In this episode, we unpack the crucial aspects of selecting the ideal venue for your retreat, ensuring that every location detail aligns perfectly with your retreat's objectives. From understanding the significance of ambiance to navigating the practicalities of venue selection, we cover it all.

Key Points Discussed:

• Defining Your Retreat's Vision and Requirements
• Accessibility and Location
• Ambiance and Setting
• Amenities and Facilities
• Understanding the Costs
• Where and How to Find a Venue
• Checking Availability and Flexibility
• Evaluating the Staff and Support
• Gathering Feedback and Reviews

Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• The Retreat Ranch
• Join our private Facebook Group

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

In this episode, we delve into the essential marketing strategies that retreat leaders can use to ensure their retreats are fully booked. Drawing insights from the article "Marketing Mastery: Strategies to Fill Up Those Retreat Slots," we explore a variety of tactics from social media campaigns to partnerships, ensuring a sold-out retreat.

Key Points Discussed:

• Understanding Your Audience
• Developing a Strong Brand and Message
• Leveraging Social Media
• Effective Email Marketing
• SEO and Content Marketing
• Creating Partnerships and Collaborations
• Utilizing Testimonials and Reviews
• Hosting Webinars or Online Workshops
• Tips for organizing and promoting webinars or workshops.
• Early Bird Offers and Discounts
• Traditional Marketing Techniques
• Tracking and Analyzing Your Efforts

Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• The Retreat Ranch
• Join our private Facebook Group

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we explore the crucial aspect of financial management in retreat planning. Our discussion is based on key insights from the article "Budgeting Basics: Making the Most of Your Retreat Finances," providing a practical guide for retreat organizers to create effective budgets, uncover hidden costs, and enhance the value offered to participants.

Key Points Discussed

• Understanding Costs: We break down the essential costs involved in retreat planning, categorizing them into fixed and variable expenses. This includes an in-depth look at common expenses like venue rental, food and beverage, and staff salaries.

• Uncovering Hidden Costs: The episode sheds light on often overlooked or unexpected expenses in retreat planning, such as transportation, equipment rentals, and contingency funds. We discuss strategies to anticipate and manage these costs effectively.

• Revenue Streams: We dive into the various sources of income for a retreat, primarily focusing on participant fees. The episode discusses setting the right price based on value, market research, and tiered pricing strategies. We also touch upon additional revenue streams like merchandise sales and post-retreat offerings.

• Maximizing Value: The episode offers strategies for providing high value to participants while maintaining cost-effectiveness. We discuss negotiation tactics with vendors, forming partnerships for mutual benefits, utilizing volunteer staff, and incorporating sustainable practices.

• Practical Budgeting Tips: From early planning stages to post-retreat assessments, we cover practical tips for effective budget management. This includes using spreadsheets for tracking, continuously reviewing and revising the budget, and gathering participant feedback for future improvements.

• Transparency with Participants: The importance of being transparent about where participant fees are allocated is highlighted, emphasizing how this can build trust and enhance the overall retreat experience.

The episode wraps up with key takeaways on the importance of a well-crafted budget in making a retreat both financially successful and a memorable experience for participants. We emphasize that smart financial planning aligns with the retreat's vision and goals, enhancing its overall success.

Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• The Retreat Ranch
• Join our private Facebook Group

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

Welcome to today's episode where we're diving deep into making retreat hosting a profitable business venture. We will be discussing key strategies and mindset shifts necessary for transforming retreat hosting from a hobby into a successful, profit-generating business.

• Cultivating a Business Mindset
• Understanding Your Market
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Effective Marketing and Sales
• Delivering Exceptional Experiences
• Mindset of Resilience and Adaptability

Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• The Retreat Ranch
• Join our private Facebook Group

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

Welcome to today's episode where we dive deep into the legalities of hosting retreats with expert Cory Sterling, a business lawyer who specializes in helping retreat leaders stay legal (and makes it fun!). 

In this show, Cory outlines the primary legal considerations every retreat leader should address before planning their retreat, including business structure, local regulations, and specific laws affecting retreat activities.  Cory provides strategies to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and management.  Cory also stresses the importance of clarity and comprehensiveness in agreements to prevent future disputes.  In this show, we also discuss various types of insurance policies that retreat leaders might need, including general liability, professional liability, and travel insurance.

One surprising thing we discussed is the significance of protecting program content, branding, and other intellectual properties and Cory shares best practices for securing intellectual property rights and the potential consequences of neglecting this aspect.

Take a listen to this packed show and connect with Cory Sterling to ensure you are set up correctly and protected in your business.

Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• The Retreat Ranch
• Connect with Cory
• Join our private Facebook Group

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

Welcome to the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Episode: "Crafting a Unique Retreat Theme."

Host Shannon delves into the importance of creating a unique and niche theme for your retreat, sharing insights from over a decade of experience in hosting retreats.

Key Points Discussed:

• The Evolving Retreat Market: A look at the growing popularity of retreats and the increasing number of retreat hosts.
• Importance of a Unique Theme:  Discussion on why having a niche theme is crucial to stand out and resonate with your audience.
• Success Metrics: Shannon shares her success of repeat attendees, highlighting the importance of crafting engaging and unique retreat themes.

Defining Your Niche:

• Understanding Your Passion:  How to identify your interests and expertise to define your niche. 
• Identifying Your Ideal Guest:** Tips on pinpointing who you want to serve and cater your retreats to.

Developing Your Theme:

• Creating a Niched Theme: Advice on developing a theme that answers what the guest will learn, the takeaways, and the problems it solves.
• Brainstorming and Testing: Utilizing brainstorming sessions, surveys, and expert collaborations to refine your theme.

Marketing and Impact:

• Theme as Marketing Tool: Emphasis on how a distinct theme is essential for effective marketing and attracting attendees.
• Case Study - Digital Detox Retreat: Example of a successful niche theme focusing on unplugging from digital life.
• Case Study - Nature & Mindfulness Retreat:  Exploring a retreat theme that integrates natural settings with mindfulness practices.

Final Thoughts:

• Adapting and Evolving:  The importance of evolving your themes and business to stay relevant.
• Finding Your Niche: Encouragement to listeners to find and act on their unique niche in the retreat market.
• Community Engagement: Invitation to listeners to share their journey and success stories.

Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• The Retreat Ranch
• Join our private Facebook Group

Conclusion:

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

Welcome to Episode 155 of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Introducing Mindful Warrior - A Special Retreat for Our Military. 

On today's show, host Shannon explores a unique retreat designed for active military, veterans, and military families with her good friends Jason and Kim DeMoss. 

About the Guests:

Jason DeMoss: Brings 20 years of active military experience and personal insight into managing PTSD. He has utilized yoga as a powerful tool for healing and holds a certification in yoga. 

Kim DeMoss: An experienced trauma-informed yoga instructor with over 11 years of experience, specializing in working with those affected by trauma.

Discussion Highlights:

The DeMoss couple shares their journey in creating a retreat focused on mindfulness practices to assist individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, and PTSD. - Insight into how yoga and mindfulness can be particularly effective for those in the military and their families. - Jason's personal story of using yoga to manage PTSD symptoms, both at home and during deployment. Kim's experience in teaching trauma-informed yoga and its impact.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about the Mindful Warrior Retreat: (https://www.themindfulwarrior.org/)

Jason’s yoga certification journey with Shannon's company: (https://mindbodycomplete.com/online-yoga-teacher-training/) 

Special Retreat Announcement: Check out the upcoming special retreat hosted by Jason and Kim DeMoss at Shannon's ranch in Austin, Texas.  Details and registration at The Retreat Ranch (https://theretreatranch.com/retreats/) 

Conclusion: A heartfelt discussion providing valuable insights into the power of mindfulness and yoga for the military community. - Encouragement for listeners to explore these mindful practices and consider attending the special retreat. --- Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Thank you for joining us on this journey of mindfulness and support for our military community! 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

• Visit The Retreat Leaders Podcast
• Visit Retreat Ranch 
• Facebook Mind & Body Complete

#militarysupport #militaryretreat #PTSD #military #veterens

In this episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon joins Jess as as a guest on her episode of "Jess on the Mountain," where host Jess Goulding explores the concept of surrender and its connection to Manipura, the third chakra. Jess and Shannon discuss how Shannon's commitment to creating a transformative and intentional space aligns with the principles of Manipura, and they delve into the unique experience of practicing yoga with horses.Topics covered on this Podcast:

● 01:00- Introduction to surrender and its connection to Manipura

● 04:00- Shannon, and her diverse roles in personal growth

● 06:00- Shannon's creation of Retreat Ranch and her intention to infuse love and acceptance into every aspect.

● 11:00- Horse Yoga as a partnership, the role of surrender and connection

● 15:00- Horses sense energetic changes in humans, requiring presence

● 20:00- Shannon introduces her book "Surrender"

● 22:00- The transformative power of surrender and its continuous practice is highlighted.

● 23:00- The importance of language and the power of saying "I will" or "I am" instead of "I wish."

● 31:00- The significance of silence as a practice for self-acceptance and self-love is highlighted.

● 38:00- Shannon introduces her new book, "The Retreat Leader's Playbook," which focuses on helping individuals host transformative retreats.

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

● Visit: www.mindbodycomplete.com or www.theretreatranch.com 

● Facebook Mind & Body Complete

Check out Jess here: www.jessgoulding.com

#Mindfulness #Surrender #SelfDevelopment #BusinessDevelopment #Retreats #SilenceIsGolden #MentalClarity #FindYourInnerPeace

Episode 154: How to Surrender

In this episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon joins Jess as as a guest on her episode of "Jess on the Mountain," where host Jess Goulding explores the concept of surrender and its connection to Manipura, the third chakra. Jess and Shannon discuss how Shannon's commitment to creating a transformative and intentional space aligns with the principles of Manipura, and they delve into the unique experience of practicing yoga with horses.

Topics covered on this Podcast:

● 01:00- Introduction to surrender and its connection to Manipura

● 04:00- Shannon, and her diverse roles in personal growth

● 06:00- Shannon's creation of Retreat Ranch and her intention to infuse love and acceptance into every aspect.

● 11:00- Horse Yoga as a partnership, the role of surrender and connection

● 15:00- Horses sense energetic changes in humans, requiring presence

● 20:00- Shannon introduces her book "Surrender"

● 22:00- The transformative power of surrender and its continuous practice is highlighted.

● 23:00- The importance of language and the power of saying "I will" or "I am" instead of "I wish."

● 31:00- The significance of silence as a practice for self-acceptance and self-love is highlighted.

● 38:00- Shannon introduces her new book, "The Retreat Leader's Playbook," which focuses on helping individuals host transformative retreats.

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Shannon Jamail:

● Visit: www.mindbodycomplete.com or www.theretreatranch.com 

● Facebook Mind & Body Complete

Check out Jess here: www.jessgoulding.com

#Mindfulness #Surrender #SelfDevelopment #BusinessDevelopment #Retreats #SilenceIsGolden #MentalClarity #FindYourInnerPeace

Hey all!  Shannon here for a quick minute to give you an update to the show.  Things have changed a lot around here, and I sure do appreciate y'all sticking around.   I write my life in pencil and pride myself for making changes as I am intuitively guided to.  And I am honoring that in the re-branding and direction of the show.

I hope you will join on the journey!  

xo

Shannon