimberly’s Website

AI & Tech Discussion Guide

NPR Article on AI in senior living facilities